Hi there!

I’m Michael Douma, an innovator who creates digital experiences that enhance human connection. Currently, I’m co-founder and creative director of In Other Words, a daily idea-linking word game that harnesses the intrinsic connections in language.

My journey began with a background in neuroscience and an early role at NIST, where I conceived and launched time.gov, the first single-purpose .gov site. This experience sparked my commitment to creating digital solutions with broad social impact.

I’ve led numerous groundbreaking initiatives, including SpicyNodes, a visualization platform that attracted over 40 million users, and OtherWordly, an award-winning mobile game that combines word puzzles with cultural exploration. As founder of IDEA.org, I’ve guided projects spanning digital literacy, science education, and cultural understanding.

I serve as a judge for the Gee Awards, CODiE, Serious Play, and Reimagine Education, recognizing excellence in educational technology and game design.

My work has attracted significant funding. I was a co-Principal Investigator on a $597,000 Dept. of Ed. FIPSE grant (#P116B011454) from 2001-2006, which facilitated the creation of multidisciplinary science-and-art websites. I also received an NSF-funded XSEDE 296k-hour supercomputer grant (#IRI130011) in 2013-2014. In 2023, I was awarded an NSF SBIR grant for $295,000, further validating the impact and potential of my work, and which funded the development of “In Other Words.”

At the heart of my work lies a drive to foster literacy and forge connections across boundaries. Through accessible and engaging experiences, I work to dismantle barriers and build understanding between people.

See my LinkedIn profile.