Frank Elavsky ⌁
@frank.computer
On the faculty job market!
Presently PhD candidate on "toolmaking" @hcii.cmu.edu. Former: Adobe, Highsoft, Apple, Visa, etc.
I care a lot about accessible data interaction 📊 (:
Disabled, getting into trouble, & making a ttrpg.
He/him
www.frank.computer
Presently PhD candidate on "toolmaking" @hcii.cmu.edu. Former: Adobe, Highsoft, Apple, Visa, etc.
I care a lot about accessible data interaction 📊 (:
Disabled, getting into trouble, & making a ttrpg.
He/him
www.frank.computer
Pinned
Frank Elavsky ⌁
@frank.computer
· Sep 25
Open Visualization Academy
openvisualizationacademy.org
I just finished recording my course materials for @albertocairo.com's Open Visualization Academy. 🎉
I'm looking forward to being able to share the first-ever comprehensive online course on Accessibility in Visualization. Stay tuned for this January!
openvisualizationacademy.org
I'm looking forward to being able to share the first-ever comprehensive online course on Accessibility in Visualization. Stay tuned for this January!
openvisualizationacademy.org
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
This is only page 3 and I'm so invested in learning more from this author. Luddite as an insult certainly gets thrown around a lot these days, and I'm happy to have their concise clarification on what side of history that movement was on at the very start of the book.
![Text from the book on page 3 reads "[...] other humans. No, this book is not a Luddite treatise--if, by Luddite, you mean a consumate techno-pessimist that believes all technological advancement is an anathema to human flourishing. But if by Luddite you mean a conscientious objection to top-down dictatorial automation of human thought and skill as a capitalist ploy for the devaluation of labor, and therefore the devaluation of laborers and human life in general... Then, yes. This is a Luddite treatise.
This book disambiguates the purposes of AI and its conscquences for humanity (and the environment) through descriptions of how AI projects produce, harm, and even kill disabled people. Through these stories, this book also provides a guide to the various and confusing meanings, methods, and impacts of "AI" in terms that are clear and relevant to everyday [...]"](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2feqoni5dsr7hu4446qthqgj/bafkreiezixrst5b6h3onvdjoeldz3frhe7vpsc5nrmvlsjs5qvbygp7pxq@jpeg)
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 AM
This is only page 3 and I'm so invested in learning more from this author. Luddite as an insult certainly gets thrown around a lot these days, and I'm happy to have their concise clarification on what side of history that movement was on at the very start of the book.
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
This will be my thread for thoughts while reading Disabling Intelligences by @fractalecho.bsky.social this week.
I'm all wrapped up in a fleece blanket, I have my highlighter and page flags, and on page 2 I'm already love their writing style.
🧵
I'm all wrapped up in a fleece blanket, I have my highlighter and page flags, and on page 2 I'm already love their writing style.
🧵
November 11, 2025 at 1:47 AM
This will be my thread for thoughts while reading Disabling Intelligences by @fractalecho.bsky.social this week.
I'm all wrapped up in a fleece blanket, I have my highlighter and page flags, and on page 2 I'm already love their writing style.
🧵
I'm all wrapped up in a fleece blanket, I have my highlighter and page flags, and on page 2 I'm already love their writing style.
🧵
Oh my god
uhhh this actually reminds me a lot of how LLMs function at a basic level too - predicting tokens based on proximity & context, etc 😬 ...so we're teaching kids to read like AI & saying AI level is good enough
November 12, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Oh my god
I was a barista for 9 years and still practice at home.
I think a 12-month tour of duty should be mandatory for anyone before they gain citizenship and the ability to vote.
The 3am to morning shift rush changes you as a person.
Also: here's some of my latte art at home on my affordable Bambino+.
I think a 12-month tour of duty should be mandatory for anyone before they gain citizenship and the ability to vote.
The 3am to morning shift rush changes you as a person.
Also: here's some of my latte art at home on my affordable Bambino+.
November 11, 2025 at 4:38 PM
I was a barista for 9 years and still practice at home.
I think a 12-month tour of duty should be mandatory for anyone before they gain citizenship and the ability to vote.
The 3am to morning shift rush changes you as a person.
Also: here's some of my latte art at home on my affordable Bambino+.
I think a 12-month tour of duty should be mandatory for anyone before they gain citizenship and the ability to vote.
The 3am to morning shift rush changes you as a person.
Also: here's some of my latte art at home on my affordable Bambino+.
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
November 9, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
This little project is still something that I would hope to explore more someday. It delights me when folks find one of these more-obscure side projects of mine!
I think that shared spaces should be co-repaired places.
I think that shared spaces should be co-repaired places.
November 10, 2025 at 8:36 PM
This little project is still something that I would hope to explore more someday. It delights me when folks find one of these more-obscure side projects of mine!
I think that shared spaces should be co-repaired places.
I think that shared spaces should be co-repaired places.
This little project is still something that I would hope to explore more someday. It delights me when folks find one of these more-obscure side projects of mine!
I think that shared spaces should be co-repaired places.
I think that shared spaces should be co-repaired places.
November 10, 2025 at 8:36 PM
This little project is still something that I would hope to explore more someday. It delights me when folks find one of these more-obscure side projects of mine!
I think that shared spaces should be co-repaired places.
I think that shared spaces should be co-repaired places.
Ahhh, I have my first on-site interview for a tenure-track faculty job next week! 🎉 Please wish me luck, but also send any tips or advice you have, especially on questions I should ask and things I should look out for.
Feels wild to have my first interview in so long, too.
Feels wild to have my first interview in so long, too.
November 10, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Ahhh, I have my first on-site interview for a tenure-track faculty job next week! 🎉 Please wish me luck, but also send any tips or advice you have, especially on questions I should ask and things I should look out for.
Feels wild to have my first interview in so long, too.
Feels wild to have my first interview in so long, too.
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
i kind of like the idea of ghosts manifesting exclusively as white collar crime tied to specific buildings
November 10, 2025 at 2:27 PM
i kind of like the idea of ghosts manifesting exclusively as white collar crime tied to specific buildings
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
I do not know how to explain to you how it feels to watch your savings go up in flames paying healthcare costs while fighting a medical system that gaslit you for years before finally giving you an accurate diagnosis and starting appropriate treatment that isn't covered by insurance...
and now this
and now this
November 10, 2025 at 2:07 AM
I do not know how to explain to you how it feels to watch your savings go up in flames paying healthcare costs while fighting a medical system that gaslit you for years before finally giving you an accurate diagnosis and starting appropriate treatment that isn't covered by insurance...
and now this
and now this
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
It is very weird seeing my friends and family slowly start to realize we're not overreacting.
Read every word & share with everyone you know. This is real life here in Chicago. Americans need to know this grotesque reality & stand with us.
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
November 10, 2025 at 12:17 PM
It is very weird seeing my friends and family slowly start to realize we're not overreacting.
I'm uniquely positioned to chime in on the Funko situation. It isn't a matter of the hideousness of the toy (which is undeniable) or the brand-loyal, cheap-plastic-loving millennials and xillenials hitting economic hard times.
It's their headquarters. It's haunted. Believe me.
It's their headquarters. It's haunted. Believe me.
oh no, i hope they manage to hold out long enough for me to get a little bloody vinyl Rachel McAdams brandishing a knife from SEND HELP www.dexerto.com/entertainmen...
Funko Pop maker admits it might not survive another year as sales crash - Dexerto
Funko warns investors of “substantial doubt” about its future as 2025 sales drop 14% and debt hits $250 million.
www.dexerto.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:13 PM
I'm uniquely positioned to chime in on the Funko situation. It isn't a matter of the hideousness of the toy (which is undeniable) or the brand-loyal, cheap-plastic-loving millennials and xillenials hitting economic hard times.
It's their headquarters. It's haunted. Believe me.
It's their headquarters. It's haunted. Believe me.
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
It shouldn’t be forgotten that a big piece of Mamdani’s campaign was simply “cities are cool and lots of people enjoy living in them” which in and of itself dismantles alot of rightwing talking points
November 7, 2025 at 12:02 PM
It shouldn’t be forgotten that a big piece of Mamdani’s campaign was simply “cities are cool and lots of people enjoy living in them” which in and of itself dismantles alot of rightwing talking points
Tools use us and construct our being.
Even a hammer requires us to mine iron, chop down trees, mill wood, and smelt the ore.
Entire worlds come together for the hammer. We do these acts for our tools.
And AI shapes our water, electricity, and policies on intellectual property.
*We* are the tool.
Even a hammer requires us to mine iron, chop down trees, mill wood, and smelt the ore.
Entire worlds come together for the hammer. We do these acts for our tools.
And AI shapes our water, electricity, and policies on intellectual property.
*We* are the tool.
November 6, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Tools use us and construct our being.
Even a hammer requires us to mine iron, chop down trees, mill wood, and smelt the ore.
Entire worlds come together for the hammer. We do these acts for our tools.
And AI shapes our water, electricity, and policies on intellectual property.
*We* are the tool.
Even a hammer requires us to mine iron, chop down trees, mill wood, and smelt the ore.
Entire worlds come together for the hammer. We do these acts for our tools.
And AI shapes our water, electricity, and policies on intellectual property.
*We* are the tool.
Blessed
BREAKING: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT EATS A LOSS IN 'SANDWICH GUY' CASE AS JURORS FIND DEFENDANT NOT GUILTY www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...
Jury acquits D.C. 'sandwich guy' charged with chucking a sub at a federal agent
Sean Dunn faced single misdemeanor offense after federal grand jurors refused to indict him on the felony charge sought by prosecutors.
www.nbcnews.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Blessed
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
Some much needed nuance around that dumb chart. And “griftastructure” is just… chef’s kiss.
"Sensation does not equal causation" and beware of the AI "griftrastructure."
New post!
www.frank.computer/blog/2025/11...
New post!
www.frank.computer/blog/2025/11...
ZIRP+174 Took Your Job, not AI
If you talk about AI and tech jobs (and the bloodbath of the last 3 years) without discussing ZIRP’s rapid disappearance combined with §174 changing (both of which hit the fan in 2022), I can’t take y...
www.frank.computer
November 4, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Some much needed nuance around that dumb chart. And “griftastructure” is just… chef’s kiss.
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
Teen Vogue produced some of the best political reporting in the nation and we’re not even a year into this cursed presidency
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 4, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Teen Vogue produced some of the best political reporting in the nation and we’re not even a year into this cursed presidency
"Sensation does not equal causation" and beware of the AI "griftrastructure."
New post!
www.frank.computer/blog/2025/11...
New post!
www.frank.computer/blog/2025/11...
ZIRP+174 Took Your Job, not AI
If you talk about AI and tech jobs (and the bloodbath of the last 3 years) without discussing ZIRP’s rapid disappearance combined with §174 changing (both of which hit the fan in 2022), I can’t take y...
www.frank.computer
November 4, 2025 at 10:44 AM
"Sensation does not equal causation" and beware of the AI "griftrastructure."
New post!
www.frank.computer/blog/2025/11...
New post!
www.frank.computer/blog/2025/11...
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
This will be someone's dream position. Maybe yours?
📣 I am hiring a postdoc! aial.ie/hiring/postd...
applications from suitable candidates that are passionate about investigating the use of genAI in public service operations with the aim of keeping governments transparent and accountable are welcome
pls share with your networks
applications from suitable candidates that are passionate about investigating the use of genAI in public service operations with the aim of keeping governments transparent and accountable are welcome
pls share with your networks
November 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
This will be someone's dream position. Maybe yours?
I've gotten a few new connections/follows from VIS, Smashing Conf, and various talks recently (hello!! ❤️), so I thought I'd share my most-popular blog post (by a large margin):
"Stop saying that AI is just a tool and it only matters how it is used."
"Stop saying that AI is just a tool and it only matters how it is used."
Stop saying that AI is just a tool and it only matters how it is used
I’m tired of this phrase and this simple way of thinking about tools. This blog post is a wandering train of thought on the topic of what tools are and why it matters to be even slightly more mature i...
www.frank.computer
November 4, 2025 at 9:46 AM
I've gotten a few new connections/follows from VIS, Smashing Conf, and various talks recently (hello!! ❤️), so I thought I'd share my most-popular blog post (by a large margin):
"Stop saying that AI is just a tool and it only matters how it is used."
"Stop saying that AI is just a tool and it only matters how it is used."
One of the best resources of our field! I've used it often. And check it: you can even search for which PDFs are accessible too. How awesome is that?
We've come leagues and leagues in recent years.
I love the VIS community so much 🥹
We've come leagues and leagues in recent years.
I love the VIS community so much 🥹
🦉 BIG update to vispubs.com!! 🚀
I pushed CHI, EuroVis, and VIS 2025 late last night.
I'm especially excited by the many amazing research artifacts available for VIS this year. I'm always so inspired by the creativity, technical abilities, and academic rigor of our community.
I pushed CHI, EuroVis, and VIS 2025 late last night.
I'm especially excited by the many amazing research artifacts available for VIS this year. I'm always so inspired by the creativity, technical abilities, and academic rigor of our community.
November 4, 2025 at 9:43 AM
One of the best resources of our field! I've used it often. And check it: you can even search for which PDFs are accessible too. How awesome is that?
We've come leagues and leagues in recent years.
I love the VIS community so much 🥹
We've come leagues and leagues in recent years.
I love the VIS community so much 🥹
I'm at VIS! Come say hi. And if you caught the AccessVis workshop, I hope you had a great time and learned a bunch.
Frank, Adam, and Dominik are at @ieeevis.bsky.social in Vienna this week. Learn more about awards, papers, etc at dig.cmu.edu/2025/11/02/v....
DIG Lab at VIS 2025
Frank, Adam, and Dominik will be representing the DIG lab in Vienna.
dig.cmu.edu
November 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
I'm at VIS! Come say hi. And if you caught the AccessVis workshop, I hope you had a great time and learned a bunch.
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
Don't miss our @dig.cmu.edu authors and their work at IEEE VIS this week. Visit the link in the post below for details.
@frank.computer, @perer.org, @domoritz.de
#cmuhcii #ieeevis #VIS2025 #DataVisualization #AccessibleVisualization #a11y #DataViz #DataVis @ieeevis.bsky.social
@frank.computer, @perer.org, @domoritz.de
#cmuhcii #ieeevis #VIS2025 #DataVisualization #AccessibleVisualization #a11y #DataViz #DataVis @ieeevis.bsky.social
Frank, Adam, and Dominik are at @ieeevis.bsky.social in Vienna this week. Learn more about awards, papers, etc at dig.cmu.edu/2025/11/02/v....
DIG Lab at VIS 2025
Frank, Adam, and Dominik will be representing the DIG lab in Vienna.
dig.cmu.edu
November 3, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Don't miss our @dig.cmu.edu authors and their work at IEEE VIS this week. Visit the link in the post below for details.
@frank.computer, @perer.org, @domoritz.de
#cmuhcii #ieeevis #VIS2025 #DataVisualization #AccessibleVisualization #a11y #DataViz #DataVis @ieeevis.bsky.social
@frank.computer, @perer.org, @domoritz.de
#cmuhcii #ieeevis #VIS2025 #DataVisualization #AccessibleVisualization #a11y #DataViz #DataVis @ieeevis.bsky.social
Reposted by Frank Elavsky ⌁
i should be able to click a button at the beginning of a sports season that says “i’m normal” and i don’t get served any ads for crypto or gambling
October 26, 2025 at 10:50 PM
i should be able to click a button at the beginning of a sports season that says “i’m normal” and i don’t get served any ads for crypto or gambling