Binsted-McKay (BM) is a creative technology consultancy, delivering Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and mobile solutions. BM was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 2000 and is currently based in Honolulu, USA.

The founders of BM, Justin McKay and Kim Binsted, respectively hold an MSc and PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh.

What we do

We are experts at using the latest technology and techniques to develop or enhance products and services which entertain, educate and/or inform users.

We can help with everything from high level conceptualisation and planning to technical development and implementation.

We will make sure that you are:
- aware of the latest technologies and approaches
- realistic about what current technology can do

Some of the things BM does:

Generate - ideas, concepts, solutions, alternatives

Invent - new techniques and technologies

Innovate - help you use existing technology in new ways

Strategise - point out strengths and weaknesses of particular business models

Please see our Expertise and How We Work sections for more detail on what we do and how we might help you.

Experience

BM has worked with clients to develop intuitive, personalised interfaces for applications in various domains . Our clients have come from the sales and marketing, aerospace and consumer electronics sectors.

BM engages in fundamental research, working with Sony Japan over a 2 year period on a project incorporating a number of AI and HCI elements.

BM also has a working knowledge of the Japanese technology market and was involved in the development of an interactive social agent environment for the I-mode network - in other words, cute interactive characters for mobile phones!

Creative Intelligence

Where BM really differentiates itself from the myriad other “tech companies” is that we take creativity seriously: for us, it is a way of life.

Justin is a comedian and actor who has worked on stage and screen in Japan, and now performs in the US. Kim has performed improvisational comedy for many years in different countries and was a regular performer in Tokyo, Japan. She also has experience as a stand-up comedian.

 

Performing in the same Tokyo improv group, Kim introduced Justin to the world of AI and her pun generating program, JAPE. With experience in business, languages and teaching, Justin thought there was great potential in combining humour with language learning. Justin went to Edinburgh to get his Master’s in AI, where he created a system called WISCRAIC which used jokes to aid second language learning.

 

With their shared love of performing and technical know-how, brought together in the technologically advanced environment of the Japanese economy, Kim and Justin set out to combine new and emerging technologies with human creativity.