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Charter

How we think​

The following statements describe how we generally approach our work:

We’re positive about the future, and our ability to impact it​

We’re confident enough to know we can change the world, and…

How this shows up in our work
  • We share a vision of the future we’re aiming for
  • We tackle challenges others ignore or avoid

We create space, rather than claim it​

…realistic enough to know we can’t do it alone.

How this shows up in our work
  • Collaborate and support, rather than compete.
  • Work to strengthen the entire ecosystem.
  • Make our work available, accessible and affordable

We show, rather than tell​

We’d rather build something you can use today than tell you what you should do tomorrow.

How this shows up in our work
  • Influence through action
  • Ship in small increments and keep momentum.
  • Keep shipping, even when imperfect.

We're happy to prove ourselves wrong​

We check our assumptions, and work on the basis of facts rather than opinions.

How this shows up in our work
  • Run experiments, measure results, and adjust course.
  • Talk openly about failures as well as successes.
  • Change approach when evidence tells us to.

We think big and build small

We take on big challenges by building small, practical solutions to achieve broader goals

How this shows up in our work
  • Tackle systemic problems
  • Support domains others ignore
  • Link our work, no matter how small, back to our vision

Our work is exciting, our technology isn’t​

We’d rather have a positive impact than chase the latest trends.

How this shows up in our work
  • Build the simplest version, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
  • Don’t chase novelty or trends for their own sake.
  • Value legibility and maintainability.

We are accountable to ourselves​

We know where we're going, and are honest with ourselves about how we're doing. We aren’t led by investors, shareholders, or sponsors.

How this shows up in our work
  • Choose impact over volume or vanity metrics.
  • Keep costs and scope under control.
  • Say no to opportunities when they don’t align with our goals.

We tell it like it is​

We don’t sensationalise, dramatise or stigmatise.

How this shows up in our work
  • Talk about unpopular, controversial, or systemic issues, but
  • We seek to understand and rationalise, rather than point the finger.
  • We don’t use fear, uncertainty, or doubt, to drive change.

We’re human​

We respect one another, our users, and our audience.

How this shows up in our work
  • Trust people to act responsibly, and expect the same in return.
  • Speak plainly and communicate honestly.
  • Listen and reflect before speaking.

We’re open​

We believe in transparency and openness.

How this shows up in our work
  • We use and contribute to openly licenced software and data.
  • We share our work broadly and publicly.
  • We do what we say we will.