Based at the Media Innovation Studio at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), John’s research interests span journalism, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented paper, mobile journalism, wearables, human-centred design, drone journalism and innovation theory.

In recent years, John’s research has focussed on IoT and journalism, and how news organisations could utilise physical-digital platforms and experiences. This work includes the Google-funded NewsThings and SenseMaker projects, creating an IoT content management system and exploring how conductive ink and web-connected print could be used in editorial contexts. John is also a member of UCLan’s Civic Drone Centre team, which is exploring how next generation unmanned aerial vehicles can be used in a variety of contexts, including the media. Its most recent project is the Aerial Uptake project, funded by Interreg.