Technology has become more than just a tool. It shapes how we think, move, learn, and even age. From smart devices that track our every heartbeat to immersive platforms that blur the line between real and virtual, digital innovation is influencing the very rhythm of human life. But while many focus solely on speed and efficiency, a few visionaries are asking deeper questions. What does it mean to live well in a digitally integrated society? Can technology elevate our purpose, relationships, and health without diminishing our humanity?
David Wortley is one of those rare individuals who build compelling answers through lived experience and global influence. As a digital health pioneer, gamification expert, and immersive storyteller, David blends technology with purpose in ways that inspire action and transformation.
With decades of experience as a technology pioneer, motivational speaker, and healthy ageing practitioner, he stands at the forefront of efforts to ensure that digital innovation serves both individual empowerment and collective well-being. His body of work spans immersive experiences, gamification, digital health, and the psychology of motivation, but what truly sets him apart is how he applies these tools to elevate human life.
As the founder and CEO of 360in360 Immersive Experiences and the Virtual Conferences Director at IORMA Global futures Consultancy, David has cultivated a reputation as a trusted voice on the transformative role of emerging technologies. He is also Vice President of the International Society of Digital Medicine, an Expert Consultant on Gamification and Enabling Technologies, and a former founding director of the Serious Games Institute.
Capturing the Extraordinary Through Immersive Innovation
With a lifelong passion for celebrating extraordinary people, places, and moments, David has dedicated his work to harnessing the power of emerging technologies, such as 360-degree video, panoramic sound, and drone footage, to share these stories with a global audience.
Throughout his life, David has been fortunate to encounter some of the most remarkable individuals and experiences, from speaking with Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell to dining with Doug Engelbart, the inventor of the computer mouse and hypertext, driving the famous Flying Scotsman steam locomotive, and even flying on Concorde. While these moments remain cherished memories, he often reflects on how profoundly they could have been preserved and shared through today’s immersive technologies.
With the rapid evolution and accessibility of 360-degree imaging and social platforms like Facebook and YouTube, David sees a new revolution unfolding, one that empowers individuals and organizations to tell their stories in vivid, unforgettable ways. Through 360in360, he offers a platform and service dedicated to helping clients create engaging, gamified, and immersive narratives that connect deeply with audiences in sectors such as education, culture, heritage, and tourism.
The ethos of 360in360 is rooted in collaboration. David operates through a network of creative, win-win partnerships built on mutual respect and a shared passion for impact. His organization helps bring stories to life, not just by documenting them, but by allowing audiences to explore them interactively through virtual reality, mobile devices, and digital platforms.
360in360 Immersive Experiences stands as both a celebration of human potential and a call to action: to preserve, honour, and share the extraordinary stories all around us using the most powerful tools of our time.
Reflecting on the Human Cost of Digital Progress
David’s journey began at a time when technology was mechanical, tactile, and relatively slow-moving. Born in 1949, he has personally witnessed the profound shift from analogue tools to smart devices, a transition he documents thoughtfully in his book Gadgets to God. This memoir reflects not just technological advancements but also how they have shaped human purpose, relationships, and self-understanding.
His work challenges individuals to think critically about the role of digital tools in everyday life. While he recognizes the benefits of innovation, he also urges for caution when it comes to surrendering too much agency to machines. His concern is that, left unchecked, digital systems will overtake rather than augment human judgment. His writing and speeches explore how we can maintain a balance between efficiency and ethics.
Through his popular YouTube series, The Future of Technology and Humanity, David continues this dialogue by engaging audiences in visual explorations of these themes. His discussions emphasize reflection, ethical responsibility, and inclusive dialogue around the future of digital integration.
Gamification as a Way of Life
David’s work with gamification is not confined to corporate strategy. He views it as a fundamental life skill relevant across personal and professional domains. According to him, gamification is the strategic use of interactive techniques and digital tools to influence behaviour, encourage motivation, and inspire collaboration. It is a method that harnesses intrinsic drivers to promote learning, growth, and action.
His practical use of gamification in events, conferences, and educational settings demonstrates its effectiveness in unlocking engagement. He frequently designs custom gamified experiences that help participants recognize their own value and contributions. For David, gamification is not about points or badges but about reigniting purpose and fostering meaningful human interaction.
This philosophy is rooted in his own life. David has used gamification principles to transform his own health and mindset. Rather than relying on medication, he has adopted a gamified approach to daily habits, using challenges, feedback loops, and technology to stay active and engaged. These lived experiences give authenticity to his work, making him not just a theorist but a living example of his teachings.
A Global Voice for Healthy Ageing
Few speakers can claim the same level of commitment to personal wellness as David. Now in his seventies, he walks five miles each day and takes no prescription medications. His approach to health is deeply influenced by the principles of lifestyle medicine, which emphasizes prevention and self-care through sustainable habits.
David focuses on six foundational areas: nutrition, exercise, restorative sleep, stress management, healthy relationships, and the avoidance of harmful substances. His deep understanding of each pillar comes from years of experimentation, learning, and consistency. He shares this insight in his keynote talks, often blending personal anecdotes with scientific research and practical tools.
As a global presenter on health innovation, David has spoken at conferences across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He connects with audiences not through hype, but through authenticity. His passion lies in showing others that ageing can be active, joyful, and empowering when supported by the right mindset and tools.
Immersive Experiences and Storytelling
At the core of David’s communication style is storytelling. He knows that data and technology alone are not enough to spark transformation. Instead, he uses immersive tools and narrative techniques to connect emotionally with his audiences. This is central to the work of 360in360 Immersive Experiences, a company he founded to use immersive media to create meaningful learning and awareness.
Through this platform, David creates experiences that are designed to educate, inspire, and provoke thought. He believes in the potential of immersive technology to deliver not just information, but emotional resonance and lasting impact. These experiences often include real-life scenarios, personal journeys, and cultural insights that encourage empathy and curiosity.
His signature talks, including Steam Trains to Smartphones, AI and Humanity, and How to Age Younger, are crafted with the intention of sparking inner reflection. They are not simply presentations but journeys through time, science, and personal resilience. Whether he is discussing wearable health technologies or virtual immortality, David keeps the human story front and centre.
Building Bridges with Technology and Trust
David’s expertise has made him a trusted advisor to governments, educational institutions, and international organizations. He has served as an expert adviser to the European Commission and continues to mentor emerging leaders in digital technology and entrepreneurship.
His role as Vice President of the International Society of Digital Medicine reflects his deep involvement in promoting responsible digital health practices. Through global collaborations and mentorship, he contributes to building a future where digital tools serve human needs rather than undermine them.
As the Virtual Conferences Director for IORMA, he leads efforts to create accessible, inclusive digital events that reach diverse global audiences. These virtual gatherings reflect his belief that knowledge sharing must be boundaryless and driven by connection rather than hierarchy.
Conclusion
As a speaker, author, innovator, and practitioner, David bridges the gap between digital advancement and human potential. His impact spans industries and continents, yet his message remains personal: technology must serve people, not the other way around.
Whether inspiring healthier ageing, designing gamified learning environments, or exploring the philosophical implications of AI, David challenges audiences to rethink their relationship with technology. He does not offer quick fixes but instead presents possibilities, rooted in experience, enriched by wisdom, and aimed at empowering others to live more fully, more ethically, and more creatively.
