In his upcoming professorial lecture, Professor Meades aims to go beyond simply celebrating his achievements and discussing the significance of play, videogames, and arcade culture. Instead, he intends to talk about the idea of a ‘Chaotic Good’ disposition, (drawing from the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game), and how academic achievement (or any achievement) can be obtained by consistently posing questions, testing solutions, and thinking differently. A Chaotic Good character, from the perspective of Dungeons and Dragons’ 2018 rules, “does whatever is necessary to bring about change for the better, disdains bureaucratic organizations that get in the way of social improvement, and places a high value on personal freedom, not only for oneself but for others as well.”

Offering an entertaining and enthusiastic lecture, building upon autobiographical elements and discussion of research, Alan’s key includes:

1. Hope: With a little good luck, and a dedication to a process of enquiry and compassion, things tend to work out.

2. Commitment: While lectures can sometimes present coherent and intimidating timelines, it is essential to understand that there are rarely any grand plans. Career progression and personal growth often emerge through seizing (and generating) opportunities as they arose.

3. Kindness: The absolute importance of compassion and kindness in creating.

4. The Intelligence of Anybody: Building upon the work of Jacques Rancière, the view of the innate intelligence of students (and of communities) and the role of the tutor as facilitator as opposed to educator.

This approach to his lecture aligns with his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the value of perseverance, adaptability, and passion in navigating one's academic and professional life. It also reinforces his commitment to inspiring and supporting students, encouraging them to forge their own paths while remaining open to unexpected opportunities for growth and success – twinned with his passions for play, video games, and a commitment to uncovering untold stories through the highest quality research. As seen with Alan’s Arcade Britannia book (MIT Press 2022), the 2023 London Design Bienalle Arcade Britannia exhibit, more recent projects (Prospect Cottage Digital – not widely discussed / in the public domain at the moment), and his public lectures at Stanford University, New York Law School… and elsewhere.