Hi.
I am Henning Tillmann, a computer scientist from Berlin. I have been developing software and rethinking processes for over 25 years.
I translate between technology and people – and I take on the project leadership as well.
I question workflows before digitally transforming them: a step forward for team, product and company. With or without AI.
I build robust architectures so that your project not only starts, but also scales.
I blend form and function to create a design that inspires and proves itself in everyday use.
Do you want to quickly take your project from the whiteboard to live operation – without buzzword bingo, but with clear communication and reliable results?
Then let's talk.
Transformation
The biggest enemy of digital transformation is digitalisation. The terms sound similar, but they describe fundamentally different things: transformation means rethinking things. Digitalisation, on the other hand, only continues old processes in digital form without using the advantages of digital technologies. I help to question the status quo and shape real transformation.
AI is where this difference shows most clearly: merely using AI to speed up old workflows means digitalising faster, but transforming nothing. I support you in redesigning processes and deploying AI where it creates real value. Together, we bring everyone involved along and make the transformation a win for the whole team.
And when it takes more than consulting, I bring structure to your product and development team as an interim team lead, CPO or CTO. For as long as it takes, until it runs without me.
Software
It's like building a house: If the architecture isn't right, even the best implementation will fail. The technical objectives, planning, and conception are half the battle. At least.
I take on the technical project management: from the requirements to sign-off – or I develop the software myself. You get straight answers and a single point of contact. No ticket ping-pong. What you end up with is a product that runs, that is documented and that others can carry on developing.
Design
Steve Jobs, known for his understatements, once said: "We made the buttons on the screen look so good you'll want to lick them." For hygienic reasons, I don't recommend it. But falling in love a little is allowed: with a design that not only looks good, but above all, is intelligent and functional.
For me, design is not a coat of paint, but part of the solution. I shape interfaces, processes and communication so that people understand them, enjoy using them and do not end up cursing them in everyday use.
Selected works
Digital public services
APIs instead of apps, protocols instead of platforms: In the preliminary study – commissioned by the Mercator Foundation – I explain why a technical infrastructure is required for the expanded provision of public services. So that people in every situation can receive digital help. The document analyses current problems and presents a proposed solution – here under the working title DIDA.
- Role
- Author, concept development
- Client
- Mercator Foundation (preliminary study)
- Period
- since 2025
Digital policy and other activities
Explaining and classifying
In the media and at conferences, I simplify technically complex issues to make them understandable to the general public. In 2020 alone, I had 70 media appearances related to the Corona-Warn-App.
Digital strategy of the federal government
From 2022 to 2024, I was an honorary member of the Federal Government's Digital Strategy Advisory Board, appointed by Federal Minister Dr Volker Wissing. The 17-member expert committee consisted of representatives from business, science and civil society.
D64
As a long-standing co-chair of D64 - Centre for Digital Progress, I helped to establish the organisation as one of the most important players in the digital policy scene. During my active time, the number of members doubled and D64 became one of the first points of contact for digital policy issues.
Tech & Tonic
Tech & Tonic, a podcast that delves into digital topics and curated drinks, features engaging discussions on a wide range of subjects related to technology, business, politics, and science. Our previous guests include Lars Klingbeil, Verena Hubertz, Tijen Onaran, and Tim Renner.
Browser fingerprinting
If you want to protect yourself from tracking on the web, deactivate cookies - that's the common opinion. In a field study in 2012/2013, I was able to prove that browser fingerprinting enables traceability even without cookies. Although the proof was provided several years ago, the basic principles are still relevant today.
Coalition agreement of the federal government
In 2018, I was one of the very few non-professional politicians to be part of the SPD's negotiating team for the chapter on digital policy. The coalition agreement included a legal entitlement to fast internet, the strengthening of mobile work, the non-profit status of Freifunk, the Federal Digital Volunteer Service and much more.
How it works
Step 1 Getting to know each other
A free video call. You talk, I ask questions.
Step 2 Proposal
A clear proposal: what, how, by when and at what price.
Step 3 Delivery
Short cycles, regular progress updates, no surprises.
Step 4 Afterwards
On request I stay on board for maintenance and further development.
Step 1 Your request
A press enquiry, a panel, a talk or an expert assessment – tell me what it is about.
Step 2 Getting in touch
Use one of the channels below. A few sentences are enough, even on a tight deadline.
Step 3 Context
Facts, context and a clear position – understandable instead of buzzword bingo.
What are you waiting for?
Let's work together!
Let's talk about your project.
Use one of the contact options below.
Video call
Let's schedule a free video call so we can get to know each other and you can share details about your project.
Please send me an e-mail using the contact form. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Threema
For confidential information you can send me a message via Threema.
ID: 4J34SUK7Recent posts
The three latest posts from my blog. All posts are in German.