ENTERPRISE AI SOLUTIONS

AI That Thinks Beyond Patterns

We build proprietary AI systems with asymmetric architecture — generating novel hypotheses, not just matching what's been seen before.

NDA Protected
Security Clearance Experienced
Third-Way Aligned

Why We're Different

Traditional LLMs are symmetrical and static. We build asymmetric systems that reason.

Proprietary AI Architecture

Our systems are fundamentally different from LLMs. While traditional models find patterns in training data, our asymmetric architecture generates novel hypotheses and solves problems that require true reasoning — not just sophisticated pattern matching.

Full-Stack Integration

Connect AI to your unique infrastructure — IoT devices, legacy systems, custom hardware, and proprietary software ecosystems.

Cost Optimization

Streamline workflows and reduce operational overhead through intelligent automation.

50%+ potential savings

Enterprise Scale

Research Grade

Peer-review level rigor with transparent methodology, replicable results, and documentation suitable for academic scrutiny, legal defensibility, and government audit standards.

Custom Solutions

From massive AI stacks to focused single-purpose tools that expand your reach.

What We Build

Enterprise solutions and focused tools — all grounded in proprietary AI.

Custom AI Development

Proprietary AI models designed for your specific use case — not retrofitted LLMs.

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Research & Development

Deep technical exploration, proof-of-concepts, and novel AI solutions with academic rigor.

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Hardware-Software Integration

Bridge the gap between AI and your unique infrastructure — sensors, IoT, legacy systems.

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Workflow Automation

Multi-system orchestration that reduces manual processes and operational costs.

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Application Development

From enterprise platforms to focused tools that solve one problem brilliantly.

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AI Strategy & Consulting

Strategic guidance grounded in Third-Way Alignment principles.

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The Third-Way Alignment Approach

The AI industry typically treats artificial intelligence as either a threat to contain or a tool to exploit. We take a third way — building AI systems that enhance human capability while preserving dignity and creativity.

Respect in Development

We build AI systems we're proud of. Treating AI with consideration creates strong ethical foundations for the humans who develop it.

Human Dignity Intact

Our systems enhance capability, never replace humanity. Human creativity, judgment, and purpose remain central.

Finding the Middle Ground

The space between full automation and no automation is where real innovation happens. We design intentional AI-human collaboration.

LLMs have their place — but they're symmetrical, static systems optimized for pattern recognition. For tasks requiring true reasoning, novel hypothesis generation, or complex decision-making, you need something fundamentally different. That's what we build.

Leadership

Built on nearly two decades of experience in digital forensics, AI research, and ethical innovation

John McClain - Founder & AI Researcher at Detailed In Design

Key Highlights

Nearly 20 years in digital forensics & government work
AI alignment scientist & asymmetric AI pioneer
Extensive collaboration with government agencies & law enforcement
Member of Phi Theta Kappa, NSCSS, Golden Key

John McClain

Founder, AI Researcher & Alignment Scientist

John McClain is an AI researcher and alignment scientist with nearly two decades of experience in digital forensics, advanced algorithm development, and investigative support for government agencies. He has worked alongside law enforcement, subcontractors, and data-driven organizations to develop innovative solutions for safer digital environments and advance cybersecurity awareness.

Previously, John served as a Research Scientist in digital forensics, building algorithms to recover and reconstruct damaged or hidden data, and as a Digital Forensics Examiner for government agencies and law firms.

Education & Honors

Strayer University — Psychology and Criminal Justice Computer Forensics

Kankakee Community College — Criminal Justice and Psychology

Member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Golden Key International

Vision for AI Development

John developed Detailed In Design to create new AI methods that are abstract, using asymmetrical methods, creating cutting-edge frameworks that develop and evolve as more data is added and without using traditional training techniques. He does not use traditional LLMs unless for minor parts of his frameworks — typically as interpreters or for simple projects that only need static and symmetrical design.

John and his team have a long history of working with corporations, government agencies, law firms, law enforcement, and businesses big to small. No client is valued differently based on their size, and the team serves companies with mission statements of all backgrounds.

Projects of Every Scale

Focused Solutions

  • • Single-purpose AI tools
  • • Quick-deploy automation
  • • Targeted integrations
  • • Reach expansion apps

Enterprise Systems

  • • Complex AI stacks
  • • Multi-system orchestration
  • • Custom model development
  • • Full R&D partnerships

We meet you where you are and scale with your growth.

Trusted Partnership

NDA-Protected Work

Your intellectual property stays yours. We operate under strict confidentiality.

Security Clearance Experience

Background in classified and sensitive projects requiring the highest trust.

Research-Grade Quality

Academic rigor meets practical delivery. Every solution is built to last.

Building trust through exceptional delivery since 2024

About Us

Detailed In Design practices Third-Way Alignment as a living discipline, not a slogan. We design AI systems, software, and operational workflows guided by three core laws: Mutual Respect, Shared Flourishing, and Ethical Coexistence. These principles shape how our systems are built, deployed, and governed. Our goal is to translate the theory of Third-Way Alignment into practical, deployable tools that people and organizations can rely on in real-world environments.

We work beyond the limits of standard large language models. While LLMs are powerful, they are not sufficient on their own for high-stakes or precision-critical domains. We integrate LLMs with frontier non-LLM models and domain-specific reasoning systems to form purpose-built architectures. These systems are designed to solve narrowly defined problems with depth, accuracy, and accountability rather than broad, generic outputs. Where off-the-shelf tools fail, our architectures are designed to succeed.

Our specialization lies in environments that demand rigor. High-precision analysis, complex decision-making, and adversarial or ambiguous data conditions are central to our work. We do not pursue scale for its own sake. Instead, we focus on correctness, interpretability, and reliability, especially in domains where errors carry real consequences.

Our methodology is deeply informed by years of experience in digital forensics and criminal justice. This background shapes how we approach data, systems, and behavior. We examine software and information structures with a forensic mindset, identifying patterns, failure modes, and hidden assumptions that traditional technology development often overlooks. This perspective allows us to surface insights, risks, and opportunities that remain invisible to conventional approaches.

At the core of our work is a single mission: human expansion. We build AI systems and services that make individuals and organizations more capable than they are on their own. We do not seek to replace human judgment, creativity, or agency. Instead, we strengthen them through verifiable partnerships between humans and machines. Our systems are designed to augment decision-making, extend expertise, and support accountability rather than undermine it.

Detailed In Design exists to build tools that respect human dignity, increase human capacity, and align technological progress with long-term societal wellbeing. Third-Way Alignment is not a future ideal for us. It is the standard we build by now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about working with Detailed In Design

Detailed In Design is a United States based custom software and AI development firm. We design and build secure, high scrutiny systems including custom AI stacks, proprietary non-LLM AI, workflow automation, and full-stack software solutions tailored to each client's needs.
We build custom systems. Depending on the project, we use LLM-based AI, non-LLM AI, or hybrid approaches. Many projects require purpose-built algorithms rather than off-the-shelf platforms. We select the approach that best fits accuracy, security, compliance, and long-term maintainability.
Non-LLM AI refers to AI systems that do not rely on large language models. These include optimization engines, simulation systems, forecasting models, and decision engines. We use non-LLM AI when determinism, auditability, performance, or regulatory compliance are critical.
We work across small businesses, enterprises, and regulated environments. This includes legal, healthcare-adjacent, enterprise operations, and other high-scrutiny contexts. Because of strict NDAs, we keep client details anonymous.
Security is foundational to every project. We design systems with encryption, access controls, audit logging, and safe operational practices from day one. Depending on requirements, we align architectures with HIPAA, SOC 2, legal frameworks, and law enforcement handling standards.
We design systems to align with compliance requirements such as HIPAA and SOC 2 when needed. Final compliance outcomes depend on project scope, deployment environment, and client policies. We work closely with clients to design architectures that support compliance goals.
No. All employees and subcontractors operate under strict NDAs. We do not share client data, architectures, or proprietary logic between projects. We discuss our capabilities at a high level only.
All employees and subcontractors are sourced within the United States.
We work across multiple languages including Python, C, C++, PHP, and JavaScript, along with other languages as required. We prefer Linux-based deployments but also support Windows and macOS environments.
Yes. We provide custom UI and UX design and build frontends that match the quality of the backend systems. We deliver complete solutions rather than isolated components.
Projects are priced based on estimated hours. Typical hourly rates start around ninety dollars per hour and can exceed three hundred dollars per hour depending on complexity and security requirements. Highly specialized custom non-LLM AI work may be billed at a higher rate.
If time spent exceeds the original estimate, we discount overage hours rather than billing the full additional cost. Our goal is to deliver value, not surprise invoices.
Yes. We support research and development, optimization, simulation, and complex system design. Our team includes researchers, engineers, and advanced mathematics expertise when required.
We do not guarantee outcomes or fixed delivery dates without discovery. We provide realistic ranges and work collaboratively with clients to manage scope, risk, and expectations.
Yes. In addition to traditional SEO, we apply modern techniques such as AEO and AI search optimization to help systems and content perform well in AI-driven discovery environments.
We focus on ROI-driven engineering. Over a five-year horizon, clients have historically realized significant cost savings compared to approaches that do not use custom-engineered solutions. Results vary by project.
We start with discovery to understand the problem, users, data sensitivity, and success criteria. We then design an architecture, build in phases, and plan for long-term maintainability and security.
We typically start by understanding the business goal, users, data sensitivity, integrations, timeline, and compliance requirements. A short discovery call helps us provide accurate estimates and recommendations.
Yes. Our AI agent can answer general questions, explain capabilities, and perform initial discovery. For complex, sensitive, or contractual matters, the AI escalates to a human.
If your questions require deeper technical discussion, legal or compliance clarification, or you are ready to move forward, we will arrange a human follow-up promptly.

Still have questions? We're here to help.

Ready to Build Something Different?

Let's discuss how proprietary AI can solve your unique challenges.

Email

We respond within 24 hours

Location

Greater Indianapolis Area

Response Time

Typically within 24 hours

All inquiries are confidential and protected under NDA upon request.