“Interaction design is not about pixel perfect renderings, it’s about providing the optimal solution to a problem”

Background

I am a commercially experienced Design Researcher / Interaction Designer adept at simplifying complicated experiences through the application of best practices in interaction design. This is supported by my practical knowledge of web technologies. I am also a skilled research facilitator and adaptable to whatever situations may arise. During my career I have coordinated user research for both web and mobile products. This research has taken place within labs, client sites and in-context. I also have experience conducting field research, e.g. shadowing, guerrilla testing and Vox Pops. I have also designed digital products from scenarios and personas through to wireframes and clickable prototypes.

I am a hand’s on practitioner that is responsible for conducting the majority of the labs work on client projects. My role also involves business development and the practical coordination and facilitation of the labs UX projects on a day to day basis. This involves liaising with clients, coordinating participant recruitment, supporting Student Consultants and managing lab facilities.

Interests

I am interested in speculative design. The idea of evaluating short narratives illustrating the product in use prior to investing time / resources into implementation seems like the logical next step for Interaction Design. Now I need to convince everyone else.

Outside of work I have been known to build robots out Arduino, children’s scooters and sticky backed plastic. I also enjoy Netflix marathons and reading whatever catches my eye from the local library.

UX work experience

• Manager / UX Lead at City Interaction Lab. Alongside managing the lab. I have been heavily involved a full UCD project for Orchard Information Systems designing an app for property surveyors visiting tenant’s homes. This included shadowing and interviews to inform the design, followed by the production of personas / scenarios and then wireframes a working prototype which was evaluated leading to further refinements.
• User Experience Consultant at System Concepts Ltd. My favourite project at SCL was supporting CBBC Something Special with contextual research in schools / homes on a suite of games for children with physical / cognitive access needs. This project informed a talk I gave at UXPA World Usability Day event in 2011.

Future aspirations

I want to expand the City Interaction Lab offering in order to promote the value of the Human Centred Design process to those we work with. I also want City Interaction Lab to do more field research as that is where greater insights are to be found.