About
I work primarily across the fields of user experience design and visual design as well as design implementation using web standards. Job titles in my neck of the woods change frequently and mean different things to different people but I tend to refer to myself as a user interface designer or interaction designer. However on different days and in different contexts I may be referred to as a UI developer or just plain good old web designer.
Whatever the toolkit I am using I put the user at the centre of all my design activities, from the initial research phases of a project through to production–requirements gathering to usability testing.
A little background
I have over ten years’ experience in the industry and a real passion for what I do. Most of my skills I have learned by doing, although I also gained a distinction in a postgraduate level course in User Interface Design and Evaluation from the Open University in 2009 and, earlier in my career obtained an MA in information studies.
I created my first basic website in 1995 and started working professionally with the Web in the late 90s, moving on to work with some renowned non-profit, cultural heritage and educational organisations such as the BBC, the Wellcome Trust and Birkbeck, University of London.
What I care about
Above all, I’m excited about the opportunities we have to provide people with the tools to engage with their communities and wider environment. I want to help make products that make that happen and that people care about, whether on desktop, mobile or tablet.
Current interests
At present I am working within the field of digital cultural heritage and digital humanities, employing user-centred design methodologies on projects. I am also particularly interested in participatory activities beyond the academy such as crowdsourcing.
I have recently been elected to the committee of the Museums Computer Group which I hope will allow me to learn more and contribute to these areas.
I am currently immersing myself in design for mobile–welcoming both its constraints and possibilities.
I am also interested in improving the long-form reading experience on the Web and have a growing obsession with typography.
