I cultivate exceptional digital experiences
that support learning & wellbeing.
Originally from LA, I live in Sydney, Australia. I am Creative Leader of the Wellbeing Technology Lab (previously the Positive Computing Lab), as well as UX & Design Specialist for the Brain and Mind Center and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, all at the University of Sydney.
I've written two books: Interface Design for Learning - Design Strategies for Learning Experiences (New Riders) and Positive Computing - Technology for wellbeing and human potential (MIT Press), the latter co-authored with Rafael Calvo.
that support learning & wellbeing.
Originally from LA, I live in Sydney, Australia. I am Creative Leader of the Wellbeing Technology Lab (previously the Positive Computing Lab), as well as UX & Design Specialist for the Brain and Mind Center and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, all at the University of Sydney.
I've written two books: Interface Design for Learning - Design Strategies for Learning Experiences (New Riders) and Positive Computing - Technology for wellbeing and human potential (MIT Press), the latter co-authored with Rafael Calvo.
Experience
I currently publish articles, give talks and collaborate with technologists, social scientists and users to co-create technologies in ways that respect psychological needs and promote wellbeing (aka. Positive Computing). I frequently play a "jack-of-all-trades" design role carrying out the user research, interaction design, copywriting and complete user interface design for the projects I'm involved in.
I've certainly leveraged some good karma with the people I've worked with at places like the Wellbeing Tech Lab, and previously at the CoCo Research Centre, Savv-e eLearning solutions and with folks at the University of Cambridge and my alma mater, Carnegie Mellon. I have also played designer on two award winning project teams, one of which won an AITD award for "Best Learning Design". I've designed for a range of business and non-profit organizations including the Black Dog Institute, ReachOut, Asthma Australia, Cambridge, Carnegie Mellon, Westpac Bank, Channel 10 and BMG music/Sony.
I've certainly leveraged some good karma with the people I've worked with at places like the Wellbeing Tech Lab, and previously at the CoCo Research Centre, Savv-e eLearning solutions and with folks at the University of Cambridge and my alma mater, Carnegie Mellon. I have also played designer on two award winning project teams, one of which won an AITD award for "Best Learning Design". I've designed for a range of business and non-profit organizations including the Black Dog Institute, ReachOut, Asthma Australia, Cambridge, Carnegie Mellon, Westpac Bank, Channel 10 and BMG music/Sony.
Geek-to-human translation
Sitting squarely at the intersection of technology and the humanities, I often fulfill the the role of cross-disciplinary translator. In other words, I help my colleagues in disparate fields (engineers, doctors, social scientists) to understand each other and work together more seamlessly by providing shared language and work tools. I also enjoy translating their academic discoveries into actionable knowledge for professionals and the general public.
EDUCATION
My career probably started on a Lite-Brite in the mid-80s, and later I got degrees in Writing, Directing and Multimedia Design from Carnegie Mellon (Bachelors) and The University of Sydney (Masters).
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY
I was a founding member of the Elearning Network of Australasia (ElNet). I'm a member and reviewer for the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA), as well as a member of SIGCHI and a game reviewer for Games for Change. I started the Interface Design for Learning group on Mendeley.
Incidentally...
I thought it was time to redesign kids' birthday parties on behalf of values and the planet so I invented the dollar party - simple, sustainable & fun. Check it out and spread the word!