I am an adaptable creative technologist passionate about human-centered design.
At a time of substantial global change, I believe that human-centred design can empower designers and researchers to advocate across borders for inclusivity and human wellness. This is particularly relevant today considering rapid developments in technology, and ongoing shifts in the global economic fabric.
While ongoing advancements in generative-AI promise new ways of automating rules-based processes, I believe that hands-on ethnographic research and localized approaches to designing services and experiences are essential for effectively managing risk, and prioritizing people, communities and environment.
I am an avid self-directed learner, pursuing coursework and project-based learning through the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF). I follow the case studies and writing of design leaders to continuously develop my practice and to stay informed about developments in the field. I strive to approach new tools and processes with an attitude of willingness, openness and curiosity.
Design Education
I attended OCAD University where I studied in the Illustration and Digital Futures programs. I experimented with microcontrollers and electronic sensors, game development environments, and material fabrication techniques to create lo-fi games, interactive installations and wearable tech. These projects focused on creatively bridging the gap between analog and digital environments.
In my academic practice and professional roles, I also developed competencies in graphic design, motion design, illustration and fine art.
Artistic Practice
Outside of vocational design, I am currently focused on developing science fiction sequels to the classic fairytale The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). My process involves historical research, collecting material artefacts, producing original illustrations and developing creative prose.
Inspirations for my creative practice include the epic and mind-bending storytelling of authors including Alice Bradley Sheldon, Philip José Farmer and Larry Niven
Adopting Generative-AI
As an extension of my creative practice, I have produced a series of cinematic images and video sequences using generative A.I. which depict my unique take on a future Oz.
Through a process of experimentation and play, I developed a systematic approach for generating visual media using prompt-embedded image files and text-based references to visual culture. This work is explored in the article below:
Click or Tap To Explore the Land of Oz through the lens of Generative-AI
Experimenting with AI-generated visual media gave me the necessary practical foundations to become a contributor on outlier.ai, where I participate in model training efforts using mixed methods of linguistic and comparative analysis.
I currently make use of pro LLMs for design research in the Outlier Playground environment. I am investigating and generating task-oriented processes and frameworks, and inferring insight from real and synthetic data. I am exploring methods of perceptual analysis by generating parameter-based synthetic users / digital twins for the purposes of data visualization.