d13design
I have over 15 years experience in interactive digital design with almost 10 of those spent focused on training, learning and education solutions.
My time with MyKnowledgeMap has given me a broad range of experience in all areas of learning technology and I now focus my time on product management and supporting customer implementation.
My background in design, as well as a solid understanding of customer needs, positions me well to create products that put the users first and don’t cloud the important tasks with technical jargon or IT gimmicks.
The last 12 months has seen me lead the re-design of the award winning mobile assessment platform - ReallyManaging Assessment - creating a powerful and generic tool from the prestigious project implementations that preceded it.
When I'm not behind a screen or in front of a customer I'm probably spending time with my family, or more likely being run circles around by my three awesome boys!
I love to cook and bake, finding pleasure in creating something real and tactile—things outside of the digital world. Taking this to the extreme is my project to hand-carve an open-back banjo.
Over the last 10 years I've seen almost every area of learning technology and it's become a field that I have a lot of passion for. It's a changing landscape though and there's a lot to gain from new and exciting software and devices - something I'm looking forward to being a part of.
User adoption is key and, particularly in the world of learning technology, often neglected. My background in design and drive to engage individuals has helped to create some unique developments that people either love to use or (better still) don't even notice they're using!
I've been a huge fan of mobile technology ever since I was introduced to WAP. Things have moved on a bit since then and so have the projects I'm involved in be they mobilising content-driven websites or producing award winning suites of mobile e-assessment tools.
ReallyManaging Assessment for Android
I love exploring new challenges as part of a group and recent speaking engagements has really helped me to connect with users. After all, I don't want to promote technology for technology's sake - the things we build must truly solve problems and support individuals.
This presentation, given at the Assessment Tomorrow Vocational Assessment event in Leeds (17th Jan 2013) looks at experiences and lessons from supporting the delivery of e-assessment in the workplace to medical students at the University of Leeds.
It seems to be unanimous that Mozilla Open Badges offer an exciting way to recognise learning but we're all wary of the costs associated with adopting a new technology. This session explores practical (and low-cost) approaches to Open Badge adoption.
Modern learning doesn't just take place within the walls of an educational establishment. But how do you support learners with technology that can span across their entire life-long learning experience?
Delivered as an opening keynote, this session introduced the academic audience to the real challenges of embracing Web 2.0, social and mobile platforms and their adoption within a learning technology landscape.
2013 sees a couple of big product releases and a number of really exciting customer implementations so, for the next few months at least, I'm going to be office bound.
— Heavy D, 1967-2011
I don't write very much, or very often, but when I do you can find my thoughts here.
2013-04-10 Saving to the WordPress Media Library
2013-01-18 Innovating vocational assessment
2013-01-11 Integrating with the VLE - an infographic
2013-01-09 Adding a latest Tweet
2012-12-10 An introduction to Open Badges
I'm the Product & Design Manager for MyKnowledgeMap Ltd.
