Stavros is a scientist trapped in user experience designer’s body. His career has been a series of happy lateral accidents: in the early years he studied advanced mathematics, and taught science, along with the programming principles and the everyday use of computers. Later, fascinated by psychology and computers, he successfully completed an MSc in Human Communication and Computing with his main interest around the apparent conflicts between network security and usability. Then, he went on to complete a PhD in Human Computer Interaction, investigating context-aware computing, mobile service awareness and intuitiveness of sound notifications. After 5 years of teaching HCI principles and leading student projects on novel interactive paradigms, he moved in the fast-paced life of agency-side UX. He has been enjoying doing all the nitty-gritty dirty work of UX, from wireframes and ethnography, to managing projects and practitioners. When he grows up, he wants to strengthen the bridges between academia and industry and help bring User Experience to its next level.

Stavros’ objectives for the UK UPA

UKUPA as an arm of a global organisation is already the most established and respected usability association in the UK. As such, it has the responsibility to maintain and expand its presence, and gain the trust and respect of even more professionals and affiliates. UK UPA members enjoy, and should continue to enjoy, various ways for professional opportunities and development, as well as a community of support, cross-pollination and fruitful challenges. In the near future the UK chapter could also focus its efforts in structuring the variety and diversity of usability practices and accreditation bodies in a way that will bring more clarity and standardisation to the UK industry. The end goal of all these efforts should always be the aim of our discipline: to make technology accessible and interacting with it a rewarding, enjoyable experience.

Links…
Harvest Digital
Twitter: @StavrosUX

Contact

profdev[at]ukupa[dot]org[dot[uk]