About Alex Metcalf
I'm currently working at Nomensa, living in Bristol, UK, and have dual UK and Canadian nationality.
My work (and passion) is making technology easier to use for everyone -- no excuses. Next time you get frustrated using a website, remember there are people like me working to make it easier!
I'm driven by the opportunities that technology offers everyone. However, I have equal frustration with the narrow, technology-driven thinking in the industry -- thinking that leads to a world where human diversity is a hindrance, rather than an opportunity, in the successful implementation of easy-to-use technology.
We can do better. We must do better.
Work successes
I have over fifteen years' experience in computing, including two Masters degrees, two years in technical pre-sales with Sun Microsystems, and four years (and still going!) with Nomensa. My work at Nomensa is varied, and covers client relationships, research, consultancy, public speaking and training.
Usability skill sets include heuristic evaluations (expert reviews), usability testing, information architecture development, scenario modelling, and many other core skills. I have facilitated hundreds of user testing sessions, and have been lead usability analyst and project manager for many projects.
I've also developed Mac OS software for fifteen years, including utilities, music software, development tools, and games. My last main project was Bubble Trouble, an award winning game written with David Wareing. See my software section for more information.
Life
Away from the screen, I am learning the drums and sax, and keep my energy going with walking and cycling. Love my computer games, such as the Nintendo Wii (in both implementation and ethos), and enjoy a game of pool and a beer with the best of them.
Oh, and I play a mean game of poker too. Such a wonderful addiction the world will never know.