Benjamin Davies

Lewiston, ME

currently: Job hunting


Answers from Benjamin

How would you describe your dream job in 10 words or less?

I have experience with the full range of activities. I have designed and setup a usability lab and designed and executed formal and informal studies. I have written surveys, conducted interviews, and worked with paper prototypes. I have graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a MDes in Communication Planning and Information Design. My principle interests lie in the human side of technology, particularly usability and how technology can increase the agency, awareness, and dignity of its users. During my studies I evaluated the usability of desktop signs, or icons and applied semiotic theories to them to find ways to increase their utility and efficiency. As part of my thesis work I designed a hand-gesture syntax for glove based human-computer interaction that focused on ease of use and the health of the user.
I have exceptional analytical abilities with a collegiate minor in philosophy, experience with programming languages, and a perfect score of 800 on the analytic section of the GRE. My bachelor's degree is in English and I have strong written and oral communication skills. I am equally comfortable working in teams or on independent projects. In my opinion, people are fabulous mysteries and I love investigating how and why people make decisions, what troubles them and what pleases them, and how I can improve their lives. Finally, I have a need to work in a field that I feel improves people's quality of life. If I can reduce the amount of frustration and dissatisfaction for users' of a service I will feel good. If I can add pleasure and dignity to the users I will feel honored.
... read more

Posted @ 11:06AM, July 06, 2008 by Benjamin Davies | Permalink
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Work history

DeLorme December 2006 to the present
User Interface Engineer

tags:

How would you describe your time at DeLorme?

* Create user interface designs for DeLorme software, hardware including desktop, PDA handhelds and web platforms
* UI lead for the redesign of the Eartha Community Atlas community website
* UI lead for project to research and plan compliance with Microsoft Vista requirements
* UI lead for
project to redesign DeLorme software???s file management?? Design and execute usability studies?? Design and create an in-house usability lab... read more
wright state university January 2006 to November 2006
Researcher: Information Design

tags:

How would you describe your time at wright state university?

* Investigate all relevant methods of sense-respond logistics and the needs and capabilities of chemical and biological attack first responders
* Design a new model of sense and respond logistics relevant to first responders that is accessible and comprehensive
* Illustrate how the model applies
to current chemical and biological attack simulation software... read more
Hanza League Importing International July 2003 to August 2005
Information Designer: Manager

How would you describe your time at Hanza League Importing Inte...?

* Management of small business importing and wholesaling foreign goods?? Exclusive duties: webmaster, professional writer, and graphic designer
* Shared duties: Tradeshow Product Promotion, Marketing, Sales, shipping/receiving, accounting, and other management duties

Education

wright state university January 2006 to November 2006
Human Factors Engineering

tags:

How would you describe your time at wright state university?

* Pursued a Masters of Human Factors Engineering.
* Primary focus was on usability testing and user issues
* Left when sufficient funding did not appear.
Carnegie Mellon University June 2000 to May 2002
Communication Planning and Information Design

tags:

How would you describe your time at Carnegie Mellon University?

*. Multidiciplinary program of English and Design
* Focus on structuring communication, interaction, and information spaces. My thesis work was on desktop communication and an user-centered hand-gesture interface
Rutgers University September 1995 to January 2000
English

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