william a. (bill) curtis, jr.
senior user interface architect, usability engineer and consultant

• objective
• education
• skills
• experience
• professional affiliations
• publications and conference participation
• personal interests

objective [back to top]

Senior management role in an organization that offers usability engineering, accessibility or user experience consulting, which will leverage over 15 years of experience in designing a variety of usable and culturally-valuable web, multimedia and new media applications in a variety of industries. Capitalize on extensive knowledge of project management, interactive/media development and team/people management processes in an organization that is creative, globally oriented and industry-influencing. Maintain a keen eye towards innovation and research in the areas of business, education, cultural exchange and other kinds of dialogue supported by technology.

education [back to top]

June 1998
M.S. Degree, Program in Information Design & Technology, School of Literature, Communication and Culture, Georgia Institute of Technology. Member, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society of Georgia Tech. G.P.A.: 4.0.
In IDT, I completed coursework in the areas of: cultural and communication studies; educational philosophies and technologies; use of technology in the arts and in museums; hypermedia design methodologies; naturalistic (ethnographic) systems planning methods; HTML/Javascript/CGI and Web architecture; multimedia design; and analog/digital video production. My work in IDT culminated in the production of a CD-ROM master's project that documented a history of Georgia Tech through a view of campus architecture and development (with work partner Edward P. Curry).

May 1990
B.F.A. Degree, Major in Printmaking & Computer Graphics with honors from The Atlanta College of Art, G.P.A.: 3.96.
During undergraduate study, I participated in six solo and 23 group exhibitions, in addition to curating two exhibitions and teaching art to disadvantaged youth.

July 1987
International Travel Study Student, International Travel Study, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Five week intensive tour and study of art, architecture and culture in eight major European cities.

June 1986
Class Valedictorian with Honors, Bartow Senior High School, Bartow, Florida. G.P.A.: 4.20

skills [back to top]

See my work > roles section for more information about how I have applied these skills to produce a variety of successful and well-designed projects.

Research, Usability and Evaluation

Design and Production

General: Interpersonal Communication; Teaching and Training; Project Management; Facilitation. Research: Design and the Arts; Human-Computer Interaction and Interface Design; Universal Accessibility; Educational Technologies; Museum Studies; and Systems Architectures. Inquiry: Contextual Inquiry; Ethnographic Study and Field Observation; Interviews and Focus Groups; Surveys and Questionnaires; Journaled Sessions and Self-Reporting Logs; Affinity Diagrams and Card Sorting Prototyping: Low and High-Fidelity; Horizontal and Vertical Inspection: Heuristic Evaluation; Cognitive Walkthroughs; Formal Usability Inspections; Pluralistic Walkthroughs; Feature, Consistency, and Standards Inspection Testing: Thinking Aloud Protocol; Co-Discovery Method; Question-Asking Protocol; Performance Measurement; Education Evaluation

Graphics & Page Layout: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Pagemaker, Visio Professional, Quark Express, Fractal Design Painter, Canvas, CorelDRAW! Multimedia Authoring & Presentation: Macromedia Director, Macromedia Authorware, Macromedia Flash, Allegiant SuperCard, Adobe Persuasion, Microsoft PowerPoint Audio/Video Production: Media 100, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, Radius Edit, Sound Forge, Macromedia SoundEdit 16, Real Producer Hypermedia/Scripting: HTML, Javascript, CGI, LINGO, Macromedia Dreamweaver, BBEdit, Hot Dog, Allaire Homesite, WebCT courseware development tool, Adobe Pagemill, Storyspace, SMIL (synchronized media integration language) Word Processing/Database/General: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Project, WordPerfect, Filemaker Pro Platforms & Hardware:MS-DOS; Microsoft Windows 95, 98 & NT; Apple Macintosh; Analog and Digital Video Editing and Construction; Camera Work

experience [back to top]

 January 2005 - present
Accessibility Business Development & Solutions Leader for the IBM Human Ability & Accessibility Center, Atlanta, Georgia (contact: John Evans).
Serving as a Business Development & Solutions Leader responsible for integrating IBM accessibility solutions, services, products & research technologies into mainstream IBM sales & delivery activities with a goal of achieving sustainable impact and differentiation for IBM in the marketplace. Leveraging expertise in US Section 508 law and over 8 years of accessibility experience by supporting sales & delivery efforts in Government industry accounts, including the US Postal Service. Focusing on leadership in public sector business development, including central government, regional and local government, and higher education.

 August 2000 - December 2004
User Interface & Information Architecture Competency Lead for the IBM Global Services: Centers for Solution Innovation: Customer Experience, Branding & Usability, Atlanta, Georgia (contact: Larry P. Chapman).
Serves as a lead member of application and web systems development and integration projects, working collaboratively in client-facing teams with consultants, business analysts, technical solution architects, user experience designers, test teams and project managers. Responsible for ensuring that the intended users are effectively represented and accommodated in all aspects of the project life cycle, especially in requirements and functional design phases. On each project, sets overall direction for the user experience, establishes and leads the user experience team, and helps manage overall engagement. Works within established methodologies and frameworks, such as the IBM Rational Unified Process. Key responsibilities include: planning and conducting JAD/JRD sessions, conducting user research, developing comparative or business analyses, developing user personae and scenarios, developing UI conceptual models, developing UI design specifications, developing prototypes, and developing usability test plans.

August 1999 - August 2000
Adjunct Professor for the Industrial Design Program, College of Architecture, Georgia Tech (contact: Director Lorraine Justice at 404/894-4874).
Involved in curriculum and course development and teaching related to the design of embedded computer products and the use of technology in the design process. Courses taught include: (1) Computer Applications for Design -- a two-semester Junior level course teaching a broad range of computer applications used throughout the design life cycle, including vector graphics, raster graphics, project management, 3D design, animation, and Web development; (2) Interactive Design -- a one semester Senior level course teaching principles of interactive design, usability methods, research, and implementation issues; (3) Junior Spring Studio -- a one semester core studio class dealing with design in the corporate context, which includes packaging design, graphics design, full product design and modeling, and exhibit / kiosk design; (4) Macromedia Director in Two Days (weekend training session).

June 1998 - August 2000
Research Scientist / Multimedia Developer for the Center for Rehabilitation Technology, College of Architecture, Georgia Tech (contact: Director Joe Koncelik at 404/894-0254).
Involved in conceptualization, architecture, development, implementation and evaluation of traditional and media and technologies, including print, audio, video, multimedia, and Internet/Web-based products and services. All products and services are focused on usability and accessibility for many audiences and clients, including persons with disabilities and their representatives, disability organizations and service providers, educational institutions, businesses and manufacturers, professional journals, and other interested parties. In this role, I have been responsible for the development of three adult literacy educational CD-ROM products, in addition to supporting the development of a 10-tape instructional video series and three supplemental student workbooks. One of these products was featured in the 1998-99 "Unlimited by Design" exhibition at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design. Also, I have served as a graphics coordinator and digital video editor for a national live satellite videoconference in support of a federally-funded project with the U.S. Department of Education.

January 1998 - May 1998
Graduate Research Assistant for the Educational Technologies Directorate, Office of Information Technology, Georgia Tech (contact: Steve Teal at 404/894-6443).
Responsible for assisting in the development of a technical and workgroup structure to support the campus-wide rollout of WebCT. Conducted research with other University System of Georgia institutions about their experiences with and approaches for using this and other web courseware development tools. Worked with faculty across campus in pilot projects to develop Web sites to supplement both internal curricula and distance learning. Assisted other staff with curriculum design and assessment.

April 1997 - January 1998
Webmaster for the Graphics, Visualization, and Usability (GVU) Center at Georgia Tech (contact: Randy Carpenter at 404/894-5218).
Responsible for producing site architecture and initial prototype designs for major site redesign; produced graphics; developed interface components and code; managed day-to-day operations with Director and staff.

June - August 1997
Summer Intern, Programming and Special Web Projects, at PBS Online in Alexandria, Virginia (contact: Cindy Johanson, Senior Vice President, Internet and Broadband Services).
Responsible for assisting editors and producers with conceptualization, information architecture, design and production of Web content related to special PBS programs (including "Lewis & Clark: Journey of the Corps of Discovery", "The Living Edens: Namib", and "Kratts Creatures") and Web site Art and History Neighborhoods. Interfaced with external design firms to manage content production. Take a look at a presentation about my work @ PBS: PBS Presentation (PDF)

October 1996 - March 1997
Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Peter McGuire, Director of the Center for New Media Education & Research at Georgia Tech (phone: 404/894-7003).
Responsible for assisting Dr. Peter McGuire (Director) by conducting research on hypermedia design from client perspectives, Web demographics, and electronic commerce. Produced graphics, designed Web content, and designed/produced multimedia presentations.

October 1993 - October 1996
Multimedia Presentation Designer / Administrative Specialist for Stephanie Morin, Manager of Information Systems Architecture at The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, Georgia (phone: 404/676-6474).
Responsible for supporting various directors, departments and two global system-wide systems planning projects. Designed and produced presentation graphics and technical documentation for corporate-wide and international supply chain audiences; created conceptual systems planning and architecture diagrams; assisted with facilitation in team development sessions; and provided administrative and managerial support.

May 1991 - October 1993
Presentation Graphics Artist / Administrative Assistant (temporary) for various clients in Information Services and other Divisions of The Coca-Cola Company. Employed through Computer Xperts (phone: 404/888.0800) and Adia Personnel Services (phone: 770/396.0446).

August 1988 - May 1991
Fine Arts Department Assistant (temporary) to Carla Olson, Manager, Fine Arts Department at The Coca-Cola Company, employed by The Atlanta College of Art (phone: 404/733.5001).
Developed and maintained databases, including an art object tracking system. Maintained hard copy files; registered art objects; organized and installed special exhibitions; designed and produced publicity and public relations print collateral; and conducted tours.

August 1986 - August 1988
Art Librarian Assistant to Barbara Hutsell at The Atlanta College of Art Library (phone: 404/733.5020).
Responsible for helping with accession and processing of new acquisitions. Conducted collection research and evaluation; checked out resources to patrons; and reshelved, organized and inventoried resources. Organized and installed public exhibitions, including a review of the Colleges renowned artists' books collection.

June 1987 - August 1989 (Summers Only)
Assistant to the Supervisor of Art, Joe Mitchell, at the Polk County Public Schools, Bartow, Florida (phone: 941/534.2262).
Responsible for organizing and inventorying A/V resources and educational materials for county-wide art education programs. Developed and populated databases; organized and installed art exhibitions. Assisted with documentation of county participation in national-level academic competitions.

professional affiliations [back to top]

U.S. Access Board, Electronic and Information Technology Access Advisory Committee (EITAAC), Alternate member representing Georgia Tech, 1998-99. Draft standards were development for electronic and information technology accessibility in support of all federal government projects.

Association of Computing Machinery, Member since 1999. Member of ACM Distinguished Lecturer Program Committee since 2006.

CHI*Atlanta, the ACM Local SIG on Computer-Human Interaction, Communications Chair 1999-2001, General Member and Member of the Executive Council since 1998.

Georgia Public Broadcasting Atlanta, Member since 1999.

publications and conference participation [back to top]

Invited workshop participant, User Profiling; SIGCHI 2004 Conference. April 2004, Vienna, Austria.
Organized by Johan Schuurmans (IBM Netherlands), Boris de Ruyter (Philips), and Harry van Vliet (Telematica Instituut), this workshop's purpose was to set a research agenda on the use of “profiling” and “personalization” in the context of global influences on way we use technology in our life and work. Some of the global influences discussed included: Increasing connectivity and connected devices (any time, any place, anywhere); Broadband and high-speed internet; Increasing data storage capacity, both local and in the network; Smart objects (ambient intelligence, intelligent multimodal user interfaces); and Heterogeneous environments. Out of this lively discussion, a research agenda and topics for "user profiling" were derived in the areas of design process, data, applications and interoperability, security, semantics, social interaction and expectations, user control, context, and profile maintenance/management.

Invited Workshop Leader, Creating the Successful e-Nonprofit: A Process for Generating Return on Investment; Defining Moments: Georgia Non-Profit Summit 2003. June 2003, Atlanta, Georgia USA.
Online services, e-commerce, e-marketing, e-volunteering, e-everything—reaching a broader audience, serving clients, generating awareness, and saving money are all possible if you know how to establish and leverage an online presence. Simply jumping into the e-revolution, however, without knowing the possibilities and limitations of doing business online can be daunting and expensive for nonprofits. In this workshop, I co-presented (with Annie Archbold, Ph.D.) a model for developing online solutions that work to ensure the best return on investment. A case study for a local non-profit was used to explore the rationale behind moving to e-solutions was presented.

Invited workshop participant HCI & IA: Information, Interaction, Interface and Usability Architects Share Deliverables; SIGCHI 2002 Conference. April 2002, Minneapolis, Minnesota USA.
Organized by Keith Instone, Lisa Chan, Peter Boersma, and George Olsen, this workshop's purpose was to discuss themes in deliverable production that cut across disciplinary titles such as information architects, interaction architects, user interface architects and usability architects (such as type of document, audience, life cycle stages). Larger issues surrounding HCI and IA, skill overlaps and gaps, complex web applications, and "design" vs. "architecture", were also discussed. Typical deliverables that were discussed included: user profiles/personae, user scenarios, flowcharts, wire frames, sitemaps, prototypes, use cases, card sorts, content inventories, client audits, site hierarchies, conceptual diagrams, storyboards, requirements & narratives, blueprints, screen schematics, labeling schemes, and outlines.

Arthur R. Murphy and William A. Curtis. "Literacy for and by the Computer," INNOVATIONS: the journal of the Industrial Design Society of America. Spring 1999.
This article traces the design and development of software to support adult basic education (available only in print). Editorial comment from Lorraine Justice, Director of the Georgia Tech Industrial Design Program (College of Architecture) and IDSA Interface and Interaction Editor: "While many of us are involved in designing interfaces for general use, we often forget that others may need interaction designed for special needs. People of varying skill levels soon will be using the computer to help them with life's most basic needs. The Center for Rehabilitation Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, in conjunction with Literacy Action, Inc. has begun work on a software program for adult literacy. The interface components are basic, but the structure of the program is not. This is a different kind of problem, which requires a team of experts to bring this assistive technology to those in need."

personal interests [back to top]

• Creating installation art focused on definitions of culture and social interaction
• Watching and critiquing film and video art
• Mentoring youth in the visual arts
• Reading cultural and communication theory
• Running, mountain biking, hiking, and camping
• Cooking and exploring ethnic cuisines
• Gardening
• Traveling