About Me
My attraction to design came from my passion in digital art, with later interests in the behavioral sciences and convergent media. My current work focuses on interaction design and strategy for consumer electronics.
How did you become a designer?
I entered into the design field after attending a local event back in 2005. At the time, I was a developer with little knowledgeable about interaction and experience design. During the talk, the presenter asked us to form small groups and share the design you're most proud of. Most of the people in the auditorium talked about their inventions that were recognized in the press or patented work. As my turn approached, I explained why I was there:
- I wanted to change my career path. To make new products/services that will empower people and to learn how to make them more meaningful. I knew how to technically execute well, but my skills to strategically leverage design to create deeper consumer connections needed refinement.
- I wanted to shape my own design goals with others, and have the proper "designerly toolbox" to help others align to their own.
The group was very supportive and provided advice on transitioning. A year later, I quit my full-time job and concentrated on my design education. Till this day, I am still questioning, experimenting, and learning... all helping me evolve as a designer.
My Background
I started as a developer building large-scale websites, then moved onto set-top box UI design. After several years working in the industry, I returned to graduate school and received my Masters degree in Human-Computer Interaction Design from Indiana University. There I had the opportunity to work on various projects ranging from mobile devices to social design issues. Also I was part of a research group involving multi-touch tables where our teams work was accepted at the 2009 Interactive Tabletops and Surfaces Conference.
Outside of Design
I enjoy surfing, travelling, listening to jazz funk music, and gobbling up agedashi tofu at Japanese restaurants.
Contact
jason.deruna [at] gmail [dot] com
408.757.6145