Andrew Stapleton hopes to make new technology more user friendly.Australian technology consultancy firm UsabilityOne has appointed well-known industry figure Dr Andrew Stapleton as its research manager.

Andrew, a graduate of CQUniversity's Graduate Diploma in Sciences Communication degree, hopes to make technology products such as websites, mobile phones and games more user friendly.

"What I find deeply compelling about this type of research is that it's at the intersection of design and user experience. It's about finding out about how people actually use products such as websites, mobile phones and games, and finding ways to improve the customer experience and make things easier to use.

"Alongside this is the relationship with the client, understanding their business and what the designed product is meant to achieve, and ultimately make recommendations to reach those goals."

Andrew believes his new position is a fantastic opportunity to bring together his researcher skills and qualifications with his background in technology and media. And having a wrapper of management is something he finds both challenging and exciting.

It was during his time at CQUniversity that he was inspired to further his knowledge with a doctoral degree which he later completed at Curtin University.

Andrew spent a number of years as a university researcher and lecturer, furthering his interest in games and learning, and formally added usability to the mix. During this time he was fortunate to visit the User Research Group at Microsoft Game Studios.

His most recent position was at the Brisbane-based Krome Studios, the largest videogame developer in Australia. Here Andrew managed training and development for Krome's 3 studios.