We spoke with Havas CX Canada's Senior Front-End Developer about all things user experiences and how decolonizing creative spaces can impact these experiences.
Can you tell us about your current role and responsibilities?
In my role as a Senior Front-End Developer at Havas, my subject matter of expertise revolves around making sure that on any platform or stack, the experience makes an impact on the user’s end. The experiences use innovative development methodology.
What drew you to work at this agency and what opportunities does it provide to foster your professional growth?
I had previously worked with the President of Havas, Alex Chepovetsky, many years ago and I knew that he was dedicated to fostering an environment where creatives had the space and resources to do their best work. Whether it be best in class design or innovative development methodology, the type of people who gravitate to working with Alex are the type of people I enjoy working with to create world class experiences.
Are there any unused skills you have that you'd love to incorporate into your professional work?
I am doing my Master’s in Design at OCAD University and eventually, I would love to incorporate my thesis work into my professional practice. As a developer, I am usually further down the line when it comes to managing the outcomes of the experience, but my background in user experience design would be an area I would love to engage with more in my professional work.
Joining such a massive industry can be overwhelming, how do you stay informed and ahead of the curve?
With over a decade of work experience, I have streamlined a variety of digital resources, as well as keeping strong relationships with people in my professional network who have a passion for innovation and development best practices.
What areas in the industry do you believe could use an overhaul?
I’ve been seeing a lot of work in the industry to decolonize creative spaces, and I would love to see that effort expand and continue to allow more voices to be heard. We are making these experiences for people that come from a myriad of backgrounds, and I think it’s important that variety is reflected in those who are generating the creative work as well.
Where do you hope this role will take you down the line?
I would hope that my current role will allow me to build stronger bridges between development and user experiences to provide more accessible and unique projects. Possibly as a UX lead, creative director, or perhaps even in a position that doesn’t exist yet.