David Kojo Hutchful

Welcome

My name is David Kojo Hutchful. I am interested in user experience research, interaction and interface design, information architecture, and the use of information and communication technologies for economic and cultural development.

I am currently a graduate student at the University of Michigan, School of Information, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

This portfolio describes projects I have worked on, my educational background and work experience. It also provides further information about my interests and how to get in contact with me.

Work

Below are a selection of projects I have worked on in the last 2 years. In all of these projects, I utilize the following technical skills and the appropriate communication mediums needed to convey the presented information.

altVerto

Designed & prototyped a system that promotes and sustains the use of public transit. Awarded first prize in the SDC at CHI 2007.

CareWeb & OTIS

Evaluated and recommended improvements for the usability of two UMHS medical record systems.

CIC

Engaged in projects dedicated to improving the efficacy of community based initiatives.

coolApps

Developed applications for audience aware public displays and analyzed their impact. Awarded 2nd prize in SI Microsoft Social Computing Competition.

ForeSee Results

Analyzed & recommended improvements to ForeSee Result's client information management process.

OpenCourseWare

Developed a scalable publishing model and tools to assist the affordable production of open courseware at the University of Michigan.

Portalis

Designed a web-based system that utilizes crowd-sourcing to channel information to case managers working with the homeless. This project is a finalist in the CHI 2008 SDC.

PathWays

Analyzed John Deere's portal site and wrote a strategy report recommending improvements to the site that were in accordance with the company's goals.

Micro Finance Analysis

Employed agent based modeling to simulate an MFI lending scheme. We then applied network analysis techniques to determine the properties of successful borrowing groups.

MOSIAC

Designed a programmable interactive space to provide a playful atmosphere to the North Campus area of the University of Michgan.

Information Scatter

Using network analysis, this project examines the comprehensiveness of the information that users access through search engines.

SVL

Evaluated visualization processes and tools to enable astronomers in their use of high resolution images for their research.

Résumé

pdf icon PDF copies: Résumé | Curriculum Vita (CV)

Education
University of Michigan, School of Information, Ann Arbor, MI Master of Science in Information, Human-Computer Interaction specialization. April 2008 2006-2008 School of Information Scholarship Recipient of Edmond Low Award for Contributions to classmates and Exemplary Leadership Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, Philosophy minor. May 2002 First prize, Freshman Computer Science Game Design Challenge. December 1998 Independent Research Topic: Moral Design: Patterns in Software Design
Professional Experience
Software Engineer (June 2002 - December 2006) Internet Department - Gospel Communications International, Muskegon, MI Designed the architecture and developed BibleGateway.com, an online Bible search tool Researched, designed and developed software solutions to enable the management of client information
Database Administrator and Web Developer (May 2001 - May 2002) Information Technology - Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI Designed and implemented a database-driven, web based student directory system Streamlined student application process through research, design and implementation of a web based solution
Web Developer and Computer Assistant (May 2000 - May 2001) Campus Store - Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI Designed, implemented and maintained the campus store's website Purchased, sold and maintained computers and computer accessories for Calvin College students
Student Technology Advisor (January 2000 - May 2002) Instructional Technology Exploration Center - Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI Oversaw the education and accelerated adoption of effective uses of technology by professors into the curriculum
Research Assistant (May 1999 - January 2000) Computer Science Department - Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI Researched and developed a Java based task model editor as part of an intelligent information retrieval tool
Publications, Invited Presentations and Posters
Buyuktur, A; Hutchful, D; Cheng-Lun, L; Nainwal, S; Sant, N. (2008). "Portalis: Using Competitive Online Interactions to Support Aid Initiatives for the Homeless," Paper and poster to be presented at CHI 2008 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Florence, Italy. Fons, G; Hutchful, D; Kleymeer, P; Vollmer, T. (2007). "dScribing: Initial Reflections on Student-Centric OCW Publishing," Workshop presentation at OpenCourseWare Consortium Conference, Logan, Utah. Gukeisen, M; Hutchful, D; Kleymeer, P; Munson, S. (2007). "altVerto: Using interventions and community experiences to promote alternative transportation," Paper and poster presented at CHI 2007 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, San Jose, California. First place, CHI Student Design Competition.
Technical Skills
User Experience Research & Design: Usability testing and analysis, user surveys and interviews, heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthrough, vocabulary/metaphor analysis, visual analysis, GTN analysis, literature reviews, prototyping, storyboarding, task analysis, content inventory, competitive analysis, user personas/scenarios, site maps, wireframes Web Development & Visual Design: PHP, HTML, XML, JavaScript, CSS, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, OmniGraffle Programming: Perl, Python, Ruby, C, C++, Java, Visual Basic, Fortan, Lisp, Smalltalk Database Design: SQL, MySQL Network Analysis & Modeling: Pajek, GUESS, NetLogo Additional: Extensive experience with software design and development processes
Professional and Institutional Service
Student Volunteer CHI 2008 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, April 2008 Executive Board Member Student Organization for Computer-Human Interaction (SOCHI), ACM SIGCHI student chapter, University of Michigan, April 2007 - April 2008 Executive Board Member Community Information Corps (CIC), University of Michigan, November 2006 - December 2007 Executive Board Member Abstraction Computer Club, Calvin College, September 2001 - May 2002 Treasurer Boer Bennink residence hall, Calvin College, September 1999 - May 2000
Professional Affiliations
Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Association of Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (ACM SIGCHI)
Awards and Grants
School of Information Edmond Low Award for Contribution to classmates and Exemplary Leadership $250 (USD) - Second Place, Microsoft School of Information Social Computing Prize, 2008 $250 (USD) - Third Place, School of Information 2008 Student Poster Competition, 2008 $500 (USD) - University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School Travel Grant, September 2007 First Place - CHI 2007 Student Design Competition, 2007 Second Place - School of Information 2007 Student Poster Competition, 2007 $500 (USD) - University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School Travel Grant, April 2007 $350 (USD) - University of Michigan School of Information Conference Grant, April 2007 University of Michigan School of Information Scholarship, 2006 - 2008 First prize - Calvin College freshman Computer Science Game Design Challenge, 1998 Calvin College Mentoring Scholarship, 1998 - 2002 Calvin College International Student Scholarship, 1998 - 2002 Calvin College Merit Based Student Scholarship, 1998 - 2002
Foreign Languages
Native fluency in English and Twi; Beginner in French

About Me

One of our strongest weapons is dialogue

-- Nelson Mandela

I was born in Ghana, West Africa and I have an avid interest in both technology and human nature. Subsequently, a great source of curiosity for me has been the impact of technology, particularly computers, on the human condition. Graduating with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Philosophy, I came away with two tenets: first, technology, no matter how trivial, has the potential to change drastically the course of human life for better or worse. Second, and more importantly, dialogue is an essential aspect of human life and its pursuit for happiness and virtuousness.

Computers are increasingly becoming pervasive in our societies; however, they continue to be a source of aggravation and in some instances, despite the seemingly endless means for communication they present, computers frustrate human dialogue. Consequently, I believe it is time to consider what we can learn from human nature and culture that will allow us to develop technology more attuned to our natural human tendencies without foregoing the purpose for which we developed the technology. I believe this will allow us to use technology properly to enhance human dialogue which in turn will promote better communities and improve the human condition overall.

It is to this end that I have chosen to be an information professional with a particular emphasis on human-computer interaction. Information serves as the unique intersection between dialogue and computers and the challenges posed by the increasingly diverse ways in which society utilizes information requires us to look beyond short-term technological and policy solutions. I try to better understand the general and specific processes and principles at play in various human-information interactions to properly guide communities and organizations in their use of information systems.

More importantly, I hope to apply those principles in the development of human-centered technologies that contribute positively to the quality of individual and community life and foster the growth of meaningful dialogue -- an important tool, as Mr. Mandela notes, for improving the human condition.

... beyond the above, I spend my time reading, watching movies, traveling, enjoying good company and food and most importantly, living and breathing football (round ball, not pigskin).

Contact Me

The best way to reach me is via email. Feel free to use the provided contact form or your preferred mail client. I can also be reached by post at:

1669 McIntyre Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
USA