rich osborne / virtual architect

Why virtual architect?

I've long been interested in how people move within and interact in virtual spaces, and by virtual spaces I mean all those that are created by the use of Information & Communication Technologies. I therefore use the term virtual architect as a sort of moniker to describe my overall work. By combining these terms I hope to suggest a wide appreciation of what it means to create virtual spaces and how they function.

The term takes it's meaning from the definition of virtual, which can apply to anything that is created using ICT and architecture, a term already applied to designing for websites, as the definition below shows:

"Website architecture is an approach to the design and planning of websites which, like architecture itself, involves technical, aesthetic and functional criteria. As in traditional architecture, the focus is on the user and user requirements. This requires particular attention to web content, web design, usability and information architecture."

Who am I?

At present I spend most of my time working for the University of Exeter School of Education & Lifelong Learning where I manage their various websites, develop e-Learning resources, teach on the undergraduate & distance learning programmes, and research into e-Learning.

I am also a member of the Adobe Education Leaders program, a group of approximately 100 individuals from around the world specialising in the application of Educational Technology.

And away from Work?

I guess my keenest interest is cooking, and I do keep a rather intermittent blog about by culinary exploits, The Sunday Roaster (http://thesundayroaster.blogspot.com/).