Susan Dray (Part 1) on navigating interstices: academia, industry and global consulting (CAL132, S7E5)

The wonderful Dr Susan Dray shares her journey from obtaining a PhD in experimental and physiological psychology at UCLA to becoming a pivotal figure in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Susan recounts her transition from academia to industry, including roles at Honeywell and American Express, and her eventual shift to independent consulting. She discusses the evolution of HCI and human factors, the significance of ethnographic studies, and the importance of listening with one's heart in diverse cultural contexts. Susan also reflects on the birth of SIGCHI, organizational challenges, and her expansive international work. Her insights provide a rich, historical perspective on the ongoing interplay between technology, human behavior, and organizational dynamics, and on the contextual and cultural nuances in technology adoption. She also demonstrates the power of curiosity, self reflection and a service mindset. Overview00:29 Episode Introduction02:49 Susan's Background03:52 Transition from Academia to Industry05:37 Early Challenges at Honeywell06:56 Gaithersburg Conference and SIGCHI Formation10:15 Human Factors and Computing Systems13:34 Human Technology Impacts at Honeywell16:40 The Mindset of a Scientist22:59 Mentorship and Career Advice26:30 Career Transitions and Reflections28:06 Early Challenges in Consulting30:12 Setting Up a Consulting Business31:59 International Projects and Usability Studies38:22 Navigating Cultural Differences and Lessons in Challenges45:24 Innovative Research in Korea and South Africa49:26 Embracing Discomfort Curiousity and Self Reflection52:17 Wrap upRelated LinksSusan Dray webpage  and LinkedInACM SIGCHI Special Interest Group On Computer-Human Interaction

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