Michael Felix is a Design Scientist working within the fields of Interaction, Industrial, and Service design. His interests lie more within the development of living systems over static images and pre-visualized concepts designed for aesthetics alone. This focus has grown from his attraction toward emergent processes - specifically the study of ecological systems and their effectiveness in gradually unfolding order and function. Through his work, he seeks to apply a similar living process towards the deployment of expressive frameworks that evolve form and behavior as a result of local context.
Adept in crafting persona-based, scenario-driven interactions founded in discoveries from user-centered research. Skilled in observation, inquiry, and ethnographic research. Capable of rendering complex hierarchies of information into approachable, human-friendly structures. Able to quickly develop and test interactive prototypes and mockups. Champion of user experience over developmental ease.
Maintains a solid understanding of form, behavior, and aesthetics. Deeply interested in human/object relationships. Cognizant of the impact of human factors, ergonomics, and usability. Familiar with the dynamic nature of manufacturability, marketing, and engineering associated with the development of consumer products.
Able to teach complex theories, skills, methods and ideas to students from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Trained in leading constructive critiques. Motivates students to learn through playing, making, and accepting failure. Exhibits an ability to quickly improvise and empathize with different viewpoints and worldviews.
Comfortable working with tools, pixels, and code. Able to transpose sketches and diagrams into functioning objects and systems. Fluent in HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, Ruby, C++. Experienced with using Arudino microcontrollers and sensors to create robots, interfaces and dynamic environments. Knowledgeable fabricator, skilled in 3d-printing and CNC processes.
Intensely curious. Approaches problem solving iteratively through a process of experimentation, documentation and analysis. High tolerance for volatility, uncertainty and ambiguity. Able to decompose complex systems into tangible elements without losing sight of the whole. Acutely aware of feeling and intuition.
Present research interests center around the application of sound as a medium for conveying data and the utilization of extrapersonal space as a canvas for conducting human/computer interaction. Maintains an interest in parametrically-generated spaceframe systems for the fabrication of geodesic domes and nature-inspired forms. Records and performs electronic music under the % (pronounced owner/operator) moniker.
| 1983 | Born in Birmingham, Alabama |
| 1999 | First job, programming software |
| 2001-02 | Studied computer science |
| 2003 | Worked in a power plant |
| 2004-05 | Bachelor of Environmental Design @ Auburn University |
| 2005-07 | Master of Industrial Design @ Auburn University |
| 2006 | Graduate Fellowship, made braille graphics |
| 2007 | Arrived in Portland, Oregon |
| 2007-10 | Lead Interaction Designer @ Revelation |
| 2008 | Founded EFFALO |
| 2008 | Co-founded /parallelogram/ |
| 2010 | Launched Velosynth Kickstarter |
| 2010 | Artist-in-residence @ monome in Delhi, New York |
| 2010 | Launched MAKERFACTORY |
| 2011 | Arrived in Brooklyn, New York |
| 2011 | Released mlrv 2.0 |
| 2011 | Domeraising project @ Makerbot |
| 2011 | Launched Domekit.cc Kickstarter |
| 2011 | Arrived in Asheville, North Carolina |
| 2012 | Adjunct Professor @ James Madison University |
| 2012 | Director of Design/Build @ Slope.io |
| 2012 | Arrived in Savannah, GA |
| 2012 | Professor of Industrial/Interaction Design @ SCAD |
Interaction design for an interface manufacturer in Delhi, New York. Mashed together content, documentation and discussion platforms for an improved community experience.
Interaction design for an independent distro located in Asheville, North Carolina specializing in hard-to-find tapes, cds, and vinyl recordings. Designed, prototyped, and delivered a commerce experience on top of a Wordpress backend.
Service and Interaction Design for a marketplace analytics startup targeted at Amazon Merchants. Developed branding and visual identity. Conducted user-centered research, testing, and customer support. Implemented designs into code. Administered servers, databases, and backend systems.
$5400 in crowdsourced captial raised towards the development of open-sourced parametric software tools and self-adjusting connector systems for building geodesic domes. Delivered dome kits to individuals and educational institutions. Managed the production of over 700 individual 3d-printed parts.
mlrv is a software instrument for grid-based music controllers (like the monome, livid ohm/block, novation launchpad, etc). The software allows a sound file or live recording to be mapped across each row and assigned a triggering behavior. a refactoring of brian crabtree's original mlr, extended in collaboration with Trent Gill.
A free service for connecting the emerging network of localized fabrication technologies with people who need stuff 3d printed, CNC'ed, or otherwise made. In a Craigslist-style fashion, requests for making services can be posted and replied to for a maximum of three weeks.
$1600 in crowdsourced captial raised towards the development of a bicycle-mounted interaction synthesizer that translates motion into sound. Received honorable mention for "Best Small Project" at the 2010 Kickstarter Awards.
Guided the user research and iterative design process behind a complete redesign of the company's existing online qualitative research platform. Built and tested interactive prototypes. Formulated a process for integrating design into an agile development workflow. Created a brand identity and visual style through an array of interactive, exhibit, and print-based projects.
A tiny solar-powered computer audiates a stream of temperature and light information into a datamelody.
The sounds of a 3d printer are captured and paired with live drums. As an object is printed, its form is recontextualized into sound-geometry.
A motion-controlled synthesizer that recontextualizes movement into audio feedback
A proof of concept using a hall effect sensor, spoke-attached magnet and synthesizer that makes a blip each for each wheel rotation.
Proximity-based doorway entry system, iteratively prototyped in three phases using an Arduino microcontroller, RFID reader, and servo.
An accelerometer modulates a 4093-based oscillator through a 5206 digital potentiometer controlled with an Arduino microcontroller.
Process documentation for a self-sufficient solar power system that steps 12V down to 5V for microcontroller usage via a 7805 regulator.
Pressing the button generates a decision, visualized as a blue and green light. Any scenario can be applied, for instance deciding where to go to lunch.