​​Judy ​ Thomas

Hypermedia made perfect sense to me when I began to design interactive information in the 1990s. I came to the digital world from video and theater.  Through the "live arts" my focus was always on the audience, that complex group of individuals who share parts of the artistic experience at the same time they personalize the story through their individual lens.  I felt instinctively that the crazy information architecture enabled by links also emphasized our shared and individual experience. Giving the audience more control over their path always seemed like the natual evolution of storytelling to me.  Unruly but alive!  Since those heady, early days, digital art and communication horizons have exploded, and I feel lucky to be part of this brave new digital world where so much is left to research and learn.

 

This has been a unique time to have a career that flows freely between live performance and recorded media; between information and instructional design; between human and virtual expression. A wild ride that continues to ignite my imagination.

 

It has been my honor to work with many great artists, companies and organizations in many capacities. Each of which has allowed me to learn from generous colleagues. Yet the most enduring experiences and lessons continue to come from my students and audiences.