jhm+@andrew.cmu.edu (Jim Morris) (03/16/90)
Overview MAYA Design is a consulting firm that specializes in the design of computer-based products for use by ordinary people. We are founded on the premise that the computing industry is entering a new, competitive phase in which raw functionality is not sufficient to maintain a product in the market. Products must be carefully designed to encourage their own use, as well as precisely meeting users' needs. Such designs require a thorough understanding of the technology, the user, the esthetics of the medium, and the principles of good design. MAYA provides expertise and experience in the fields of computer science, psychology, and industrial design. It is the focussing of this diverse knowledge in bringing advanced products to market which defines our area of specialization. Job Openings System Designers. The applicant should have demonstrated the ability to design and implement a system or user interface that has had real users. Evidence of real expertise in a particular area, e.g. a Ph.D. in Computer Science or Psychology is desirable. Engineer. The applicant should have a degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering and several years of experience Programmers. The applicant should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or Computer Science, and evidence of excellent programming skills. A Closer Look - We are oriented towards performing designs for a small number of long-term clients. Our first major client is the Digital Equipment Corporation. We have begun a project for them on advanced technology for the office. - Our practice is aimed at helping clients bring innovative products to market. We are not day-at-a-time consultants. We do not develop and market our own products. Rather, through a long term client relationship, we provide a spectrum of design expertise, addressing all aspects of the product development process from usability to functionality to technology. Our relationship with our client~s technical staff is at all stages highly collaborative. At no time will we create a need for technology transfer by outrunning our client~s aspirations or needs, or those of its customers. We follow Raymond Loewy~s admonition to strive for the "Most Advanced, Yet Acceptable". - Our product design methodology involves field studies, prototyping, evaluation, quality assurance, and written documentation. We wish to be involved in all phases of the development process from conception to product introduction. In the early stages of development we offer the client many alternative designs and assistance in choosing among them. Later we work with the client's technical staff during product development; in the final stages we assist with product introduction and participate in the field tests. - We are based in Pittsburgh with strong ties to Carnegie Mellon University. When unusual skills are called for, we have access to world class academic and commercial specialists. - Our current planned staffing level for 1990 is 10 people. We plan to grow to about 50 in later years. Principals James Morris, President, is also a Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon and was formerly the Director of the Information Technology Center which developed the Andrew System, a highly regarded university computing environment. Previously he was a Research Fellow at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center and participated in the development of the Alto and Star workstation systems. He received an M.S. in Management and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from M.I.T. in 1969. Peter Lucas, Vice President, is also a Senior Research Scientist in the Carnegie Mellon Psychology Department, where he directed the design and implementation of a large distributed research computing environment. He studied Cognitive Psychology, Education, and Psycholinguis-tics at Cornell University, receiving his Ph.D. in 1981. His research experience includes the application of advanced technology to the study of language processing, perception, and typewriting skills. He is a principal in a small company offering custom services in digital typography. Joseph Ballay is a Professor of Design at Carnegie Mellon and former head of the Design Department. He is a nationally known industrial designer and specializes in the creation of interactive, high technology products and man-machine interfaces. He received a M.F.A. in Design from Carnegie Mellon in 1970.