Since 1999, Michael has consulted on interactive television user interface development for many major players, with an emphasis on prototype and production TV UI application work. He speaks the diverse languages of product, user experience, visual design, motion graphics, interactive production, and application development, enabling him to see any size project through from inception through delivery and throughout its lifecycle. His work in traditional interactive and motion graphics dates back to 1995.

In 2008, Michael was asked to join the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. His qualifications included a director-level tenure at Method, a high-profile design and interactive agency, as well as a host of consulting gigs in the interactive TV space. Since 2010, he has been on the Interactive Media Peer Group’s Executive Committee and is a co-chair of the Awards Working Group.

Rachel spent her early years at NetObjects and Rae Technology, building consumer web development tools and one of the first object oriented PDAs for the desktop. She worked for six years on the Microsoft Mediaroom product, an end-to-end solution for telecommunications companies to offer TV, video on demand, and DVR to consumers. She co-founded Ibizu, which created innovative ways for people to chat online one-to-one or in a group.

"I have a passion for using cutting-edge technology to connect people and data in new, interesting and useful ways. With the advent of internet-enabled TVs and advancements in cable, satellite, and DSL technologies, I believe that TV is poised to play a key technology role in the home. The secret is simple, intuitive, usable interfaces"

"Today, you can find me surrounded by the latest consumer gadgets, thinking of all the new and uncharted ways technology and people fit together."

Austin has been designing and developing for ten years, working with technologies that drive major mobile, tablet, web, and television environments. A portfolio of his professional and personal work is available @ www.twostatesaway.com.

"I believe that the best approach is one that begins and ends with communication. I feel that communication is the key to analysis and the destination of successful synthesis. Communication must be considered as a problem-solving process and an outcome in itself in order for technology to disseminate information."

"The transfer of knowledge can take unorthodox forms when there is no standard. My perspective lies in adaptation and creation through previous knowledge and patterns of communication. With time, I feel that anything can be learned, any goal accomplished, and any message communicated."

Ariel brings the fundamentals in computer science he learned as a bachelor of science at Stanford to his approach to architecture and design. His skills and experience with many scripting languages and developer tools make him very handy. His expertise in leveraging automation and test related build processes speed our efforts considerably. He is a well rounded developer who can quickly evaluate new platforms and devices.

"I first fell in love with programming because it let me create online experiences that simplified tasks and connected people. As the internet has evolved as an entertainment platform and a productivity tool, distilling the true value of an internet application and the optimal user experience for the end user has become my primary challenge and my motivation. My Holy Grail is not just an application that reaches millions, but one that serves its users like a cane for the blind: as an extension of their wishes and their senses."