Alex Morrison
A student of mathematics, logic and philosophy with a degree from Oxford University, Alex wrote his first computer program, an online game for an IBM mainframe system, on a deck of punched cards. In the mid-1980s he became involved in knowledge engineering - the study of human expertise and the construction of correspondingly 'expert' computer systems. This led in 1985 to a move to Brighton to found a company associated with the University of Sussex's Cognitive Studies program, Cognitive Applications.
Two years later Alex and his colleagues at the new company started developing projects using hypertext and multimedia. They quickly became involved in applications for museums including the development of the 'Computer Information Room' for the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing. An intense and formative three-year project, which often resembled an extended seminar on museums, new media and art history, gave birth to the Micro Gallery. Opened in 1991, this was the first large-scale application of digital media in a museum.
Alex has over twenty years of experience and knowledge around audience interaction and digital engagement. He has led ground-breaking work for many prominent institutions including nine national museums, the BBC and Ten Downing Street. Recent projects include the Eyewitness iPad travel apps for Dorling Kindersley and the website for one of the largest museums in the western hemisphere; The Metropolitan Museum in New York.
Alex is Chairman of Wired Sussex, a non-executive director of the Public Catalogue Foundation and a member of the PACT Interactive Media Group. He has recently spoken at Communicating the Museum in Dussledorf and The Third Sector Digital Communication and Social Media Convention.
