Post

An Ultranaut's Ultralab (2000–2006): Never Complain About the Rain

2006-12-23

I joined Anglia Polytechnic University’s Ultralab (1990–2006) from the university alumni in November 2000. Professor Stephen Heppell hired a freshly minted graduate to build education databases. I called myself ‘New Media Researcher’, then …

I joined Anglia Polytechnic University’s Ultralab (1990–2006) from the university alumni in November 2000. Professor Stephen Heppell hired a freshly minted graduate to build education databases. I called myself New Media Researcher, then promptly changed direction. After that: working globally with people of all ages on digital creativity, learning and research projects. These days I’m Managing Director of Know Escape and Know Escape Franchise Ltd (since May 2017) — writing escape room games and helping escape room companies all over the world. I’m still Executive Director of Creative Learning Systems too — a commercial company that still cares about the research and consultancy that was once Ultralab’s bread and butter. This is a reflection on time inside the learning technology and research centre that closed its doors for the final time on 22 December 2006 — two years short of its twentieth birthday. It is also about a place that taught me what work can feel like when people care more about learners than furniture, more about ideas than org charts, and more about delight than looking impressive in a meeting. Christmas Party 2000 — balloons on the table. Never complain about the …

Topics: Learning technologySystems & softwareFamilyTravelReflection

Matthew Eaves — escape room franchise founder, operator, and writer. Also: franchise, posts, contact.