Ray Merrill has nine years experience in designing and implementing performance-based solutions, often providing effective project management as well as technical ability. He leads and works projects providing Ariel's software interface design services, including business analysis, requirements definition, knowledge acquisition, proof-of-concept, interface design, heuristic evaluation, usability assessments, and design specifications.

Ray received his B.S.E. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan. Prior his 9 year civilian career, Ray served 5 years as a Nuclear Engineering Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Ray has tremendous experience in a broad range of technical and business environments, including the financial, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and insurance industries. Representative projects include:

• a web-based application for a health benefits call center; the design included interface components that are also used in the external, customer-direct website
• a web - windows hybrid application for insurance claim processing
• a commercially available software product for financial reconciliation
• a web-based sales force tool at an industrial gases manufacturer
• a web-based business advisor program for franchise owners who provide the financial and insurance solutions of a major financial services firm
• a call center application at a major telecommunications firm
• a web-based application to improve core team management of product launch initiatives at a major consumer products company
• a problem resolution call center at a major financial investment firm
• documentation, extrinsic electronic performance support, work process design, and rollout training for a worldwide clinical/adverse experience database and 11 client applications
• supported a major pharmaceutical company's information systems group with consulting projects that defined, improved, and implemented software methodologies
• an electronic operating manual at a major petrochemical firm
• Process Technician and Supervisor training at a major petrochemical firm
• Console Operator emergency response training at a major petrochemical firm

Ray has presented at the following conferences:

Knowledge Management World 2000		"Don't let carpenters design your home"
Performance Support 2000		"Why build half a bridge?"
Performance Support 1999		"Software developers are from Mars, trainers from Venus, and users from Earth"
Performance Support 1998		"Tying into business drivers"
Performance Support 1997		"Applying TQM tools to the discipline of performance support engineering"

In the past, he has worked on systems for the following clients:

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Ray is an avid Master's Swimmer who periodically competes in triathlon. He also likes to travel, with a particular interest in castles. College football is, of course, an important part of any Michigan grad's life... Hail to the Victors!