Matt Rogerson

Matt primarily consults on audio-visual design. He also has a background in lighting.

At Charcoalblue I spend most of my time designing Audiovisual and Stagelighting systems to meet (and ideally exceed!) our clients expectations. I really enjoy trying to maximise the flexibility of these systems to ensure the venue can adapt to a wide range of uses throughout it’s expected lifespan. I bring my previous experience working within the education sector (RWCMD) to help inform my designs. I find thinking about the “but why” approach of students alongside the “this is how we do it” approach of academics / practitioners, helps me consider my designs with a fresh and practical approach.

What Brought You to Charcoalblue

Having spent over 20 years supporting students as they start out in our industry I really enjoy the opportunity for my interactions to create a lasting, positive impact. The move to Charcoalblue meant that I have been able to continue this but now in a much more physical way! Former colleagues and friends who work at Charcoalblue encouraged me to apply for a role here, they spoke very highly of the working environment here. I was quite surprised that, if anything, they were underselling it!

What Does Great Design or Experience Mean to You

A great design, for me, results in the technical design disappearing into the background with users experiencing the moment rather than the technical production of it. For the audience this transparency will hopefully enhance their experience, for the technical staff they can carry out their tasks with minimal consideration on how to bend the technical systems to meet their needs.

What Clients/Colleagues Value About You

My colleagues have previously called me “Meme-Lord” which seems a rather flippant point to note! But I’m actually quite happy with that title! I try to maintain an informal online working environment, which is especially import with our geographically distributed, remote team. If a gif or meme can make a colleague smile and still get across the message, then why not!

What We Won’t Learn from Your CV

When not being a dad and husband I run a residential creative arts holiday for teenagers each summer. As well as the charity that we set up to support it when we started running independently a few years ago. I also strongly believe that it is always good weather for shorts.

Coffee, Travel, or Creative Ritual

Coffee and time tending to my (virtual) space empire are my go-to “ahhhh” things! Always made better by a good pudding / sweet treat, Or even better a burger ….

A Book, Podcast, Building, or Creative Work That Inspires You

My all time favourite series of books that I keep going back to re-read is the Red/Green/Blue Mars series by Kim Stanley Robinson. It follows a diverse group of folks over may years as they battle through the technological and societal problems associated with turning mars into a liveable 2nd home for humanity. I really enjoy seeing the impact of the characters often small actions play out over many years, leaving a mostly positive legacy. The impact and use of (mostly fictional) technology is also creatively explored and describe. There are also lessons about “new” is not always “good”, as well as considering the unintended impact when technology is used in the way it was not intended.

Cultural Value You Most Identify With

I really identify with Charcoalblue’s creativity and innovation cultural value. I have always been an early adopter of things – sometimes this has led to disappointment (anyone remember the excellent Google+ social network … ?) but often I find myself with experience and knowledge of things before they become mainstream. I really enjoy spending time with new things, working out how they work and spending time pondering how they could be used to meet needs or solve problems that I come up against. This enjoyment of “new things” as well as my time supporting students with their frequent questioning of “normal”, work well together to help me develop creative solutions for our clients.