I am a sociologist who joined the DIRC project to look at the home and how technology can be used effectively within it. Previously I have worked within the field of smart homes and assistive technology and have designed a number of smart homes in Scotland for the CUSTODIAN project as well as for health and social care consortia. I have a crude webpage which can be viewed at www.smartthinking.ukideas.com. In my spare time, when not changing nappies for new arrival Scott, or playing with Toni, I occasionally attempt to make a tune on the guitar (often unsuccessfully) and enjoy reading a good book as well as the taste of the Scottish nectar of life.