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- Generative AI: pitfalls, myths and potential
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- Tentative Cypress GitLab CI integration for fun and profit
About Me
I’m James Sheasby Thomas, a QA Analyst for Oak National Academy, a UK public body that produces free, high quality and adaptable teaching resources for primary and secondary schools. Embedded in Oak’s curriculum squad, I conduct user-focused testing to ensure a robust and value-added experience for all. I am a strong advocate for shift-left testing, agile process improvement and quality advocacy, ensuring that holistic quality is practised and understood by all team members.
As part of my role I specialise in accessibility advocacy, which includes providing guidance during discovery and design phases, advising on technical remediation efforts, and acting as the subject matter expert for accessibility audits and other accessibility-related projects.
Quick CV
QA Analyst, Oak National Academy
July 2023 – Present
QA Analyst for Oak‘s Curriculum Squad, collaborating with a PM, a Designer and 3 Engineers, plus Marketing, Data, Ops and Education team representatives. In addition to functional and exploratory testing, my role also incorporates aspects of agile facilitation, detailed feature refinement, accessibility advocacy, delivery management and strategic communications.
Outside of a squad context, I work closely with fellow QA team members, the wider Product team, the Engineering team and the wider organisation, in order to ensure that the right domain knowledge and contextual information is shared with the right people, in the right format, at the right time. I’m a strong believer in breaking down silos and sharing good practice as a means of ensuring that quality standards are set and maintained in all aspects of our output.
Test Analyst and Accessibility Advocate, Inviqa
September 2015 – July 2023
I typically acted as the lead or solo tester for CMS and e-commerce projects. I used technical testing approaches and automation to augment my exploratory testing. By advocating for the practise of holistic quality by all team members, I ensured that projects balance the needs and desires of all stakeholders.
As an accessibility advocate, I delivered tailored workshops to public sector organisations. I also created an internal ‘Accessibility Advocate’ training course suitable for all disciplines. I provided accessibility consultancy and high-level auditing for internal and client projects.
In 2019-2020, I led a training programme for two software testing apprentices. Using a range of learning techniques, I ensured that they became skilled and effective members of our QA Team.
I regularly spoke at conferences, meetups and company events.
Web Tester, Numiko
January 2014 – September 2015
I was the sole tester for Numiko’s CMS and web app projects. I developed test strategies tailored for each project, and conducted exploratory and functional testing.
As part of my role, I implemented accessibility-by-default practices throughout the project lifecycle. I ensured that our projects met WCAG 2.0 guidelines and satisfied disabled users’ needs.
I also led or contributed to user research projects. My research techniques included user testing, eye tracking, online surveys and Google Analytics audits.
Communications Manager, LexAble
April 2012 – August 2013
LexAble is the creator of Global AutoCorrect, an assistive software tool for dyslexic students and professionals. As their first full-time employee, I developed and implemented LexAble’s brand and communications strategy. My key projects included printed marketing materials, promotional video curation and a complete website redesign. I also supported the Managing Director and Sales team with strategic communications and pre-sales planning. During my time at LexAble I also contributed to industry publications as a ghost writer, and submitted a winning nomination to the 2012 Tech4Good Awards.
By revamping LexAble’s brand and communication style, I provided a key contribution to LexAble’s rapid early growth from a one-person operation to a profitable small business with an impressive market share in the assistive software industry.
Contact Me
You can find me on Twitter or LinkedIn, or contact me via email.