John Ragland Headshot

Crafting Digital Narratives: An Engineer's Journey in Product Storytelling

My career began with a singular focus: transforming ideas into tangible, compelling stories. Immediately after college, this passion found its initial expression in mechanical design. I rapidly embraced 3D modeling and animation, leveraging early scripting languages (like Pro/ENGINEER's integrated C-like code) to not only design intricate machinery but also program its functionality, providing a clear, visual narrative of its purpose and operation. This foundation quickly broadened as I honed my skills in technical communication, creating engaging graphic artwork and 3D illustrations for user manuals that demystified complex equipment, guiding users through clear storylines for operation and maintenance. My abilities naturally expanded into the realm of marketing and web development. I became adept at crafting digital advertisements that captured attention and, crucially, developing and implementing the underlying code and design for our website to ensure a seamless and consistent narrative flow between our advertising campaigns and the user's online experience. As my impact grew, I assumed comprehensive oversight of our website, directing internal and external teams on effective storytelling through diverse channels, from traditional marketing to cutting-edge video production. I personally spearheaded product photography, meticulously ensuring each visual asset contributed to a cohesive and impactful digital presence. This trajectory led me to roles as a Project Lead and Web Architect, where my responsibilities evolved from individual contribution to orchestrating sophisticated digital experiences. I maintained a hands-on role in development, writing robust, maintainable code, while also leading and empowering my team to develop innovative applications and create visually stunning assets that collectively elevated our online storytelling. My enduring fascination with technology lies in its ever-evolving nature and the craft of coding; each new language, framework, and library represents a fresh opportunity to innovate and articulate a more profound and engaging story. I am an accomplished leader and a lifelong learner, dedicated to leveraging technology's dynamic landscape to architect, develop, and deliver powerful, user-centric digital narratives that drive understanding, engagement, and business success.