Dr Default persona
29 Jul 2026
In this moment:
Gary Hawkes
In a recent discussion with Ambassadors I mentioned that I have been referred to before as "Dr Default". I thought this might be an interesting persona to explore.
While others jump straight into how to customise software and tools to make their experience of using software unique to them, Dr Default rarely customises anything. Be it Powerpoint presentations, operating system backgrounds, he see's them as tools and gets no pleasure in personalisation or flashy designs. When testing software he will take it as it comes out the box and learn it as it is from its base set-up. He lives a themeless existence in the software world.
While others jump straight into how to customise software and tools to make their experience of using software unique to them, Dr Default rarely customises anything. Be it Powerpoint presentations, operating system backgrounds, he see's them as tools and gets no pleasure in personalisation or flashy designs. When testing software he will take it as it comes out the box and learn it as it is from its base set-up. He lives a themeless existence in the software world.
Gary Hawkes
Head of Engineering
He/Him
Head of Engineering who came from QE. Admirer of all humans (with a special affinity for testers). I love to bring out the best in people and help them grow. I have a very tactical view of delivery and love working to find the sweet spot so that processes are a balance between effort and value. Music nut.
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CV Reviews
Rosie Sherry
Love this, and all the hidden default signals in the image is so good!
Ady Stokes
Excellent, no notes! :)
Simon Tomes
❤️
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