Earlier work

    Before the apps, I helped people feel capable with technology.

    I began teaching digital skills in 2021 and taught more than 500 groups of older people in community settings. Those years of questions and conversations still shape how I design, explain and support technology.

    What it taught me

    In community centres, libraries and local groups, I helped older people get more comfortable with the technology in their hands. Teaching meant paying attention to what each person needed to do and giving them time to try it.

    The technology is only successful when the person feels confident using it.

    Listen first

    The real difficulty is not always the one described in the brief.

    Explain clearly

    People make better decisions when the language belongs to them.

    Stay reachable

    Support matters most when something feels urgent or unfamiliar.

    Alex Santos teaching a digital skills class

    Teaching and community history

    Organisations from my teaching and community work.

    Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board
    Women's Collective Ireland
    Age Friendly Ireland
    Cheshire Ireland
    Chime, the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people
    Family Resource Centre National Forum
    Health Service Executive
    Mayo County Library
    Mayo.ie
    Active Retirement Ireland
    Skills for Life
    South West Mayo Development Company