Aelgyrr Sønstegard
Principal Conversation Designer • Blink UX

A true Celtic Viking, descended from centuries of Norwegian and Irish ancestry. More the “Ragnar” type than the “Rose Nylund” type, but still able to come up with a good “St. Olaf Story” on a moment’s notice, and proud of that too.

Canadian-American, native to the Pacific Northwest, now living in Seattle. A Corgi dad, a used-to-be biker, tattoos & all. Once-upon-a-time actor, musician, and singer in opera / musical theatre. Former teacher. Insatiably curious, full of all kinds of bizarre, just because it’s so much fun to learn about… well… everything! A composer, because it brings me so much joy, and I hope my music can do the same for others.

The 35-year journey to Conversation Design at Blink UX has been a “long and winding road”, leading through Microsoft, Oracle, Nuance, and a host of others, but I love where the road has led. Chatbots, voice bots, IVR, or just a nice hygge heart-to-heart by the fire, with a mug of gløgg or a pint of Guinness — it doesn’t matter; it’s the conversation that matters, so let’s make the machines talk like people talk.