With a broad skill set spanning Unity, JavaScript, Node.js, C#, and HTML5, Aaron specializes in creating immersive experiences that bridge the gap between technology and human connection. His work focuses on AR/VR applications, educational platforms, gaming solutions, and mobile experiences that make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

Aaron Clifford

With a broad skill set spanning Unity, JavaScript, Node.js, C#, and HTML5, Aaron specializes in creating immersive experiences that bridge the gap between technology and human connection. His work focuses on AR/VR applications, educational platforms, gaming solutions, and mobile experiences that make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

Available to hire

With a broad skill set spanning Unity, JavaScript, Node.js, C#, and HTML5, Aaron specializes in creating immersive experiences that bridge the gap between technology and human connection. His work focuses on AR/VR applications, educational platforms, gaming solutions, and mobile experiences that make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Developer at Lethbridge Polytechnic
March 1, 2024 - Present
Team lead on VR education module for Taleo; created back-end service to enable more accurate AI interactions on the Ethical Decision Making project. Environment: C#, Unity 3D, Android, iOS, Windows, Oculus, Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, HoloLens, AR Kit, AR Core, OpenAI, Inworld.
Owner / Developer at Explosive Reality
August 1, 2023 - Present
Small XR-focused studio serving contract clients; built a full website with online shop for a musical client and Mythos.bot, an AI-driven D&D game master tools site; ongoing XR support for KOVR.
Senior Developer at HoloLabs
October 1, 2021 - August 31, 2023
Front-end development on an Instagram/AR mobile game, Sky Haven; created effects for the Victoria Film Festival and City of Chemainus; redesigned leaderboard for Mario Kart: Universal Studios Hollywood.
Course Instructor at XR Terra
August 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Taught VR Industry Designer Bootcamp; led a class of 10 designers through VR layout and design; Blender 3D integration.
Lead Developer at KOVR
June 1, 2017 - October 31, 2021
VR Producer / programmer on client-focused augmented and virtual reality projects; created VR projects for architecture, safety training, and medical applications; led projects for the University of Alberta and the Brick.
Web Developer at Government of Alberta
December 1, 2014 - June 30, 2017
Modernized existing government websites; created Bootstrap templates to accelerate web/app projects while adhering to organizational design standards; worked with Drupal, CKAN, Umbraco, C#, ASP.NET, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript.
Lead Developer at Unumbria Technologies
July 1, 2015 - October 31, 2016
Lead developer on a virtual reality brain training application for athletes; contributed to shaping the company's technical direction.
Founder / Developer at EgoAnt Productions Inc.
September 1, 2001 - February 29, 2020
Developed virtual reality games and apps for independent and client work; services included web, application, mobile, and game development using Unity 3D, .NET, PHP, MySQL, and Azure.
Senior Developer at RED the Agency
April 1, 2012 - December 31, 2014
Collaborated with clients on web and creative marketing projects; contributed to location-based digital installations using Adobe Flash and Unity 3D; engaged in rapid prototyping.
Web Developer at City of Edmonton
June 1, 2007 - April 30, 2012
Contract to manage the City's web presence and develop web applications; contributed to the ETS Trip Planner and Reuse & Recycling Directory; supported technology evaluations and process documentation.
Web Developer at VTN Technologies Inc.
February 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007
Assisted in XML-based content management system development; implemented regional taxation in eCommerce; maintained and improved educational software.
Web Developer / Speech Technology Trainer at Tietokone Consulting
October 1, 2001 - February 28, 2006
Developed database-driven web applications in Flash, ASP.NET and ADO.NET; enterprise applications; client-facing responsibilities across sales, training, development, maintenance and support.
Courseware Developer at Mecca Media Group
March 1, 1999 - September 30, 2001
Lead programmer for NFTC Flight Training project; designed flight instrumentation teaching aids; contributed to training interfaces for Flight Attendant Training.

Education

Add your educational history here.

Qualifications

Unity Certified Programmer
January 1, 2019 - January 17, 2026
Unity Live Help Expert
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2022
Snapchat Official Lens Creator Awards
January 1, 2019 - January 17, 2026
Codename GOA national game development competition - 3rd Place
January 1, 2015 - January 17, 2026
Telly Awards Silver Winner - Online Video - Health & Wellness
January 1, 2015 - January 17, 2026
Summit International Award - Bronze - Branded Content
January 1, 2015 - January 17, 2026
Summit International Award - Visionary
January 1, 2013 - January 17, 2026

Industry Experience

Gaming, Software & Internet, Education, Media & Entertainment, Government, Professional Services
    paper Mario Kart Universal Studios Leaderboard Redesign

    Contributed to an updated leaderboard experience for Mario Kart Universal Studios, designed to deliver a clear, exciting reveal of player performance as guests exit the ride. The work centered on synchronizing multiple display outputs with live kart score data, ensuring each lane’s results appeared at the precise moment players arrived—maximizing clarity, pacing, and showmanship in a high-traffic environment.

    In addition to UI/UX and real-time display integration, I supported in-game polish by contributing to character animations and special effects, helping reinforce moment-to-moment feedback and elevate the overall presentation quality.

    paper Through the Looking Glass VR

    The University of Alberta Through the Looking Glass project was an ambitious effort to convey the difficulties of living with different eye conditions. Since this virtual reality project was meant to be shown at an annual fundraiser gala, our goal was to keep it fun and lighthearted.

    We worked very closely with the University of Alberta Department of Ophthalmology to ensure that the visual conditions were as accurate as possible.