Michaël Vanderheyden aka. Th3S4mur41

Modern-day samurai kneeling in traditional armor, sword in hand, against a vibrant wall of multicolored paint splashes — symbolizing the fusion of ancient warrior spirit with contemporary creativity.

About Me

Michaël's profile picture

As a Lead UX Engineer at cycos A.G. (a member of the Atos Group), I create digital experiences that prioritize accessibility, clarity, and user autonomy. With a background in Computer Science from the Haute Ecole de la Province de Liège, I have been refining my craft since 2004. I believe technology should adapt to people—not the other way around—and I’m committed to building interfaces that remain inclusive and dependable across abilities, devices, and browsing contexts.

I’m passionate about modern web standards and enjoy exploring new HTML and CSS capabilities as they emerge. As an IAAP Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA), I don't just "fix" accessibility; I bake it into the architecture. Experimenting with fresh techniques and refining patterns is part of my daily work. Clean, maintainable code matters to me because it leads to solutions that are resilient, intuitive, and enjoyable for both users and developers.

My approach is shaped by the discipline and perseverance I’ve developed through years of practicing martial arts, including Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Luta Livre, and MMA. These principles influence how I solve problems, collaborate with teams, and navigate complex challenges with focus, respect, and consistency.

Why "Th3S4mur41"?

The name "Th3S4mur41"—The Samurai—represents my philosophy: the blend of discipline, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement drawn from martial arts and applied to web development. It reflects how I approach every challenge: with intentionality, respect for quality, and unwavering focus.

Bellona, our family husky lying in the snow

Outside of the digital world, I recharge by spending time with my family—raising two children who keep me just as busy as any complex codebase. We stay active in the Belgian outdoors, often dog-trekking with Bellona, our endlessly energetic Husky. My commitment to martial arts remains a daily practice; whether I'm on the mats for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or refining my Karate techniques, it’s where I cultivate the focus I bring to my engineering. When the seasons allow, I head to the mountains for snowboarding—a necessary change of pace from the flatter landscapes of Belgium. In every pursuit, I bring the same curiosity and enthusiasm that drive my work in tech.

Certifications & Badges

IAAP Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) BadgeIAAP DACH KB-BFL Teaching without barriers BadgeGitHub Copilot BadgeGitHub Actions BadgeLeading in the Digital Age badge from Atos