HOW I work

Information architecture for web sites

I document project requirements and specifications, specify user-system interaction and develop interface solutions. Specific business objects created include:

• Detailed requirements gathering and specification documentation
• Technology-independent use cases and user scenarios
• User-system interaction flow charts and site architectures
• Page schematics (screen decks, page blueprints) for screen designs (including data elements and controls)

The first things I want to know are: who will use the site, for what purpose and under what circumstances. I ask these questions and more in order to document site requirements. Site requirements form the basis for how I structure site organization and specify user-system interaction, demonstrated with high-level site architecture diagrams.

If the proposed interaction is sufficiently complex, I develop use cases and interaction flow charts to demonstrate how site requirements are met. Use cases and flow charts form the basis of the specifications used by the development team. I consult with the design and development teams to ensure that the design is feasible and cost-efficient to produce. I collaborate closely with programming staff to structure back-end database design that will support the desired site organization and interaction.

Page-level details are demonstrated as black-and-white page schematics, showing all the required elements, and providing a guide to the graphic designer. I specify each element's appropriate emphasis; I don't tell the designer, "Make it bold and red."

Page schematics are also used to test the site design with potential users before initiating site development. Page schematics are refined and re-tested until I am satisfied that the documented requirements are met. This is a critical aspect of site development: the earlier in the process necessary changes are made, the cheaper, and that makes everybody happy.

I stay involved through the development stage, working out unforseen architecture and interaction issues as they arise.

Software proficiency

Graphic design for print and web

I have extensive experience with image editing and page layout software, for both print and web applications:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe PageMaker
• Quark XPress
• HTML Kit
• Microsoft Office applications

I hand code HTML and can code a little Javascript. I have done direct database entry with MS SQL Enterprise Manager.

Information architecture

Site architecture, flow charts, use case diagrams — Visio
Page blueprints/wire frames/paper prototypes — Adobe InDesign
Use cases, documentation, reports — MS Word
Content management — MS Excel

I have a passing familiarity with MS Access and MS Project.
I learn most applications quickly.

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