Hello! I saw the Web evolve from something almost useless to the average person into something none of us can go without for a single day. How did it become so woven into our lives? Designers and developers worked together to make it easy to use, that's how.
A great user experience takes advantage of many problem solving methods to provide a website customer with a productive interaction. My philosophy is that a website should serve the customer's needs first. To acheive this I collaborate closely with my clients to understand the hopes, dreams and business goals of the new online marketing strategies we build together.
"Parataxis" is a word I picked up in a college comparative literature class. It stuck with me because it describes something that is often overlooked in everyday life. Something that can be used in design to great effect.
From Wikipedia:
"Parataxis (from Greek for 'act of placing side by side'; fr. para, beside + tassein, to arrange; contrasted to syntaxis) is a literary technique, in writing or speaking, that favors short, simple sentences, often without the use of conjunctions...in which two images or fragments, usually starkly dissimilar images or fragments, are juxtaposed without a clear connection. Readers are then left to make their own connections implied by the paratactic syntax..."
Modern communication leaves little room for nuance. We are so immersed in the syntax of information that the meaning is too often missed.
With parataxis one can engage the mind by creating a visual riddle with a lasting impression.
Hand-coding HTML since 1995
Using Photoshop since 1990
Using Mac OS since 1985 & Windows since 1990
Starting a project right means planning it out in as much detail as possible. First we discuss the goals of the site. Then we develop a marketing strategy by exploring options for visual and verbal tone. Next, an information architecture is created to map the best click paths to your information. Wireframes are then made to illustrate the visual hierarchy of information.
The wireframes are fleshed out into design mockups that illustrate the site's visual design. After one or two rounds of revisions that allow us to fine-tune the look and feel of the site together, the design is finalized.
The final design is sliced into Web graphics and coded into page templates using the latest HTML, CSS and JavaScript methods. The templates have functional navigation and scripting effects, and are tested for cross-platform compatibility.
The templates are duplicated and populated with content. Functionality is perfected and the result is reviewed by the client.
Search engine optimization is performed to ensure the highest ranking in search results. Any remaining issues are fixed before the finished, fully-functional site is released to the world.
Usability testing, analysis, and implementation of better navigation and content delivery methods. Marketing strategy consulting for products and events. Maintenance of a dozen versions of the website for international offices. Enhancing the website's HTML and CSS code.
As part of a small team of Web marketing specialists, I helped maintain 10 international versions of a large statistical analysis software company's website. I provided user interface and experience strategy and implemented modern front-end Web coding techniques. Unique responsibilities included design, production and maintenance of annual conference for North America and EMEA regions two years in a row (http://www.spss.com/spssdirections/).
Create fully customized blog theme (WordPress) for educator organization. Integrate the site with social networking websites for event organizing, member recruitment, community outreach, and fund-raising.
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Dynamic Code (ASP, JSP, PHP)
Project Management, Information Architecture, Wireframing, Layout Design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Art Direction, Layout Design, HTML, CSS
Timeline Animation, ActionScript Modification
Basic design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript