What: Practical design that follows function
The success of your web application is primarily measured by productivity gains achieved by your users. All too often, user expectations are lost in transit while en route to the engineering team, or technical possibilities are never revealed to the user, resulting in an application that fails to fully satisfy the user and also falls short of its technical potential.
I help reduce these communication problems by making sure that the user's needs utilize the full potential of the available technology. My experience developing applications in both information and application architecture capacities enables me to solve problems from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint. I draw on this experience to bridge the communication gap between the user and the engineering team — a common problem that plagues so many development processes.
Areas where I can help you
Interaction Design
An interface that confuses users and returns ambiguous feedback on routine tasks is a permanent barrier to a successful application, regardless of how nice it looks. I evaulate the entire workflow process to create an application that cooperates with the user and increases their task efficiency.
Accessibility / Section 508 Compliance
Declaring your web site as an accessible web site goes far beyond passing the Bobby test. Section 508 compliance involves qualitative adjustments that relate to content structure and positioning — requirements that cannot be evaluated by a computer-based validator. My work with government web sites has given me hands-on experience with maintaining 508 compliance.
Intranet Design
A successful corporate intranet can increase productivity by significant (and quantifiable) amounts. Whether you are designing one from the ground up, or refining your existing intranet, I can help assess your employee's needs and design intranet applications that will meet their expectations.
Buy vs. Build
IT managers are regularly faced with the decision to either build a custom application or purchase a commercial package to fulfill a need. My experience with developing and maintaining a wide variety of applications can help you make better informed decisions.
Membership Configurator
If you have a member base whose membership involves more than just a single recurring fee, there's a big chance that a standard bill presentment or e-commerce package isn't going to efficiently capture your membership requirements. I can help you design an intuitive interface that will allow your members to maintain their accounts online, saving you money on the phone and mail-based customer service costs.