Professional Work
As detailed in my résumé, I have worked professionally in interactive design and development for eight years. For nearly four years, I served as Senior Web Designer for Technology Services at University of Michigan. In this role, I primarily engaged in interface design, interaction design, and information architecture. I practice standards-based web design, with a focus on 508(b) compliance for web accessibility.
Please see below for details on University projects I led or was part of.
University Unions (site launch pending)
My Role: Information architecture.
Challenges: Complex array of information for four interrelated websites needed to be displayed in an easy-to-follow format.
Stakeholders: University of Michigan students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Results: The four site architecture maps served as useful tools for the web development team, and efficiently clarified our collective understanding of the structure. (Site development in progress.)
The 36th Annual Ann Arbor PowWow
http://www.umich.edu/~powwow
See Home Page
My Roles: Interface design, interaction design.
Challenges: Extremely short timeline, unexpected employee turnover within project team.
Stakeholders: Event visitors, participants, vendors, and organizers.
Results: Site architecture organized in four weeks and visual design and coding complete in two weeks. The client was very pleased with the site, which received attention as a featured site on U of M's gateway page.
Comments: "Incredibly attractive, easy to navigate, simple but effective in design, and a great representation of the grandeur of the event. Well done!" Loren Rullman, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, University of Michigan (3/25/08)
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD)
www.umich.edu/~sswd
My Roles: Information architecture, interface design, interaction design, content analysis.
Challenges: The content was presented to us in the form of lengthy handbooks, needing to be optimized for the web, and organized efficently. Web accessibility methods researched and implemented.
Stakeholders: Students with disabilities, faculty and staff, interested parties.
Results: Site planned, re-structured, and developed in five months. Well-organized, attractive, and accessible, this site greatly surpassed client expectations in every respect.
Comments: "It sets a standard for accessibility." Sam Goodin, Director of SSWD (2/12/08) "An excellent example of a welcoming, student-friendly disability site." Pamela Horne, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions, Purdue University (5/20/08)
University Unions Arts and Programs (UUAP)
www.umich.edu/~uuap
See Cardsort Artifact
See Paper Prototype
See Home Page Design
My Roles: Information architecture, interaction design, visual design.
Challenges: Complex JavaScript/CSS based menu needed to work across browsers (including IE 6), site required Dreamweaver templates so that client could edit with Contribute.
Stakeholders: Individual students, student organizations, vendors, event organizers.
Results: Site launched 8/07. Client was extremely satisfied with this site, and appreciates the ease in which it can be updated.
Comments: "It looks AWESOME!!! Really appreciate your hard work and dedication on this project." Susan Pile, Director of Michigan Union and UUAP (8/31/07)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness
Center (SAPAC) www.umich.edu/~sapac
See Home Page Design
My Roles: Information architecture, interface design, interaction design, content analysis.
Challenges: A vast abundance of detailed information needed to be organized and presented efficiently. In addition, much of the content needed to be revised and reassigned within the site.
Stakeholders: Sexual assault survivors, relatives and friends of survivors, volunteers, organizers.
Results: Site launched 8/07. Client delighted with the clear presentation of content.
Comments: "I keep getting complimentary emails from people throughout the division on the website. They all say, 'Great Job! Looks awesome! So much better!' So thanks again for all the great work!" Anne Handeyside, SAPAC Co-Project Director, UMVPP Project and Crisis Intervention Specialist (9/28/07)
Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA)
mesa.umich.edu
See Creative Process Artifact
See Home Page Design
My Role: Interface design.
Challenges: Creating a fresh look and feel that matched the client's specific expectations.
Stakeholders: International students and students of mixed or non-white ethnic decent, student organizations comprised of such students.
Results: Design completed 5/07. After a series of iterations, the design was well-received by the client.
Comments: "I am very excited about the new range of colors! I feel confident that we are heading in the pathway I would like to see the web site developed...Thank you very much." Nelson Acosta, former director of MESA (4/20/07)