about
an information designer
I heard Liz Turner use the phrase "information designer" at eTech. I too was searching for a label that described what I do. Something better than UI Designer. Information designer is not perfect, but closer.
I predominately work with Project Management, and on occasion Development Leads directly, to prototype interfaces and create design specs. Depending on the application development platform and the client needs, these prototypes can be delivered as functional HTML, Flash or static screenshots - whatever best conveys your workflow.
For some clients and collaboration projects, I have been interjected earlier in the planning cycle - contributing in development of use cases. Understanding product goals, shaping a communication tool and acting as a User Advocate... great projects for a freelancer.
projects
I have provided workflow analysis and visual design for a range of enterprise applications, from hedge fund trading systems to Knowledge Base/PowerPoint integration. Applications written to run as thin and thick clients.
A good portion of my more traditional graphic design work has been a direct result of off shoots of UI contracts, partnerships with other designers or just small projects for friends.
I still enjoy the conceptual process, creating branded graphic design marketing solutions. I try and be flexible enough to take on these projects when my schedule allows, it's potentially a fun partnership with another designer, or when one of my friends just nags me enough.
a brief history
I worked for several years in the environmental remediation field, testing then plotting out large sampling schemes. I found myself more and more interested in the visual display of the data then the actual collection of it - something about standing at a drilling rig when it was 10 degrees or walking through buildings containing hazardous waste, it all seemed... well, kinda hazardous.
Then a visit with a sister-in-law working at Microsoft, where I found out about this thing called the internet and this application called a browser - things just fell into place.
So off to art school at night and eventually a portfolio review session that led to a job at the advertising agency Allen & Gerritsen. Which lead to two great years working on traditional print advertising and establishing a digital media division. While I enjoyed the branding and marketing side of the business, I really felt that my strengths lied in user workflow and the display of data.
Worldstreet, a software company that focused on development of web CRM and market data applications, was a perfect fit. It was like getting tossed into the deep-end, so to speak, with a group of developers who are some of the smartest people I have ever met. In the two years there, I learned a lot - mostly how to do things right and quick. Today I am lucky to say that many of these developers are friends and clients.