PROJECTS / CASE STUDIES

Past Projects Summary

INFORMATION ARCHITECT and CONTENT STRATEGIST, Developer Marketing, Microsoft, 2006.

Designed IA and content strategy for Coding4Fun and Beginning Developer Web sites. IA deliverables included taxonomy development for automated publishing using blog software and RSS feeds. Also developed a plan for the annual content refresh of 45 Express Edition global registration benefit e-mails, including translation and localization.

INTRANET USABILITY and IA CONSULTANT, Bonneville Power Administration, Spring 2006.

Evaluated content collaboration and publishing issues for BPA. Recommended an overall strategy for three key areas: 1) Intranet publishing, 2) work group sharing and collaboration, and 3) employee “self-service automation.” Delivered high-level IA and project plan deliverables, and successfully achieved project buy-in from Public Affairs and IT C-level executives.

USER EXPERIENCE PROGRAM MANAGER, Server & Tools Group, Microsoft, 2004-2005.

Led a year-long project to design the user experience for global registration of Visual Studio 2005 products. Managed all global messaging pertaining to registration in applications, on Web sites, and in post-registration e-mail. Designed information architecture and navigation for Visual Studio Express Edition Web site, and managed all content for a highly successful launch.

INFORMATION ARCHITECT and PROGRAM MANAGER, Lodestar Business Consulting, 2003-2004.

Worked on a variety of Microsoft Web projects, including Educators’ Fresh Start, ASP.NET Hosters, and the Mobile & Embedded re-launch using a custom InfoPath collection form. Gathered requirements, defined user scenarios and information flow, and designed UI. Prepared requirements/ functional spec documentation. Assisted in testing and CSS specifications for custom XML-to-HTML application.

ENTERPRISE CONTENT MANAGEMENT, Office Depot, 2002.

Gathered requirements from international stakeholders regarding content management needs for catalog production, store collateral, and generation of over 1,600 e-commerce Web sites. Proposed a solution model that included 3rd-party product integration to address a variety of needs, including management of cross-media catalog content, document management, digital asset management, and Web content management. Provided ROI modeling for budget adoption.

TAXONOMY DEVELOPMENT, Microsoft Education, 2002.

Conducted research and defined detailed taxonomy model for tagging curriculum and other Web site content for reliable access by visitors using search parameters. Included usability analysis of model.

CMS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, Microsoft for Partners, 2001.

Acted as interim CMS Program Manager to produce CMS training and documentation; review and propose workflow implementation; review and update metadata; develop metadata change management process; improve CMS interface; communicate with international subsidiaries; and initiate project planning for widened usage of CMS to include CD-ROM publishing.

PUBLISHING ANALYSIS FOR NEW SITE AND CMS, Gates Foundation, 2001.

Performed internal publishing analysis to determine efficacy for implementing a content management system to improve Web management. Proposed many new business processes, roles, and standards in conjunction with phased introduction of a CMS tool for areas of distributed publishing with high content change. Delivered project plan that separated site design from CMS implementation that was successfully implemented by two vendors.

CONTENT MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS, SELECTION and NEW SITE DESIGN, Microsoft Visio, 2000-2001.

Provided content management consulting and Web architectural design, with specific project focus on Microsoft Visio subscriber-based site. Performed needs analysis for selection of a content management system. Provided detailed analysis of content for input templates, presentation templates, and workflow for implementation of the CMS. Produced site requirements document, definition of content domain, detailed site map, site prototype, and functional specification.

WEB DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, and PROJECT MANAGEMENT, many clients, 1996-2002.

Included development of project plan, site design, architecture, and often the content and/or editing. Produced HTML/JavaScript and graphics. Delivered ongoing site maintenance or a handoff strategy for maintaining the site.

Starbucks Business Alliance Intranet (no public access), 2002.

Human Resources International, 2001.

Julie Martin, Artist, 2000-2003.

Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Corporation (no public access), 2000

ChazAustin, Consultant, 2000-2002.

Larson Long Term Care Group, LLC (site and business closed), 1996-1999.

Women in Communications, 1997-99.
 

INTRANET CONSULTING, Seattle Times, 2000

Analyzed existing Intranet content and organization. Proposed alternate content architecture and an action plan for implementing company-wide adoption of standardized processes and templates. Facilitated manager education regarding necessary project stages and resources.

E-COMMERCE RESEARCH, Studio Prime, 1999.

Researched e-commerce strategies for selling MP3 music online. Included research of competitors; analysis of electronic delivery requirements and transaction options; determination of development costs and business viability.

WEB DESIGN AND CONTENT PRODUCTION/MANAGEMENT, Laplink.com, 1999.

Designed new site architecture, navigation, and prototype for corporate e-commerce site. Developed company-wide procedures for managing content and updating site — including job initiation, tracking, editorial review/approval, testing, and posting. Implemented sales promotions involving both e-mail and Web.

Y2K CONSUMER SITE STRATEGY, ARCHITECTURE, and CONTENT DEVELOPMENT, US Web and Microsoft, 1999.

Co-developed creative strategy, architecture, and content for Microsoft Y2K small business and consumer Web site. Tailored site design to meet business needs, consumer needs, corporate legal concerns, and significant technological restraints.

TECHNOLOGY MARKET RESEARCH and PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, Design Intelligence, 1997.

Researched emerging color output technologies in offset and copier-based industries. Produced estimates of adoption rates and user profiles of low, mid, and high-range markets. Identified key partnering candidates and proposed a vendor support program for increasing sales and distribution of "i-publish" product.

TECHNOLOGY MARKET RESEARCH, Microsoft (Printer Business Unit). 1990.

Researched market perceptions regarding Adobe PostScript PDL and fonts versus alternative non-Adobe technologies in both Windows and Macintosh environments. Documented concerns about Windows printer drivers and poor Windows font integration.

PRINT PUBLISHING CONSULTATION, Seattle Times, Nintendo Power User, City of Seattle, LTC, Inc., Dames & Moore, Marquand Books, QFC, others. 1989-1997.

Conducted needs analysis and provided recommendations for technology selection, implementation, and production processes in both Macintosh and Windows environments. Managed hardware, software, troubleshooting, complex printing and prepress issues. Designed workflow, job tracking, scheduling, and cost estimation systems. Streamlined team/business processes.

SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGY TRAINER, Seattle Times, Ivey Seright, Eddie Bauer, Elgin DDB, Computer Training Service (CTS), City of Seattle, Sound Partners, TechnaPrint. 1988-present.

Developed and delivered customized seminars for software and technology related to print and Web publishing. Consistently received praise for clear, concise classroom explanations, organization, and written materials/handbooks.

TECHNICAL WRITING AND DOCUMENTATION, VTI/Adaptec, Inacom, Pentec Environmental, BRI, others. 1989-1994.

Developed numerous manuals, software/hardware guides, procedural guides, technical marketing collateral, and professional engineering portfolios.