Breadth and Depth
I've taken Senior positions as a Software Developer, Business Analyst and Usability Analyst.
I enjoy writing clear and concise code, documentation and design specifications.
Making the news
I'm proud to have had an iPhone app mentioned on the online ABC news site, and Rogers Phone Finder on the CityTV news channel.
I take pride in my work, and get a deep sense of satisfaction when projects turn out successfully.
My Social profile
You can learn more about me from my Google+ profile, my LinkedIn profile, or by browsing this website.
One of the hardest things to do, is to be willing to hear criticisms about your work. However, this often has taken my work from personally satisfying, to being enjoyed by a community.
As a an example, I created this website iteratively, while receiving feedback from the UsabilityHub's site 'The Five Second Test'. I received consistent criticism about the navigation, layout and choice of font. This current version is reflective of more last round of reviews.
Simple Questions
I enjoy asking simple questions, and am comfortable not having ready-made answers.
What's the user's motivation? What's their story? What's simple and not boring?
Think aloud protocol
This protocol requires that users simply 'think aloud' while attempting to accomplish a given task. I've found it to be a very useful usability test.
By observing users without interruption, and having them speak aloud what they are thinking... designers can discover if the UI is simple, and usable.
I've been fortunate to have my software make the news
three times.
In 1999, the launch of the e-commerce site
Just White Shirts made the news here at home in Toronto.
In January 2010, abcnews.com referenced my iPhone app called 'Where The Flock'.
This year, I built a GPS tracking application, Rogers Canada 'Phone Finder' that was featured on the CityTV news channel.
I currently work on an R&D team for Yesmail, and previously for Davis & Henderson.
Leaping into it
I recently took an improv class. It was spectacular fun. One lesson that is taught throughout the course is to listen, stay in the moment and 'not prepare' while creating.
This may seem like an irrational approach to software development. However, when creating, or approaching new problems, this technique can be a valuable tool.
Of course, not all designs or problem solving can be approached this way.
Evolving ExperienceI've enjoyed working as a Developer, Architect, Business Analyst, Usability Analyst and Product Architect. Instead of spending my initial years of experience specializing, I've enjoyed broadening my skill set.
Recently however, my interest in building enjoyable software has moved me to focus on Front-End Architecture.
What was once called RIA's (Rich Internet Applications) is now becoming the new-normal for web development.
I enjoy building pure Javascript front-end applications that consume RESTful JSON web services.
Getting it wrong
For a project to be successful, I've discovered (the hard way) that it's not enough to try. Failure visits most every project in some form or another.
What's really helped me 'evolve' as a professional has been willing to be wrong... and accepting failure as part of the process.
It's allowed me to be more comfortable coming up with ideas, listen to my peers... and allow projects to dynamically respond to change.
My curiousity has let me wander around with Mobile technology (iOS, Mobile Web). I've built an iPhone app and mobile-web javascript apps.
Enterprise Software
In a previous life, I've worked as a J2EE developer at TD Canada Trust. I've also worked as a Product Architect at Davis+Henderson on various SOA initiative-based projects.
Front-End Development
I've built out PHP solutions using Linux, Apache and MySQL.
I've recently moved onto Ruby on Rails, and javascript frameworks like backbone.js and jQuery.
Ones and zeros
Technology by itself can be boring. What seems to draw the crowds, are the crowds. I find it most enjoyable sharing my latest gadgets with friends and family.
Social media is an obvious example, and I must admit - I am currently addicted to Google+.