Experienced design professional with expertise creating compelling user interfaces through the integration of innovative technology, client needs, user testing and heuristics, and aesthetic design. Multidisciplinary background enhances creative leadership and maximizes collaboration.

Work Experience

Amy C. Smith, Inc.
2002-Current
Principal

I specialize in user-centered, web-based interactive development and print design. My 15+ years of design and extensive user testing research ensure a quality product for my clients.

 

Role Details:
Identity and branding systems (web and print)
Packaging solutions
Signage and point-of-purchase display
Email marketing
Search engine marketing
Online merchandising
Blogging / Community
Social Networking: Twitter, Facebook
Content development and copywriting
Market/brand research
Usability consulting, presentations, and workshops
Budget and invoices
Project management
Analysis and reporting

 

 

College of Visual Arts
1999-2007
www.cva.edu
Adjunct Faculty, Communication Design

I developed and teach a course on human-computer interface (HCI) design. My syllabus covers demographic research, paper models, wire-framing, user testing, and deployment of HTML, CSS, PHP, and Flash-based web sites.
Principals Of Usability Course Description and Syllabus

Related Publications:
Teaching Motion Design: Course Offerings and Class Projects from the Leading Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
By Steven Heller and Michael Dooley

 

Internet Broadcasting
1996 – 2007
www.ibsys.com
Director of Site Design
Creative Director – Marketing

As the Director of Site Design, I led our nationwide television station partners in the process of extending their trusted brands onto the Web. I conducted extensive demographic research, and created efficient, repeatable design and development processes that enabled the expansion of IB’s network from 6 to 75 sites in 3 years. I was the principal designer for the 2004 Athens and the 2006 Torino NBC Olympics web sites.

I was a core member of the R & D team which developed user-centered design practices, advanced human-computer interfaces, and content management tools. I initiated and conducted both interactive and automated user testing on a nationwide basis.

I instituted a mentor and internship program at IB, which worked closely with various Twin Cities based art schools: College of Visual Arts, MCAD, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Hennepin Technical College, Brown College.

As an expansion to my design role, I worked in partnership with the newly-hired VP of Marketing to evolve Internet Broadcasting’s brand through the development of cutting-edge interactive and online marketing materials.

Role Details:
Research market demographics and provide detailed reports complete with PowerPoint presentations.

Develop and maintain on-going relationships with network and corporate clients: General Managers, News Directors, on-air talent, etc.

Employ user-centered design processes to ensure that information is: useful, interesting, and engaging.

Communicate and document design decisions with all stakeholders.

Develop wireframe, outline information relationships, navigation, and content hierarchy.

Manage small teams of designers in the execution and deployment of design.

Work closely with developers during the creation of prototypes and final models.

Prepare multiple prototypes of UI behaviors, user interaction models, work-flow, interaction requirements, etc.

Document all analysis, findings, conclusions, decisions, and relevant information.

Monitor and document the development of project lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.

Develop and deploy online and print advertising.

Alpha Video
1994-1996
www.alphavideo.com
Art Director

I designed interactive multimedia presentations for CD-ROM and broadcast. Helped pioneer the development of continuously updated interactive news and information channels that were broadcast over networks, telephone, and satellite. Designed and oversaw production of all print collateral and marketing materials, including brochures, mass-mailings, and magazine ads.

Awards

Webby Awards
2006, Honorable Mention
www.nbcolympics.com
Torino Olympic Games

Education

University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI
Graduated 1994, Cum Laude
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

Publications

Teaching Motion Design:
Course Offerings and Class Projects
from the Leading Undergraduate and
Graduate Programs
by Michael Dooley and Steven Heller
March 2008

 

Applicable Roles

Creative Director, Art Director, Project Manager, Senior Consultant, Manager of User Experience Design, Interaction Designer, Information Architect, and/or User Interface Designer

Design Tools

Adobe Creative Suite (Design and Web Premium Packages), Constant Contact, Intense Debate, iMovie, Microsoft Office, OmniGraffle, WordPress

Programming Skills

HTML, CSS, limited JavaScript and ActionScript

Development Processes

Familiar with 6 Sigma and Agile Project Management styles.