At the next meetup…
October 8, 2008
User Research in the Design Process
Ever stared at a blank Photoshop screen and just needed to “get started designing”? Ever been handed a 40 page spec sheet that you needed to build from? Ever wonder if this feature should even be built in the first place?
Not to be confused with usability testing—user research can help get client, designer and developer all on the same side of the table. A solid understanding of the user leads not only to true “usability” but even better ideas to build in the first place. With the right combination of tools and process—even designers and developers will demand user research with every project to the benefit of all.
Vince Frantz frantzid.com
Vince Frantz is an information designer and principal of Frantz I.D. Since 1996, he has spearheaded a broad scope of design projects across web, intra/extranet, print and motion media. Prior to that, Vince was an interaction designer and illustrator at Root Learning, Inc. After many years doing design and development, in 2005 he began designing a new form of organization that would enhance the user centered design and development process. In June of 2006, Sprokets launched as his own “ideal client” that would always align business strategy with end-user needs. Vince also founded the non-profit Public Square Group to help cities in Northeast Ohio employ a user centered approach to the design and development of sustainable skateboard parks.
RSVP for this event on Upcoming.org
This event will be held at American Greetings headquarters so you will be required to sign in with security and get a visitor's badge.
At previous meetings…
September 2, 2008
Form Design Roundtable: The Sequel
Forms—We all use them. They are implemented in nearly every website in the known universe. From design to data collection to validation, this is the topic that keeps on giving.
The previous roundtable discussion on forms scratched the surface of this topic, leaving participants wanting more. September's gathering delivers just that. Come prepared to gain and share best practices for secure and sexy forms.
August 5, 2008
Creating User Experience Standards
The folks at Progressive Insurance had the dubious task of wrangling over 800 templates that served up pages to three distinct user groups on their website. Rick Smith and Nicole Capuana explained how they converged the applications and processes to fit the needs of consumers, agents and call center representatives. Top on the priority list was making sure that the screens for all 3 user groups were the same so in order to improve communication between different groups no matter what entry point was used to access the system. Usability testing played a large part in the decision making process.
Nicole Capuana
For the past ten years, Nicole Capuana has been designing and developing web sites and transactional applications that are used by multiple user groups. Getting her start in Seattle during the dot com bust, she has since relocated to the Cleveland area and has found great opportunities to further develop her craft. Most recently she has focusd on IA within the enterprise and has completed the first alignment of web standards for Progressive's servicing realm.
July 1, 2008
Form Design Roundtable
The first roundtable discussion of the CWSA was a complete success! The discussion was lively, covering everything from best practices in form markup to usability issues. Techiniques and experiences were examined as well as the current trends in form design.
Even though we ran out of time, we did not run out of things to say regarding forms. As a result we plan to hold a Form Design Roundtable: The Sequel in the very near future. Please check back and RSVP for what promises to be another enlightening discussion.
June 3, 2008
Search Engine Optimization
For Developers and Designers
At the June meeting, the CWSA was honored to have Chris Caputo of American Greetings talk on the subject of Search Engine Optimization. Chris tackled the subject with a focus on web standards and how they play a part in overall process.
May 6, 2008
It’s Not Magic
Programming for Non-Programmers
For the May meeting of the CWSA we treated to a superb presentation by Joe Fiorini which covered the basics of programming with Ruby on Rails. Joe was able to take the complexities of developing with Rails and make it easily understandable to the non-developer.
Joe Fiorini faithfulgeek.org
Joe Fiorini is a web developer with 8 years of experience in programming for web sites. He has been using HTML and CSS since 1997. Currently he works for Telligent Systems (the creators of Community Server) as a Software Development Engineer; he develops & maintains sites for Microsoft’s developer community. Previously he worked for Tenth Floor, an interactive marketing company as a Senior Web Developer. He has delivered technology presentations at various user groups, and to employees at Harley-Davidson and Progressive Insurance.
