printMichael Almond

P 415.305.0540

malmond@almondesign.com

www.almondesign.com

Summary

I have worked as a User Experience designer for the last seven years in both full-time positions and as an independent freelancer. I specialize in front-end disciplines for Web sites and Web applications. These include visual design, branding, interactive and information design, UI design, content and feature recommendations, as well as front-end coding. My professional skills draw on ten years of previous experience as an art director, graphic designer, and campaign organizer at a leading social marketing media agency. I am also a Contributing Writer to Digital Web Magazine.

Selected Projects

support.com SupportSoft

Project: Consumer Web Site, Branding

Role: Senior User Experience Designer

View Page Templates

While working at SupportSoft, I provided leadership in defining, creating and maintaining the consumer brand, support.com. My role included defining brand identity, making usability, content and messaging recommendations to improve customer experience on acquisitions sites and client tools. I also lead in the development of all visual and interactive design elements, including page layouts, site navigation and information architecture.

PeoplePC OnlnePeoplePC Online, an Earthlink company

Project: PeoplePC DSL & PeoplePC Wi-Fi Product Adoption Sites

Role: Lead User Experience Designer

View DSL screenshot | View Wi-Fi live site

While working at PeoplePC Online, an Earthlink company, I Lead the creation of all visual design elements, maintained the online brand and provided leadership in creating the User Experience strategy for Web Properties initiatives. For PeoplePC's DSL service (soon to be launched) and PeoplePC Wi-FI, I was responsible for visual and interaction design and worked with the Senior Product Manager on the information architecture and registration process for the product adoption sites.

OSHOrchard Supply Hardware (OSH)

Project: eCommerce Web site, Content Management System

Role: Lead Designer & Front-End Developer

View home page template as delivered

I was responsible for front-end project tasks for an eCommerce site and information portal containing home and garden project details and other valuable consumer information for Orchard Supply Hardware, a Sears Subsidiary. I redesigned the site's look and feel, defined graphic standards and brand aesthetic, global navigation, and documented user experience requirements. I also performed usability review and built the HTML/CSS templates while I worked with back end developers on implementing a content management system that enables the business user the ability to create, manage, and publish both Web content and direct mail campaign content.

EXBOpenExhibitionist Media Arts Assistant

Project: Open Source Web Application, Content Management System

Role: Creative Director

View application screen shot

I was responsible for all visual design and front-end tasks for a browser-based Open Source scheduling, project and content management system for film and media arts organizations. I designed the look and feel, created a logo and brand aesthetic, defined graphic standards, documented User Experience requirements, performed usability review, built Web standards-compliant XHTML/CSS templates, and performed general QA for the application throughout the development process.

AISAuto Insurance Specialists (AIS)

Project: Web Application & eCommerce Web Site

Role: Lead Designer

View home page screen shot as delivered

I designed the look and feel for a browser-based application and public eCommerce Web site for California's largest auto insurance broker. The site provides comparative ratings for auto or home insurance and has a dynamic, configurable user interface based on the line of business or brand. I created all graphics, built HTML templates and tested them on all supported browsers, and performed usability reviews.

TerraceTerrace Consulting

Project: Public Web Site

Role: Lead Front-End Designer, Developer & Usability Specialist

www.terrace.com

I was responsible for front-end project tasks. I redesigned the site's look and feel, defined graphic standards, navigation, and documented User Experience requirements. I also helped determine content requirements reflecting the agency's two primary practice areas: Insurance Solutions and eBusiness Solutions. I constructed the HTML/CSS templates, tested and validated code, performed usability review and QA.

Autism Education NetworkAutism Education Network

Project: Education & Advocacy Web Site

Role: Lead Front-End Designer & Developer

www.autismeducation.net

I was responsible for front-end project tasks. I designed site look and feel, brand aesthetic, defined graphic standards, global navigation, and documented User Experience requirements for a new education Web site for the Autism Education Network. I also assisted in content development, constructed the HTML/CSS templates, tested cross platform and on all supported browsers, validated code and performed usability review and QA.

HooksdesignHooksDesign + Architecture

Project: Public Web Site

Role: Lead Designer

www.hooksdesign.com

I designed the site's look and feel, brand aesthetic, defined graphic standards, global navigation, and documented User Experience requirements. I also created and optimized all graphics, built HTML/CSS templates, tested cross platform and on all supported browsers, and performed usability review and QA for an architecture firm's public Web site.

Judy van Soldt ArchitectureJudy van Soldt Architecture

Project: Professional Web Site

Role: Lead Front-End Designer & Developer

www.judyvansoldt.com

I designed the site's look and feel, defined graphic standards, global navigation, and documented User Experience requirements. I also created and optimized all graphics, built HTML/CSS templates, tested cross platform and on all supported browsers, and performed usability review and QA for an architect's professional Web site.

SFJFFSan Francisco Jewish Film Festival

Project: Public Web Site & Content Management System

Role: Front-End Design Consultant

www.sfjff.org/24

I consulted on site look and feel and interface design for a public Web site and administrative system for managing database-driven film, filmmaker, screening date/time, and other information, including a custom-built Blogging system and online audience surveys. The site included rich media components such as streaming video and audio.

Todd Pickering PhotographyTodd Pickering Photography

Project: Portfolio Web Site

Role: Lead Front-End Designer & Developer

www.toddpickering.com

I designed the site's look and feel, defined graphic standards, global navigation, and documented User Experience requirements. I also created and optimized all graphics, built DHTML/CSS templates, tested cross platform and on all supported browsers, and performed usability review and QA for a photographer's portfolio Web site.

Steven AlmondSteven Almond, Author

Project: Professional Web Site

Role: Lead Front-End Designer & Developer

View site as delivered to client

I designed the site's look and feel, defined graphic standards, global navigation, and documented User Experience requirements. I also created and optimized all graphics, built HTML/CSS templates, tested cross platform and on all supported browsers, and performed usability review and QA for best selling author Steven Almond's professional Web site.

Education

Brown University

B. A. in Art History & B.FA in Studio Art, 1988.

Rhode Island School of Design

Shared Studies with Brown, 1988.

Studio Art Centers International

Florence, Italy, 1987.

Work Experience

SupportSoft

Senior User Experience Designer. Full-time, May 2007–Present

PeoplePC Online, An EarthLink Company

Lead Web Designer & User Experience Specialist. Full-time, January 2006–November 2006.

Almond Design

Front End Web Design & Development. Freelance & Consulting, 2002–2005.

Linking Arts Web Development

Creative Director. Contract, as needed, 2003–2005.

Terrace Consulting

Front End Design & Usability Specialist. Contract, as needed, 2003–2006.

Senior Creative Designer, User Experience Group. Full-time, 2000–2001.

Public Media Center

Senior Art Director & Lead Web Designer. Full-time, 1997–2000.

Art Director. Full-time, 1992–1997.

Account Executive. Full-time, 1989-1992.

Skills & Knowledge Areas

Web Design & Front End Disciplines
Traditional Media & Graphic Design Experience
Management Experience

Partial Client List

  • Accounting Microsystems
  • AIDS National Interfaith Network
  • Aon Services Group
  • Autism Education Network
  • Auto Insurance Specialists (AIS)
  • California Bankers Association
  • CNET Networks
  • EarthLink
  • Earth Island Institute
  • Ford Foundation
  • Gay Men's Health Crisis
  • Hooksdesign + Architecture
  • Judy van Soldt Architecture
  • MCG Architects
  • Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH)
  • PPFA
  • Pacific Bell
  • Pacific Nurseries
  • Public Media Center
  • San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
  • Symmetricom
  • Terrace Consulting
  • Todd Pickering Photography
  • WorldGroup Consulting

Affiliations

Digital Web Magazine, Contributing Writer

AIGA Experience Design Group

Society for Technical Communication

References available by request.