Michael Almond Professional Resume

Michael Almond
P 415.305.0540
malmond@almondesign.com
Portfolio Site: www.almondesign.com
Linked In Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/almondesign

Summary

I have worked as a User Experience Designer for the last eight years in both full-time positions and as an independent consultant. I specialize in Visual Design and Branding, User Interface Design, Interaction Design and Usability for consumer facing Web sites and applications, including Software as a Service (SaaS) and Social Media applications. I also have design experience working on user interfaces for enterprise applications. My professional skills draw on years of previous experience as an Art Director and Campaign Organizer at a leading Social Marketing media agency.

Selected Projects

Linking Arts Web Design and Development

Project: Web Site Redesign & Blog
Role: Creative Director
View Live Site

Performed all User Experience design tasks required for a total overhaul of a Web design and development agency Web site specializing in online services for filmmakers, video producers and media arts communities. Designed the new look and feel, revised all branding, including logo and visual design elements, such as color palette, icons, and imagery. Designed new site interaction and information design, navigation and flow. Defined graphic standards, documented User Experience requirements, performed usability review, built standards-compliant XHTML/CSS templates and performed QA for the site. Recommended and helped implement new features such as a Blog, Twitter content, as well as various subscription feeds (RSS, Atom, delicious, etc.) as part of a Social Media strategy to engage visitors and clients in the content of the site, as well as enlist them as co-contributors/creators of value through commenting, suggestions, and other forms of feedback and interaction.

Google

Project: Adwords Front End Redesign
Role: Interaction Designer
View Sample Project Deliverables (PDF)

I assisted the core team in the redesign of the front end of AdWords, Google’s flagship advertising product and main source of revenue. My specific tasks included interaction design for a new global navigation system that needed to work across multiple properties. I also worked on the integration of a new header with existing legacy pages. For the second project, I lead the interactive design for the new front end for Google Advertising Professionals (GAP) program. GAP certifies individuals and agencies that have completed training and gained expert knowledge of various AdWords subjects. For both projects, I created flow charts, wire frames, design specifications and prototypes to effectively communicate interaction and design ideas. I also helped gauge the usability of new and existing features, and made suggestions for change.

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 Online, an Earthlink company

Project: PeoplePC DSL & Wi-Fi Product Adoption Sites
Role: Lead User Experience Designer
View DSL screenshot | View Wi-Fi screenshot

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.

Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH)

Project: eCommerce Web site, CMS
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.

Open Exhibition Media Arts Assistant

Project: Open Source Web Application, CMS
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.

Terrace Consulting

Project: Public Web Site
Role: Lead Front-End Designer & 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 Network

Project: Education & Advocacy Web Site
Role: Lead Front-End Designer
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.

HooksDesign + 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 Architecture

Project: Professional Web Site
Role: Lead Front-End Designer
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.

Todd Pickering Photography

Project: Portfolio Web Site
Role: Lead Front-End Designer
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 Almond, Author

Project: Professional Web Site
Role: Lead Front-End Designer & Developer
View site as delivered to client

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.