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Résumé Information Architect Résumé Information Architecture, Usability, Web, Experience Design Downloads Cover letter, résumé, LinkedIn, extensive IA Reviews, FAQ—professional qualifications, expertise, experience. Telephone consultations only by appointment (please send job order and description to email, thank you). Downloads Summary of Qualifications Information Architect, User Experience Designer / Specialist 1. Design Research, 2. Conceptual Generation, 3. User Scenarios, 4. Wire Frame Mockups, 5. Prototyping, 6. Usability Testing, 7. Implementation, 8. System Testing. Computing Technology Skills Mac and Windows OS; Inspiration, OmniGraffle, Visio; Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, ImageReady, Illustrator, Acrobat, Dreamweaver, BBEdit; basic computer/Web programming (HTML, DHTML, CSS, Ajax, JavaScript, Java, UNIX, Apache). Technical & Professional Writing Skills Doing Information Architecture-Design research, needs assessments, Website audits, competitive analysis, case studies, including usability testing questionnaires, extensive reports. Project Management Skills MS Office, MS Project, OmniPlan. Determining goals and objectives for successful outcome on team projects, understanding milestones. Keeping deliverables, projects on time. Negotiating, outsourcing, managing projects, team members and in-house design groups; able to build a cohesive team of Information Architects or other required team members; mentoring Information Architects. Team Leadership Skills Deliverables and projects successfully completed—dependable, flexible, productive, conscientious—easy to work with on diverse team. Work Experience Related industry, vocational training, internships, contractual work experience, consulting. Education Degrees and Credentials in Information Architecture and Design, including Project Management. Education Degrees and credentials are in Information Architecture and Design (extracurricular activities—classical piano performance). IA MAEd IA TPW IA ID&T IA MAIA IA BAIA AS & AA Music IA Updates AcademyX Computer/Web programming (2011) NN/g Nielsen Norman Group, Usability Week (2011) CONNECT! (2009-2010) Portfolios Development (20 binders); Publications (2008-2009) IA MAEd (2004-2008) IA TPW (2004-2005) IA Expert IA Expert IA Reviews In order to graduate and pass, every program requires completing internships, gaining work experience relevant to IA, and reviews. IA Reviews Information Architect Skills Developing digital structures and wayfinding, this adds structure and usability. Building and implementing, organizing information and conceptual brainstorming events. Doing design research prior to implementation, this helps to make online products easier to use. Other skills include doing user scenarios and personas, mapping and diagramming, wire frame mockups, card sorting, rapid prototyping, usability testing, heuristic evaluations. It is important to make sure products work right for end users. User Experience Design Skills I believe in taking a user-centered design approach on projects, which is always flexible, fluid, and appropriate for how end users use digital design products or Websites. Components to successful Information Architect and Design projects. Information Architecture, navigational systems design, interaction design, user experience design, user-centered design principles integrated into projects; Graphic design, typography, interface design, color theory, color matching, design and layout, branding, marketing, technical communications; Exhibit design and building structures, wayfinding; signage design; Instructional design, corporate training, ADDIE model, e-learning, adult learning theories; and Technical and professional writing, editing, document design. Design Research Design research (Website audits, needs assessments, competitive analysis); Concept generation (brainstorming events); User scenarios and use case scenarios (personas); Wire frame mockups (mapping and diagramming—deliverables); User-centered interface designs that work right for end users; Card sorting (research and user-centered designs); and Rapid prototyping (paper based or online). Usability Testing Usability testing, heuristic evaluations, cognitive walkthroughs, focus groups; and Implementation, evaluation and assessment, system testing. Project Management Project management skills relevant to industry; and Team leadership skills; mentoring; ability to work on diverse teams. Computer/Web Programming Computing technology, applications (Adobe Creative Suite); Computer/Web programming updates from AcademyX (2011); state-of-the-art training for code requirements, including coding by hand on projects; and Social networking, Web 2.0. Information Architect Systematic Approach It is about making Websites work right for people (end users) who use them. The reason an Information Architect adds value to corporate Websites is that—in the long run (doing Information Architecture)—it saves corporations time and money. Making Websites usable for people who use them. Information Architecture derived from specific design research and then applied to specific Websites means end users can more effectively Websites. A Website is structured with built-in affordances, specific to interaction design needs specific to the overall structure, provides end users with a Website easy to use. The IA Model is a systematic approach, when followed, determines a high-success rate from start-to-finish, regarding Websites and other digital design products. The IA Model: 1. Design Research, 2. Concept Generation, 3. User Scenarios, 4. Wire Frame Mockups, 5. Prototyping, 6. Usability Testing, 7. Implementation, and 8. System Testing; copyright. IA MAEd Synopsis The IA Model IA MAIA Synopsis The NS Model IA BAIA Information Architect Specialization Human behavioral principles as they pertain to Website organization, understanding user-centered design. Key elements of Information Architecture that are paramount to excellent research, achieving results. Understanding common Information Architecture pitfalls, avoiding them. Using techniques that better serve users—information organizing principles that make Websites and navigating easier to understand. Testing and refining Information Architecture concepts that works right, doing usability testing. Effectively communicating the important principles of Information Architecture to your organization. Navigational Systems Specialization The NS Model: 1. Hierarchical Navigational Systems, 2. Global Navigational Systems, 3. Local Navigational Systems, 4. Integrated Navigational Systems, 5. Remote Navigational Systems, 6. Ad Hoc Navigational Systems,and 7. Search Engines in Websites; copyright. IA MAEd Synopsis The IA Model IA MAIA Synopsis The NS Model IA BAIA Tools for analyzing navigation systems: Tier comparison, Task flow comparison, and Navigation components tracker. Navigation system components: Global, Local, Faceted search, Breadcrumbs, Utility, Related links, Social filters, Quick links, Site map/index, Process/linear, Pagination, and Tag clouds. Navigation patterns and behavior: Tabs, Vertical links, Filmstrip, Accordion, Standard hyperlinking, Landing pages, Sub-navigation bars, Drop-down and “mega” drop-down menus, Fly-out and “mega” fly-out menus, and Cascading menus. NN/g Nielsen Norman Group, Usability Week 2011 Usability Testing Skills 1. Develop problem statements, 2. Choose representative sample, 3. Represent actual work environment, 4. Observe users’ task performance, 5. Collect data, and 6. Recommend improvements. Publications For list of my Publications, refer to LinkedIn profile or downloads. Navigation If you need assistance in navigating IA Website, refer to Help. Languages & Skills Knowledge of: Computer Science, Programming, HTML, DHTML, CSS, Ajax, JavaScript, Java, UNIX, and Apache. Applications Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, ImageReady, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Distiller. Other Applications QuarkXPress, FrameMaker, FreeHand, GoLive, BBEdit, Aptana Studio, Flash, FTP, Podcasting, Web 2.0, MS Office, MS Project, OmniPlan, OmniGraffle, and Visio. Professional Accomplishments Numerous IA internships, projects successfully completed (letters of recommendations). Contractual IA work experience successfully completed. Previous work experience in corporate environments—San Francisco financial district and San Diego (letters of recommendations). Degrees and credentials specific to Information Architecture and Design. Information Architect Experience Information Architect, Professional Development: SF, CA (2008-2011) AcademyX Computer/Web programming updates (2011): HTML Fundamentals, HTML Advanced, CSS Fundamentals, HTML5 and CSS3, Programming for Beginners, JavaScript for Programmers, Ajax Fundamentals, Aptana Studio, and Dreamweaver. Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, Professional Development: SF, CA (2008-2011) NN/g Nielsen Norman Group, Usability Week (2011) Web Usability, Information Architecture, Interaction Design Experience Workshops: Usability in Practice: 3-Day Intensive Camp; Fundamental Guidelines for Web Usability; Information Architecture 1: Structuring, Organizing Websites; and Information Architecture 2: Navigation Design. The workshops consisted of lectures and tutorials—relevant professional development—updates on Web Usability, Information Architecture, Interaction Design. Assignments and hands-on activities for usability testing and interaction design, including task analysis and paper prototyping. It was very nice to meet Jakob Nielsen and his staff. Thank you. Information Architecture 1—Topics Covered: About IA (What is IA?), IA Relevant to Digital Design Products, User Behavior, Design Process, Background, Organization Schemes, Information Structures, Design Process, Defining IA, Labeling, Metadata, Taxonomies, Search, and IA Development. Information Architecture 2: Navigation Design—Topics Covered: Navigation Systems Application, Designing Navigational Systems, Different Types of Navigation Systems, Navigation Systems, User-Centered Design, Purpose of Navigation, The WOW! Factor, Layout, User Expectations, 10 Navigation Attributes, Global Navigation, Local Navigation, Faceted Search/Browse, Breadcrumbs, Utility Navigation, Related Links, Social Filters, Quick Links, Site Map, Process, Pagination, and Tag Clouds. Other Topics Covered (Additional Tutorials, Workshops & Resources): Interaction Design; Mobile User Experience 1 & 2; Designing Complex Applications & Websites 1, 2 & 3; and Intranet Information Architecture 1 & 2. Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, Professional Development: SF, CA (2008-2011) Professional development, portfolios assembly—production and development, interview binder assembly (Interview Portfolio: Brief Synopses of Experience & Portfolios)—production and development; took 30-plus employment preparedness workshops at CONNECT! in Sunnyvale and San Francisco (2009-2010). CONNECT! is a regional collaborative of employment, education, training and business development organizations dedicated to serving the workforce development needs of Silicon Valley. Graduated with IA MAEd in Information Architecture and Design (2008). Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, Research; Grad Programs: SFSU, SF, CA (2000-2008) Hands-On Experience: Work experience successfully completed from various projects, internships, contractual work experience doing Information Architecture and Design, Usability Testing, Corporate Training, Technical Writing, Project Management projects. Previous work experience from a related field—transferable skills; IA MAEd (2004-2008). Projects included all phases doing Information Architecture and deliverables (writing, editing, reports, needs assessments, competitive analysis, Website audits, heuristic evaluations, navigational systems design, mapping and diagramming, HTML coding, project management, team leadership, etc.)—successfully accomplished and completed—to final implementation. IA TPW Certification with IA TPW in Technical & Professional Writing; emphasis in Information Architecture and Design, Usability Testing—equivalent to BATPW (2004-2005). The IA Model (copyright), which is a systematic approach to doing Information Architecture; Thesis Report is an in-depth guide and user manual on the Information Architecture (IA) process, from start to finish, including IA deliverables: IA design plan reports, card sorting, heuristic evaluations, usability testing, project management; IA MAEd (2004-2008). IA Certification with IA ID&T in Information Architecture and Design (2000-2001). Graduated with IA MAIA in Information Architecture and Design (2000). The NS Model (copyright), which is a systematic approach to designing Navigational Systems (NS) and making heuristic evaluations, with regard to Information Architecture and usability testing. Completed various Information Architect, Project Management internships. Graduated from University programs relevant to Information Architecture and Design (2000). Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, Mentor: The IA Institute , SF, CA (2006-2011) I volunteer and spend time mentoring students (usually graduate-level) or recent graduates on the Information Architect, User Experience Design, Project Management career path, providing in-depth suggestions and recommendations for their specific needs, including ideas for portfolio improvements as well as preparation for interviews. I stress the importance of developing excellent communication skills, leadership and management skills, including professional interpersonal skills. The value and importance of being able to produce, communicate, and talk about pertinent deliverables—this definitely adds value to any organization. Letters of recommendations on LinkedIn Profile; The Information Architecture Institute Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Intern: UCSF, Memory & Aging, SF, CA (2006) IA research, IA deliverables; completed during IA MAEd grad program at SFSU. Participated in team meetings, brainstorming activities, research. Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Technical Writer, PM; Intern: Neighborhood Parks Council, SF, CA (2005) Technical writing, design, project management. Research, various documents completed. Successfully completed technical and professional writing internship. Letter of recommendation; IA TPW Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Intern: Dr. Quita, SFSU, SF, CA (2000-2001) Challenge was organizing content more effectively, creating effective Information Architecture concepts that better organized her Website. Did extensive IA research and successfully implemented IA design solutions. Supervised Internship: Information Architecture, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Information Architecture for project; Flow chart, wire frame mockups, user scenarios, case study, production; User interface design, art direction, project manager—excellent time management skills. IA ID&T Certification vocational training program at MSP Letter of recommendation; Quita Project Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Intern: Snorkel Bob, SF, CA (2000-2001) Previous IA done for this Website was chaotic and unpredictable. End users reported they were having trouble using the navigational systems in place and got lost easily. Goal was to do interactive script writing and IA. It was finished on time and successfully met demands of project. Supervised Internship: Information Architecture, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Information Architecture for project; Flow chart, wire frame mockups, user scenarios, case study, animation, production; Did conceptual designs for animation, interactive script writing—tag lines for video clips. IA ID&T Certification vocational training program at MSP; Snorkel Bob Project Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Intern: Radio.sonicnet.com, SF, CA (2000-2001) Radio.sonicnet.com was a Website where end users purchase CDs online. The IA consisted of designing interaction design and end user flows that would enable an end user to make purchases online. Information Architecture and interaction design gives the end user easy access to the Website as well as a way out (affordances). Did the interaction design, end user flow, schematic (database operations), wire frame mockups, IA, and IXD research. Research and development provided high-quality IA concepts for project. Supervised Internship: Information Architecture, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Information Architecture for project; User flow, IXD schematic, wire frame mockups, user scenarios, case study, production; Did interaction design for classical music channel. IA ID&T Certification vocational training program at MSP; Radio.sonicnet.com Project Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Intern: SFSU, SF, CA (2000-2001) Proposal, case study, and IA deliverables were successfully accomplished for project. Did a competitive analysis by auditing 3 different Websites. Industry descriptions of all competitors are included in case study. Research and development, including Website audit provided framework for recommended redesign of IA. Supervised Internship: Information Architecture, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Information Architecture for project; Flow chart, wire frame mockups (hard-copy, HTML), user scenarios, case study, production; Did comprehensive redesign for first level of Website; accomplished consistent interface designs. IA ID&T Certification vocational training program at MSP; SFSU Project Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Intern: Andelaprimo Winery, SF, CA (2000-2001) Project was the development and implementation of a Website for a small, family owned winery. Documentation defined the parameters for this project in terms of: objectives, strategies, and target audiences. This serves as the foundation for the Information Architecture and Web design for this project. Documentation consisted of data collected from end users and their user scenarios. Supervised Internship: Information Architecture, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Information Architecture for project; Flow chart, wire frame mockups, user scenarios, case study, production; did rapid prototyping. IA ID&T Certification vocational training program at MSP; Andelaprimo Project Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Contract: Age Wave, Emeryville, CA (2000) Challenge was to develop extensive IA concepts under time constraints. Project was a paid work experience for approximately 3-4 months, and it was successfully accomplished, when I was finishing my IA MAIA in Information Architecture and Design. Contractual Employment: Information Architecture, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Information Architecture for project; Flow chart, online prototypes, user interface design, project manager—excellent time management skills; Age Wave Project. Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Intern: Dr. Gates, AV/ITVC, SF, CA (1999) Website needed to have the Information Architecture and content streamlined to better serve end users—development of online forms and faster delivery, including navigational systems. Led team, did supervisory work. Supervised Internship: Information Architecture, Training, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Information Architecture for project; Flow chart, wire frame mockups, user scenarios, navigational systems, case study, production; Worked with HTML coder, graphic designer, technical writer; interaction with client; Project manager, MS Project, Gantt chart, nodes, schedules—excellent time management skills. Letter of recommendation; AV/ITVC Project Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Graphic Designer, PM; Intern: Global Imprints, SF, CA (1999) Projects were done in teams of 2-30 teammates for Mobius Exhibit. Worked with printers at plant, prepress production and printing. All projects were successfully completed and delivered on time. Led team, did supervisory work. Supervised Internship: Mobius Exhibit; Building Exhibits, Architecture-Design, Project Management; Supervised Internship: Prepress Production, Graphic Design, Printing, Project Management; Developed, designed logo for client, letterhead, assorted business documents; Developed, designed various documents for Mobius Exhibit; Worked with Service Bureau team at Colorfast’s Printing Plant on prepress production; Directed press checks on Heidelberg printing press—successful outcome on all projects; Project manager from start to completion on all projects—excellent time management skills. Also, as part of the program at the University, participated in internship at Global Imprints; received vocational training and on-the-job training. Letter of recommendation; Global Imprints Project Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Information Architect, PM; Intern: Youth Law Center, SF, CA (1998) Worked extensively with client on developing original Information Architecture for their new Website. IA project successfully completed and implemented. Did high-quality HTML coding from scratch. Worked in a team environment. Motivated team to finish work on time and within constraints of project. Led team, did supervisory work. Supervised Internship: Information Architecture, Training, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Information Architecture for project; Previously client never had a Website online; Flow chart, wire frame mockups, user scenarios, navigational systems, case study, production; Worked with HTML coder, graphic designer, technical writer, production team; Client used this Website for about 5 years, including other sites based on original IA concepts; Project manager, MS Project, Gantt chart, nodes, schedules—excellent time management skills. Letter of recommendation; Youth Law Project Information Architect Experience Cont’d. Graphic Designer, PM; Intern: CCSF, SF, CA (1994-1995) Did a graphic design internship for about 1 year. Worked in real-world environment—projects were successfully designed and printed. Led team, did supervisory work. Supervised Internship: Graphic Design, Prepress Production, Project Management; Extensive research and development of Graphic Design concepts and prepress production; Worked in MAC environment, using QuarkXPress, Illustrator, Photoshop, using imagesetter; Worked exclusively with clients to accomplish projects from start to finish; Project manager—excellent time management skills. About Programs When I did the program at CCSF (City College of San Francisco), it was certified by the State of California as a vocational training program, including on-the-job training accomplished by completing approximately 1-year in-house internship, working on real-world projects with real clients. After completing CCSF’s program in graphic design, I was accepted to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)—Printing Management Program in New York. Though it worked better for me to go to The University in San Francisco (San Francisco State University), they had a program in Information Architecture and Design that better matched my professional interests and aspirations. I also attended the California College of the Arts (CCA) program in graphic design and typography; selected courses (online graphic design portfolio does not include extensive hard-copy portfolios); Design Projects; Graphic Design Projects. In-Depth Résumé & Portfolio For PDF of In-Depth Résumé, refer to downloads. For PDF of Curriculum Vitae Résumé, (CV), refer to downloads. Letters of recommendations from successfully completed internships, projects, and previous employment. Interview portfolio available for review at interviews (Interview Portfolio—Brief Synopsis of Experience & Portfolios), including numerous hard-copy portfolios. Portfolio Transferable Skills Transferable skills from previous work experience in corporate environments applicable to Information Architecture and Design. Experience Writer, Editor, Legal and Non-legal Word Processor, Project Manager A few companies, corporate environments, I have worked at for about 8 years (prior to career change, now I am an Information Architect): Bechtel Corporation, CATERPILLAR® Solar Turbines Inc., Long & Levit, LLP, Martin E. Segal Company, Ogilvy & Mather Direct, Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro, PMI Mortgage Insurance Company, ROLM Corporation, and Sedgwick James. Information Architecture Specialization— IA, Design Credentials & IA Certifications Education Major Information Architecture & Design IA MAEd Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Project Management, Corporate Training, Technical & Professional Writing, Design; IA Certifications IA TPW Certification, IA Technical & Professional Writing IA MAEd IA MAEd Synopsis Online IA Tutorial IA Reviews Equivalent to 60-Unit Program; The IA Model San Francisco State University IA MAIA Information Architecture, Interaction Design, Navigational Systems, User Experience Design, Project Management, Graphic Design & Typography; IA Certifications IA ID&T Certification, IA Internet Design & Technology IA MAIA IA MAIA Synopsis Online NS Tutorial IA Reviews Equivalent to 60-Unit Program; The NS Model San Francisco State University The Multimedia Studies Program IA BAIA & BFA Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Project Management, Graphic Design & Typography; double major in IA & Design IA BAIA San Francisco State University California College of Arts (Selected Classes) Geschichte der Schule für Gestaltung Basel Additional Education AS & Award of Achievement (graphic design), City College of San Francisco Certification, Silicon Valley College Diploma, Heald College, San Francisco High School Education Attended HS in Palo Alto HS Diploma Lynbrook, San José (Silicon Valley), California Previously, accepted to attend Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York; Printing Management Program. Extracurricular Activities— Classical Piano Performance I studied classical piano performance with well-known concert artists. If you desire to learn more about my classical piano performance activities, refer to music. Academic & Honor Awards Dean’s List, Award of Achievement, IA BAIA, Cum Laude, Epsilon Pi Tau—International Honorary for Professionals in Technology, and Golden Key National Honor Society. Information Architect Mentoring Worked successfully with protégés, as a mentor, through the Information Architecture Institute (IAI) organization; http://iainstitute.org. Information Architect Affiliations BayCHI Society for Technical Communication The Information Architecture Institute Steven Heitman’s Information Architect Excellent Review For Steven Heitman, Information Architect “Steven has made a serious, thorough study of Information Architecture, experience design, and usability. He applies his past experience in related fields intelligently and has worked hard to develop his expertise in his chosen field. As Steven’s mentor through the IA Institute, I have been impressed by his dedication and tireless efforts to improve and grow as a designer of user experiences.” Reviewed by Mr. Christian Crumlish Director of Technology The Information Architecture Institute http://iainstitute.org Christian Crumlish Contact If you desire to schedule an interview, contact me at my email to set up an appointment (email is the best way to contact me). Thank you. Home  |  Services  |  Résumé  |  Portfolio  |  Email  |  Site Map  |  Top  |  Help Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved Updated: February 1, 2012 Steven Heitman IA Design & Usability Information Architect User Experience Designer Project Manager