What I Do

What do I do? That's not an easy question. For the last couple of years, I've been working as a User Experience Designer. Not familiar with the title? I'm not surprised, It is making it's way into the mainstream, but there are still many that have not yet heard about it, but you would probably know it if you see it.

The short answer is that I design websites. Generally, I work on web applications and call it "interface design", but when trying to answer the "what I do" question for people less familiar with computers and the Internet, web designer is generally understandable.

Of course, there is more to interface design than dropping form fields on a page and calling it a day. As a user experience designer, I need to consider usability and how I can help the end user complete their task efficiently and as effectively as possible. Have you ever tried using a website that you could not tell which end is up or which button to push?

There is more to the user's experience than just usability. Branding and visual appeal are also considered. Staring at a neon website all day probably will give you a headache.

So I design websites, generally web application-type websites, but have to take into consideration a lot of additional factors to keep the user from running from their computer.

User Experience

Encompasses the overall experience and satisfaction the user has when using a website, software application or even a product. Includes look and feel (visual appearance), interaction, and assistance capabilities.

Info Architecture

Structuring knowledge or data, often in the context of user interactions. For example, organize the information in a way that makes sense for the user to browse and search on a website.