K. Sinnott - Resume

Summary | Work Experience | Software Experience | Hardware Experience | Education | Memberships

Skill Set

• Interface Design — create or enhance traditional and web-based software application interfaces to improve user comprehension and satisfaction.
• Process Analysis/Information Architecture — mapping of current/future processes and flows, identifying issues and resolving problems in a timely fashion following established guidelines and within target timeframe. Working with business and development teams to design appropriate solutions. Strong analytic and project management skills.
• Web Design — layout, style, art, code, and content for web sites and web-based applications, including HTML, DHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PDF, XML, XHTML, ASP, JSP, etc.
• Graphic Design — create original/modify existing, artwork, charts, graphs, etc. for use in traditional or electronic media.
• Content — text for various marketing materials, technical documentation, help systems, etc.
• Layout — document design and creation of templates, stylesheets, style guides, etc.
• Early Adapter of New Technology — stay current on developing technology and applications. Keep pace with new technologies, directions and the latest industry trends.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) — web page coding, optimizing web pages for correct display in various browsers, user and task analysis, technical communication, new media/technology, documentation (online and paper), desktop publishing, and related software/hardware/technology.
• Technical — install/troubleshoot PC software and hardware, resolve Internet-related issues.
• General — Detail oriented with a proven ability to multitask. Effective organization, time management, prioritization, follow-up and follow-through skills. Ability to work alone or as part of a traditional or "virtual team".

Experience

Financial Services Company, Murray Hill, NJ
September, 1999 - Present
Information Architect/Web Designer (Consultant)

• Full-lifecycle experience: requirements, designs and prototypes, storyboards, development, system, accessibility, and user testing, deployment, maintenance. Ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with corporate and industry standards. Work with programmers to implement, test, debug designs.
• Design and implement interfaces/user logic for several web-based e-commerce applications (intranets, extranets, and internet) incorporating ASP, JSP, XML, XHTML, DHTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Projects include: online, real time lease application tool that takes leases from origination to funding for internal staff and external resellers; integration of existing systems with single sign-on system; online consumer loan application tool including management and reporting modules; asset management tool for Fortune 500 client base, and a set of management reporting tools.
• Added/modified corporate web site pages as required.
• Member of teams assigned to research and determine the feasibility of digital signature/certificate technology and portals that interact efficiently with web-based applications. Lead the initiative to define the standards for development, coding, system interfaces, user interfaces and usability while ensuring compliance for internal and external websites according to corporate standards.
• Worked with enterprise architecture team to implement Plumtree portal as the enterprise development framework. Customized entire user interface (UI) to meet W3 and corporate standards.
• Received Recognition Awards for work done on Online Consumer Loan and Paperless Leasing projects.

Mental Health Association,
Paramus, NJ
March, 2001 - Aug, 2001
Information Architect/Web Designer (Consultant)

• Streamlined navigation and added/updated content for client information and foundation sites. Also added pages that allow visitors to sign up for the e-mail newsletter, calendar of events, and cross-referenced both sites.
• Improved load times by optimizing code.

Online Auction Tool Services Company,
Parsippany , NJ
May, 2000 - July, 2000
Information Architect/Web Designer (Consultant)

• Designed and coded a JSP-based user registration system. Interface blended into existing UI look-and-feel. Pages also designed to function as update tool after the user registered.

HR/Payroll/Employee Services Software Company, Florham Park , NJ
October, 1994 - September, 1999
Information Architect/New Media Specialist

• Designed and implemented interfaces/user logic for web-based applications. Performed and reported results of related usability studies.
• Researched and purchased tools for the internet transaction application project, worked with team members to develop initial design specifications.
• Collaborated on the redesign of the corporate web site (Internet and intranet). Responsible for creation and maintenance of corporate web site pages (did not create content)
• Introduced read/write CD-ROM technology to the company. This was used to distribute the product (a software package) and all related documentation to clients.
• Established guidelines for new product documentation, online help, and online document distribution and retrieval. Also monitored the product interface design to ensure adherence with Microsoft standards, consistency within the application, etc.
• Worked closely with the programming staff to create a utility that automatically linked the help system to the software.
• Used Adobe Acrobat to create an online library of documentation and helpline tip sheets. This gave everyone in the company (and the sales force in the field) on-demand access to the most current information.
• Wrote articles for industry newsletter.
• Initially hired to create and maintain all documentation for new and existing products including: end user, administrative, and technical reference guides as well as all Windows-based online help. Responsible for hiring, training, and managing members of new the Publications Department (team's mission: create and maintain all hard copy and online communications including documentation, online help, electronic documentation, etc.).

Benefits-Consulting Firm, Fort Lee, NJ
May, 1991 - October, 1994
Computer Graphics Designer

• Responsibilities included: designing and producing proposals, charts, presentations, direct mail pieces, slides, document covers, brochures, information packets, etc. for company and client use. Also designed and edited software user manuals, online help, and user interfaces.
• Instituted a number of time-saving procedures including: created an online logo library that everyone in the company could access, established and maintained standardized presentation templates, worked with technical staff to improve network print times.
• Used experience and knowledge of new technology to solve problems stemming from time and budget constraints.
• Coordinated with consultant, client, service bureau, and printer to successfully meet deadlines.
• Evaluated developments in software/hardware, tested, and made recommendations.
• Performed system/software research, installation, and troubleshooting. Coordinated interactions with third-party software support staffs.
• Functioned as liaison between technical personnel and end users to communicate needs, problems, and introduce technology.
• Trained employees on software and hardware.

Computer Software Laboratory, Holmdel, NJ
January, 1990 - April, 1991
Technical Writer/Desktop Publishing Expert (Consultant)

Computer Software Company, Somerset, NJ
July, 1987 - December, 1989

Technical Writer/Supervisor

• Wrote hard copy and online documentation for new and updated software packages.
• Created: reference and user manuals, installation guides, release notes, online help, training procedures, supplements, addenda, quick reference cards, developer's worksheets, Windows online help, and order forms.
• Responsible for page design, photo layouts, proofreading, editing, graphic design, creation and maintenance of style sheets, and user interface testing.
• Performed system/software research, installation, and troubleshooting. Coordinated interactions with third-party software support staffs.
• Performed quality control tests on software user interfaces. Met with programmers, read design specifications, and reviewed program code to obtain technical information.
• Trained department personnel on Ventura Publisher, HotShot Graphics, and Windows help.
• Coordinated print jobs with outside printing companies.
• Maintained master documents for production department.
• Edited the IDOL-IV Fourth Generation Language textbook.
• Implemented, published, and wrote articles for an internal newsletter.
• Trained staff in use of WordPerfect, Ventura Publisher, and PC Paintbrush.

Software Experience (*used within the last 12 months)

Hardware Experience

IBM PC & compatibles>	WACOM tablets>	HP Laser printers, DeskJets
various webcams and digital cameras	various CD-R/RW burn units	Tektronix Phaser III color printer
Microtek ScanMaker Iixe & SlimScan units	various CR-ROM and DVD units	Xerox 5775/Fiery color printer

Education

B.A. Liberal Arts- Stockton State Collage, Pomona, NJ
Business Communications

Memberships

• Society for Technical Communications-Senior member
• HTML Writers Guild
• Usability Professionals Association
• Internet Technical Group