Forrest Stewart Web Productions: Design | Development | Usability

Skills

Web Design & Development I'm proficient in the design and construction of web sites and web-based applications using industry standard tools and techniques like XHTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, SQL, and Flash.

User Interface/Conversion Analysis I have daily experience designing and coding compelling interfaces that guide end users through complex workflows and clearly explain esoteric concepts. I'm familiar with new(ish) UI concepts and implementations like AJAX and the Script.aculo.us library. In addition, I can assess the effectiveness of UI components, messaging, and content strategies using analytic tools, and create new strategies based on metric analysis of end user habits.

Journalism & Technical Writing I'm innovative in the use of words, images, and data as storytelling tools and familiar with a variety of content management applications used by organizations across the U.S.

Multimedia Production I'm conversant in video and audio editing, live video production, and the creation of audio slide shows and infographics, all in a deadline-intensive environment.

Project Management I'm skilled in the creation and implementation of multiphase project plans that ensure quality deliverables. I can evolve a preliminary site map and page flow document into wireframes and finished designs. I have exceptional communication skills, and consistently help other employees achieve extraordinary results.

Employment History

Senior Instructional Designer, IP Commerce; Denver, CO IP Commerce provides the world's first open commerce network, delivering on- demand access to the next generation of electronic payment services. + Details

Designed and built Flash-based interactive elements and marketing videos that explained the value of IP Commerce products to small business merchants. Managed all phases of deliverable production, coordinating efforts between IP Commerce and software company partners.
Worked with stakeholders and subject matter experts to create long form technical documentation for IP Commerce products and services, then worked with sales and marketing to repurpose that material for online delivery.
Assisted in the creation of Commerce Lab, a web portal designed to help end users learn how to use IP Commerce SDKs.
Developed white label instructional materials and design templates that expedited education deliverable turnaround time.
Created wireframes and final comps for the Commerce Manager product, a .Net application that helps small businesses securely manage transactions. Worked with development staff to implement superior design and workflow.

Web Content Coordinator, Speed Stacks; Englewood, CO The world leader in sport stacking, Speed Stacks essentially invented the sport (and industry) of competitive cup stacking. + Details

Redesigned SpeedStacks.com to spur user engagement and increase traffic flow from an entry page to the online store. Created XHTML/PHP/CSS/JavaScript page templates from scratch and transferred old site content into the new templates.
Removed barriers to purchase by skinning third-party check out application to match the rest of the site.
Designed and coded user-centric web applications that automated office-client processes like event registration and equipment loan programs.
Worked with sales and marketing departments to create timely online promotional materials to coincide with national Speed Stacks events, then updated the Speed Stacks web site with event results and videos.

Multimedia Producer, RockyMountainNews.com; Denver, CO RockyMountainNews.com is the online arm of the Rocky Mountain News, Colorado's oldest news organization. + Details

Covered local and national news on RockyMountainNews.com. Rewrote headlines, captions, and story summaries to better serve online news consumers.
Managed design and development of award-winning special coverage initiatives like Final Salute, the Joe Nacchio Trial, and Denver by the Numbers. Worked closely with reporters, photographers, and editors to ensure accuracy and timely updates.
Created breaking news procedures that transformed RockyMountainNews.com into a top 20 site for local and national updates.
Analyzed site search terms and hour-by-hour click through rates to create a story placement and headline strategy that resulted in a 22% increase in site traffic.
Developed promotion plans with site partners based on metric analysis and existing models of successful promotion.

Webmaster, CNN.com; Atlanta, GA With over 28 million average monthly users, CNN.com is the world's top online destination for news. + Details

Created and maintained web pages and other online content, including video and interactive galleries. Managed overall site integrity. Ensured all news pages adhered to strict CNN.com code, design, and editorial guidelines.
Wrote compelling teases and headlines, tracked page ratings and edited photos to boost click through rates and site ratings.
Designed, coded, and provided content for the CNN Technical Operations Intranet site.

Awards

Pictures of the Year: 1st Place, Multimedia Story or Essay [March, 2006] This prestigious multimedia award comes as a result of Final Salute, the story of a Marine casualty assistance offcer.

Associated Press Colorado: 1st Place, Online Feature [March, 2007] Beat all other major Colorado newspapers for best online feature presentation with The Border Within, an examination of immigration enforcement in Colorado.

TV Arts & Sciences (Emmy) Award: Special Coverage [September, 2002] Received an Emmy award as a result of contributions to CNN-USA's special, ongoing coverage of the events of 9/11.