Resume of Allison B. Corbett

Technical Expertise

• User Experience Design: Expert in hand-coded XHTML and CSS layout for multiple browsers and operating systems; Adobe Creative Suite 5, including Photoshop and Illustrator; JavaScript, DHTML and DOM scripting; jQuery, Prototype, and script.aculo.us frameworks; Axure RP; TechSmith Morae and Camtasia.
• Development: Adobe Dreamweaver; PHP 5; Adobe ColdFusion and CFML; XML; Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS); Structured Query Language (SQL); Microsoft SQL Server; MySQL; Microsoft Access; Oracle.
• Multimedia: Adobe Flash; Apple Final Cut Pro; Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Platforms: Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/2003; Macintosh OSX; Solaris, HP-UX & AIX UNIX; SuSe Linux.

Education

• B.A., Yale University, 1997 (New Haven, CT)
• User Experience certificate, in progress, Bentley University (Waltham, MA)

Selected Accomplishments

• Led adoption of user-centered design process in Agile development organization, resulting in better data behind business and development decisions; significant usability improvements; and increased customer satisfaction.
• Designed internal configuration and transaction management GUIs for complex real-time transaction processing system. Conducted field research on target users and analyzed current issues to create prioritized list of Agile user stories. Finished software will save money and improve customer satisfaction by greatly reducing system error rate, decreasing maintenance time, and reducing intervention by IT team.
• Designed Web-based application for internal call-center reps. Led user research and observation, participated in requirements meetings, and conducted usability testing with target users to design and evaluate proposed interfaces. Finished system consolidates the functions of several pieces of software, facilitates cross-selling, and allows representatives to handle higher call volumes.
• Redesigned suite of multi-page online student loan applications. Designed user interactions including progressive disclosure, inline form validation and contextual help to make forms easier and less intimidating to complete. Implemented production CSS and JavaScript code using Prototype and script.aculo.us frameworks. Organized and participated in multi-day usability testing, achieving numerous improvements to application usability.
• Founded and supervised new Web Technologies division at consulting company after growing successful series of seminars into Web design consulting and training business. Asked to present on program's success at vendor partner conference. Clients included Fidelity Investments, Herman Miller, ABB, World Bank, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Experience

Lead User Experience Designer

Tuition Management Systems (a subsidiary of First Marblehead; formerly a division of KeyBank)
April 2007 - Present   •   Medford, MA

• Served as lead interaction designer for several Agile scrum development teams. Created user interfaces from concept to delivery for internal, external and extranet Web applications.
• Produced deliverables including graphic mockups, wireframes, clickable prototypes, use cases, specifications, and design description documents.
• Created visual design and final graphics.
• Produced cross-browser, W3C-compliant XHTML and CSS code for production use.
• Developed production JavaScript using Prototype and script.aculo.us frameworks.
• Collaborated with J2EE and .NET developers to implement final designs.
• Worked with product owners, subject matter experts and users to perform analysis, gather requirements, draft Agile user stories and create specifications.
• Planned and moderated usability tests with internal and external users.

Independent Designer

November 2002 - April 2007   •   Methuen, MA

• Designed interactive and database-driven Web sites and Web applications.
• Performed all aspects of Web site creation, including scoping and requirements-gathering; user interface design and information architecture; graphic design; and programming in ColdFusion, PHP, and JavaScript.
• Developed production PHP and database code for Web sites including Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, Columbia Journalism Review, and Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center.
• Served as project manager for major release of Cambridge Computer Services Web site. Wrote site copy, developed HTML pages, and performed all ColdFusion and database development. Worked with external design firm and internal stakeholders to launch successful new version of site in tight timeframe.
• Performed consulting, user training and course development engagements in network backup, enterprise storage systems and document technologies.

Senior Consultant

Cambridge Computer Services, Inc.
June 1997 - November 2002   •   Waltham, MA

• Performed consulting and training engagements in enterprise network backup systems, storage networking, email archiving, automated forms processing systems, and paper-to-electronic conversion solutions.
• Supervised Web Technologies team of 4 consultants as dual report to CEO and CTO, 1998-2000. Managed sales and marketing, team strategy, vendor partnerships, and all technical aspects of team. Performed Web development, consulting, and training projects.
• Oversaw multiple releases of company's external Web sites. Authored content, designed information architectures, and developed HTML and ColdFusion sites.
• Designed and developed internal Web applications including document management system, advertising banner rotation utility, and administrative tool for displaying upcoming events on corporate Web site.
• Administered corporate IIS and ColdFusion Web servers.
• Served as lead author and subject matter expert on 10+ technical training classes, including official courses for Legato, EMC and Iron Mountain. Received course development award from Intermountain chapter of Society for Technical Communication.