Contact Ezra SchwartzPrimary e-Mail: ezra@artandtech.com Secondary e-Mail: schwartz.ezra@gmail.com Mobile: 847-507-9026
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ServicesInformation ArchitectureOntologies, taxonomies, metaphors, navigation systems, site maps, interaction models, task analysis.
Ezra uses MindManager Pro to capture, organize, present and prioritize information architecture, interaction models and functional requirements in a user friendly way that makes it easy for business stakeholders to consume and effectively participate in a critical yet eye-glazing technical process. Expertise in IA/UX planning for complex applications that integrate search, discovery, results manipulation and synthesis, with a customizable, device-independent design system. Expertise in IA/UI for global, multi-lingual applications. Expertise in personalization and localization. User Experience Design (UXD)Complexities: Specialize in complex enterprise applications browser or desktop enterprise . Articulation: Effectively communicate the UI vision and details to all stakeholders by visualizing requirements, models, concepts and interaction.
Ezra uses Axure RP to lead a highly iterative - and effective - concept development process by creating clickable simulations of complex rich internet applications (RIA). Project Plan: Develop and manage the UI project plan track for vary large projects. Ensure alignment of UI tracks with the project's roadmap. Functional Requirements: Manage a clear and effective process to capture, organize and prioritize the UI functional requirements. Ensure alignment of business drivers with available resources. Follows the Common Industry Specifications for Usability Requirements, NIST (NISTIR 7432). Teams and Collaboration: Guide multi-national UI development teams - Very experienced in collaborating with multi-national, cross-cultural teams. UI Validation: Plan, implement and manage usability studies to guide the development of
new or revised user interfaces. Reduce development costs by validating proposed concept with stakeholders and real users BEFORE coding begins. UI Delivery: Design for cross browser compatibility and device-relevant user experience: Windows or Mac, From mega Hi-Def screens to tiny mobile devices. Rapid Prototyping & Simulation: Rapid, high fidelity interactive prototyping. Toolset includes Axure RP, Visio, MindManager, xhtml+css (Dreamweaver), Flash.
Ezra uses Techsmith's Camtasia to create video demos and tutorials to communicate the interface to stakeholders and developers. UI Specifications: Provide detailed specs to the development team. Collaborate with BA's and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of specifications with functional requirements and overall roadmap. Development Methodologies: With numerous flavors of development methodologies of Agile, RUP and many others, provide guidance for applying an effective, practical UI development process that fits the development culture without compromising best practice UI development. Toolset: Advanced proficiency in methodology and tools, including Axure RP, Techsmith's Morae and Camtasia, Adobe's Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Acrobat , Photoshop and Illustrator, Microsoft Project, Visio and Excel and Filemaker pro. |
UsabilitySubstantial experience in leading qualitative user evaluations with local or international focus groups and user interviews.
Ezra uses TechSmith's Morae for usability testing, analysis and reports. Evaluations: Task and workflow efficiency/ productivity. Quantitative analysis: impact of interface modifications on user productivity. Participatory design, rapid prototyping intervals and structured feedback to stake holders. Usability report deliverables guided by ANSI NCITS 354-2001 CIF - Common Industry Standard for Usability Test Reports. |
UI LogisticsStrategies and workflows to support production, versioning and localization of interface assets of large scales applications.
StandardsArchitect interfaces for compliance with standards such as OWL, RDF, XML and CSS as well as accessibility guidelines as outlined by the W3C and ADA Section 508. Section 508Compliance Reviews: WAI and Section 508 of desktop and web based applications. Development: Work with your development team to bring applications to compliance. NFB certification: Work with your development team to prepare applications for NFB certification. |
ClientsHealthcare organizations, academic institutions, multinational software companies, promising startups, mobile equipment giant, systems integrators, non for profit organizations. Further information upon request. Confidentiality & Non-DisclosureThere are no work samples on this website because protecting the confidentiality of client information is core value. Pro bonoProjects related to children, social welfare, disabilities or the elderly are welcome. AboutEzra Schwartz is a principal user experience architect with over 15 years of experience in making complex software easy to use. Ezra typically works with medium to very large multi-national clients to develop sophisticated user interfaces that are productive, accessible and easy to use. Ezra has a special interest in solving complexities in workflow and localization of global applications, data visualization challenges around manipulation of vast actionable data, personalization and customization. Ezra's work evolves as new methods, technologies and tools enable the development of rich user experience for the Semantic Web. Ezra holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute, Chicago. |
BlogHighlights'The Complexities of Simplicity!' 'The Haystack in the Needle'. 'The Iceberg Problem' 'How to Master Media in the Museum Space'. 'The Iceberg Problem' 'Usability Issues in Metasearch Interface Design'. |
"Things should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler." -- Albert Einstein
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