The first six months at Three Rivers Systems proved to be one of the most densely prolific periods in my career to that point.
Mobile Student Portal
My first project was to design and build a mobile Student Portal. TRS had tried outsourcing the work, but remote developers had difficulty trying to integrate off-the-shelf UI solutions with the existing ASP.Net back-end.
As a much quicker way to accomplish the stated goals, I developed a responsive HTML5, mobile-first framework. This meant we were able to release the app to internal testing within my first three weeks.
Using the desktop version of the portal as a functional-baseline, I ensured virtually all existing features were translated to the mobile format as quickly and efficiently as possible.
CAMS Enterprise “Facelift”
With the Mobile Student Portal well-received by both users and Stakeholders, my next project was a very simple aesthetic update for the legacy product – CAMS Enterprise.
Using a monochromatic palette derived from existing branding guidelines, I applied a simple set of graphics and increased the resolution to the max-supported by CAMS – 1024×768.
The increased screen-space prompted stakeholders to request the addition of ‘notification widgets’. I added both an internal RSS feed display as well as a broader Twitter feed display – both user-configurable.
The project was completed in a matter of days and slated for the subsequent release.
Responsive Portals
While the Mobile Student Portal was uniquely designed for phone-resolution devices. There was a set of standard portals – many extended by clients – that also required an upgrade to both structure and aesthetics.
After examining the functionality across each of the existing ASP portals: Application, Alumni, Student, Faculty, and Admissions – I was able to abstract some common UI and UX constructs.
I used those as the basis for building a custom, responsive HTML5 framework that made client-extensibility simple and error-proof. I also added a few accessibility features including the ability to switch to a “AA”, high-contrast theme as well as increase font-size.
User Conference 2012
With the successful completion and enthusiastic reception internally, I was requested by company founder, Amir Tajkarimi, to present my work at the Annual Users Conference – just six months after hire.
I was happy to do so, in the form of two presentations, a redesign to collateral, and a post-show technical workshop.
Next Generation – Project Mosaic
After owning and completing a number of key initiatives in the short period after my hire, I was placed in charge of designing the User Experience for the next-generation product – “Mosaic.”
