I make websites with principles

A solid foundation of guiding principles forms the “why” behind every design choice and development decision that I make. Nothing is arbitrary, and nothing is left to chance. Recommendations are based on experience, established best practices, thorough research & testing, and a deep understanding of the web and the underlying systems that run it. The following principles guide me to create websites with attention to details and a focus on quality.

I make websites accessible

Through the web, your content has a larger and more diverse audience than any other medium in human history. Blind, deaf, or otherwise disabled users experience the web in a very different way than those of us with full use of our senses, and accessible design ensures that everyone can experience your content.

I make websites findable

Search engine optimization is an integral part of the design and development process, not something separate from it. Well-structured content and proper use of semantic HTML will do more for your site’s findability than any amount of keyword research. Solid meta-descriptions, thoroughly cross-linked content, and integration with social media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more will skyrocket your site to the top of the search results list.

I make websites manageable

What good is a beautiful, modern website if you can’t easily update the content within it? Simple, customized back-end interfaces combined with layered styles and templates allow you to quickly and easily keep your site current with little to no knowledge of HTML, CSS, or any of that other “techy stuff.” My design and development processes always keep a focus on making the site as easy for you to maintain as it is for your visitors to use. I understand the web so you don’t have to.

I make websites flexible

The reality of today’s web is that we – the content providers – must abandon the idea that we can control how users view our content. Gone are the days of creating a single brochure design and sending it to print. Varying screen resolutions, different browsers, mobile devices, and even printed versions of a page all demand their own unique design considerations. In addition, the advent of customizable browsers, OS-based text scaling, and enterprise-level security controls can all drastically affect how a user experiences your site. Designing and developing for these variables can make the difference between a flawless user experience and the perception of a “broken site.”

I make websites graceful

The coolest AJAX widget in the world won’t make a bit of difference to a user who has JavaScript disabled and can’t use your site. Designing and developing with consideration for the concept of graceful degradation allows you to present cutting-edge effects and interface elements to the users that can take advantage of them, while still providing a beautiful and functional website to those that can’t. Layered presentation and unobtrusive JavaScript makes your user interface adapt to the user, rather than forcing them to adapt to your site.

I make websites lightweight

Lean, hand-crafted code combined with optimized imagery and reusable design elements ensures that your site will be responsive and quick to load. Separation of style and content saves bandwidth by minimizing redundant downloads, and makes future visual changes easier and faster to apply. Highly flexible JavaScript modules reduce development time and allow for increased customization without slowing down your site.

I make websites extensible

Web sites are ever-changing, requirements are constantly in flux, and “the next big thing” is never very far off. Building well-structured websites with an eye towards future extensibility and integration is absolutely critical in today’s world. By designing and developing with established standards, intelligent structure, and open-source tools, your website will be ready to adapt and grow in any direction.