JAMES A. MACDONALD

10 Presidents Lane, Unit 5
Quincy, MA 02169
james@jmacmac.com
www.jmacmac.com
617-650-2973

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Creative and versatile interface designer with over ten years of experience in user-centered and graphic design. Skilled in concept-to-completion development of application interfaces, applying the highest standards of usability and visual design.

• Dedicated to user-centered interface design
  
  
• Expert in Adobe Photoshop, HTML, XHTML, CSS, Dreamweaver, Adobe Illustrator
  
  
• Exceptional graphic design skills, applicable to both interface design and print
  
  
• Consistently recognized for completing projects well ahead of proposed schedules
  
  
• Proven ability to communicate effectively among varied corporate teams, facilitating company-wide acceptance of design and branding standards
  
  
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple projects, often with competing priorities, while maintaining strict levels of quality
  
  
• Unmatched attention to accuracy and consistency in all aspects of work
  
  
• Calm, focused, and motivated under pressure
  
  
• Self managed, dependable

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

Web Designer
ARAMARK, Inc.
September 2005 - Present
Norwell, Massachusetts

• Responsible for design, production, and enhancement of client and public websites and promotional HTML-based emails
  
• Impacted 300% annual revenue increase for promotional email by improving design, A/B testing, and implementing anti-spam techniques
  
• Impacted 27% annual web revenue increase through improved website design and functionality
  
• Developed company standards for promotional email creation and image processingManage junior web designers and freelance talent

Freelance User Interface Consultant
May 2002 - September 2005
Boston, Massachusetts

• Aquent – Application Usability Inspection:
  Conducted a click-by-click usability inspection of the company's international Web-based client management application, providing a comprehensive report of concrete recommendations for improvement. Aquent is a Boston-based professional services firm. (Report samples available upon request)
  
  
• Eastern Science Company – Corporate Website Redesign:
  Redesigned the company's corporate website, focusing on improved access to information and clean visual design. Site redesign attracted the attention of Modern Machine Shop Magazine, in which Eastern Science Company was subsequently featured. ESC is a prototype-to-production machining firm based in Rowley, Massachusetts.
  
  
• Nexaweb – Icon Creation:
  Designed a series of over 110 unique icons, to provide a more professional appearance for the company’s developing Web-based application. Nexaweb designs software and services to enable enterprise applications via the Web.

Senior User Interface Designer
Corechange, Inc.
July 2000 - May 2002
Boston, Massachusetts

• Responsible for interface design, usability improvements, and quality assurance throughout iterative development life cycles for Corechange’s primary product, Coreport
  
  
• Led interface design meetings to develop new functionality, synthesizing data from executive mandates, acquired user feedback, and information from the field
  
  
• Reduced software development cycles by closely monitoring Engineering team’s adherence to design, usability, and branding standards
  
  
• Collected crucial user data and improved customer relations by conducting nationwide Coreport client study
  
  
• Identified product usage trends and provided data to optimize sales processes by conducting "from the trenches" Sales team and Client Services team surveys
  
  
• Assisted effectiveness of sales process by designing over 170 customized product demo "skins", using CSS and Photoshop to match prospects’ branding
  
  
• Designed a series of proof-of-concept and prototype interface designs for both wireless (iPaq) and desktop solutions
  
  
• Recognized as company-wide Photoshop, usability, and HTML expert

Interface Designer
Giga Information Group, Inc.
December 1998 - July 2000
Norwell, Massachusetts

• Responsible for complete interface and navigation overhaul of Giga’s subscription-based online application and primary product, GigaWeb
  
  
• Significantly reduced Quality Assurance team’s workload by monitoring proper implementation of approved interface designs within the 16-person Engineering team
  
  
• Reduced product development cycle time by facilitating inter-team communication and synthesizing often opposing needs of Engineering and Marketing teams
  
  
• Improved online purchase processes of Giga technology consulting materials by applying known usability standards in e-commerce site design
  
  
• Provided all Web design and Web graphics company-wide with consistently high quality and rapid turnaround
  
  
• Caused proliferation of Web design best practices by developing training materials for Marketing and Engineering teams
  
  
• Recognized as company-wide Photoshop, HTML, and Web design expert
  
  
• Hired, mentored, and managed successful graphic artist intern
  

Creative Director
Vision Multimedia, Inc.
January 1995 - August 1998
Springfield, Massachusetts

• Selected to lead and manage three-person design team
  
  
• Developed and designed user interface for informational kiosk placed in primary reception area of Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, Massachusetts
  
  
• Acted as creative lead for numerous Web, digital video, and animation projects
  
  
• Provided artistic and creative services to clients from initial consultation through project completion
  
  
• Designed and maintained corporate website
  Instructed class of 25 adults in basic Web navigation and concepts
  
  
• Conducted one-day seminar in fundamental Adobe Premiere usage

OTHER EXPERIENCE

General Manager
Java Jo Coffee and Tea
September 2003 - Present
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

• Responsible for all aspects of daily operations of a successful coffee house and restaurant
  
  
• Assisted in planning and development of second store location in Jamaica Plain
  
  
• Produced revenue increase of over 100% through effective personnel management, store promotion, and cost control measures
  
  
• Streamlined catering operations by creating a database and data entry system, effectively eliminating human error in both ordering and delivery processes
  
  
• Hired, trained, and managed staff of 15 into a cohesive and self-supporting unit
  
  
• Managed vendor relationships, promoting price competition to obtain best product value
  
  
• Redesigned company logo, and produced all company promotional materials

EDUCATION

University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Bachelor of Arts - Art

• The Computer Arts program at the University of Massachusetts is an intensive curriculum combining traditional fine arts training with computer-based design and animation

References available upon request