Navigation | Content

Eric D. Fields

User Experience Developer

EricFields

Boston, MA

I am a web developer specializing in user experience with an eye for crisp, clear visual design and a passion for creating user interfaces that are equally pleasing to the eye and exceptionally easy to use.

My proficiencies are in front-end web technologies — HTML, CSS, and Javascript — but my technical experience includes exposure server-side programming, using open source solutions for medium-to-large-scale content-driven websites, project management and consulting.

I aim to work in environments where the web's capabilities are pushed to the limit to create compelling experiences for users. Increasingly this means interfaces that are optimized for smaller screens, so my approach to design is to think of the mobile experience first and build from there for a more robust desktop experience.

Experience

  • Senior User Experience Developer
    Boston, MA
    Feb 2010 - Present
    Optaros

    Duties
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Engage directly with clients during blueprint project planning phase, exploring user profiles and scenarios, wireframing, and prototyping of core project experiences.
    Actively maintain the in-house prototyping framework used for kick-starting new prototypes by incorporating the latest web frameworks and toolsets
    Front-end development of projects during solution assembly phase, routinely including the open source Drupal CMS, custom Drupal module creation, and custom Drupal theming.

    Clients
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    38 Studios (http://reckoningthegame.com)
    MIH Group (http://36boutiques.com)
    Harte Hanks (http://pennysaverusa.com & TBD)

    Toolbox
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fireworks
    HTML
    CSS, SASS, Compass
    JavaScript
    jQuery
    jQTouch
    jQuery Mobile
    Drupal
    PHP
    Subversion

  • Engineer
    Charlestown, MA
    Sep 2009 - Feb 2010
    Spring Partners

    Duties
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Designing and implementing user experience enhancements to the web-based Springpad life-management application.
    Coordinating half my cycles with the marketing department to strategize, design and develop landing pages, email templates, and the recently completed a redesign of our home page.

    Toolbox
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fireworks
    HTML
    CSS
    jQuery
    MooTools
    JSP
    Google Web Toolkit (abstracted to XML-based presentation framework)

    Highlights
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The most advanced RIA I've yet to work on.
    Well-oiled production cycle based on frequent iterative improvements and a strong quality assurance routine.
    Collaborative culture across all levels of the company

  • Front-end Web Developer (freelance)
    Boston, MA
    Jan 2009 - Jun 2009
    WGBH

    Duties
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Prototyping layout and design concepts in a static, HTML-based wireframe
    Identifying development requirements as they relate to both the client administrative needs and end-user experience, communicating those needs to colleagues working on the Flash video player and Drupal backend.
    Developing a foundational Drupal skin to be passed on to their in-house designer

    Toolbox
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fireworks
    HTML
    CSS
    jQuery
    PHP
    * Drupal 6

  • Web Developer (freelance)
    Boston, MA
    Apr 2009 - Aug 2009
    CAPA International Education

    Services Provided
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Designed and developed landing pages tailored to a college audience
    Used WordPress as a microsite management tool, providing a common CMS across many small multi-page sites they would implement for specific schools
    Designed a new company site to address the needs of their primary audience — college students seeking study abroad programs — as well as parents and college administrators. Ingested and reorganized existing content into Drupal and developed the template.

    Toolbox
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    HTML
    CSS
    jQuery
    * Drupal 6

  • Web Designer & Developer (freelance)
    New York, NY
    Apr 2008 - Apr 2009
    Audience Rewards

    Duties
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Ongoing design and front-end development work on their consumer home page, working with a Minnesota-based agency in a ColdFusion environment

    Toolbox
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fireworks
    HTML
    CSS
    ColdFusion
    Subversion

  • Web Designer
    Waltham, MA
    Apr 2007 - Apr 2008
    I'm in!

    Duties
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Redesign home page to feature more of our unique content, partner offers, misc. widgets
    Provide wireframes and UI briefs for new features
    Code new features in a custom Javascript framework based on Prototype.js
    Redesign end-user portal (layout, UI, icons)
    Design and markup partner self-service portal

    Toolbox
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Photoshop
    Fireworks
    HTML
    CSS
    JavaScript
    Prototype.js
    JSP
    * Subversion

    Highlights
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    First time deeply dedicated to developing a rich internet application.

    Took ownership of overall product look and feel.

    Advanced Javascript proficiency, creating reusable objects, mastering Prootype.js framework, and developing an understanding of practical AJAX.

    Played an instrumental role in brainstorming, wireframing, designing and and developing a B2B application.

  • Senior Web Production Specialist

    Jan 2006 - Apr 2007
    College Publisher

    Duties
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Develop presentation layer for templates for school newspaper designs
    Implement presentation layer into custom College Publisher templating language
    Provide custom designs for high-traffic schools
    Design and develop features to the College Publisher CMS
    Phone and email support for our users

    Toolbox
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Photoshop
    HTML
    CSS
    JavaScript
    Prototype.js
    WordPress
    ColdFusion + Mach-II
    custom CP markup
    Subversion

    Highlights
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Summer 2006 was used to brainstorm and implement much-needed improvements to our image-handling tool. I provided UI design and direction and delivered the following specs for team review.

Education

  • B.A. New Media, marketing minor
    Boston, MA
    Sep 2003 - Apr 2007
    Emerson College

    My New Media concentration at Emerson exposed me to a rich array of media creation techniques across various disciplines: video and audio production and editing, 2-D and 3-D animation, and web development. The marketing minor provided experience in public speaking, pitching, analytical thinking, market research and general idea strategizing.

Navigation | Content