Portfolio

An illustrated, capstone history of software I've designed and developed over the past three decades. Notice the clean visual design throughout the entire history of software I've built. The interface is the product.

Open-Source Software

OpenNote (Community Edition)

2019-present HTML CSS JavaScript

OpenNote is an integrated workspace for recording, organizing, and presenting information. Includes database, spreadsheet, task management, diagramming, slideshow, as well as UI widgets and macros for extending the functionality. It's your second brain.

Genesys

2016-present HTML CSS JavaScript JSON Visual Studio Code

Genesys is an open-source 'design in the browser' toolkit, transforming the open-source Visual Studio Code into an integrated design and prototyping environment.

Government Software

All of my government software was designed and developed for the Social Security Administration.

SSA Design System

2022-present HTML Markdown CSS JavaScript Docusaurus

Founder of the official design system for the Social Security Administration. Architected the design system's principles, design tokens, and learning platform.

SSA Design System University

2022-present HTML CSS JavaScript

Design and developed a self-paced courseware learning system that supports the SSA Design System.

Unmoderated Testing Platform

2020-present HTML CSS JavaScript

Provides automated, unmoderated testing of UI prototypes by user participants, and records and transmits their feedback for analysis. I designed, developed, and deployed this during the Covid pandemic, in order to continue end-user testing rapidly and remotely.

UEF Inspector

2019-present CSS JavaScript

A design system debugging tool for the Social Security Administration. Visually identifies UEF design system components on a web page.

UXG Designer

2017-present HTML CSS JavaScript Bootstrap

A single-page web app, customized for user experience designers at the Social Security Administration. Assembles and organizes all agency design tools, references, and assets into one easy to use interface.

SSA Web Standards

2016-2021 Web Components HTML CSS Less JavaScript Node.js Nunjucks

Chief architect of the official site for building web applications for the Social Security Administration, using the UEF framework.

UEF Framework

2009-present Web Components HTML CSS Less JavaScript TypeScript Node.js Storybook

Inventor and chief architect of the User Experience Framework. UEF is an extensible, accessible, standards and component-based framework for rapidly constructing web-based user interfaces that define the user experience. Over 120 web applications at the Social Security Administration have been built with UEF, used by over 100 million users each year.

 

FlexWeb Framework

2006-2011 HTML CSS JavaScript

Inventor and chief architect of FlexWeb, an extensible, accessible, standards and component-based framework for rapidly constructing web-based user interfaces that define the user experience. Provides a cross-browser compatibility layer, flexibility in layout design via a grid engine, UI components, screen resolution and font-scaling independence, pluggable extensions, skinnable themes, and full accessibility support and Section 508-compliance. The FlexWeb framework powers over 70 web applications from the Social Security Administration, used by millions of users each year.

SmartForms

2006 JavaScript

SmartForms is an unobtrusive JavaScript library providing enhanced versions of standard web form data entry elements, including Date, SSN, TextArea and US Phone Number. All SmartForms controls are compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Section 508 and work with all screen readers and all web browsers. SmartForms is a pluggable extension to the FlexWeb Framework.

 

Social Security Benefits

2005 HTML CSS JavaScript Java Server Pages

Senior developer on the Social Security Benefits application, allowing citizens to apply for Social Security Benefits online. In 2005, this application received the second highest customer satisfaction score ever recorded among all government web sites from the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

 

SSA Online Web Services

2001-2006 HTML CSS JavaScript Java Server Pages

Senior developer on the Social Security Administration Online Web Services, providing browser-based solutions for filling in and submitting various forms to the federal government for processing. The reusable presentation-tier page architecture provided complete separation between the page layout, structure, and visual appearance enabling diverse teams to construct form-based Internet applications.

The IBM Systems Journal published an article on this architecture.

 

Usability Center Redesign

2001 HTML CSS JavaScript Active Server Pages VBScript Microsoft Access

This is a redesign of the Usability Center website developed in 2000 (see below). Besides doubling the amount of content, the underlying information architecture was changed, the navigation systems were changed, and the entire visual design was updated to a new set of design templates. All of the changes were made in order to more closely match the goals of the users with the task(s) they wanted to perform.

 

Usability Center

2000 HTML CSS JavaScript Active Server Pages VBScript Microsoft Access

The goal of the Usability Center site was to provide a centralized location for all usability activities, issues, etc., where developers could get help on any usability question that they may have. The database-driven site is built from a set of reusable components, and the underlying information architecture is fully scalable. The site features a download library, threaded discussion groups, specialized content areas, and keyword-based searching across the entire site, or within specified search zones.

 

Software Tools Intranet Site

1999 HTML CSS JavaScript Active Server Pages VBScript Microsoft Access

The goal of the Software Tools Strategy site was to provide a centralized reference source for the organization's short and long-term strategies related to software tools. The majority of the site is database-driven and provides the user with a query interface for filtering, sorting, and searching for specific tools and toolsets.

 

Contract Task Management

1999 Visual Basic 5.0

The Contract Task Management system was designed to integrate an assortment of existing corporate systems under one central information architecture and user interface.

 

UI Standards Intranet Site

1999 HTML CSS JavaScript

The Graphical User Interface Standards site was designed to provide a centralized information repository and download center for user interfaces built with Visual Basic, Java, and HTML. The site includes a keyword-based search facility.

 

Five-Year Systems Plans

1999 Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Microsoft Access

The Five-Year Systems Plans application allows managers to browse, draft and refine high-level project plans, including resource allocation, cost, and schedule. These plans can be aggregated, sorted, and filtered based on the user's criteria. The system also provides several standard reports.

 

Report Gallery

1998 Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Microsoft Access

Report Gallery is a Microsoft Access 97 plug-in, which allows developers to quickly add a centralized reporting center to any Access application with only a single line of code. The plug-in is completely database-driven, and can easily be customized by modifying the supporting tables. Report Gallery first appeared in the Five-Year Systems Plans application (see above) and has been used in several other applications at the Social Security Administration.

 

Application for Leave

1998 Microsoft Exchange Outlook VBScript

Application for Leave is a workflow application allowing employees to request time off and have the request automatically routed to their manager for approval. Uses the Microsoft Exchange messaging architecture for workflow routing and Microsoft Outlook for the presentation layer. This application replaced a commercial product used by the Social Security Administration, has been in use for 20 years, and saved the agency millions of dollars. My designs and software last. :-)

 

Electronic Forms Utilities

1998 Microsoft Access Visual Basic for Applications

Electronic Forms Utilities is an add-on application for JetForm FormFlow developers, which automatically generates form definition files. These definition files are used with automated form test scripts, thus automating the form testing process. The application allows the developer to select a form, select a destination file, and then generates the definition file.

 

Calendar Mailer

1998 Microsoft Exchange Outlook VBScript

Calendar Mailer allows Microsoft Outlook users to send an ASCII version of their calendar to anyone--even users who do not have Outlook or do not use the Microsoft Exchange messaging architecture. This is useful for synchronizing Outlook calendars with web-based e-mail services, such as GMail. 1998

 

Guidelines for Software Construction

1998 HTML CSS JavaScript

Guidelines for Software Construction is a reference site focusing on topics related to the construction phase in a software engineering project. Topics include syntax and structure, naming conventions (Visual Basic and Java), and special topics devoted to User Interface design, VBScript, Microsoft Outlook and web-based development.

 

While You Were Out

1997 Microsoft Exchange Outlook VBScript

While You Were Out is a Microsoft Outlook-based application which allows administrative staff to record and send notifications events in your absence. Offers pre-defined selections for purpose, date/time, and follow-up actions in order to rapidly record the event while minimizing keystrokes required for information entry. Integrates with Outlook's Contacts folder.

 

Prism II

1997 Lotus Notes LotusScript

PRISM II is a groupware application that facilitates the collaborative workflow process of project lifecycle management. Allows project leaders to initiate a project through the justification process, and if approved, tracks the project through its entire lifecycle, until the project is retired. The application also includes extensive search and reporting capabilities, as well as a multi-tiered approval/denial workflow process.

 

Enterprise Software

My enterprise software has been used by companies such as Verizon, Lockheed Martin, and Peraton.

Page Tools

2021 JavaScript

An integrated collection of usability and accessibility tools for designing in the browser.

 

Unmoderated Testing Platform

2020-present HTML CSS JavaScript

Designed, developed, and deployed a custom remote UX testing platform. Includes A/B testing, click-tracking, and integration of prototypes from any source (HTML, Adobe XD, Axure, etc.). Standalone use, or as a plug-in to Genesys.

UI Developer

2019-present HTML CSS JavaScript Bootstrap

A single-page web app for user interface developers. Assembles and organizes all best-in-class developer tools, references, and assets into one easy to use interface. The integrated companion to UXG Designer.

Design in the Browser Playbook

2017-2019 HTML CSS JavaScript

A single-page web app with an interactive series of 16 plays, detailing how to assemble, use, and produce rapid interactive, testable designs within the browser. This software won Northrop Grumman's SPARK Innovation Award for 2017.

Lotus Notes Automated Installation Guide

1995 WinHelp

The Windows Help-based Lotus Notes Automated Installation Guide assists end-users with no prior Notes experience in the self-directed installation of the Notes client on their workstation or laptop. Lotus Notes was notorious for its complex and lengthy installation procedure, which often required a network administrator to visit each workstation for installation. This step-by-step, interactive guide reduced initial administrator visits by over 75%, follow-up visits by 50%, and accelerated the roll-out of Notes throughout the enterprise.

 

Commercial Software

All of my commercial software was sold through Running Deer Software's website, or within mass-market retail outlets, including Best Buy and Fry's Electronics.

Running Deer Software

2001-2019 HTML CSS JavaScript

The Running Deer Software website was an e-commerce site used to promote, sell and support Windows, Mac and mobile software applications. The site featured a flexible layout, font-scaling independence, full accessibility, as well as an integrated shopping cart and full analytics. I'm the founder of Running Deer Software. The site ceased operations in 2019 after almost two decades of delivering quality software to individuals and organizations.

Exercise Gambler

2011 HTML CSS JavaScript Chrome Store App

Exercise Gambler is a Google Chrome Store application where users can select a randomized workout routine via a slot machine metaphor.

 

FitnessCALC

2010 Microsoft Excel

FitnessCALC is a spreadsheet-based fitness testing and tracking system for personal trainers or home users.

 

Diet Genie

2008 Microsoft Excel

Diet Genie is a spreadsheet-based food database and nutrition analysis system, which selects foods based the user's specific dietary criteria, estimates calorie requirements, and calculates diet progress over time. Diet Genie was featured by Microsoft in their Microsoft Office Online solution center.

 

Exercise Genie

2001-2007 Microsoft Excel Palm OS

Exercise Genie is an exercise encylopedia and workout builder, allowing users to construct workouts and view specific types of exercises (based on filtering criteria) from a detailed categorization system. Featured by Microsoft in their Microsoft Office Online solution center. Design for Windows, Mac, and Palm devices.

 

MuscleCALC

2007 Microsoft Excel

MuscleCALC is a complete spreadsheet-based tracking system for weightlifting for recording workout information and providing analysis tools for increasing strength and muscular performance. MuscleCALC was featured by Microsoft in their Microsoft Office Online solution center.

 

Home & Office Essentials

2005 Palm OS

Home & Office Essentials is a general purpose database system, allowing the user to create, view, and manage databases and records. The system includes 20 pre-built databases for home and office tasks, such as vehicle maintenance, timesheets, project tracking, home inventory, insurance info, cookbooks, etc. The product also includes a completely automated installer for handheld devices.

 

Fitness Tools

2001-2002 Palm OS

Fitness Tools is an integrated fitness calculation system, targeted towards casual users, personal fitness trainers, and kinesiology/physiology staff and students.

 

LiftThis!

1998 Visual Basic for Applications Microsoft Access

LiftThis! allows weightlifters to record and track their weightlifting progress over time. The program includes an extensive database of exercises, a journal to record workout performance, and a selection of predefined reports.