Kerrigan McCarthy
49 Hillcrest Ave.
Larkspur, CA 94939
510.384.8486
kerriganm@earthlink.net
www.msmccarthy.com

 

strengths

Creative web professional with extensive design and technology knowledge has a proven history of completing user-centric projects within deadlines. Fluent in information architecture and usability principles. Experienced steering projects beginning to end, both directing others and working alone. Knowledgeable in current web standards, including CSS and DHTML, and cross-platform/browser issues.

skills

Operating Systems: Mac OS 9, Mac OS X, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows XP, Unix
Languages: HTML, DHTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, SQL, ASP, JSP
Graphics: Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, ImageReady
Web Technologies: Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Visual InterDev, SourceSafe, FTP
Databases: Oracle, FileMaker, ColdFusion, Datatel, BroadVision
Brainbench Certifications: HTML, Web Design for Accessibility, Internet Industry Knowledge, Programmer Aptitude, Internet Technology Fundamentals, Problem Solving, Business Ethics, Written French

professional experience

Lead Web UI Designer, SSF Imported Auto Parts - February 2005-present

  • Led site design efforts revamping site for usability, legibility and clarity. Instituted coherent branding of site using layout, color schemes and typography. Developed wide-ranging site plans in collaboration with marketing, IT, department heads and the CEO.
  • Spearheaded projects to redesign site for usability, to optimize site for search engines, and to change site from static to dynamic content to highlight products and offerings, helping increase online sales by 45% in a year.
  • Created a style guide for the site for cohesion and stronger branding, and instituted file management system, making site updates easier, lessening the load on the servers and avoiding image duplication.
  • Created and applied stylesheets to the site for persistence of design and better web practices.

Freelance Web Designer and Developer - 1997-present

  • Develeloped web sites for freelance clients, from information gathering through to publication and testing. Researched businesses, created user profiles, developed information architecture, designed user interfaces, coded sites (HTML, DHTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, ColdFusion, Flash, etc.), quality tested, directed usability testing, and optimized sites for search engine ranking. Incorporated sound usability principles to achieve user-friendly results while promoting entity brands for varied clients, from a prestigious San Francisco law firm to an Oakland heavy-metal band.
  • Directed site usability testing of Hotel Mayflower site, ensuring ease of use and cross-platform and -browser compliance.
    Applied typography, color and design theory to support clean, simple, and user-friendly feel of a web and design tutorial web site.
  • Followed best practices and implemented W3C recommendations in freelance projects to ensure scalability and standards compliance.
    Balanced users goals with business objectives, while clearly communicating web concepts to technologically-naive clients prompting one client to say, "We think she can do every and anything."

Web Designer and Information Architect, Homestore.com - 1999-2001

  • Designed and developed subsites of Homestore.com (originally move.com), including sections of RentNet, Self Storage Net and Senior Housing Net. Contributed to style guide document and developed architecture schemas, layouts and color schemes.
  • Collaborated on design of move.com web site interface, earning it a #1 Gomez rating in ease-of-use.
  • Applied usability principles to increase traffic flow to under-accessed areas of the Homestore site, increasing perceived value while leveraging existing content.
  • Promoted RentNet, move.com and Homestore brands through design and creation of design standards.
  • Initiated and led information architecture efforts for Homestore's San Francisco office, developing information schemas for proposed web projects to ensure logical information flow and usability.
  • Collaborated successfully with co-workers of many disciplines, including programmers, project leads and administrators to get projects done on time and according to specifications.

 

education

  • Golden Gate University, San Francisco
    MS Web Design and Development December 2004
    Masters Certificate, Computer Information Systems 2003
  • California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland - BFA, Fine Art 1994
  • Art Center College of Design, Pasadena
  • L'Universite de la Sorbonne, Paris

sample URLs

affiliations

  • Founder, Golden Gate University's Club Web
  • Former Chapter Leader, San Francisco Webgrrls
  • Member, eBig Technology Forum
  • Member, AIGA