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Sim D'Hertefelt is a freelance architect of interactive ICT applications,
such as websites, e-newsletters, intranet, software, presentations,
multimedia... He transforms requirements and needs of all stakeholders,
such as project sponsors, users, developers and administrators into
unambiguous specifications for innovative ICT solutions.
What does the interaction architect do?
- Project definition and management: translating strategy into an ICT project plan, setting up project organisation and development process, documenting the business case and conditions, project execution follow-up and reporting, coaching the project team, quality and conformity control...
- Functional
analysis and design:
requirements and needs analysis, user analysis, task analysis,
use case modeling, logical data modeling, object modeling, sitemaps...
- Interaction and
information design:
interactive concept design, storyboards, wireframe prototypes,
page templates...
- Copywriting
and documentation:
creative and technical writing for interactive systems, screen
labels, content, user documentation, operational procedures, project plans, calls for proposals...
What distinguishes the interaction architect?
- Human-centered
The human
factor is crucial to the success of ICT projects. Failing usability
of the end product, or lack of collaboration in a multi-disciplinary
team are human problems that can threaten the return-on-investment
of a development project. The interaction architect takes into
account the human factor by applying human-centered techniques,
such as usability testing, brainstorm sessions, interviews, focus
groups, workshops...
- Innovative
and creative
Most ICT projects are not only about solving technical problems.
They are also innovation processes that require new ways of working
and communicating from clients, suppliers, back-office personnel
and other stakeholders. By treating ICT project as innovation
processes rather than just technological problem solving, the
interaction architect can propose surprisingly effective and efficient
solutions. He explicitly allows creativity to play its role in
the development process.
- Methodological
and documented The
one and only development method does not exist, but a methodological
approach is a requirement for a successful ICT project. Every
project requires its own approach because every organization is
different and because every project has its own set of goals.
But there are returning values: clear and explicit goals, proper
planning and result orientation, involvement of stakeholders into
the process, efficient project documentation... The interaction
architect not only provides for structure in the end result, but
also in the design and development process.
What software does the interaction architect use?
Besides the usual Microsoft Office applications, he uses specialized
software & tools for modeling, design, prototyping,
planning...
- Adobe Photoshop (graphical and web design)
- EnterpriseArchitect (requirements engineering, UML modeling,
CASE-tool)
- HTML, Javascript, DOM, CSS (wireframe prototyping, web development)
- Macromedia Dreamweaver MX (wireframe prototyping, web design)
- Microsoft Project (project planning)
- Microsoft Visio (UML modeling, workflow modeling, sitemaps,
data modeling)
- MindManager (brainstorming, documenting meetings...)
Why Sim D'Hertefelt as interaction architect?
- Experience
since 1996 as an
analyst, designer, copywriter and usability consultant on ICT
projects for banking, industry, telecom, government, airlines,
automotive... He has observed hundreds of users during usability
tests. He knows their strengths and weaknesses and how best to
adapt your design to them.
- Education
in Human-Computer
Interaction, technical and creative writing, ICT project management, object-oriented
analysis & design and social sciences. This allows him to
bridge the gap between human needs and technological possibilities.
- Multi-disciplinary
attitude that
allows him to effectively work together with experts from totally
different backgrounds.
Read more about Sim's current activities: Copywriting by Kwintessens | Information architecture by Kwintessens (in Dutch)
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