Contact

+1-312-212-3459

Core Competencies

  • JavaScript, jQuery, HTML5, CSS3
  • Web & Information Architecture
  • Interactions, Prototyping, Usability
  • Mobile Apps, Mobile Web

Legend: Front-End / UI Back-End Prototyping

Portfolio

 

MentorMob.com

Technology: JavaScript jQuery Ajax CSS3 HTML5 PHP (Codeigniter MVC) Photoshop Balsamiq Paper Prototyping

Expertise: Front-End Dev. Coordination Information Architecture Systems Architecture Strategy Prototyping Usability

I have been responsible for building MentorMob's user interface since January, 2011 (still ongoing). MentorMob is an awesome Chicago-based startup company which is changing the way people are learning online by bringing order in the chaos of already existing learning content on the web.

I have been working closely with the founders to brainstorm concepts, build prototypes and develop the entire UI of the website. I have collaborated with graphic designers, UX experts, and invented and programmed the UI and interactions using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript. I also invented a number of reusable front-end elements.

A few of my contributions:

  • Improve architecture by optimizing JavaScript/jQuery code and CSS site-wide,
  • Design and program front-end and interactions for the Learning Playlist™ (example below),
  • Architect and develop front-end reusable elements (modal windows, widgets, menus),
  • Create AJAX driven communication for most client interactions,
  • Improve Usability by making decisions based on own knowledge, UX testing and expert consulting,
  • Lead an effort to improve the visual appeal of the product by working with Sve Design,
  • Pave the road for going mobile on smart phone browsers and apps (iPhone, iPad and Android).


And here is an embedded playlist widget:

Learning Playlist ROWE: Results Oriented Work Environment on MentorMob
 

I Act In Fact iPhone App

Technology: Objective C CSS3 HTML5 XCode SQL Lite iOS Photoshop

Expertise: Mobile UI Information Architecture Prototyping Mobile Apps Usability

I Act In Fact (IAIF) is a light-weight iPhone app which allows people to organize their immediate-future tasks. I designed and implemented the app UI using Photoshop and X-Code. The logic was written in Objective-C and for a database I used SQL Lite. The app is available at the App Store.

 

Kolibriz: iPhone App

Technology: Objective C XCode SQL Lite iOS Photoshop

Expertise: Mobile UI Distributed Data Encryption Sync Algorithms Mobile Apps Prototyping

Kolibriz is a light-weight flash-card iPhone app. It has a web component which allows the user to enter cards quickly on the web and then sync them to the app. I worked almost entirely on all aspects of the project - from creating an up-to-the-point UI to developing the mobile communications and distributed data algorithm (sync).

The idea for Kolibriz was born while studying Spanish at Cervantes Institute a few years ago. I needed a way to study words with flash cards but did not want carrying the bulk of paper. I did not find a good enough app in the App Store, so I created Kolibriz.

Kolibriz flash card iPhone app

Kolibriz: Web Tool

Technology: HTML CSS3 JavaScript jQuery Ajax REST ASP.NET SQL Server Photoshop

Expertise: Front-End Back-End Web Apps Distributed Data Encryption Usability Prototyping

This is the web component of the Kolibriz iPhone app. The idea was to allow users to quickly create content on the web and sync back to their iPhone and vice versa. The main task was to create a very simple and intuitive UI which requires zero instructions. This was achieved with well thought graphics, minimal clutter and jQuery interactions. Subsequently certain changes were made based on results from user testing.

The front-end was developed using RESTful architecture. The back-end, including the web services exposed to the iPhone app were developed using ASP.NET and MS SQL server.

Kolibriz website - manage decks
Kolibriz website - manage cards

Project Pliska: Idea Organizer for Authors

Technology: HTML CSS JavaScript Ajax REST ASP.NET SQL Server Telerik Photoshop

Expertise: Front-End Back-End Web Apps Requirements Analysis Prototyping

Project Pliska was a fully functional prototype for an online tool to help authors organize their ideas. The prototype was a proof of concept that was tested with multiple users who used it in real-life writing projects.

The product was developed in 2006 using exclusively Ajax technology (hand-coded, no jQuery at the time). I was responsible for the UI architecture, design and front-end development. I also developed the back-end using .NET technology to work entirely asynchronously (REST) with the HTML interface.

Project Pliska - Home Page
Project Pliska - Multiple Idea Cards on Desktop
Project Pliska - Combined Ideas into One Document
Project Pliska - Editing an Idea Card

EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Prototype

Technology: HTML CSS Axure GoMockingBird Gliffy Photoshop

Expertise: Web UI Web Apps Requirements Systems Analysis Information Architecture Prototyping Usability

This was a several month-long project for requirements gathering, analysis and building specs for a software to collect raw data from multiple SCADA sources, create complex data transformations and format reports in US EPA specified XML format. The product was intended use in the landfill industry in order to comply with the EPA.

My involvement included interviews with various stakeholders, uncovering multiple requirements, creating work-flow diagrams and building a prototype. The end result was a 100+ screen interactive non-functional prototype of the entire system.

EPA reporting prototype screen 1
EPA reporting prototype screen 2
EPA reporting prototype screen 3
EPA reporting workflow diagram

National Strategy Forum: Usability Improvement

Technology: HTML CSS3 JavaScript jQuery DotNetNuke SQL Server Photoshop

Expertise: Front-End Usability Web Portal technology Systems Analysis Client Management Information Architecture

I was hired by the NSF to help them improve their Information Architecture and access to information. The NSF is a research organization that publishes a lot of content on the web. However, they found that their users had difficulties finding the right content easily.

The reorganization of the website included installing and configuring a CMS-based online publishing platform. I heavily modified it to comply with web usability best practices. In addition I restructured and simplified the main and local navigation menus, added a tag-line to the main screen and reorganized the home page for better information engagement.

NSF home page before and after
NSF inner page before and after
NSF publicaiton before and after


 

 

Older Projects & Client Praise

The following projects are a few examples of website development work using the DotNetNuke CMS. Most of these were completed in collaboration with Emil Atanasov. I also enjoyed the help of SVE Design for graphic design.

Generally the work involved the site implementation, Information Architecture, content optimization, requirements gathering, building custom CMS modules and development of custom interfaces and back-end features.

Technology: CSS HTML JavaScript Ajax jQuery ASP.NET DotNetNuke SQL Server Photoshop Paper Prototyping

Expertise: Front-End Web Portal Technology Information Architecture Strategy Development Usability Management

Walker Law

Walker Law Website

George Alexandrov represents the next wave of web designers for new or revitalized businesses. We were recommended to hire Browseworks to design the Website for Walker Law (tcwalkerlawyers.com) through a dear friend and mentor Caroline Williams of Sparktac. Although Walker Law had previously paid a graphic designer to design its logo, George completely revamped the logo to reflect the current 'modern look' that businesses now use.

After completing the web site, Browseworks sat me through and taped (which was subsequently sent to me on CD Rom) a tutorial on how to update the website. That CD was extensively used months later to refresh my memory on how to update the website. Although the head office of Browseworks is in the United States and Walker Law is in Toronto, utilizing modern technology made me feel as if George was next door.

If you are seeking a company that will design or redesign your web page, Walker Law recommends the services of Browseworks.

Tanya Crystal Walker Founding Partner, Walker Law, Toronto

Landmarc Environmental Systems

Landmarc Environmental Systems Website

Completely reworked the company's website. Installed and configured a DotNetNuke CMS, organized content, created flash banners and integrated third-party SCADA systems. We also wrote various custom modules for further integration and user authentication. The site was optimized for SEO.

Wiki Nation

WikiNation Website

It’s not often that people start off a conversation by saying that they like your website, but it is happening more to us as a result of Browseworks recent work on our site, www.wikination.ca. Once people get to the site we keep them there because they can navigate easily to their solutions.

What is significant is the fact that their consultants were not only able to quickly grasp what we wanted to do but they found the way to articulate it for us both in look and usability.

Since our own clients will benefit from adjusting their own websites to attract and retain the interest of prospective employment candidates we are recommending that they talk to BrowseWorks. We look forward to collaborating with them.

Pierre Robitaille Chairman, WikiNation, Toronto

Civic Practice Group

Civic Practice Website

This year, I finally admitted that my website was a wreck, and that I needed a better image for my business in the virtual world.

A simple search for web consultants produced many results, all of which appeared equally qualified to redesign my site. However, I chose BrowseWorks because they offered something different—a web presence—that the other designers and consultants did not.

Following my initial consultation with the BrowseWorks team, I knew that I was in very capable hands. They really took the time to understand my business, so that their approach and recommendations has more than just a superficial impact. BrowseWorks totally revised the "look and feel" of my website, making it much easier for visitors to use. They also improved my Google ranking dramatically by making the website more visible to search engines. Finally, they gave me a web presence that includes tools that I can use to manage site content, which has already saved me money.

When the time comes to address your website needs, you will have a choice: go with a designer who can merely give your website a clever look, or have a professional team build a legitimate web presence that is easy for your customers to use. I know from firsthand experience that you will choose the latter option if your goal is to convert visitors to your site into paying customers.

I am so confident in the quality of service that BrowseWorks provide that I offered them strategic partnership. I strongly recommend the BrowseWorks team to my own clients and colleagues for courteous, dependable and cost-effective web consulting and training.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions about the project that BrowseWorks did for me.

Kenneth A. Bleyer Founder & Strategic Counsel, Civic Practice Group, Austin, TX

The Coaching Edge

The Coaching Edge Website

It has been an absolute pleasure to work with BrowseWorks in the creation of my website. Emil's technical knowledge and ability enabled us to effectively design the website with maximum impact while effectively managing costs. What I like most about working with Emil is how he partners with his clients. He really listens to your needs and questions and responds completely.

As one of my goals was to minimize costs of managing the website once it was created, Emil provided me with design advice and a educational component on how to manage my website moving forward. His patience and respect for my learning curve was so appreciated - he made it all very easy.

I would highly recommend BrowseWorks for anyone who is looking to create or adapt their website. It has been a very positive experience for this non-technically oriented client!

Loretta White Founder & Executive Coach, The Coaching Edge, Toronto

Toastmasters of Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park Toastmasters Website

It has been more than a year since the guys who started BrowseWorks created our new website. Their strategy for optimizing our web pages for Google, and especially encouraging us to run a blog, has paid off immensely.

We are amazed how many members found us on the Internet after they googled for a Toastmasters club in Chicago. Our website is now a super salesman for our organization. As the VP of Membership, I literally don’t have to do any work to get new members. People just come in droves. FYI, there are more than 60 clubs in Chicago alone. The requirement for a Toastmasters club to be distinguished is to add 5 new members a year. We got 9 new members just last month. Every meeting we get 5 to 10 new visitors coming to our club.

The BrowseWorks web strategy and work has played a big part in our success. Now our club has become one of the most financially stable clubs in the Midwest. I would definitely recommend BrowseWorks to any organization or business that wants to be found on the Internet and increase their membership or business significantly.

Chuck Romero 2007-2008 VP of Membership, Toastmasters of Lincoln Park, Chicago

CCI Leadership Strategies

CCI Leadership Website

What struck us first is the attention they gave to our needs. It was important for them to fully understand what we wanted to accomplish and they avoided boiler plate approaches.

Secondly, their proposed solutions were creative and always on the mark. They always presented in such a way that we actually understood what they were proposing, we were never lost in the technology.

Thirdly, we sensed a strong interest in our business and a distinct motivation to add value and continually enhance solutions for our benefit, not theirs. In fact they would come back and change some proposals after they had discovered yet a ‘better way’.

Fourthly, we can only be appreciative of their business acumen, professionalism and their ability to deliver on time and on budget. On this last note, they were always looking to keep our costs down. While BrowseWorks does give us a competitive edge, we are most willing to share our experience and recommend to others that a partnership with BrowseWorks is a good investment.

Pierre Robitaille Managing Partner, CCI Leadership Strategies, Toronto

Norfolk Guesthouse

Norfolk Guesthouse Website

I have a small business and like many I am faced with challenges on how to market and get the best web site exposure for the money I have to spend. I had a web site that was not giving me the results I was looking for. I am in the tourism industry and most of my clients search for places to stay on the Internet.

I was fortunate to find Browseworks. I asked for my website to be updated and re-designed so that it was more user-friendly. I also asked to get better placement on the search engines. I was finding that my competitors were found easily when searched for and my site was on page four. I couldn't understand why!

After the re-design and some search engine optimization my website is now number one on Google for the keywords I'm interested in. I can't be more pleased with the results!

The guys at Browseworks are professional and easy to work with, and have a way of explaining things so you can understand how things actually work. I found other companies I used before didn't take the time to explain all the details.

I really feel I received good value and excellent customer care. Emil and George were always there when I had questions, even after the job was done. I highly recommend BrowseWorks.

Janet Perry Owner & Operator, Norfolk Guesthouse, Guelph, Ontario

SparkTac Coaching

SparkTac Website

Last year when we decided that it was time to launch a website, for our company, I consulted with BrowseWorks to get advice. They suggested that I invest in a website based on a new web portal technology. They assured me that it would be easy to maintain and that I could do it myself. Well, rest assured they were right. Today, I am happy to say, that I can make changes to my website anytime I want and I do not have to pay or wait on someone to do it.

Before the launch of the website I purchased some additional third-party modules that were installed by BrowseWorks. During the installation, one of the guys mentioned that he was not satisfied with the quality of the programming of the third-party module and informed me that they could do better. And they did; they developed a custom module that met all of my specifications and it even included a help documentation which was missing from the previous third-party purchased version.

Basically, if you want to have a powerful web site that you can manage yourself - and work with a company that has integrity - BrowseWorks will do it right!

Caroline Williams Co-founder & Corporate Coach, SparkTac, Toronto

Lil Murphy

Lil Murphy Website

My experience with BrowseWorks has been, in a single word, incredible. They are ultra-professional and super-helpful. They helped design my website, and were able to make great suggestions that made the final product fantastic -- better than I had imagined it myself.

Not only are they good at the technical side, but they have a great sense of marketing and what will work best for the individual client's needs. The feedback I have received on my site has been overwhelmingly positive, from the look to the organization to the audio clips. I couldn't have been more pleased.

Best of all, they were willing to take time to walk me through the features of the portal. The best part? They empowered me. I feel confident that I can work with my site, and, if I were to ever get stuck, that they would be there to walk me through whatever problem I was having and solve it.

Lillian Murphy Soprano, Chicago

1336 Dean Apartments

1336 Dean Apartments Website

Most apartments in Chicago “turn over” in the space of a few weeks beginning in mid-August. With less than a week to spare, I needed to get the site up, and decided to go with BrowseWorks.

From the outset I was pleasantly surprised. The website software itself is very intuitive. What was really nice: The guys at BrowseWorks promptly answered some remaining questions by phone and email.

Once the content management system was up, I started and finished my website in a single afternoon! I changed my mind several times about the menu structure, formatting of text, etc. No problem! I could easily make changes myself and see how the site looked and behaved the moment that I made a change! This ability to experiment and prototype on the fly is one of the most powerful benefits of my content managed website.

BrowseWorks provides the perfect balance of low price, rapid setup, and control. When I want to change site layout and content, I do it myself --- at my convenience, quickly and for free! I was impressed by the quality of the portal, the professionalism, and most importantly, with my finished site! I definitely recommend them and would gladly go with BrowseWorks again in a heartbeat.

Eric Bingen Apartment Building Owner, Chicago
CLOSE