Design
Design covers a lot of territory, from blueprints to illustrations to system designs. This page will cover a few examples of what I designed, from graphics to flow charts, to databases.
Nearly 18 years ago I learned the power of databases by using AppleWorks, integrated software that contained a simple flat file database. But using that simple flat file database, we were able to save over 22 man years of labor each year, pretty amazing for an organization with 150 people.
Over the course of the last 18 years I have developed significant skills in database design and development. Relational databases are the power houses of databases, yet they bring along a concept hard for many to understand. The best means to demonstrate a relational database design to the average person – graphical charts.
About 15 years ago I realized that graphical designs were an ideal complement to written point papers when trying to convince others that a new idea was not just new, but great.
Convincing one set of bosses that a new curriculum was needed had been a major struggle. By using simple graphics that related to the curriculum, and several types of charts it became significantly easier for them to understand the concepts of why a new curriculum was needed.
In fact they became so enthused that we ended up not only developing the new curriculum, we developed over 1,000 graphics to replace the text ridden transparencies that had typically been used. This was to begin the extension of my photography skills into a realm of new skills and knowledge I have used ever since.
Graphical designs should provide a grasping vision communication that quickly and clearly telegraphs what you want others to relate to. Some graphics are intended to catch a persons attention while others should be able to relate the flow of processes or help to define how information can be, or will be used.