Open Source Essay, Spring 2009

Notes
A short essay on the similarities between Open Source and Learning Development

Open Source Essay [pdf]

Senior Project, Fall 2008: Dancing with Technology Research

Notes
A report containing the research I did on choreographers, dancers, and studios using technology to create a different form of dance art. I worked with Dr. Celine Latulipe to help with a dance piece using gyroscopic mice (in which the dancers held during the performance) to create art on a screen resulting from the dancer's movements.

Dancing with Technology [pdf]

Prototype Project, Fall 2007: NUTRISWIPE

Notes
A semester long team project I led in designing a better way for students to be more knowledgeable about the foods they eat on a college campus. Three prototypes were planned out using storyboards, pros/cons lists, and more, down to the smallest details. One was chosen, as a team (NUTRISWIPE), as the best option. The documents below show the entire process we went through to get a final "product." Please note: Only parts II and III are available at this time.

NUTRISWIPE Part II [pdf]
NUTRISWIPE Part III [pdf]

Ashley Elizabeth Johnson

E-Mail: ashley@uxdomain.com
References Available Upon Request

You can download my resumé in a PDF format here

Profile

Passionate interaction designer with experience in high volume projects. Seeking a position in the San Francisco Bay or Silicon Valley areas (willing to pay for moving costs if necessary). Interested in applying my design, leadership, communication, and technical writing skills to a full time position in a high achieving business environment with a preferred focus in user experience, interaction design, and project leadership.

Education

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

GPA: 3.425 / 4.0

GPA (major only): 3.667 / 4.0

• Graduated with Cum Laude honors
• BA in Software and Information Systems, Minor in Technical Writing, graduated May 2009
• Participated in PhD student's focus group relating to Human/Computer Interaction (HCI) for a Facebook application
• Team leader for the development and publication of an informational booklet for the University Career Center
• Designed Senior Project (for credit) based on User Experience (UX) – created a paper prototype to demonstrate usability for “dancing with technology” choreography software

Work Experience

Red Hat, Raleigh, NC

Red Hat University Sales College – Intern/Contract – May 2009–Present

• Redesigned multiple internal program portals for an improved User Experience
• Developed an internal web site offering multiple resources for employees in corporate training
• Created and improved existing internal SalesForce.com labs for sales training program
• Reorganized and managed rosters for individual sales training events involving over 800 employees globally
• Created a spreadsheet for calculating Return on Investment (ROI) for sales training effectiveness
• Managed financial documentation including internal fees, instructor costs, and invoices related to sales training
• Coordinated materials, locations, confirmation, and set-up for all sales training events and award ceremonies

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Technical Writing Intern - January 2009-May 2009

• Updated procedural documents for an upgraded IT system on campus
• Created new templates for all IT department documentation for a better look and feel

Red Hat, Raleigh, NC

Online User Experience – Intern – May 2008–August 2008

• Created a competitive analysis based on the User Experience observed on competitor’s web sites
• Redesigned Red Hat’s Consulting page on the external web site
• Served as a liaison between the User Experience and Consulting teams
• Implemented a service catalog for Red Hat’s Online User Experience team
• Led the editing team and participated in the Red Hat Summer 2008 Intern video

Target Corporation, Apex, NC

Sales Associate – May 2006–January 2008

• Provided excellent customer service as a sales associate on the floor
• Commended by manager for integrity and excellent work ethic

Altherr Orthodontics, Apex, NC

Intern – June 2004–August 2005

• Secured internship position through Academy of Information Technology (AOIT)

Relevant Skills

Systems: Microsoft Windows XP, Mac OS X, Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Applications: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Omnigraffle (used for wireframing and storyboards), Adobe Creative Suite

Other: Omniture, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Photoshop, Graphic Design basics, Internet Research, Wikis

Community Service

Academy of Information Technology Volunteer -- December 2007

• Assisted Apex High School AOIT faculty in judging student projects as an alumni

SAS Institute Volunteer -- January 2003

• Tested software prototypes for usability

Hello. I am Ashley Johnson, a user experience engineer/web designer currently living in Apex, North Carolina. I work at Red Hat Inc., the world's Open Source leader. I work on an internal sales training team, but my job is not to train salespeople. I am the go-to for all design related needs for the training team. Basically, it's my job to make things look awesome while staying true to the Red Hat brand.

I taught myself HTML in the sixth grade, and was known for being the 'computer guru' in my school. Of course, the websites I created in the sixth grade weren't spectacular, but it sparked the beginning of my passion in design – and I've been enjoying it ever since.

I recently received my undergraduate degree in Software & Information Systems with a strong focus in HCI and visual design. I also focused on a minor in Technical Writing. I am hoping to find a permanent position related to my passion in User Experience and Web Design.

Interests and Other Fun Facts

I really enjoy cooking. My friends and family also enjoy my cooking so I'm assuming I'm a decent chef. My favorite thing to cook would have to be this spicy baked chicken crusted in corn flakes – it's good I swear. I also enjoy traveling, going out with friends, and playing video games including Guitar Hero, The Sims 3, and Soul Calibur. A very proud 'nerd' moment for me would have to be beating every single guy in my high school science class at Soul Calibur. I also used to collect Hot Wheels cars.

The best way to contact me is through e-mail. I am usually able to reply to e-mails within a few hours of receiving them. Other forms of contact are available upon request.

You can also add me on:
LinkedIn
IxDA San Francisco

Also, please feel free to check out my blog, Designing My Future

 

 ashley@uxdomain.com