Thank You Microsoft. Really, Thank You for modern.ie

As a front-end developer I have to always be sure that whatever feature I roll out works for my customers.  In the past I had to stand up multiple VMs of various Windows OSs and Internet Explorer versions.  The Windows XP with IE6 is a favorite of mine. But now, thanks to Microsoft, there is modern.ie
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My Ruby and Rails Journey – Part 1

DISCLAIMER –  I want to clarify the title that I will be using for this series of posts.  I know what Ruby on Rails is, but I am taking a different approach.  I am learning Ruby, the language, while also working with Rails, the framework.  So I am digging through the famous Pickaxe book to learn about the language of Ruby and I am also working through Rails3 in Action. This is the story of my journey.

Most of my “career” as a developer has been focused on the frontend (e.g. JavaScript, CSS, HTML, ActionScript and Flex).  But I have also been working with many different backend technologies (e.g. Coldfusion, PHP, Java, Groovy/Grails).  The reason I am always looking at backend technologies is to improve my efficiency in proving out frontend solutions.  After all, a UI with no backend is about as useful as a Powerpoint or Photoshop file, which makes it hard to drive technical change with decision makers.  Trust me, if you are a frontend developer or designer, and all you ever do is create pictures and never implement; no one will care about your technical opinion.  You will fail.  Time to get on with the post..

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UX and AIR Tech Presentation at Agile RTP

December 7th, 2010 – Agile RTP : UI/UX in the Agile Process – Being agile and mobile!

UI/UX is all the rage, everyone is developing the next “it” product.  But how do your technology decisions and UI Designers/Developers skill sets work in the agile process?  In this brief presentation I will demonstrate how the proper tech choices and up front planning can allow you to move your app from the desktop to the web and onto mobile devices while maintaining a consistent user experience.
Learn the answers to:
  • When should UI/UX get involved?
  • Why is my UI layer technology stack just as important as the server stack?
  • What is AIR and how can it help me?
  • What should I expect from UI/UX Developers/Designers?
  • How does the right planning help create a consistent user experience across platforms?