The Box Room

PSD to html

I translate creative Photoshop visuals into an online solution and templating them for integration with a CMS or to use for non-CMS sites which could be integrated into a .Net, Java or php environment I do this by using the following skills:

• (X)HTML standards (W3C)
• (X)HTML hand coding
• CSS hand coding – CSS standards
• Web validation

Functionality

I believe in creating an enjoyable user experience and consistent interaction I do this by implementing:

• JQuery (JavaScript library)
• JQuery widgets/plugins
• Font replacement - Cufon, sIFR
• Creation of animated and interactive Flash charts Fusion charts
• Cross browser development and testing
• Multiple platform development and testing

Accessibility

I build sites to the W3C guidelines and check usablity i.e see how intuitive the site is for target audience to use. It takes understanding how to develop with semantic code in order to build and accessible web solution although integrated environment sites (e.g. CMS, .Net) often require a diligent level of effort to attain a level of accessibility.

I carry out my accessibility covering the following:

• Following Web Accessibility (WAI) – adjustable font sizes, “alt” attribute etc...
• WCAG 2.0 guidlines – header nesting, long description, flash alternative etc...
• Readability – ensuring proper use of fonts and colours to make site easier to read
• Luminosity Colour Contrast Ratio Analyser found on Juicy Studios site
• Audio assistance – Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA)
• Text bullet proofing
• Javascript/Flash alternative versions

Quality Assurance

I ensure that a site has been built to web standards and that the build is accessible and readable.

I have summarizes my checklist as follows:

• HTML standard – Semantic markup according to the DOCTYPE
• CSS standards – Correct separation of structural code from presentational code and the correct way to target different browsers.
• Site optimization – correct image format, getting rid of redundant code etc...
• Web validation
• WAI – The Web Accessibility Initiative
• Readability – adjustable font size, color contrast etc...
• Cross browser testing

Tools of the trade

• Photoshop
• Dreamweaver
• Microsoft Visual Web Developer
• MS SharePoint
• Contemporary content management systems
• TortoiseSVN (Subversion control)
• Mozilla Firefox Firebug
• Mozilla Firefox Web Developer toolbar
• WAVE(web accessibility evaluation tool) provided by WebAIM
• JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reader
• NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) screen reader
• IE Tester

“Leonie is an outstanding Front end developer that continuously pursues the highest standard in her work. Leonie has a great knowledge front end web development and accessibility, the code she produces is always of a very high standard. Always working to the best of her ability she is a real team player, pitching in when others need her help or support. Leonie puts in 100% effort into everything she does, is professional and easy to talk to. I have enjoyed working with Leonie immensely and think that she would be an invaluable asset to any team.”

Sonal Patel, Senior Front End Web Developer, Radley Yeldar

“Leonie is a great developer to work with. She is very willing to go the extra mile to meet deadlines and deliveries, without compromising her own high standard of work and attention to detail. She can work without heavy project management and always asks the right questions at the right time.”

James Sandham, Senior Project Manager, Radley Yeldar

“Professional, passionate, and a pleasure to work with. Leonie has always stepped up to the mark and raised her game above and beyond the required standard. She has a great passion for user interface development, and a real depth of frontend knowledge. Having delivered a huge number of projects to a very high standard, I'd have no hesitation in recommending Leonie.”

Seb Hardman, Product Director, Beeclip

“Leonie's skills as a front end developer are first class. Not only does she produce work of superior quality, working with her is an enjoyable experience. She is easy to talk to, resolves disputes in an amicable and respectful manner which commands respects from her colleagues. She puts in that extra effort and you can rely on her to get the job done to a high standard.”

Andrew Bernard, Web Developer, SOUK 360