Aparna Sanaka

Email:

Online Portfolio:

Work Samples:

EXPERIENCE

7+years of progressive accomplishments in the field of Interactive Web Media including User Interface Information Architecture, Usability, Interaction Designing, Visualizing, Conceptualizing, Online & Offline Branding.

Extensive experience in designing Intranet and Internet web sites; managing project delivery and UI design teams. Designed, prototyped, tested user interfaces using User Centric Design methods to meet user needs.

Industries

Professional experience in diverse industries including Finance, e-Commerce, Garment, Government, and Manufacturing.

Roles

Project Manager, Information Architect, User Interface Designer, Interaction Designer, Writer (Web) and Business Analyst - liaison between functional groups (most often between Information Technology and Marketing) and Pre-sales.

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

Project Manager / Team Lead (PM)

  • Manage timelines, team priorities, and schedules
  • Coordinate with clients regarding scope changes and change orders
  • Coordinate with team members to meet scheduled deadlines
  • Pre-Sales – RFPs / Effort Estimations

Information Architect (IA)

  • Site architectures, structures and navigational systems
  • Extensive expertise regarding issues involved when deploying systems over the internet (performance, usability)
  • Exceptional ability to help clients come to grips with overwhelming amounts of information that needs to be logically organized
  • Site documentation
  • Possess refined skills to led/facilitate design sessions with end users and/or sessions to resolve issues between end users and developers

User Interface Design (UID)

  • Page layout and design
  • Knowledge of design standards and web positioning
  • Expertise in driving the visual design of a project (in-depth understanding of color theory, typography, layout)
  • User acceptance testing (test scenarios, implementation and reporting)
  • Ability to develop HTML and prototypes using Macromedia Dreamweaver

Graphic Designer (GD)

  • Possess strong design skills
  • Understand the use of color theory, typography, layout for the print medium

Business Analyst (BA)

  • Highly experienced group facilitator (white boarding, user focus groups, conceptualization, design)
  • Requirements definition with regard to business and design
  • Understand the concepts and requirements for B2B and B2C
  • Knowledge in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) procedures for web positioning
  • Innovative at conceptualizing creative and write content for online and offline promotions
  • Ability to manage banners effectively
  • Experienced in monitoring web traffic
  • Ability to conceptualize Revenue Generation Programs
  • Ability to understand and communicate technical problems and solutions to clients, customers and personnel in a non-technical manner (liaison)

Personal

  • Possess strong conceptual skills and the ability to carry ideas from planning stages to implementation
  • High energy, motivated, passion for design technologies for the web
  • Known to challenge traditional methods for more innovative and creative approaches
  • Process-oriented, big picture person with an eye for details
  • Equal strengths both technically & creatively (highly analytical, strong design sense, inclined towards creative design in various mediums, award-winning watercolor artist)
TOOLS
  • Macromedia Dreamweaver
  • Macromedia Fireworks
  • Macromedia Flash
  • Photoshop
  • Corel Draw
  • Xara
  • Ulead Gif Animator
  • Swift3d
  • Swish 2.0
  • MS Office
  • MS Visio
  • MS Project

Languages: HTML/DHTML, Java Script, CSS

PRESENT EMPLOYMENT
  • MphasiS, USA
/ Jan ’07 till date
Recent AchievementCertificate of Merit awarded for Quality Knowledge Excellence Award 2006-07 for the white paper –‘Human Performance Improvement’
PROJECT HISTORY

Listed in sequential order by date

World Bank Group

MphasiS, USA, Jan ‘07 till date

Content Management System

Requirement: To build a content management system facilitating easier access to information on an internal website

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

Liaison with business regarding scope (BA)

Create questionnaires(IA)

Conduct User Interviews(IA)

Analyze data and create taxonomy(IA)

Project deliverables include creation of Information Architecture document, wireframe document (IA)

Teaming with the Visual Designer and generating the ‘look and feel’ of the web application

Manage timelines, deliverables and schedules (PM)

Citigroup

MphasiS, USA, Jan ‘07 till date

Web Application: Finance Domain

Requirement: To build a system facilitating customer management and entitlements of administrative users for the Portal

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

Liaison with business regarding scope (BA)

Project deliverables include creation of Information Architecture document, wireframe document (IA)

Teaming with the Visual Designer and generating the ‘look and feel’ of the web application

Manage timelines, deliverables and schedules (PM)

Citigroup

MphasiS, USA, Jan ‘07 till date

Portal: Finance Domain

Requirement: To liaison with the lines of business (LoBs) and create a robust finance Portal based on SharePoint 2007 integrating the various services (applications) that Citigroup currently offers to it’s customers. Portal includes flexibility and scalability features for white labeling purposes.

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

Liaison with business regarding scope

Project deliverables include creation of Information Architecture document, Template document

Teaming with the Visual Designer and generating the ‘look and feel’ of the Portal

Manage timelines, deliverables and schedules with the off shore team

Citigroup

MphasiS, USA, Jan ‘07 till date

Web Application: Finance Domain

Requirement: To create a Certificate Identity Management System

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

Liaison with business regarding scope (BA)

Project deliverables include creation of Information Architecture document (IA)

Teaming with the Visual Designer and generating the ‘look and feel’ of the web application

Manage timelines, deliverables and schedules (PM)

J.P Morgan Chase – Customer Experience Engagement

MphasiS, USA, Jan ‘07

Customer Experience: Finance Domain

Customer Experience (CE) team within the Corporate Internet Group (CIG) is responsible for the Usability of JP Morgan Chase web properties that are managed by CIG.

Requirement: To liaison with the lines of businesses (LoBs) and work on projects that incorporate new features and functionalities on the website in addition to enhancing the user experience. To manage project deliverables, processes, communication, technical documents

Role: Customer Experience Lead

Responsibilities:

Heuristic Analysis, Usability Testing and Analysis (IA)

Liaison with business regarding scope changes and change orders (BA)

Project deliverables include creation of Business Requirement Documents, Use Case Documents, Functional Specification Documents, Wire frames, conducting Usability Tests(BA / IA)

Manage timelines, deliverables and schedules (PM)

Create, update project plans (PM)

J.P Morgan Chase – Customer Experience Engagement

MphasiS, Mumbai, Jun ‘05 to Dec ‘06

Customer Experience Team: Finance Domain

Customer Experience (CE) team within the Corporate Internet Group (CIG) is responsible for the usability of JP Morgan Chase web properties that are managed by CIG.

The Customer Experience (CE) Offshore Model / the Customer Experience Engagement are an extension of the CE team within JP Morgan Chase. The primary goal of this team is to cater to the Onsite requirements with regards to providing High Fidelity Prototypes, conducting UI Testing as well as creation of Functional Specification Documents for various projects.

Requirement To manage a team of 20 including Wire Frame Designers, Test Analysts and Technical Writers. To manage deliverables, processes, communication, strategies and related activities.

Design challenges include managing three streams of work – HTML Development, UI Testing, Technical Writing, meeting deadlines and working towards improving the websites with regard to the various lines of businesses of JP Morgan Chase.

Role: Project Manager
Responsibilities:

  • Build an entire team, set up processes,execute the project (PM)
  • Manage timelines, team priorities, and schedules (PM)
  • Create MIS, project plans, task allocation, risk management (PM)
  • Coordinate with clients regarding scope changes and change orders (PM)
  • Coordinate with team members to meet scheduled deadlines, review completed work requests
  • Organize and impart Training on a regular basis to the team members (PM)
  • Chalk career paths for team members (PM)

Projects worked on:

  • Chase.com
  • JP Morgan Chase.com
  • Card Member Services.com
  • Chase Auto Finance
  • ChaseHome Finance
  • Access Manager
  • Morgan Online
  • Card Member Services Admin Tool
  • Morgan Online Admin Tool
  • Chase Intranet
  • Migration projects (Various)

Highlights

  • Success of Offshore-Onsite Model:Pilot engagement of 3 months extended for a year
  • Createdinnovative tracking sheets to maintain a variety of records unique to the engagement
  • Successfully launched web based tool - MercuryQualityCenterto track offshore work requests on a day-to-day basis
  • Prepared a Case Study
  • Successfully managed Content Entry work in Documentum
  • Trained visually impaired persons in Functional & UI Testing

J.P Morgan Chase – CAS Usability offshoringMphasiS, Mumbai, Jan ‘06 to Dec ‘06

Requirement: Remote User Testing, Card Sorting, Cluster Analysis, Hi-level Sitemap creation, creation and testing (user) of Prototypes in addition to managing the project.

Role:Project ManagerResponsibilities:

Remote User Testing, Card Sorting, Cluster Analysis, Hi-level Sitemap creation, creation and testing (user) of Prototypes.

Coordinate with clients regarding projects

Coordinate with team members to meet scheduled deadlines

Deutsche Bank – GEMMphasiS, Mumbai, Oct ‘06 to Dec ‘06

Web Application: Finance domain

Requirement To design a web application for Foreign Exchange and Security collateral

Role: Project Manager

Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate with clients regarding scope changes and change orders
  • Coordinate with team members to meet scheduled deadlines

UTI – Mutual Funds

Power Point Presentation: Financial portal

Requirement To conduct a Comparative Analysis and document the results in a PowerPoint Presentation.

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

Extensive research done evaluating the services and in terms of information structuring, functionality and the user interface design across companies dealing in Mutual Funds.

Uchida – USI Portal Redesign (Japan)

Power Point Presentation: Intranet website

Requirement To understand the existing intranet website and provide best solutions

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

Evaluated site architecture and navigational systems

Designed page layouts

Created a detailed Presentation

Fidelity India

Power Point Presentation: Insurance & Financial portal

Requirement To conduct a Comparative Analysis and to document the results in a PowerPoint Presentation.

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

Extensive research done evaluating the services and in terms of information structuring, functionality and the user interface design across companies dealing in Mutual Funds.

Created a detailed Presentation

Web Design Solutions – A Designer’s Guide

MphasiS, Mumbai

White Paper:Creating and implementing a design process

RequirementExtensive research in establishing a design process to be implemented in house

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Extensive research done evaluating the shortcomings and highlighting the Areas of Improvement and clearly establishing a design process that can be followed by the designer’s in house for smoother and efficient functioning

HDFC Bank

MphasiS, Mumbai

Power Point Presentation: Banking sites

Requirement To conduct a Comparative Analysis and Heuristic Evaluation and to document the results in a PowerPoint

Challenges included comparative analysis of 2 leading banks

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Extensive research done evaluating the shortcomings and highlighting the Areas of Improvement in terms of information structuring, functionality and the user interface design (IA)
  • Created a detailed Presentation

JPMorgan Chase - TSS

MphasiS, Mumbai

Prototype: Trading Monitor

RequirementTo manage deliverables of a prototype

Challenges included incorporating a number of functionalities in a prototype, testing the same

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Manage timelines, team priorities, and schedules

Fidelity - India

MphasiS, Mumbai

Power Point Presentation: Asset Management Company

RequirementTo conduct a Comparative Analysis and Heuristic Evaluation and to document the results in a PowerPoint

Challengesincluded comparative analysis of five leading asset management companies

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Extensive research done evaluating the shortcomings and highlighting the Areas of Improvement in terms of information structuring, functionality and the user interface design (IA)
  • Created a detailed Presentation

Mphasis eLearning Suite

MphasiS, Mumbai

Corporate Intranet Website: Education

RequirementTo design an Intranet eLearning solution that allows employees to study course content and appear for online tests. The results are recorded and performances evaluated.

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Designed and documented site architecture and navigational systems (IA)
  • Designed page layouts

Scottishwidows.co.uk

MphasiS, Mumbai

Power Point Presentation: Insurance & Financial portal

RequirementTo conduct a heuristic evaluation and to document the results in a PowerPoint Presentation.

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Extensive research done evaluating the shortcomings and highlighting the Areas of Improvement in terms of information structuring, functionality and the user interface design (IA)
  • Created a detailed Presentation

JP Morgan Chase - CLOVER

MphasiS, Mumbai

Corporate Intranet Web Application

RequirementTo facilitate the capture and the streamlining of creations, deletions, modifications, approvals and validations of Client Coverage Requests.

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Designed and documented site architecture and navigational systems (IA)
  • Drove the look and feel working with developers

Pfizer CAT (Cancer Associated Thrombosis)

MphasiS, Mumbai

Informative Internet Website: Medical

RequirementTo design and develop a semi-static website that is information heavy with some dynamic features such as - search functionality, survey / poll sections. The site is mainly developed to make a huge volume of print data available Online.

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Designed and documented site architecture and navigational systems (IA)
  • Drove the look and feel working with developers

J.P Morgan Chase – IB Equities

MphasiS, Mumbai

Educational Module: Financial

RequirementTo design and develop an Interactive Educational Build that was simple, easy to understand, highly flexible and customizable in order to explain the products to their various agents.

Role: Information Architect

Responsibilities:

  • Designed and documented site architecture for design implementation (IA)
  • Involved in modifying content
  • Design page layouts

TimesofMoney

Times Online Money Limited, Mumbai, Feb ‘05 to May ’05

E-Commerce Internet Portal: Financial Portal

A division of the Times of India Group, which has business interests in both domestic and international markets in the Finance sector.

RequirementTo re-design a corporate B2B and B2C website with various finance related business models in the areas of financial assets and investments, shopping gateways, international and foreign money transfers, NRI accounts, brand marketing for partner banks in the financial sector.

Design challenges included dynamic display of information for transaction pages with regard to various partner sites and countries.

Role: Manager – UI & Content

Responsibilities:

  • Led/facilitated white boarding sessions to gather and document requirements (BA)
  • Led/facilitated design sessions with end users (BA/IA)
  • Involved in understanding the product related requirements for the purpose of designing page layouts (BA/IA)
  • Re-designed site architecture and navigational systems with regard to new content (IA)
  • Designed page layouts (UID)
  • Drove the look and feel working with graphic artists and designers (UID)

Remit2India

E-Commerce Internet Website: Finance sector

Times of Money, a division of the Times of India Group cater to the international markets, which have different product offerings in collaboration with reputed banks and financial institutions. The flagship product Remit2India is a well-known brand in the financial transactions and services (Online Money Transfers) industry.

Requirement (on-going process)To re-design layout, content organization, navigational re-structuring, banner management, web positioning, online & offline branding, monitoring web traffic, customer support and creating revenue generation programs.

Design challenges included content organization, banner management, web positioning

Role: Manager – UI & Content

Responsibilities:

  • Led the planning and conceptual phase (BA)
  • Led/facilitated white boarding sessions to gather and document requirements (BA)
  • Led/facilitated design sessions with end users (BA/IA)
  • Re-designed site architecture and navigational systems (IA)
  • Re-designed page layouts (UID)
  • Created test scenarios and led usability testing and reporting (UID)
  • Created IA/UID project documentation for design implementation (PM/TL)
  • Launched and managed online promotions (BA)
  • Conduct various Search Engine Optimization (SEO) procedures for web positioning (BA)
  • Conceptualize Creative and write content for banners, mailers, promotional pages, print ads (BA)
  • Drive the look and feel of creative working with graphic artists and designers (UID)
  • Facilitate effective banner management (BA)
  • Create MIS reports for monitoring web traffic (BA)
  • Create / Conceptualize Revenue Generation Programs – Business Web Proposals (BA)
  • Lending customer support from time-to-time (regional language) (BA)

Propmarket

E-Commerce Internet Website: Real Estate sector

Times Online Money Limited has recently ventured into the property market catering entirely to the property requirements of Non-resident Indians (NRIs) living abroad. The site showcases the various properties in the four cities of Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Requirement To re-design a corporate B2B and B2C Internet website to be used primarily for sales lead generation for the purpose of selling real estate across 4 cities of India. The primary target customers are the Non-resident Indians (NRIs). It is a common platform to bring together the real estate needs of a customer abroad and the agents and builders in India.

Design challenges included close attention to creating forms.

Role: Manager – UI & Content

Responsibilities:

  • Re-designed site architecture and navigational systems (IA)
  • Re-designed page layouts keeping in mind the functionality in existence (UID)
  • Created online prototypes that were later converted to html-ready pages ready for database hookups (UID)
  • Drove the look and feel working with graphic artists and designers (UID)
  • Created project plan, manage timeline, and oversee and coordinate team efforts to meet project deadline (PM/TL)
  • Coordinated with client changes to timeline based on changing goals, scope, and objectives (PM/TM)
  • Created IA/UID project documentation (PM/TL)

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