Services
Web design
When designing websites, I pay special attention to
- a website's technical compatibility with a wide array of browsers, platforms and operating systems.
- good usability und information architecture to ensure that visitors can easily find the information they are looking for.
- accessibility to make sites user friendly (not only) for users with disabilites, and to make them conform to legal requirements
- last not least a professional and appealing layout.
Web development
I use the following programming languages, tools and applications to transform designs and concepts into code:
- XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ajax
I create standards-complient, tableless layouts in XHTML and CSS. One of the major advantages of this approach over the old table-based layout is the separation of content and presentation: a CSS-based layout makes it easy to change the design of a website without touching the information provided.
I have also experience using XML/XSLT and other XML-based languages, for example SMIL. - PHP/MySQL
I use PHP/MySQL for the development of dynamic, database-driven websites and web applications. - I write my code manually whenever it seems useful, but also use Dreamweaver and the rest of Adobe's Creative Suite.
Content Management Systems
In the past, the bulk of my work has been the development of custom-made content management systems on a PHP/MySQL basis. This involves the creation of a custom admin area for a website (or parts thereof), where site owners can intuitively administer the contents of their website.
Of course I also create websites using open source content management packages. These days, I predominantly use the CMS Contao, but have also experience with other content management systems and would be happy to help you find the right system for your specific requirements.
E-Commerce
My experience in this area ranges from implementing shopping cart scripts and connecting websites to payment gateways to custom made online shops. The final project for my second Master's degree dealt with the internationalisation and localisation of E-commerce websites.
Content generation
I'm happy to help generating, editing or translating content for websites. Both my university degree programmes had several practical journalism modules. I have also worked as a journalist and taken special "Writing for the web" modules.
I have also taken courses in photography and own the hard- and software necessary for generating image and video contents for the web.
In addition, I have practical experience working in radio and television and can edit and optimise existing images, clips or footage for online use.
Web consultancy
I also evaluate existing websites and offer advice regarding
- information architecture
- accessibility
- search engine optimisation.
Charity work
If I have capacity available, I'm happy to offer my time and skills to charities and nonprofit organisations at reduced rates or free of charge. I'm especially interested in projects that help me develop new skills.
Examples of sites I have created free of charge are the online registration system for the "run for life" (a sponsored run for a Munich Aids charity) and the Association of Zimbabwe Journalists' website.
If you can think of any work I could help you with, don't hesitate to get in touch!
