Writing Archives - pi Web Development

August 29, 2024August 29, 2024

DIRECTV Expanded My Horizons

What I have always loved about being in the computer technology field is the constant learning. Technology is constantly changing with new advances and new consumer demands. And it doesn’t matter how old I get; I see myself always learning and trying something new. I’ll never forget a student I met in the STEM lab while at Edmonds College. She was in her 70s. I was blown away when I heard she was studying astrophysics. That’s the type of person I aspire to be.

My three and a half years at DIRECTV as a content writer were excellent for expanding my mental horizons. I’ve always been a writer, but writing words to improve the user experience when using a website beyond “Push Here!” was a whole new perspective.

UX Writing

Writing for UI/UX differs significantly from writing books, articles, posts, and technical reviews, especially in a Twitterized, Instagrammed, and TikToked world. Attention spans are short; anything read on a webpage must be short, sweet, to the point, and appealing. I have Microsoft’s Manual of Style, the foundation of DTV’s content styling, and The Chicago Manual of Style, the biggest book on my bookshelves. I learned a lot by researching what other sites are doing and by writing detailed prompts in ChatGPT. I also read a lot on baymard.com, uxwritinghub.com, and the Nielsen Norman Group site at nngroup.com. However, one book I highly recommend is “Strategic Writing for UX” by Torrey Podmajersky, published by O’Reilly. I plan on writing a book review for it.

Accessibility

I learned a lot about accessibility testing and how important it is to ensure that the website can be used by people with physical challenges. (Thank you, Terri Hawkins.) One of the services we use is Level Access, which provides automated and manual accessibility testing. They have a plugin that works with all the major browsers. I also learned how to use the Mac Accessibility tools to read and navigate what is on the screen. Did you know you can be fined for not ensuring your website meets government accessibility standards? You can learn more here: W3C Web Accessibility Initiative.

Figma

Wow! This is one of the most amazing tools I have ever come across. I’m tempted to return to college for some courses to become a UX Designer. This is how excellent this product is to use. Figma is a collaborative cross-platform interface design tool. DTV has standardized all of its website design work with this tool, and they’re implementing their internal design system library called Fusion. I got involved with the migration and implementation process by writing training guides, recording training videos, and analyzing various Figma plugins for content management. I learned how to prototype and create animated mockup designs to simulate how various website components function.

Keep Learning

Learning is living! Don’t be afraid to tackle something new.

August 27, 2024September 8, 2024

DIRECTV Sr. Content Writer

One-Year Kforce Contract Turns Into Three-and-a-half

Within days of turning on the “Available for work” banner on my LinkedIn page, I received a note from a recruiter with Kforce asking if I would be interested in a one-year content writer contract with DIRECTV. Without hesitation, I responded positively. The rep sent me the job description, and I sent my resume. The next day, I had a video interview with the Director of UX. It was an excellent interview, and I was pretty upfront about my views of AT&T (who currently owned DIRECTV) even though DIRECTV was splitting off as their own company. I didn’t think I would get the job. The next day I had the job and the onboarding process began.

What’s a Content Writer?

Generally, I knew I would be responsible for writing and editing copy for the website. But as I dove into the assignment, many light bulbs came on. I soon discovered I had been a “content writer” most of my life. I wince whenever I see a poorly written sign, advertisement, news header, or instructions – wanting to fix it. Now, it was my responsibility to quit wincing and start fixing.

DTV Business Writer and Producer

For the first five months, I was assigned to help DTV Business with content for a site refresh. DTV Business caters to Restaurants, Hotels, Offices, and more. We worked with a vendor to provide the media graphics; our designer would build the UI for the pages, and I would provide the written content. I created a new MS Word document as a CRD, a Content Requirements Document. I would match a CRD with the designer’s Adobe XD design document. These would be reviewed, approved, and handed over to the developers. But there was a bit of a problem. We didn’t have a Producer assigned to the team to coordinate the assigned content and media movement. With agreement from my director, I assumed the role of Producer and Content Writer. There were a couple of long weekends, but we completed the business site refresh.

Upper Funnel and Buy Flow Content

My following content writing assignments were for various teams and content, mainly for the new customer product selection and purchasing processes. It is incredible how often content has to be changed when dealing with websites that sell products and services. Many of those changes also require approval from the legal department. Product names, logos, trademarks, styling, and element grouping must be just right.

Screenshot of subscription packages on the DIRECTV website.

The Skunkworks

My assignment was with the Quadro team for most of the last two years of the contract. I feel pretty privileged to have been selected to be on this team. We referred to ourselves as the “Skunkworks” of DIRECTV. Our job was to develop new ideas and website components to drive traffic to the site and have better engagement with potential customers. And we didn’t follow the usual business processes. The team’s principal product manager would give us an idea of what he hoped to accomplish. We would have the entire team involved in a meeting. The manager, product owner, designer, writer, and development team will all be involved in discussing and determining feasibility.

Now, due to my extensive background as a developer, I slipped into the role of analyst. I would research the best approach, design, and content for the best results. I would then mock up some options and present them to the team. The PM would make a selection, and then we would hand it over to the designer. Once the design was completed and accepted, we would hand it over to the developers, who already had a head start since they were involved from the beginning of the request. This level of communication and involvement allowed us to provide solutions quickly.

Screenshot of the quiz flow component, created by the Quadro team. — Quiz Flow component created by the Quadro Team.

Fusion Design System and Migration to Figma

One of the first questions I asked when I started with DIRECTV was if there was a Style Guide. I knew from my courses at Edmonds College that a style guide would be necessary to provide efficient and effective website content. The answer was, “Well, kind of…” There were font guides, color guides, a sort-of element guide, and an attempt at a content voice. But these were scattered about in different files and tribal knowledge.

The director who hired me was now a VP, and he asked for feedback from the team before attending an off-site strategic planning meeting. I mentioned how a Style Guide would be helpful, and I’m sure others noted the need for a Design System.

During the past two years, we migrated to Figma. The new Fusion Design Team has been busy designing and building atoms, molecules, elements, and components for the Fusion Design Library (based on Material UI.) I had the privilege of writing content for the Sharepoint-based Fusion Design Style Guide and content for the Fusion Design Library, and I recorded multiple training videos on how to use Figma, the Fusion Design Library, and how to integrate the Microsoft Visual Studio Code extension for Figma, for the developers. As my last parting project, I designed and developed a CRD template for Figma, which shows how to manage the copy content within the Figma design files.

Image of the CRD template in Figma. — Image of the CRD Template in Figma. (Image only. I do not possess the file. Property of DIRECTV.)

Project Summary

While I am sad to part ways with the DIRECTV team, I am very pleased that this contract lasted much longer than one year. My skills in UX content writing and research have been greatly expanded. I’ve learned how to do some design and prototyping in Figma and improved my video recording and editing processes. But mostly, I have met and made new friends in the UX/UI industry. Thank you, Kforce and DIRECTV, for the incredible time.

Feedback from DIRECTV

July 2, 2020July 2, 2020

College Transcript & Action Plan

Picture of college transcript — My College Transcript

Woot! 3.99 GPA!

My wife calls me an overachiever and says I’m not happy if I’m not doing 80 with my hair on fire. Well, in many ways she’s right. I’ve always kept myself busy. I’ll be working on one thing and thinking about the next thing. And yes, I’ve been diagnosed with mild ADD. I call it a blessing. If I didn’t have the ability to focus I never would have accomplished as much as I have. The proof is in this transcript. I’m 62 and I managed to get a 3.99 GPA while getting my Web Application Developer Certificate. (Psssst! I blame the .01 loss on medical situation and the beginning of the Covid pandemic.)

I’m not trying to brag. Really! But, I am proud of this accomplishment. Especially in light of the challenging world situation right now. I also want to take this opportunity to give a big shout out to my wife. Not only has she put up with this “slightly” eccentric creative for over 41 years, but she still supports my crazy decisions and ideas. Okay, see?! I’m getting sidetracked.

What’s Next?

I mentioned this morning, “How can I be so busy and I don’t have a job?” Well, I have a very small webmaster contract with Edmonds College Teachers Union, on an as-needed basis. Now that I’m out of college I have a lot of goals and action plans on my plate. Such as:

Get myself up to speed on React and Angular. I plan on doing this via the LinkedIn Learning site. And I’ll be applying what I learn to my next big website project – CEPAR.
Redo my resume and make it available here. I updated it last week with my education and new skills. But, it’s still in the bland old MS Word format. I really need to spice it up to get attention. I’m going to put these new graphic arts skills to good use.
Start blogging about CEPAR. I’ve been working on this idea for several years. Based on the training I have received as a first-aid responder and disaster planning, I am building a site for Critical Event Planning and Recovery.
Write the Business Plan for CEPAR. Not only do I want to build the site and the technology to drive it, but I also want to create a plan for implementation and feasibility. I need to show a projected ROI to demonstrate that the effort is worth the time.
Continue to design CEPAR. I have the Business Statement and Goals. I have designed the Business Graphics. I have mapped out the website structure and features. Now I need to design the database and start coding the UI.
Oh, and look for work! School is done. Government support for the school is done. I’ll be pinging the freelancing sites (Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, etc.) for projects and contracts.
Prepare my Onschool.com course. I have applied to be a teacher at Onschool.com and my first course will be on creative writing. It is already outlined. I just need to run through it and then schedule the course.
Wear my Creative Writer hat! I’m halfway through writing Air Storm. It has suffered during my college courses and I really need to dive back into it. My fans are chomping at the bit, and I really want to get it into print before the end of this year.

How to Get It All Done?

If you have hung around me enough, you know I’m pretty good at scheduling my time and focusing my attention on my goals. I try to spend most of my time in my Circle of Influence. I don’t play a lot of games and I don’t watch any sports. I map out my day and tasks in Microsoft’s OneNote and I schedule which days I’m a geek, which days I’m an author, and which days I’m the handyman. (Yes, dear, I’ll take care of it.) Thank you, Stephen Covey, for showing me the way!

Cry havoc and send out the dogs of technology! I’m diving in!

April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

FileMaker Pro Design & Scripting for Dummies

In 2005-2006 I had the privilege of writing a book for Wiley Publications. The FileMaker Pro Design & Scripting for Dummies book. As a FileMaker developer, I had wanted a book with some significant technical meat. At the time, the only books on FileMaker were at the introductory level. When I would speak to people about FileMaker development, they thought the product was a quick-and-easy form and table builder, without realizing the true power of the environment. I wrote up a proposal and contacted my agent and asked if she could pitch the idea. She couldn’t find anyone willing to publish a book at that level, however, she said the Wiley folks would be interested in a Dummies Guide. While this was exciting, I didn’t want to do another introductory book. So, I pitched the idea of meeting halfway and doing something with the application design and programming aspects of FileMaker. I presented a full outline and the Wiley folks loved it.

By mid-2005 I had a publishing agreement and a beta release of FileMaker 8. To this day, many years after the 2006 release, this book is still highly ranked and is selling, even though FileMaker is up to version 18. Why? I don’t know the exact answers, but I’m assuming it is due to the content. It doesn’t just cover how to build an application in FileMaker. It covers the principles behind good database and application design and applies those to writing FileMaker applications. Plus it has a reference section for the scripting commands (programming statements), which is very similar to an API guide.

Here’s an example page from the book:

I’m very proud of this book and wish that I could convince someone to let me write another for the most recent version of FileMaker. It was a great experience and it opened a lot of doors for FileMaker development work. Unfortunately, in the software development industry, FileMaker is still not regarded as an application development tool. It is viewed as a very niche market, even though it has a very robust database server and the ability to produce a truly cross-platform application for Windows, Mac, iOS, and the Web. Recently, FileMaker Inc. has changed its name to Claris International and they are expanding into workflow automation and systems integration (Claris Connect) with other popular applications.

Feel free to give them a look for a single, true rapid application development platform for all devices. Claris.com

April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

Product Review – Epson Projector

One of my favorite writing projects is when I receive a newly released product for a review. Back in the ’90s, I wrote a regular monthly column for Computer Gaming World magazine called, “From the Cockpit.” I wrote about different flight simulation software applications and products. It was a pretty cool gig.

Now, I have the privilege of writing product reviews for Best Buy. During the past two years I have written 35 different product reviews, mostly for computers and computer related products. Every now and then I get something really cool to play with before it gets released. Such is the case with this Epson EF-100 Laser Wireless Projector with a Streaming TV module. Here’s a picture of the review from the Best Buy site:

I know that might be hard to read as a picture. Here is the content of the review:

Home Theater in a Compact Box

The Epson EF100 Smart Streaming Laser Projector with Android TV is a fantastic piece of technology for a temporary or permanent home theater.

Unboxing

It was hard to believe that everything needed for this configuration was in such a small box. After unpacking all the pieces, I referred to the Quick Setup guide. The streaming TV portion of this configuration is a small device with an HDMI port and a micro USB port. It requires the easy removal of the back panel of the projector, unclipping of the USB cable, and plugging in of the Epson streaming TV device. It fits snugly into the back of the projector, and the back panel is easy to re-attach. Two different remotes come with the unit. One for the projector and one for the streaming device. I was confused by this until the Quick Setup guide stated the streaming device remote is only needed if the device is used outside of the projector.

Setup

We powered up our unit with it pointed at a living room wall. The first step was the paring of the projector remote with the projector by pressing two buttons on the remote. The screen from the projector provided instructions and steps for the rest of the configuration. I selected the Wifi ID and entered the password with the remote and an on-screen keyboard. The unit then downloaded an update for the android streaming device. It rebooted after the download, and the main display presented a dashboard of the recommended android streaming apps.

I configured the unit for Netflix, YouTube, and Sony Crackle. I performed a Google voice search from the remote in the Google Store for Amazon Prime. It found the app, but I was disappointed to see it is not compatible with this device. The setting of the vertical and horizontal keystones for a level image on my wall was easy via a button on the remote. We also enabled the Bluetooth option and easily paired the unit with my soundbar. However, even without the soundbar, the audio from the projector is pretty decent.

Video

Once the unit was configured, we watched some videos from Netflix, YouTube, and Crackle. The brightness and HD resolution of the video is impressive. We set the projector ten feet from our living room wall, and the image came out to 96 inches wide. Even with light streaming in through the windows, the picture was excellent. However, it is best in a darkened room. Some window framing (faint light around the image) occurs, which is quite common with projectors. I imagine with a movie screen the video would be more amazing. I am very impressed with the levels of color contrast. It is the best I have ever seen in projection technology.

After six straight hours of use, the unit did not get excessively hot, which is the case with most projectors. It has the absolute quietest fan I have ever not heard.

Specifications

Per the documentation, this unit uses a unique multi-array laser diode technology for providing exceptional brightness. It also provides an enhanced black density, for an output of 2,000 lumens for both color and white light. An advanced 3LCD chip technology provides the RGB color signal for each frame, which produces an incredible color accuracy and balance.

Pros

Amazing picture quality, even in a lit room, with HD resolution and crisp colors. No ghosting detected.
Very compact design and lighter than I thought it would be.
It has the flexibility of allowing HDMI connectivity to other devices, and the streaming TV device can also be used with different monitors and TVs.
A built-in audio speaker with fantastic volume and bass response.
It supports wired or Bluetooth connections to other speaker systems.
Easy to use projector remote controls both the projector and the streaming TV device.
Almost silent fan.
No excessive heat during long viewing periods.
Automatically works in different orientations of the device. It can even be used for projection on a ceiling.
Google Android dashboard interface for the streaming TV, with support for Google Assistant and over 5000 apps from the Google Store.
Excellent instructions for setup and configuration.
Very easy to update the streaming TV device software.
Easy to configure for your existing Google, Netflix, YouTube, and other accounts.

Cons

No support for Amazon Prime.
Slight window framing around the image.
Requires installation of the streaming TV device into the back of the projector. A minor inconvenience, but could be awkward for less tech-savvy.
The inclusion of a separate remote for the streaming TV device is a little confusing until you read the Getting Started Guide.

Summary

My family and I are very impressed with the Epson EF100¬† Smart Streaming Laser Projector with the built-in Android TV. It is a perfect fit for a home theater, bedroom ceiling TV, or a portable theater for special events.

Since these reviews are for the general consumer, I try not to get too technical or too verbose. It is important to hit the main points, be honest, and know who the audience is.