For the past nine months, I have been focused on completely redesigning the website for my department, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) at UC Irvine. The last time we did a major redesign was in 2013. We worked with an advisory committee of folks from around campus and asked them questions. We tried to keep any preconceived notions at bay and simply listened. We guided discussions but did not make assumptions. It made the process much more simple as we found out what the clients actually need from the site. Instead of simply slapping a coat of paint on the old site, we rebuilt it completely. We were able to simplify many things to get clients to what they need more quickly.

We are launching the site in two weeks. I have also been socializing the project on campus by giving presentations. Public speaking is not my forte. I prefer to work behind the scenes. However, I find that when I am passionate about a subject I can give presentations. I practice a lot before hand. Giving presentations over Zoom is easier too as I can focus on what I’m talking about versus being nervous in front of an audience.