I've been working on a custom web-based system for a local company and have realized the importance of knowing who will be using any system you develop. Knowing the audience, their skills, and abilities helps you frame your development directly around them. I've noticed this because after working face-to-face with my client, I realized that a slight internet incompetence exists. Now that I understand this individual's perspective of the internet and how they think it works, I can tailor the web site to add extra explanations where complex functionality exists.

Several years ago while working at Utah State University I had the opportunity to record a user testing session with a blind tester. Using a screen reader, he navigated the web site as good as any of us did. The most interesting element of the test was how fast he setup the screen reader to "speak" the elements on the screen. He played it so fast that my colleagues and I couldn't even understand what the screen reader was saying! It really brought a real sense of "we've got to make this better to work for everyone."

I encourage you to do the same. The importance of user testing will only present itself when you see unassisted testers run through your web site. The bottlenecks and confusing areas become self-evident. You may even realize just how "bad" your design is.

That's happened to me a few times.

I just resigned as Chief Technical Officer and Director of Product Development for Dynamic Screening Solutions, Inc. It was a very difficult decision but in the end I believe it will be for the best.

I learned about a ColdFusion opportunity just a few weeks ago. It was a ColdFusion development job for a new startup company based in Salt Lake City called Mondo Power, Inc. While I can't disclose much information about what they do, I will say that I was impressed with the team, their ideas, and outlook. I met with them personally, listened to what they're doing and where they plan to go, and decided that I wanted to get involved.

So, what will happen to DSS? I think they'll continue on with their current contracts and do just fine. Their biggest challenge: focusing on new development for new products. If they don't overcome this weakness, DSS will remain a stale company with little growth.

There seems to be this idea roaming from upper management that I'm irreplaceable. Well, they've got to find someone to succeed me whether that person replaces me or not. My successor will bring new ideas, skills, and abilities to the table that I didn't have. They'll be able to look at things very differently (which is a good thing). They can ask the questions I didn't know to ask. They may or may not have my people skills, technical skills, or competencies, but a good skilled developer can get the job done.

While I'm saddened about leaving DSS, I look forward to this new challenge. I will always appreciate the friendships I've made at DSS.