Jeanne A. E. DeVoto |
Technical Communication
Portland, OR
503/231-6515
503/309-9319
jaed@jaedworks.com
|
Skilled, technically-savvy writer with solid documentation and online skills, combined with over a decade of cross-disciplinary experience in the computer and Internet industries. Able to research and extract in-depth technical information from offsite and onsite team members. Experienced in creating readable, useful print and online documentation for audiences at all levels of sophistication, from novice user to experienced programmer.
Areas of Expertise
- On-screen documentation experience
- Expertise in web authoring and HTML
- Exposure to human-interface design and usability testing methods
- Long-term contractor and consultant, can "hit the ground running"
- Experience with offsite and remote contracting
- Speaker-to-Programmers
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Word
- Adobe Acrobat/PDF format
- FileMaker Pro
- Apple Guide/GuideMaker
- HTML 2.0, 3.2, 4.0
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
- PhotoShop
Platforms: MacOS, *nix, Windows 95
Varying levels of experience with programming and script languages
including C, Perl, HyperTalk, Tcl, AppleScript, Javascript
Knowledge of networking and Internet applications (WWW, telnet, ftp)
Selected Projects
Created on-screen technical references for Global Village line of modems. Originally developed these references in Apple Guide, later brought them into PDF format for cross-platform compatibility.
Documented extensive scripting language (over 350 keywords) in HyperTalk 2.2: The Book. Wrote code samples, researched obscure language features and bugs. The HyperCard team used the book as the best authoritative reference on the language and its operation.
Scripted and produced Apple Guide online help for Macintosh OS, working closely with an instructional designer. Specified external code to implement special features. Responded with fast turnaround to frequent OS changes. Participated in usability testing.
Designed, wrote, and produced online help for Newton Press (development application for palmtop device). Worked with offsite developers to integrate help closely with application.
Wrote exhaustive test plan for WELL Engaged online conferencing software, working from fragmentary specifications. Resulting document guided testing effort and served as training documentation for new employees.
Career Overview
Technical Writing Consultant (1991-present)
Short-term projects for a variety of clients have included:
- Creation of procedures, test plans, and guidelines
- Drafting of technical reference for third-party developers
- Research and prototyping of online help system
Software Development Consultant (1990-present)
Short-term projects for a variety of clients have included:
- Programming and production of CD-ROM multimedia titles
- Creation of hypertext indexing and retrieval system
- Database creation and conversion
Software Quality Assurance Consultant (1991-1994)
Short-term projects for a variety of clients have included:
- Responsibility for setup of new QA program
- Creation of databases for test-case and bug tracking
- Production of C, Tcl, and Virtual User automated-testing code
Technical Writer (Consultant) Crossworlds Corporation (September 1999-present)
- Documented graphical development tool for Unix/Windows/Mac OS
- Created full online help, using the tool being documented
- Wrote language guide, developer tips, and user documentation
Web Quality Assurance Consultant WELL Engaged (July 1998-October 1999)
- Researched, wrote, and continually updated detailed QA plan
- Course-corrected for frequently-undocumented program changes
Technical Writer & Community Consultant NetCenter/Netscape Communications (November 1997-March 1998)
- Wrote terms of service and community policies
- Developed HTML-format documentation for online forum software
Online Help Developer (Consultant) Global Village Corporation (November 1996-April 1998)
- Developed cross-platform online references for complete modem line
- Conducted usability evaluation for fax/voice setup utility
- Wrote on-screen help for speakerphone application
Instructional Designer & Help Developer Instructional Products/Apple Computer (September 1994-March 1996)
- Created automatic indexing application for online help
- Developed on-screen help for palmtop development application
- Scripted on-screen help for variety of applications and OS areas
- Served as technical resource for other writers
Technical Documentation Consultant South-West Publishing (1992-1994)
- Edited online textbook on computer programming
- Evaluated videodisc-based computer literacy curriculum
- Wrote computer literacy textbook for middle-school students
Tools Engineer Networks & Communication/Apple Computer (1992)
- Wrote comprehensive suite of automated Virtual User test scripts
- Managed, maintained, and added to extensive code libraries
Quality Assurance Lead Networks & Communication/Apple Computer, Inc. (1988-1991)
- Directed test effort for telecom script language
- Wrote test plans and developed automated Virtual User test scripts
- Reviewed developer and user documentation for technical accuracy
- Became sought-after source of input into design and user interface
Senior Applications Engineer Technical Support/SuperMac Technology (1987-1988)
- Wrote and disseminated technical notes and support information
- Evaluated potential software acquisitions for management
- Designed and wrote help system for software utilities
Technical Writer System Documentation/Daisy Systems Corporation (1987)
- Produced system documentation for UNIX variant operating system
Education
Reed College Portland, Oregon
B.A. Mathematics
B.A. Physics
Publications
HyperTalk 2.2: The Book, Random House (1994)
Co-author, Tricks of the HyperTalk Masters, Hayden (1989)
Last updated 3/2000