Once you give users an intuitive graphical user interface, they won't want to go back to anything complicated.
My name is Nina Richards. I've been commercially developing database driven websites for over 20 years, over a wide variety of platforms and programming languages.
I've always loved programming (boring, I know) since the days of the ZX Spectrum, which was the first computer I came into contact with. From a very young age I enjoyed writing simple games and other programs, including a joystick-operated paint program.
I decided that my career should focus on programming since this is something I have always enjoyed doing. I also have a good eye for design and like to pay attention to the finest details, which lends itself to web development very well.
Fast forwarding to July 2000, I moved to Kent to work at Cyber Interactive Ltd, a web development start-up company. Initially my roles included the entire website production process, from visuals to coding, database implementation, and the creation of all multimedia aspects. My role also included setting up web space, databases and e-mail accounts, as well as providing technical support.
Later, as the Senior Technical Developer, the bulk of my work was on the programming and database side but I was still involved with creating interfaces and creating the user experience.
In December 2006 I left Cyber Interactive Ltd. to take sort time out and to plan where to go next. Currently, due to the amount of offers, I'm perusing the prospect of going freelance.
My expertise is in creating database driven websites and applications. My recent work makes use of the following:
I also have experience in maintaining a number of websites coded using ASP and Microsoft SQL Server as well as coverting such sites over to a PHP / MySQL platform.
I'm a Web Standards advocate and strive to create elegant website solutions on both the client-side and server-side. I'm well versed in complex CSS selectors and well versed in DOM scripting. I made extensive use of these skills in the Inline Content Management System, a project I conceived, prototyped and singlehandedly developed to version 1.0 while at Cyber Interactive Ltd.
I have never lost touch with the visual design aspect and still produce websites in their entirety in my spare time, including this one.
I have installed and configured both Linux and Windows based web servers and have been responsible for their continued operation. I have configured and maintained both Apache and IIS web servers running PHP and MySQL. I'm experienced in using Linux over an SSH terminal.
I have configured DNS servers and have been responsible for both registering and transferring domain names as well as setting up e-mail servers. I have also provided support to clients for such services.
As the main bulk of my work has been done while working for a small company, I've needed to use a wide variety of skills and applications. Thankfully, I had already established most of these skills in my spare time, including 3D modeling and music composition.
I like to use the latest technology available if a solution calls for it. This includes the implementation of AJAX and other "Web 2.0" technologies.
I enjoy both listening to and creating music. I used to compose music with keyboards, synthesisers and computers but in the last year I've also started playing the electric guitar.
I like a wide variety of music. My favourite artists include Sigur Rós, Nine Inch Nails, Placebo, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, Imogen Heap (and Frou Frou), Goldfrapp, Portishead and Tori Amos.
Last Updated: 30/1/2007