When Information School Information Technology (IT) Director Scott Barker posted a job notice for a new webmaster last summer for the iSchool's website, he wasn't necessarily looking for someone from the iSchool community. "We were looking for the best candidate," Barker recalls. "That was Brian."

Although Brian Reyes won't receive his bachelor's degree in Informatics until June, he already has significant experience in web and graphic design, including UW internships at Microsoft and Azaleos. He began doing computer support work in high school (Gonzaga Prep in Spokane), first as a computer technician with pcNTechnologies and then as a support consultant to firms such as Cognigen Networks and Farmer's Bank of China. "My background in tech support with regular users has helped me with my job now," Reyes says. "I have to remember that other people are thinking about a website differently than I am. They're thinking as users instead of thinking about the technical aspects. It has to make sense to them."

In addition to his regular webmaster duties such as updating content, fixing errors, and adding or modifying pages, Reyes is also working on a remodel of the iSchool's site. "Brian hopes to do a usability study of certain sections of our website that are problematic," Barker says. "It might involve changing the site navigation or redesign of some pages." 

The site revisions will draw on lessons Reyes has learned in the Informatics program. "On the website, we're looking at restructuring the information architecture," Reyes explains. "In class, we're studying how to model information. Things I'm learning this quarter I'm applying right now to the website as we review relationships between its different sections. We need to find the best ways to organize the information so different kinds of users can all find what they need. We're the Information School: Our site should be a shining example of great design."

The usability study and website remodel will take much of Reyes' time during the spring 2007 quarter. After graduating in June, he plans to get a full-time job in web design or software development and eventually pursue a master's degree. "I know what I'm learning now really is relevant," he adds, "so I'm excited to see where and how I'll get to use the other skills I've gained at the iSchool."