Team Members
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bharat
Joined: 2002-05-21
Posts: 7994 |
Posted: Thu, 2003-04-24 23:52
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Gallery 2.x UI Team Members should post a short bio here so that we can all get to know each others' strengths and weaknesses. It will take us a little time to figure out how to coordinate the UI team and use everybody's strength effectively, so bear with us. In the meantime lets start by figuring out who we have to work with! Please only post to this topic if you are planning on being a contributing member to the G2 UI team! Other posts may be deleted at the moderator's discretion. |
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Posts: 7994
I'll lead off by describing myself. I'm a software engineer and I've been doing software development professionally since '92 on everything from kernel work to scripting languages. I have a formal background in software development and am basically permanently dedicated to making Gallery a successful product. I've been working on Gallery since its inception in May of 2000.
I have no formal background in user interface design. What little I've learned has come from collaborating with skilled UI designers over the years. I've got no artistic ability to speak of, including a lack in artistic design sense. I can recognize an attractive UI design when I see one, but can't make one to save my life.
On the flip side, I have a solid understanding of what kind of framework a UI designer needs in order to be effective at producing a UI. In G2, I've created a framework that contains all the tools that a UI designer needs to build an incredibly attractive and sophisticated UI that is modular, templated, themed, and internationalized. My role on this team will be to provide the high level vision for where I want G2 to go and make sure that the G2 framework provides all the tools that the UI designers need to implement the vision.
Posts: 332
I’m all about graphics. I am a traditional artist for 16+ years, a digital artist for 8+ years, and a web designer for 6+ years. I have extensive knowledge of HTML and CSS, and enough knowledge of PHP to understand how it works. I am able to edit already built scripts, though I’m not quite able to build PHP scripts from scratch.
I have worked with many different PHP applications in customizing themes for them and hope I can contribute the same to G2.
=)
Jade
Posts: 17
For the most part, I work in the confines of home, doing graphics & web productions, for whenever I get the call [ie. currently doing the re-development of http://www.steigerlaw.com]. Knowledgable with html/php/css, and would be very interested in using CSS & graphics to re-design the gallery UI. My graphics works included some advertisement banners for events/production companies, and promotional companies. I also feel that there's many areas of the current Gallery UI that can be greatly improved upon, while still keeping with the minimalistic theme.
Posts: 260
Hey, nice to mget to know a bit more about you guys.
well the best idea of what I can do is to actually go on my gallery and check out what I have done of it. I hope it makes a statement of what I think of the current standard interface and ways to improve it. I am a graphic/HCI designer and while my knowledge of php/html/css is limited (even though all the mods in it have been done by myself with the help of the forum contributors), I would really love to contribute to the future of gallery.
check the links below
Posts: 4
As you've probably figured out by looking at my postcount, I'm new to this community. However, I'm a long-term gallery user, and absolutely love it :smile:
I'm commited to web standards, sometimes even dreaming in XHTML/CSS instead of German (alright, I'm exaggerating...). Therefore I think myself and the other guys I read of here will make quite a good team, complementing each other. This said, let me add that I'm not the graphics designer, but more the coder-type with background knowledge of usability and accessibility. I think I can also help in coordinating the work due to my work-experience in internet firms.
Ah, well, I also got something for you to look at. I'm currently reworking my old Gallery Installation to sport a liquid, tableless UI using valid XHTML and CSS2. Check it out at <!-- BBCode Start --><A HREF="http://planetgk.de/gallery" TARGET="_blank">planetgk.de/gallery</A><!-- BBCode End -->. (But beware, its a work in progress. Also, make sure you're using a standards-compliant browser like Opera or Mozilla/Gecko-based because I haven't implemented the hacks necessary for buggy browsers like IE)
Edit: oh, forgot to mention it: besides (x)html and css1+2 im also experienced with php/mysql.
Posts: 89
Sounds like we've got the beginning of a great team here, I'm really looking forward to working on this project!
First, a little info about myself: I am a multi media major at our university so I get to dabble in all mediums, but focus primarily on the digital realm. In addition to that, I run a fairly large owner community website, which is my main application for Gallery.
I just started learning PHP recently, so I have a somewhat limited knowledge, but I'm looking forward to developing this as I'm sure others are as well.
I am happy to take the reins where ever it's needed. I'm looking foward to finding out more about the others that are involved with the project so we can get started! :smile:
Posts: 11
hi everyone.
a short bio:
been on the net since 1989.
1990-1993: apprenticeship as c/cobol/assembler programmer
1993-2000: studied english and american literature and german linguistics (MA)
1996-2000: European CAL Multimedia Project (CDs for learning languages: German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese) using Macromedia Authorware: I made and designed the GUI and did all core "programing" plus I was team leader. We had teams in Parma, Madrid and Portugal. HQ was in Erlangen, Germany.
2001-2003: freelancer for webdesign and php CMS solutions
last projects: http://www.karlisackbauer.at / http://www.wienerblut.at
my portfolio: http://www.ihad.de
While I can and do code for money and am very proficient with Photoshop, my biggest strenghts lie in visualization and team coordination.
P.S.: I did do some cover art for a TV Show lately, just as a hobby. You can check it out <!-- BBCode Start --><A HREF="http://www.sillyhood.com/mod.php?set_albumName=ent&mod=gallery&include=view_album.php" TARGET="_blank">here</A><!-- BBCode End -->.
Posts: 3
hi everybody
my name is henry and I am a Webspecialist. For 3 years now I have been designing websites and other stuff. I know my way around photoshop and I hope I can help.
Posts: 19
Maybe I'm a little late but I'll give it a shot, and put something down for my bio...
I'm a 18year old student from Bournemouth, UK, who probably is the least qualified person here. I have no formal qualifications in computing, and I am finishing off the last couple of weeks at school. I hope to study a masters in computer science at Edinburgh university in October, if I pass all my exams !
I have very limited experience in web design, and web programming, I started web design and PHP/MySQL programming early 2002, and focused a lot of energy on it since then. Before that I used to do the odd bit of DOS programming. I now have ended up running qb45.net , but it's not half as busy as it used to be as no one programs DOS anymore, including me. I coded the forum software on that site and made up most of the design. I also own fone-force.com and I would make a fair bit of money if I spent time trying to get traffic to the site, and sized down the experimental, and somewhat bloated design I made. I have a new design in plan ... <!-- BBCode Start --><IMG SRC="http://qb45.tonez-online.com/jason/ff.png"><!-- BBCode End -->
For those who don't know, this site uses an adapted version of one of my first PostNuke skins I made. It's very old now, and it's one of the first designs I made, back in the days of Paint Shop Pro. Now I have PhotoShop and have some idea how to use it, I can do mach nicer designs.
I have about 6 or 7 years experience with computers (That's how long I've had a computer). I've done a range of things from 3D modelling for my art AS level, building PC's, and Programming in DOS and now web based programming, as well as some design. All of my knowledge has come from books and a lot of 'trial and error' experimenting. I never have had any formal lessons in building/programming etc, it's all been stuff I've picked up from books and speaking to people.
I have skills in HTML/PHP/MySQL and know PostNuke very well. I plan to port over and start getting into Xaraya now thje first beta has come out though, as PostNuke's architecture is somewhat limiting to me.
what more would you wanna know ? I think that covers most stuff
Posts: 1
Hi All,
I’m an Interaction Designer / Information Architect. I specialize in redesigning applications in whole or part to meet the needs of the target user while maintaining application usability and consistency.
In my process, I use paper prototyping, wire framing, heuristic reviews, and persona development. My approach is to break down an application into its fundamental pieces and assemble it back into a coherent, usable . My current project is the redesign of SourceForge Enterprise Edition.
I’m a relatively technical person, but would prefer to stay out of code (php) and graphics. I’m most interested in designing user interactions and overall system information architecture / usability. For more info visit http://labxero.com (works best in IE).
As a current user of gallery, I’m interested in making it better.
Posts: 7
Hey everyone! I'm a 19 year old currently in Uni trying to survive after wasting too many nights doing online things. I'm not a formal UI or scripter, but I've been teaching myself PHP/mySQL lately and have been pretty busy working on a new centralized journaling. I love clean designs, and I would love nothing more than to contribute to this project. Hope us UI people here can start some friendly competitions that will hopefully lead to some awesome designs!
Posts: 1
Skills pan out as follows:
PHP – intermediate skill level – done a number web based application.
SQL - Advanced
Web Design – Advanced
Photoshop/Illustrator – Advanced
Brief blurb about me:
Studying full time and will finishing my degree this year B.I.T. Major - Multimedia (1st class honours)
31 YO, I have a one year old son and understanding wife
Hobbies include – Digital Photography (hence my interest in G2), triathlons and freediving/spearfishing
I have absolutely no time at all but I have found it is those with the least time that get the most done!! I would like to help.
Check out my site for more info – It is getting a little dated (who ever gets time to work on their own site) and there is a lot of additional work to add but it will have to do for now.
Posts: 28
Hey all!
My name is Ross A. Reyman and I'm in the running to be the Gallery 2 GUI Team Leader.
I am currently the Media Art Director of an organization that makes educational software. I have 7 years experience in interface design and information architecture. I have built web navigation interfaces for a few software corporations and for an online magazine. I understand Lingo (Director), ActionScript (Flash) very well and have become quite adept at XHTML, CSS and PHP...
I have project management experience, and have a good "realistic" view of how projects work.
I am excited about Gallery, and hoping I can contribute to making it kick some major butt...
More soon...
Posts: 17
any new info. about how we should go about to assemble a team?
Posts: 7994
Stay tuned, I've got some team updates coming as soon as I get a chance to post it all.
Posts: 974
Hi, I'm Jesse, and I really wish that I were a programmer. I'm very strong in html and css, and quite strong at php. I hack at my own gallery and occasionally come up with really useful things like major refactorings of gallery code or tree views of albums. (which no longer runs on my gallery since I have too many albums)
I'm on the development team for real now, which means that I'll be doing various bits of coding at bharat's whim, and whatever else I can. You can definitely expect to see UI input from me, and please feel free to use me as a reference for html, css, or smarty.
Posts: 332
Hey bharat,
I know you are busy, but I would like to get going on this.
**Trying to wait paitently**
=)
Jade
Posts: 7994
Oops, my bad. I need to make a big announcement about all of this. I'll do so right away!
Posts: 17
was wondering if the annoucement has been made about the team involved with the UI designing? Been checking the forums occasionally and still no word?
Posts: 7994
Right now I'm working on integrating Ross's UI, which is helping me to pound out issues with the Theme API. Once this is done, we should be able to expose the theme system so that you guys can start writing your own themes for the product. We'll pick the best themes and ship them with the first release, so this should be a fun thing for everybody!
The next thing after that will be to work on the layout API so that we can start designing fun album layouts.
I've hit (and overcome) several large obstacles on the path to finalizing the Theme API but I think that the latest incarnation is good enough to ship so my guess is that it'll be another week or two and I'll merge the new UI back into the trunk and we can start plugging away at making themes!
Posts: 332
Sounds good to me! Does this mean that G2 is pretty much ready for real site use? I have a mega site launching in mid September and I would really like to use G2 vs. G1.x.
Of course I will share whatever layout/themes I come up with.
=)
Jade
Posts: 1301
Are you looking for themes that are image heavy or can they be more reliant on css?
What compliancy level are you shooting for? Will G2 be looking to satisfy the lowest common denominator or are you aiming for the updated and current browser crowd? Or possibly both by offering options?
Am I asking too many questions? :P
Thanks!
Gaile
aka *PixelPoet*
Posts: 17
is the model for making themes still revolve around a "team effort"? How exactly will the GUI/themes be produced? images? css? etc.?
thanks
Posts: 332
G2 will be using the Smarty Templating system. This, like many systems, will extract all the coding neccessary into packs. There will be two areas. Graphic Skin and Layout Template. These will reside in there own folders and can be changed, I assume, by a drop down menu enabling the user to assign a skin and template to each album.
As long as the {code} elements remain within the skins and templates, I don't see any restrictions as to how they are built. Although I haven't used Smarty specifically, that I'm aware of, this is true for all skin/template systems I have used in the past.
I expect that the first few themes that will be packaged with the release will be coded simular to provide a good base for the community to build new themes off of. But as with all themes I also predict that within a few months that there will be many different styles of theme codes.
=)
Jade
Posts: 1301
Thanks, Jade - I'll check out Smarty and see how things go together. I hadn't realized you needed that just to put together a simple css layout!
Gaile
Posts: 7994
I've been working furiously on the new Theme API in a separate branch and I'm happy to say that I've almost finished porting G2 to use Ross's new UI with full theme and layout support. It's not done yet, but I can tell you that:
I know I've been saying this for a while now .. but it is almost ready for you guys![/]
Posts: 1301
:D <--- me with cheesy grin...
Sounds great!
Posts: 17
any new status on the GUI development team?
Posts: 332
badtzjunk,
Check this thread for the update. I also went through some of the coding and posted my notes.
http://gallery.menalto.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=9198
=)
Jade