Spicy Web Designer Interview with Aaron Michael Irizarry

Aaron Michael Irizarry is a web designer from Murrieta, California in the United States of America. He has been designing for the web for about the last 7 to 8 years. He is interested by the “User Experience” in design, contribute to the design community by writing articles and currently works full-time for a marketing company.

1. How did you get into designing for the web?

I used to be in a band and I ended fumbling around to design shirts, and eventually upkeep our website. Before you know it I was in too deep and never looked back.

2. Where did you study at University/College?  Has it helped you become a better designer?

I went to an online school and got my A/A, but it wasn’t that instrumental in my becoming a better designer… it made me a busier designer so I could afford to pay my school loans. I am currently finishing up my bachelors just for kicks.

3. How long have you been designing websites?

Roughly 7-8 years.

4. I see that you speak a lot about the “User Experience” on your site.  What are some of the biggest problems today affecting User Experience online?

More times than not I think it comes down to a matter of imbalance, where those putting sites together are focused on visual appeal and look and feel (which are important components) and the usability of the site suffers.

I would also say that poor planning contributes to sub par user experiences being created. When possible, or projects allow for it take a slow consistent approach that considers the needs of the end users, and the desired action the client wants them to take.

5. Do you currently freelance on a part-time or full-time basis?  If you are currently part-time what do you do for a living?

I work full time for a marketing company, and write, and freelance on the side.

6. What web technologies could you NOT live without?

Skype, Twitter, Gmail