I’m Speaking at SharePoint Saturday DC | Topic: “Managing Design in a SharePoint Project”

I’m heading back to Washington DC to present at SharePoint Saturday on May 15th, 2010. My session is about “Managing Design in a SharePoint Project.” Although it isn’t the most interesting title, and it doesn’t once mention the word “crap”, it’s chock full of delicious morsels of experience that I want to share. The purpose of the session was to offer you answers to common questions that arise when discussing “SharePoint Branding”. There is more to it than implementing Master Pages. Do you want to know more?

Just for fun, I interviewed myself for the session.

Q. Why Did You Choose This Topic?

A. That’s a good question, Marcy. As I moved from a SharePoint Designer newbie to where I am today, I remember wishing that someone would explain the process. I could find articles on rounded corners and breadcrumbs. But what about the process?? (by the way Erik Swenson, EMC, eventually did cover this).

The more I learned, the more I knew I didn’t know. There were times that I felt like my knowledge gap was insurmountable, but I generally prevailed and enjoyed trying new approaches.. Like many, I earned my stripes through mistakes and subsequent rework. I survived with a bruised ego and more determination to find the answers. I started asking around and after a few years, I had a lot of answers. So I hope that this collection of answers to common questions sounds enticing to you.

Q. What sort of “branding” questions do you answer?

A. I answer broad and high-level topics that cover multiple disciplines. Most are process related. I try to give as many examples as I can. Developers, designers, architects, and anyone on the project team will find this helpful.

Why does design matter?
When to engage design?
Who are the key players in design?
What do designers do anyway?
Where does design fit into a SharePoint project?
How do I implement someone else’s design?
Is there an easy way to work with digital agencies on SharePoint project’s?

Q. Do you have a favorite part of your presentation?

I love sharing my stories. I know that people feel less alone if they aren’t the only one that has been through a trauma. But I have to admit, my favorite part of the session is when we ALL AGREE TO STOP CALLING IT “BRANDING”. It’s a high hope, but I believe that one day we will; It’s part of the problem.

Q. What if you don’t cover my question with your pre-packaged answer.

A. At the end of the session, I’ll spend about 10 minutes answering your specific questions. If you would like to submit prior to the event, I’ll try to include your question.