Tools
To generate great content, creators need the best tools. I build tools, flows, and systems that help products reach their highest potential. I distill data and user feedback into actions that lead to informed decision-making. The result is an environment where the focus is making great ideas happen rather than how to do it.
Design System
At Forbes, we are constantly building a site that grows and evolves. We have tons of new projects and products launching — from enhanced newsletters to site subscriptions to personalization to cutting-edge content management tools. We want to build these things faster and easier and with more consistency. To keep up with the workload, I lead the launch and implementation of a design system.
The components of our web site were broken down into categories. Typographic elements, buttons, form fields, grids and more were streamlined. Then we organized these pieces so that could be used as simple building blocks by design and developers.
Making a design system is a complex undertaking that affects lots of people and different parts of our business. I enlisted members of our engineering, data, revenue, and content teams.
Implementing a design system also gives us opportunity to make sure we are getting fundamentals correct. The elements are correctly aligned with Google Web Vitals. The system is created with accessibility and inclusiveness considered and executed. The color palette of text and backgrounds in the system are tested to exceed standards of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Forbes' Custom CMS
Using an install of WordPress wasn't good for Forbes. We were limited in its scalability and there were security concerns using the open-source platform. We have built a bespoke CMS from the ground up. It's called Bertie (named after a Forbes ancestor). It can handle the enormous amount of content creation and management required by Forbes. It plays well with other services -- from data gathering to ad serving to sophisticated embeds -- it shines and performs.
The CMS features an assistant that ensures strong content that performs. It suggests SEO improvements, informs headline word length, and recommends images.
Forbes Commerce Design System
I headed the product design for the relaunch of the Forbes shopping channel. The ecosystem for shopping had been wilting and we reinvigorated it with new product modules that were designed to inform and convert. I led the design for a new custom vertical with a new name: Forbes Vetted.
The modules are part of system designed to maximize links and SEO. The modules are flexible enough to harness multiple sales points and prices. The tools allow for affiliate links to be addeded in line. The system makes it easy and fast for editors to use and reuse content.
The results have been tremendous, and that’s being modest. The new affiliated commerce effort generates revenue amounts in one month that previously took a year.