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Web Designer and Developer: Happy in the World of Computers
by Martin David
Career School Directory Columnist
July 09, 2006
Tim Kousky can't remember a time when computers weren't important to him. He started experimenting with computers while still in high school, and his love affair with them has never ended. By the time Tim was ready for his high school's one computer course, the subject matter was already too simple for him, but he took it anyway. Now a smile spreads across the 32-year-old web designer and developer's face as he is reminded of those early days in his computer adventure.
CSD: What were some of the early things you did with computers?
TK: Well, while I was in high school I used to enter all the science fairs. My entry would always be some kind of small basic program that could examine data and analyze it. Everybody thought it was pretty amazing, but looking back, I realize how simple and unsophisticated it really was.
CSD: Did you have any role models in those days? Were there computer teachers or professionals who inspired you?
TK: Not teachers really. As I said, the high school offered only one computer course and it was simple, elementary stuff. I did have an uncle who was a real self-starter and he founded a computer company. The company did a lot of general computer work. I worked in his company for a short while--mostly during summer vacation. He really understood my fascination with computers and taught me a few things. It really helped me focus my love of computers.
CSD: Did you ever study computers formally?
TK: Oh yes. I have a Computer Science degree from an East Coast University. I knew that if I was serious about computers and computing, I'd need to have a good degree. I'm so glad I took that path. The degree has helped me a lot when it comes to getting hired, but the things I learned while earning the degree have helped me even more.
CSD: Did you ever consider pursuing an online education?
TK: I did. However, I was very fortunate in that I had the time and opportunity to attend a university. If things had been different--for example, if I had a family to support--I would have been happy to pursue a degree program online.
Computer screens used to be black or dark green, with green or orange-yellow text. The first website on the World Wide Web was published by Tim Berners-Lee in 1991. He used hypertext so that users could click on an e-mail link and send mail to him. Find schools
CSD: When did you actually enter the computer industry? What was your first job?
TK: While I was still in college I got a part time job at a company that made magneto-optical storage devices. I was in their technical support department. I learned a lot there because I was such a beginner in the field. I mean, I didn't even know how or where to find some of the tools I needed to do my job, so I just built them.
CSD: You built them?
TK: Yes. I programmed them in UNIX and they worked for what I needed, so I just kept using them.
CSD: But you didn't stay in technical support?
TK: No, I was really interested in working more directly with a product or a process. I got interested in designing Internet applications and doing more complex levels of programming.
Early websites were all written in a code called Hypertext Markup Language or HTML. The most exciting feature of those sites was the possibility of moving from one page to another without having to re-enter the address or Universal Resource Locator (URL). Find schools
CSD: Where are you working now and what are you doing?
TK: Right now I am working in a very exciting startup company called PowerFile. They are creating the next generation of data storage solutions for companies. They use optical devices that can keep data safe for a hundred years and yet have it active for immediate access. I'm a Senior User Interface Engineer.
CSD: What does that mean?
TK: Basically, I'm a web designer and developer. I am responsible for designing the user interface and the workflow.
CSD: So you create the screens that the users see when they use the product?
TK: Yes. I design the screen elements so that the user's experience with the product is as smooth as possible. I also design the way that all the user interface elements fit together.
My job actually has two parts. The design aspect is the first one. After that, I have to implement the interface design. I make sure that the graphical user interface actually fits with the product that the programmers have created and that the right things happen when the users click on the buttons that I have designed. It's really quite exciting.
CSD: What would you be doing if you hadn't gotten into Web Design? I mean, do you think of another profession you might have tried?
TK: Not really. I know that I always wanted to be involved in science and technology. I don't think there is any other profession that I would find as interesting as I find the world of computers.
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About the Author
Martin A. David is a published author, translator, and technical writer in the Silicon Valley. He manages the Technical Publications department of a technology firm.
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