CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
As the Chief Technology Officer for SilverTech, Derek leads the team that helps businesses create profitable relationships throughout the entire customer lifecycle - from lead to loyal, with a strategic combination of engaging web experiences, marketing strategies, and content management solutions. He has helped to create many of the tools that marketers use today to manage websites and digital marketing campaigns, as well as bridging the gap between upper management and the IT and marketing teams. Derek’s unique and unparalleled experiences allow him to work closely with clients to identify stakeholder requirements and technology needs.
Derek’s experience includes web development, software architecture, content management systems, inbound marketing, custom integration, web experience design, SharePoint, and mobile development. He holds certifications as a Kentico MVP, Kentico Developer, Kentico Marketer, Sitecore Developer, and is one of only a few Sitefinity Champions in the country.
1/29/25
In today’s digital landscape, creating a website that resonates with its audience is more important than ever. This is where empathetic design comes into play. Empathetic design is a well-established concept that emphasizes understanding users of a website by anticipating their needs, preferences, and pain points. As we dive deeper into the world of web design and development, we must also consider another critical aspect: the experience of content managers and marketers who maintain these sites.
Empathetic design focuses on the end user, crafting experiences that are intuitive and user-friendly. It’s about designing for the audience that will be interacting with the website. This approach ensures that the navigation is seamless, the content is engaging, and the overall user journey is smooth. In a world where user experience can make or break a brand, empathetic design is not just a bonus; it is a necessity.
While the focus on users is vital, it’s equally important to consider those behind the scenes—content managers and marketers. These individuals are responsible for keeping the website up to date, engaging visitors, and analyzing performance metrics. However, many web development agencies overlook their needs during a project, leading to frustration and inefficiencies.
This is where we need to shift our perspective. Empathetic design must extend beyond just the user experience to encompass the workflows of the teams managing the website. After all, a beautiful website is only as effective as its ease of management.
At SilverTech, we believe in a holistic approach to web development—what we like to call empathetic development. Our strategists take the time to understand how our clients operate in their day-to-day jobs. We engage with teams to learn about their skill sets, preferences, and challenges. This insight allows us to tailor our development process to ensure that managing content is as straightforward and efficient as possible.
By integrating tools and features that align with a team’s existing workflows, we enable marketers and content managers to do their jobs more effectively. This not only boosts productivity but also enhances job satisfaction, as teams can focus on strategy and creativity rather than grappling with cumbersome website processes.
Empathetic website development is about more than just the end user; it’s about fostering an environment where both users and content managers thrive. By prioritizing the needs of all stakeholders, we can create websites that not only look good but also function seamlessly for everyone involved. At SilverTech, we are committed to this philosophy, ensuring that our clients are empowered to succeed in their digital endeavors.
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