Zach Chandler's Blog Posts

Reinventing our work via Service Design

Zach Chandler — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 15:00:00 +0000

Service Design is an emerging practice area that can transform organizations, and create immense value. Stanford Web Services has already begun to introduce Service Design into the way that they develop services for the University. We should all think about more ways to put it into practice.

Adaptive Architecture: Leave Room to Evolve

Zach Chandler — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:55:45 +0000

All forward-thinking technologies share one attribute: the original designers intentionally build in opportunities for future users to innovate. It requires humility and a belief in the creativity of others. This is true for buildings, computers, networks, and other tools.

3 Tips for Making Your Drupal Features Highly Reusable

Zach Chandler — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:00:00 +0000

Dear Developers, if you follow these simple guidelines, your Drupal Features will be much more useful to institutions like Stanford over time. You will win friends and influence people. Drupal will live up to its potential, and there will be much rejoicing.

Drupal Sitebuilder, Citizen-Engineer

Zach Chandler — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:15:00 +0000

Either we shape the the technologies that we use, or they will shape us. Stanford’s commitment to the Drupal CMS enables more of us to think like engineers, embrace the Maker ethos, and craft our own tools.

Tips for selecting a Drupal vendor

Zach Chandler — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:12:59 +0000

I provide web project strategy and guidance for Stanford departments looking to hire a vendor for custom web development. My clients receive a full-service experience that includes business analysis, technical review, needs assessment, research and writing, agency recruitment, proposal evaluation, reference checks, forecasting, and is tailored to their specific needs. My clients are very happy.

Expository Sketch is the New RFP

Zach Chandler — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:56:52 +0000

At SWS, I have developed an improved method for vendor selection over “traditional RFP”, but it can take a little explaining—to clients and vendors alike—as to why it’s better, and why its worth the time investment.

Agile Developer, Waterfall Client

Zach Chandler — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:53:55 +0000

In my role as Web Strategist, I enjoy a privileged perspective on the state of the web industry in higher ed. I get an inside look into the new methodologies employed by some the best agencies in the business.