Heather Searl
I'm a freelance writer and user experience consultant.
I started my career as a technical writer, editor and then documentation manager for a small multimedia software company. But soon I found my interest broadening beyond manuals and help files to how products could be designed so that people could accomplish their tasks efficiently and enjoyably.
I've managed teams of 20+ writers, editors and graphic designers, written manuals for everything from animation software to mass spectrometers, evangelized user centered design practices and designed software for web conferencing and analytical chemistry. I've even had some success in improving the usability of the ever confusing remote control.
Along the way I've written corporate newsletter articles, white papers, packaging copy and whatever else was needed at the time.
I have a wide variety of interests including: technology and how people use it, reading, writing, candle making, business management, and self discovery through various mindfulness techniques.
I intend to write about all of this and more here at suite101.
Latest Articles
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Decorating Easter Eggs the No Fail Way
An easy way for the whole family to decorate Easter eggs and create a colorful Easter basket centerpiece using traditional egg dyes and rubber cement.
Apr 8, 2011
- Heather Searl
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RF Remote Controls Reduce Home Theater Clutter
RF remote controls reduce family room or home theater clutter by letting you put all of your components and their cables behind doors in a closed cabinet.
Feb 25, 2011
- Heather Searl
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Harmony Remote Controls Are Easy To Set Up If You're Prepared
Programming one of Logitech's Harmony remote controls using the Harmony remote software can either be a simple or daunting task depending on your prep work.
Feb 24, 2011
- Heather Searl
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Buying a Universal Remote Control: What You Should Know
Questions to ask yourself before purchasing a universal remote control to make sure you buy one that meets your needs.
Feb 24, 2011
- Heather Searl
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Permanent Laser Hair Removal at Home: Review of Silk'n SensEpil
Does the Silk'n SensEpil permanent hair removal system stack up to its claims after six months of use?
Oct 25, 2010
- Heather Searl
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The Happiness Project: Self Improvement for the Rest of Us
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin is part memoir and part self improvement book discussing a year-long experiment to increase personal happiness.
Sep 27, 2010
- Heather Searl
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Building Drip Sand Castles: Family Fun at the Beach
Building drip sand castles is an easy, fun summer beach activity for kids and adults alike.
Sep 2, 2010
- Heather Searl
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African Lion Safari, Ontario: Up Close and Personal With Animals
African Lion Safari is a safari style zoo experience located near Cambridge, Ontario -- an hour from Toronto and an hour and a half from Niagara Falls.
Aug 10, 2010
- Heather Searl
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Operation Beautiful: Post-it Notes Bolster Self-Esteem
Operation Beautiful attempts to increase self-esteem by cutting through negative self-talk with positive messages on Post-It Notes left in public places.
Aug 8, 2010
- Heather Searl
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4 Keys to Writing Business E-mails That Get Results
Effective business e-mail requires more than following basic e-mail etiquette. These tips will help your e-mail gets the attention it deserves.
Aug 4, 2010
- Heather Searl
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