pattern158.solutions/faq.html at main · novakda/pattern158.solutions · GitHub

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        <h1>Frequently Asked Questions</h1>
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        <summary>Are you available for new projects?</summary>
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            <p>Yes, I'm available for contract, contract-to-hire, or full-time positions. I was laid off from GP Strategies in January 2026 and am actively seeking new opportunities.</p>
            <p>I'm interested in roles involving legacy system modernization, LMS/SCORM integration, enterprise system architecture, accessibility remediation (WCAG 2.1 AA+), and AI-assisted development tooling.</p>
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        <summary>What's your work arrangement preference?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>Remote is ideal. I'm also open to hybrid arrangements in the Portland, OR area (Vancouver, WA specifically). I have 28+ years of experience working effectively with distributed teams across time zones.</p>
            <p>I'm comfortable with async communication (email, Slack, documentation) and sync collaboration (video calls, pair programming) depending on what the project needs.</p>
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        <summary>What are your contract rates?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>For contract work, rates vary based on project scope, duration, and technical complexity. Let's discuss your specific needs - <a href="contact.html">contact me</a> with project details and we can work out terms that make sense for both of us.</p>
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        <summary>What technologies do you specialize in?</summary>
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            <p><strong>Primary stack:</strong> JavaScript, TypeScript, Vue.js, Node.js, HTML5/CSS3, SQL</p>
            <p><strong>Specialized domains:</strong> Learning Management Systems (LMS), SCORM/AICC/xAPI, eLearning technologies, accessibility remediation (WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA)</p>
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        <summary>Do you work with legacy systems?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>Yes, legacy system modernization is a core specialty. I've rescued undocumented systems, reverse-engineered abandoned codebases, and integrated legacy platforms with modern architectures.</p>
            <p>See the <a href="/portfolio.html">portfolio</a> for examples like the legacy CMS rescue and cross-domain SCORM framework.</p>
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        <summary>Are you experienced with AI and automation?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>Yes. I've designed agentic workflows using GitHub Spec Kit, built Copilot Studio agents for enterprise clients, and use AI-assisted development extensively (GitHub Copilot, Claude Code).</p>
            <p>I focus on practical applications - tools that solve real problems, not hype. AI is most valuable for documentation generation, code review, and rapid prototyping.</p>
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        <summary>What industries have you worked in?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>Banking (PNC, JPMorgan Chase, Kmart Credit), Defense (GDEB Electric Boat), Energy (7+ utilities including FPL, NRG, Exelon), Retail (GM, Kmart), Healthcare (Cornell Medical), and Enterprise software (Microsoft, BP).</p>
            <p>This cross-industry experience helps me recognize patterns and apply solutions from one domain to another.</p>
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    <p class="category-intro">Communication, collaboration, and approach</p>
    <details open>
        <summary>How do you handle communication?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>I provide clear, documented communication. I'm comfortable with async (email, Slack, documentation) and sync (video calls, pair programming) depending on what the project needs.</p>
            <p>I'm in US Pacific timezone (Portland, OR). I respond to messages during business hours and document key decisions so distributed teams can stay aligned.</p>
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        <summary>Do you work well with distributed teams?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>Yes. I've spent 28 years working with distributed teams across time zones. I understand the importance of documentation, clear handoffs, and async-first workflows.</p>
            <p>I'm experienced with collaborative tools (Jira, Confluence, GitHub, Teams, Slack) and know how to keep projects moving when team members are in different locations.</p>
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        <summary>What's your approach to unclear requirements?</summary>
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            <p>I treat it as a forensic investigation. When requirements are undefined or contradictory, I document what exists, map the gaps, and propose solutions grounded in evidence.</p>
            <p>See the <a href="/portfolio.html">featured projects</a> for examples of how I approach undocumented systems and rebuild them systematically. If you have an unclear situation, <a href="contact.html">let's talk</a> - this is the kind of problem I'm good at solving.</p>
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        <summary>Are you comfortable working independently?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>Yes. I've often been "the engineer" on projects - the one who figures problems out, builds the tool, and hands off documentation. I'm self-directed but also collaborate well when the project calls for it.</p>
            <p>I thrive in situations where requirements are unclear, documentation is missing, or the problem hasn't been solved before. Give me a complex puzzle and I'll map it, solve it, and document it.</p>
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        <summary>What's your typical workflow?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>The pattern repeats across my career:</p>
            <ol>
                <li><strong>Deconstruct the Chaos:</strong> Forensic investigation to understand the system - map dependencies, identify patterns, document what exists</li>
                <li><strong>Build the Tool:</strong> Create reusable frameworks to solve root causes, not symptoms - automate repetitive tasks, standardize processes</li>
                <li><strong>Empower the User:</strong> Hand off robust, documented tools that make complex processes simple - clear READMEs, inline comments, training materials</li>
            </ol>
            <p>This pattern shows up whether I'm debugging SCORM packages, reverse-engineering legacy systems, or building automation tools.</p>
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        <summary>How do you approach troubleshooting?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>Systems thinking first. I look for patterns, examine different angles (technical, UX, user behavior), and verify hypotheses with evidence. I document findings clearly so others can follow the reasoning.</p>
            <p>I'm methodical: reproduce the issue, isolate variables, test hypotheses, fix root cause (not symptoms), verify the fix, and document for future reference.</p>
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        <summary>Do you write documentation?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>Yes, extensively. I believe tools are as good as their documentation. I write clear READMEs, inline code comments, architecture decision records (ADRs), and handoff guides.</p>
            <p>Documentation isn't an afterthought - it's part of the deliverable. If I build it, I document it so the next person (or future me) can understand and maintain it.</p>
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        <summary>What's your philosophy on tool selection?</summary>
        <div class="faq-answer">
            <p>"Right tool for the job." I'm pragmatic - native solutions over frameworks when possible, established libraries over hand-rolled, simple over clever.</p>
            <p>I assess tools based on: Does it solve the actual problem? Will the team be able to maintain it? Is it overengineered? I'd rather use a boring, reliable solution than chase the latest trend. See the <a href="philosophy.html">philosophy page</a> for more on this approach.</p>
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        <h2 class="section-heading-styled">What Colleagues Say</h2>
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            <p class="quote-text">It's always so nice working with you and having you send these notes so that the developer can get going is helpful and appreciated.</p>
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<blockquote class="testimonial-quote testimonial-secondary">
<p class="quote-text">Thank you so much for your efforts in preparing this proposal. It looks fantastic.</p>
<footer class="quote-attribution">
<cite>Director, Accessibility Practice</cite>
<p class="quote-context">GP Strategies — on an accessibility initiative proposal</p>
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            <p><strong>Dan Novak</strong> | Senior Software Engineer | Systems Architect</p>
            <p>Portland, OR | <a href="mailto:dan@pattern158.solutions">dan@pattern158.solutions</a> | <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/dan-novak-5692197">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="/accessibility.html">Accessibility</a></p>
            <p class="footer-tagline">Pattern 158: I cheat, but I cheat fair.</p>
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