The Information Architect will be responsible for creating fan-centric web site and web application architectures that are experiential, scalable, multi-dimensional, intuitive and easy to use. He or she will work closely with the front-end design and development teams to design and create: (1) information structures and hierarchies, (2) system for storing, cataloging and serving all types of content and (3) navigation system in order to provide the best fan experience across ESPN’s digital media platforms.
This position will work closely across and partner with all divisions of ESPN New Media, including Design, Technology, Editorial, Video, Marketing and Analytics teams.
The Information Architect is charged with helping to create valuable, appropriate, easy to use, and satisfying user experiences while supporting ESPN.com’s overarching business goals. The work of the Information Architect ranges from refining small site components to completely re-architecting ESPN.com’s fundamental structure. This person would be responsible for producing user-interaction flows, site maps, wireframes and functional specification documentation.
The ideal candidate will be able to speak the language of business with marketing and product and marketing managers; technology with developers; and user-centered design with graphic designers, user interface designers, and copy writers.
Role and Responsibilities
- Translate consumer needs, business rules and practices into functional requirements on ESPN.com and ESPN360.
- Lead
- Interface and interact with various business, technical, analytics and design groups in order to lead the creation of consistent information hierarchies for site navigation on both a site-wide level, page-by-page and by topic levels, while adhering to deisgn and product uniformity, including:
- Site Maps
- User Interface specifications / wireframes & functional specs (field definitions, taxonomy, error messages)
- Navigational schemes
- Categorization and topic flows
- Content requirements
- Use cases / User scenarios
- Collaborate on site concepts and interfaces in line with functional requirements and style guide standards
- Assist in managing updates to current site pages
- Work with the design team to ensure fluid transition from conceptual or functional design to graphic design.
- Develop usability test plans and conduct ongoing usability testing and assessment.
- Work with Business Intelligence personnel in developing data collection strategies on Fan behavior: A/B testing, multi-variable testing, etc.
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of site design and usability principles, issues and techniques
- Ability to organize large bodies of information
- Extremely detailed oriented
- Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team including designers, researchers, product developers and Business Intelligence personnel
- Ability to analyze customer needs using both qualitative and quantitative sources, and define strategies for meeting them
- Exceptional attention to detail in design, flow and overall process to maintain brand integrity
- Ability to clearly articulate their ideas with excellent written, verbal and graphic style
- Well-organized, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Commitment to user experience and customer satisfaction
Desired Background
- Minimum 6 years directly related information design and strategy experience for large and complex websites with a diverse user base
- Demonstrated experience with usability test design and implementation
- Previous experience designing large, multimedia, complex web sites
- Experience with web analytics tools and other toolsets to support scenario testing in Fan experiences