The User Experience (UX) Lead will play a critical role at Kaplan. This UX team is an important part of our development methodology and will take a large share of responsibility for the success of the product or website. This involves taking a leadership role in key stages of research, product definition, and design. In addition, Experience Leads mentor Interaction Designers and other team members, helping to evolve the team as a whole.
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Sr. User Experience Designer/Lead will be also be responsible for working with the client and product team in creating meaningful online experiences. This role requires strategic thinking, UX team leadership, and acute communication with all members of the project team. Conducting user, stakeholder and competitive research will drive personas and scenarios that will result in conceptual concepts, annotated wireframes, interactive models, prototypes and functional specifications.
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TYPICAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
o Plan, coordinate and conduct user research, contextual studies, participatory design and usability testing
o Define, prototype, and document highly usable interfaces to meet business requirements.
o Create and revise information architecture documents and diagrams including but not limited to; concept diagrams, site maps, wireframes, navigational prototypes, and strategy reports.
o Effectively aggregate and communicate research findings, conceptual ideas, detailed design, and design rationale both verbally and visually
o Manage deliverable workflows and timelines appropriately.
o Translate user and business requirements into detailed user interface designs.
o Work closely with development teams to QA development and implementation
o Discuss and present prototypes to the business stakeholders and the technology teams, and assist in the development of user interface design standards.
o Maintain knowledge of current best practices in user interface design / information architecture, usability theory and testing techniques.
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EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
o At least five years of user interface design experience
o Strong knowledge of user interface design processes and methodology, particularly as applied to web-based applications
o Excellent communication and organization skills - must be able to function as a thought leader as well as an individual contributor
o Must have a solid understanding of the web and itâs associated technologies
o Proficiency with design and prototyping tools such as Visio and Dreamweaver. Experience with rapid prototyping tools (such as Axure) a plus.
o Knowledge of capabilities and limitations of web technologies such as CMS, HTML, JavaScript, Flash, and CSS
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EXPERIENCE STRONGLY DESIRED:
o Knowledge of content collaboration tools a plus (eg SharePoint/CMS)
o Masters degree in Human-Computer Interaction or a related design or behavioral science discipline
o Experience with web 2.0 and rich internet concepts and delivery methodologies
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POSITION REQUIREMENTS / SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES / SKILLS REQUIRED:
o Excellent organizational, analytical, prototyping and user interface design skills.
o Ability to manage multiple projects at a time with a high degree of responsibility and accountability.
o Ability to develop a rapport with the team.
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must.
o Can deliver results under pressure.
o Interact with developers, contractors, management, system users and software/hardware vendors.
o Strong emphasis on creative âforward thinkingâ as far as user interactions and problem resolution.