Friday, August 8, 2008

2 Information Architects and a Usability Project Manager, Staples

We are currently seeking 2 Information Architects and a Usability Project Manager to join our tight-knit team. While both IA roles may include support for e-commerce, one will be a dedicated resource to support the Retail side of the business.

1. Information Architect on Staples Websites and internal information systems.

Projects might include updating the flow for user interactions on Staples.com, or creating the user flow for a microsite.

2. Information Architect on Staples Websites, internal information systems and Retail and Associate facing interfaces

Retail projects might include mapping out the user flow for kiosks that customers use in the store, or interfaces that store associates might interact with to create a custom print order.


Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

As the ideal candidate for this position you must have a thorough grounding in information architecture and interaction design. You must be able to produce and refine brilliant ideas that work with existing solutions and be able to communicate these ideas easily.

You must be comfortable working in diverse teams while facilitating the development of design solutions. Above all, you must have a clear understanding of how to balance user needs and business drivers.

In this capacity you will:

• Identify key user-interaction requirements by participating in JAD sessions and other business requirement forums.

• Facilitate user interface definition sessions by leading teams through white boarding exercises and discussions.

• Pin-point important issues that may require further discovery research by collaborating with usability resources.

• Architect user interaction solutions/schema based on sound usability principles, research and technical feasibility.

• Express these solutions through design documents. These documents include architecture-maps, system process flows and thumbnail flows.

• Partner with Usability Manager on research plans and integrate findings into design through an iterative process.

• Manage contractors as needed.

• Perform expert reviews on concepts and wire frames and integrate this into the design process on an iterative basis by presenting the findings and suggesting changes where necessary.

• Create and maintain a centralized repository of IA documentation.

• Provide IA support for ongoing application production and bug fixes.


Requirements
Minimum of a Masters degree in Interaction Design, Cognitive Psychology, MIS, Industrial Design or related discipline required.

At least 4 years of information architecture/interaction design experience in a corporate or consulting environment required. Some background in e-commerce a definite plus.

Must be able to translate business strategies into conceptual diagrams, task flows, and site maps. Expertise in using Visio preferred.

Must be a strong presenter and communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to lead high-level, cross-functional definition meetings that map out the user experience of new projects.

Strong understanding of computer platforms like AS400, client server, non web applications and related usability issues.

Understanding of usability testing practices and theory required.

Experience managing information architecture or interaction design on large-scale projects required. Some experience managing internal and contract employees.

Background in system development methodology including the Software Development Life Cycle and techniques for contextual inquiry, task analysis and interaction design required.

Some technical skills in putting together click-through prototypes and versed in HTML, JavaScript.

Approximately 10% travel required.
Usability Project Manager - Staples Retail Information Systems


Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management:
Usability project manager on Staples Retail IS customer and associate-facing systems. You will:
* Act as usability lead on various small, medium and large-sized systems projects.
* Organize and implement comprehensive research initiatives.
* Partner with business analysts to produce requirements documents and deliverables for projects.
* Organize research findings to serve as inputs for designs and task flows.
* Partner with information architects to develop & review system screen flows.
* Review vendor applications to determine usability level; make recommendations on as needed.
* Manage contractor resources as required by projects.

Research Execution:
Perform data collection activities in accordance with research strategies. Activities may include competitive reviews, focus groups, heuristic reviews, field studies, usability tests, surveys, cognitive walkthroughs, in-store customer observations and intercepts, and other means.

Requirements
Minimum of a Master’s degree in Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology or related discipline required

Minimum of 4-6 years of usability experience in a corporate or consulting environment required. Experience in a retail environment a huge plus.

Experience managing all aspects of usability involvement in major software projects, including management of business and systems partner relationships.

Experience in usability testing practices and theory around non-web applications required.

Must be a strong presenter with excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to handle multiple projects for multiple clients at once.

Must be able to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Basic understanding of HTML required. Working knowledge of using Macromedia Dreamweaver & Adobe Photoshop for basic image editing and image mapping (for prototyping) a plus.

Basic understanding of statistical methodologies and working knowledge of statistical packages like SAS, SPSS, etc. a plus.

Understanding of information architecture principles.

To apply please e-mail Joseph Carey at joseph.carey@staples.com and mention the position you are applying for in the subject.

No comments: