Job: Usability Analyst

Posted May 7, 2008 by Carl Turner
Categories: Jobs

Usability Analyst  - 08001868
SAS Institute, Inc.

Job Description
As a world leader in business intelligence and analytics software, SAS is seeking to expand its usability community.  You will contribute as a senior member in this community, which prides itself on a strong user-centered design philosophy.  With the support of your usability colleagues, as well as development and product management, you will translate sets of requirements for web and/or rich client applications into highly usable screen designs and flows by
• Gathering user data by employing the methodologies of task analysis and participatory design, by using data from surveys and focus groups, and by obtaining additional information about users from your usability, development, sales, and product management colleagues
• Teaming and collaborating with the UI community to generate design solutions and ensuring consistency within and across products
• Involving the development team in the design process to ensure that solutions can be implemented
• Working with product management to validate designed functionality
• Interactively testing your designs using low- and/or high-fidelity prototypes
• Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data and presenting findings and recommendations to the product team
• Generating and maintaining UI specification documents
• Performing other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Essential
• Bachelor’s degree in human computer interaction or cognitive, experimental, or human factors psychology
• 8 years of experience in the design of web and/or rich-client applications
• 8 years of experience with user-centered design methodologies

Equivalent Essential
• Associate’s degree in related field plus 10 years of the stated essential experience
• High School Diploma plus 12 years of the stated essential experience

Additional 
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to actively and enthusiastically collaborate with team members

Preferences
• Advanced degree in human computer interaction, cognitive, experimental, or human factors psychology, or a related design field such as product design or visual communications
• Experience with accessibility issues
• Knowledge of the Business Intelligence domain
Additional Information
To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

The level of this position will be determined based on the applicant’s education, skills and experience.
Resumes may be considered in the order they are received.
To apply online, go to http://www.sas.com/jobs/USjobs/

Job: UI Designer

Posted May 6, 2008 by Carl Turner
Categories: Jobs

You understand beauty. You care about both form and function.  You understand the power and possibility of AJAX technologies to make a web experience that is dynamic and compelling. You are comfortable in Photoshop but also in the guts of CSS and HTML. You might even know Javascript and frameworks like Ruby on Rails.
Come join our product team in RTP. We’re using cutting edge technologies on a leading Web 2.0 collaborative community site. We have a dynamic start-up environment with proven leadership and established market traction. Help shape the future of the web together.
Responsibilities
* Generate compelling UI designs balancing powerful features with approachability for a broad audience
* Implement designs using standards-compliant markup 
* Establish and maintain a robust CSS strategy including effective cascading and theming
* Collaborate with a talented product team on all elements of the development process
* Contribute to standards and best practices in an evolving, agile work environment
Qualifications
* Strong Expertise in CSS, along with cross-browser issues and workarounds
* A hunger to learn and a commitment to excellence
* Familiarity with current trends in web development
* Experience with UX principles and practices
Bonus Points
* Experience with Ruby on Rails
* Experience with event-based Javascript and AJAX 
* Familiarity with agile programming methodologies
* Experience with Web 2.0 dynamics and concepts
Contact

Job: Interaction Designer

Posted May 1, 2008 by Carl Turner
Categories: Jobs

Job Title: Interaction Designer

Main Purpose: To design, develop, test, and refine all aspects of the WebAssign user interface.

Job Description: WebAssign — the leading service provider for online homework in higher education — is seeking an Interaction Designer to join its web development team.

Candidate is expected to be familiar with all aspects of User Interface (UI) design for the web, including interaction design, usage and usability studies, and prototyping and graphic techniques.

In addition, the candidate must possess strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment under tight resource and schedule restrictions preferred. Demonstrated critical-thinking, problem-solving, and goal-setting skills are required.

Position Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and verify usability of UI for new and existing WebAssign features.
  • Develop a set of best practices, rules, and UI guidelines for programming staff to use on future features and versions of WebAssign.
  • Be actively involved in the entire interface development process, from identifying end-user needs and idea generation to implementation.
  • Must be able to perform a variety of tasks, which often includes working on multiple projects simultaneously

Design Skills

  • Experience in the design of User Interfaces for web-delivered applications
  • Complete familiarity with web standards, usability, and Interaction Design principles
  • Demonstrate the ability to translate strategic and conceptual thinking into usable designs and supporting documentation
  • Sufficient level of graphic design skills for the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the balance between business goals, design requirements, and user objectives
  • Initiative, creativity, and the ability to cooperate with other disciplines

Skills

  • Mastery of Adobe Photoshop
  • Preference for candidates also familiar/experienced with software development, Flash

Education and Experience

  • 2-5 years of Interaction Design work experience
  • Bachelors degree in Graphic or Industrial Design, Computer Science, HCI, Fine Arts, or equivalent experience.

email resumes and work samples to: lora@webassign.net
Lora Edwards, User Experience Design Lead

Organic Search Marketing Class

Posted April 19, 2008 by Carl Turner
Categories: Events

The partners of Sidhe Communications, LLC will present the first in a series of organic search marketing classes beginning on May 17th, 2008 at the Raleigh School of Communication Arts Digital Circus from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Seating is limited to 20-25 participants, so reservations must be made in advance. Cost is $200. Visit http://www.sidhecommunications.com and click the link to download a registration form. Payment can be made by check or Paypal. A command of standard written English and good writing skills are required.

Elizabeth Kirwin will provide an overview of best practices for writing for the web, and discuss the basics of keyword writing strategies that optimize content for organic search. Sarah Benoit will review the importance of keywords studies, offer an overview of keyword research, and step participants through a keyword research exercise. The course is designed to be interactive. Participants will be asked to bring a list of 10-15 keywords and a website writing task in need of completion. 

To register download the application form at http://www.SidheCommunications.com.

Job: UI Engineer @ Lulu.com

Posted April 7, 2008 by Mark Andrews
Categories: Jobs

Overview:

You are a Web Developer. You have acquired your skills through blood, sweat, and tears while struggling to make your sites look right and function correctly across all major browsers. You occasionally wake up in the middle of the night dreaming in Javascript and HTML. You care about web standards, you know what the “Cascade” is in CSS, and “(function(){ … })();” doesn’t look strange to you. John Resig, Douglas Crockford, and Holly Bergevin are your heroes.

If you have a passion for DHTML, CSS, Javascript, Flash/Actionscript, or Flex, then Lulu may have a place for you.

As Lulu.com grows, we need talented developers to build the next generation of consumer-oriented Web tools. Come join Lulu, become famous, and change the world.

Responsibilities:

* Collaborate with peers on all elements of the development process
* Create testable, scalable user interfaces using Javascript, HTML, CSS, Flex, etc.
* Work closely with business analysts to estimate and plan projects in an agile development framework
* Implement user interaction logic in well-designed object-oriented structures
* Develop for the idiosyncrasies of cross-browser compatibility
* Contribute to standards and best practices in an evolving work environment

Qualifications:

* Strong Expertise in DHTML and CSS, along with cross-browser issues and workarounds
* Experience with event-based Javascript and AJAX or Flash/Actionscript, Flex, and/or MXML
* Expertise in at least one Javascript toolkit (jQuery, YUI, etc)
* Familiarity with current trends in web development
* Familiarity with object-oriented programming in PHP
* A sponge-like brain that soaks up new ideas
* BS or MS in something interesting, or equivalent experience

Bonus Points

* Experience with UX principles and usability practices, ability to discuss alternative approaches to workflow and page design problems
* Experience with Web MVC frameworks such as Struts, Django, or Ruby on Rails
* Strong object oriented design skills and knowledge of design patterns
* Familiarity with agile programming methodologies, such as XP, Scrum, and test-driven development
* Familiarity with writing unit-tests and testable code
* Background in desktop GUI development with Swing, Winforms, MFC, or GTK
* Knowledge of database-driven Web application design, relational databases, or SQL

Please visit Lulu’s Career Center to apply.

Jobs: Courseware Designer, Flash Courseware Developer

Posted March 31, 2008 by Mark Andrews
Categories: Jobs

The Virginia-based company, Media Box Studios, is planning to open an
office here in Raleigh and will be hiring a few people. The website is
www.mediaboxstudios.com. They develop interactive multimedia for
e-learning and commercial websites. Mostly, looking for someone with
solid Flash skills. Vector illustration, animation, 3D modelling, and
actionscript experience are all very useful to us as well.

Detailed job descriptions are located here:
http://www.mediaboxstudios.com/jobs.aspx.
COURSEWARE DESIGNER, FLASH COURSEWARE DEVELOPER

If you or if you know anyone who is interested, they can contact Phil
directly at psmith@mediaboxstudios.com.

Job: Web Programmer

Posted March 28, 2008 by Carl Turner
Categories: Jobs

As a Web Programmer you will be responsible for analysis, design and
implementation of software solutions, systems integration, long-term
maintenance and extension of database-driven Web applications and
e-commerce systems. You will have the opportunity to exercise your
exceptional creativity and pragmatism while participating in the full
life-cycle development of web applications.

Details: http://www.hesketh.com/about/careers/web_programmer.html
 
About hesketh.com
hesketh.com offers a unique work environment. At hesketh.com, one
thing we all have in common is passion about what we do. We further
distinguish ourselves from the competition with our customer-centric
approach ­ an unrelenting determination to be responsive and exceed
expectations. We strive to create an environment of cooperation,
respect, and trust. 

Send resumes and salary history to:
hesketh.com/inc.
ATTN: Personnel
5400 Glenwood Avenue
Suite G11
Raleigh, NC 27612

fax: 919.834.2553
email: careers@hesketh.com

Job: Web Designer

Posted March 28, 2008 by Carl Turner
Categories: Jobs

As a Web Designer for hesketh.com, you will be responsible for the
look-and-feel of Web sites and application designs and implementation
for our progressive client base working within a user-centered design
team approach. This position will develop user-centered layout and
graphical components, balancing usability and cultural factors with
strategic goals and visual brand.

Details: http://www.hesketh.com/about/careers/visual_designer.html
 
Send resumes and salary history to:
hesketh.com/inc.
ATTN: Personnel
5400 Glenwood Avenue
Suite G11
Raleigh, NC 27612

fax: 919.834.2553
email: careers@hesketh.com
 

Job: User Experience Design Manager @ Nike

Posted March 26, 2008 by Mark Andrews
Categories: Jobs

As our User Experience Design Manager, you’ll develop, evangelize and
execute the vision for both consumer-facing experiences (online and
in-store) for Nike’s digital commerce-enabled sites. You’ll be
responsible for benchmarking, conceptualizing, innovating and
developing an overall Experience Map for your respective area. You’ll
work closely with internal functional groups, regional teams and
agencies to define next-generation consumer experiences. You’ll
provide the overall vision and strategic leadership to drive the
global Experience Roadmap; collaborate with the regional, functional
and affiliate business teams, and with key strategic agencies to
establish the direction for interface design on Nike digital
properties; develop a global roadmap for interface development that
supports emerging digital commerce capabilities; and provide support
for regional and global initiatives that require interface design.
You’ll collaborate with functional regional leads to establish project
goals and success metrics. You’ll also establish vision and guidelines
that establish Nike as an authentic sports brand online and organize
our online capabilities in an easy-to-use, intuitive way. You’ll
develop and apply new capabilities, future product concept integration
and connection/translation to non-digital consumer experiences and
executions, and lead third-party site collaborations and integration.
You’ll also ensure the seamless digital consumer experience in all
retail, event, studio and other physical executions of our digital
commerce sites. You’ll translate new ideas and concepts into relevant,
value-adding elements and stay up to speed on any significant digital
trends, and showcase the ability to adjust digital strategies and
executions accordingly. You’ll also be relied on to stay intimately
aware of key regional and seasonal initiatives, and provide enticing,
innovative consumer experiences in support of those. You’ll facilitate
regular and consistent site and consumer analysis to fuel future
experience design, and seek out industry benchmarking to ground Nike’s
current level of experience within and across industries so an
improvement plan can be designed and continuously monitored. You’ll
also manage agency relationships and specific projects. In addition,
you’ll establish leadership summits across our internal and external
partners to develop consensus and communicate Nike’s Experience
Roadmap across our digital commerce sites.

Requirements for the position include:

Bachelor’s degree
6-10 years’ experience in experience design or product management in
the software industry, preferably ASP or SAAS
Extensive experience in consumer eCommerce website development and in
experience design specific to digital
Strong understanding of Flash and Java
Ability to understand the complex agency processes used to develop
websites (strategy, conceptualizing, visual design, interaction design
and production)
Extensive experience working at senior levels to define target
experiences that map to consumer needs in a way that is brand
conscious and highly usable
To work at Nike, you don’t need to be an athlete. But you need to
think like one. We do more than just sports. We do life. And we love
what we do.

» View all our open positions
http://www.jobster.com/outreach/jobs?i=A8bmbBX-KQ%3D%3D

NCSU College of Design presentations

Posted March 19, 2008 by Carl Turner
Categories: Events

Forwarded from HFES Carolina Chapter: 

Faculty from the College of Design at NCSU have graciously offered to give a collection of presentations next week at NCSU. They are interested in sharing their research and design ideas with the HFES community.
 
Time: Thursday, March 27, 5:30-8:00pm
Location: Kamphoefner Hall, College of Design complex, Burns Auditorium, NCSU
 
There will be a reception (with refreshments) in the lobby area of the Burns Auditorium from 5:30-6pm.
Professor Haig Khachatoorian will moderate this event. Presentations will begin at 6pm and will include the following:

  • Bryan Laffitte / Associate Professor &   ID (Industrial Design) Dept. Head - “Visualization as a Tool for Collaborative  Innovation”   
  • Percy Hooper / Associate Professor & Director  of  I D Graduate Programs - “Invention, Innovation & Design : Transforming Propositions to  Products”  
  • Bong-IL Jin / Associate Professor  - “The World Traffic Safety Design  Competitions”  
  • Dr. Sharon Joines / Assistant Professor  - “Ergonomic Interventions for  Ultrasound Technicians”
  • Tim Buie / Assistant Professor - “Game Design :  Designing the Interaction Experience”

Each presentation will last approximately 20 min. and there will be a question and answer session to follow.If you plan to attend the reception, please let Miranda Capra know so that adequate refreshments are available.

Dave Kaber, HFES Carolina Chapter President

Miranda Capra: mcapra@humancentric.com