David Crow

Connector of dots. Maker of lines. Rider of slopes.

Information Architecture

Organic – Senior Information Architect

by

Toronto, ON

Organic is looking for a:Senior Information Architect

Exceptional Experience

Organic is all about the exceptional. We are a leading digital communications agency – the first, in fact – focused on designing and building exceptional experiences that help make the online channel really work for leading companies. We work on everything digital – from websites to online marketing campaigns, from mobile applications to digital billboards – for companies such as Chrysler LLC, Warner Bros. International, Geek Squad and Bank of America. We are passionate about emerging platforms, and this helps keep us on the edge of the hottest and most interesting stories in the industry. And, as a leader in the marketplace, we have the opportunity to work on really exciting projects.

Organic has an open, diverse culture that encourages participation and innovation.  We reward exceptional work and creative ideas.  At Organic we believe in working hard and having fun while we’re doing it.  We have great benefits and perks including massages, pet insurance, Wednesday bagels and Friday cocktails.

Position Summary

The Sr. Information Architect is primarily responsible for creating tactical solutions for Internet and multimedia project strategies. The Sr. Information Architect manages the integration of the information design and project concept. The Sr. Information Architect is responsible for the document deliverables, including: discovery/envision documents, competitive analysis, personas, interaction design specifications, site architecture maps, and page schematics based on Organics ‘ creative methodology and standards.

The Sr. Information Architect must demonstrate a professional demeanor, with strong interpersonal, problem solving, and project leadership skills, as they serve as a mentor to the other Information Architect. The Sr. Information Architect is also responsible for corporate and departmental initiatives as agreed upon with the creative director. The Sr. Information Architect may be assigned the creative lead role.

Education/Work Experience

  • 3+ yrs overall experience preferred including:
    • 3+ yrs of traditional or digital design experience, encompassing the following: multimedia, agency creative, production/planning, 3-D design (architecture), Internet design, graphic design.
      Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent work experience (digital design, graphic design, advertising).
  • Engaging online portfolio is required for consideration.

Visit our company blog: http://Threeminds.organic.com to see what we’re talking about today. 

Apply to www.organic.com

Palm Communication – Information Architect

by

Montreal, PQ

Montreal-based PALM Communication is looking for a creative, passionate and meticulous digital information architect who will play a fundamental role in user experience development, oversee information architecture development, and organize content for digital (interactive) agency projects (online campaigns, Web 2.0 initiatives, site design and building, e-CRM projects, search engine marketing, etc.), principally for the Volkswagen account. .

Responsibilities

  • Develop the information architecture for all Web projects
  • Develop tree structures, user-interface scenarios, navigation principles, prototypes, functional specifications
  • Work in synergy with the strategy, creation and production teams to find effective solutions and create an effective user experience
  • Analyse the competition from an ergonomic, communicational, strategic and conceptual point of view
  • Participate in the continual improvement of best practices in usability, and ensure quality control in the production process

Requirements/Qualifications

  • Proven track record with several major Web projects
  • Understanding of users’ behaviours, needs, motivations and objectives to create functional communications components
  • Good communication skills in English and French (written and spoken)
  • Keen interest in new technology and new developments in social media
  • Comfortable in a rapidly changing, multi-tasking environment
  • High-energy, roll-up-your sleeves attitude
  • 5 to 7 years of experience in digital information architecture
  • Knowledge of the automobile sector is a serious asset

PALM is a big family of more than 70 professionals who recognize that inspiration can come from everywhere and who believe that digital technology is an essential part of a strong integrated approach. PALM is part of the Havas Group, a world leader in the communications industry with its head office in Paris. Decentralized and multicultural, the Group has offices in more than 100 countries with a vast network of agencies linked by affiliation agreements. PALM benefits from this network by sharing best industry practices.

Send your résumé via e-mail to Diane Labelle, VP Operations and Interactive, PALM Communication: [email protected]

Delvinia – Freelance User Experience Architect

by

Toronto, ON

Delvinia Interactive Inc. is seeking an energetic and motivated FREELANCE USER EXPERIENCE ARCHITECT to take on a role in our Strategy and Experience Design team. Work would be awarded on a project-by-project basis and begin immediately with the future possibility of full-time employment.

Company

Delvinia Interactive is a leading digital agency, developing, planning and executing high-impact interactive marketing and research solutions. We are dedicated to helping our clients acquire, retain and better understand their customers through the use of digital channels.

Location

Delvinia is located in downtown Toronto.

Job Description

This individual will proactively manage client projects and administrative tasks, will have a customer service mind-set and can ensure that customer concerns are handled in a timely and professional manner. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Planning and facilitating customer insight activities to understand user needs, goals and tasks
  • Developing customer profiles, personas, scenarios and use cases
  • Planning, co-ordinating, and executing formal and informal usability evaluations
  • Establishing business requirements and design priorities:
    • Analyzing existing web interfaces for usability and user experience issues
    • Recommending improvements to content, features and functionality
  • Developing wireframes, prototypes and writing interface design specifications
  • Providing input to project quotes or proposals
  • Participating in team meetings
  • Other duties as assigned
    •  
      • A solid history of supporting experience with strong references
      • Solid visual design and interaction design skills
      • Experience working directly with clients in an agency or consultative setting
      • Ability to analyze client challenges and develop creative solutions
      • Effective communication skills, both orally and written as well as diagrammatic forms
      • Expert knowledge in programs including (but not limited to); MS Office, Visio and Internet browsers
      • Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines
      • Detail oriented and a demonstrated commitment to the accuracy and completeness of information with ability to see the big picture
      • Proven interpersonal skills, client relation skills and ability to work in a team environment
      • Creative thinker
      • Positive attitude with a genuine desire to further the business objectives of Delvinia’s clients
      • Able to work flexible hours when requested
      • Desire to join a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
      • Experience working on integrated marketing campaigns
      • Experience architecting and documentation Flash applications
      • 2 to 4 years experience executing customer-centered web solutions
      • University or college education in a related field

        • Salary

        Based upon experience

        Apply

        Please e-mail your resume to: [email protected] and reference INFORMATIONARCHITECT in the subject line.

        We thank you for your interest, but only those candidates who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

      • Skills

      The candidate should demonstrate the following:

      Definite Assets and Differentiators

      Experience

Novator – Interface Architect, Ecommerce

by

Toronto, ON

The Company

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in downtown Toronto, Novator Systems is an e-commerce solutions company that assists clients build brand loyalty and maximize customer satisfaction.

Novator delivers innovative and profitable online strategies to clients and it has helped them gain strong and competitive positions on the Web as well as deliver the highest conversion rates, customer satisfaction scores, and site performance in the industry.

Online retail is all about creating a good customer experience. At Novator, we like to practice what we preach. We want our employees to have a great experience too. It’s important to us to attract – and keep – the best people. It’s how we stay ahead of the competition – and get to work with the best clients in the industry.

We offer a flexible, relaxed work environment, a competitive benefits program, challenging projects with brand-name clients and a few nice little perks to show our appreciation for our employees’ part in our success (free on-site massages come to mind).

At Novator, you’ll work hard. You’ll hang out with smart people. You’ll definitely learn a lot. And you’ll have a great time doing it.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Interface Architect will work within the Product Management team to create, specify and oversee the development of an intuitive and consistent software interface for the Novator ecommerce platform, based on the product vision, roadmap, and high-level requirements.

  • Review, analyze and interpret artifacts such as software requirements, use cases, technical specifications and complex data models, translating them into concise, intuitive interface designs for enterprise software.
  • Produce and manage meticulous design deliverables such as User Interface Specifications, workflows and wireframes capable of providing systematic guidance to development and quality assurance teams through the software development life cycle.
  • Collaborate with the product management team during software specification by providing input on interaction strategies, and supplying the ability to rapidly draft prototype interfaces for validating potential requirements and use cases.
  • Review ongoing development and QA testing to ensure adherence to User Interface Specifications and Novator standards for usability, human factors and interface quality.
  • Negotiate deviations from spec and revise documentation as necessary. Maintain a current and consistent library of user interface documentation.
  • Provide ideas and input to the Product Management team relating to product development, user experience, process improvements, and product features.
  • Be a subject matter expert on the product, as well as on usability, human factors, and application design, providing guidance and consulting services to internal and external stakeholders as requested.
  • Apply business case logic and sound decision-making skills when scoping interface requirements and reviewing design feasibility.

Minimum and Essential Skills and Qualifications

Education

  • University degree in Human Factors/HCI, Information Technology, Industrial Design or related discipline. A diploma with extensive experience in user interface design may be considered.

Experience

  • 3-5 years of experience as an information architect, user interface designer, or interface developer with significant design responsibilities.
  • Must have prior experience designing or developing for complex transactional applications such as commerce platforms, financial systems or analytics packages.
  • Must have strong knowledge of information architecture, user-centered design, interaction design, navigation design, and online user experience.
  • Must have the ability to create and manage bulletproof user interface documentation including User Interface Specifications, wireframes and process diagrams.
  • Portfolio must demonstrate an exceptional ability to interpret and distill complex requirements and processes into elegant, intuitive interactions.
  • Must have detailed knowledge of web interface principles and technologies such as HTML, CSS and AJAX, and the ability to use this to estimate and establish the feasibility of each design.
  • Familiarity with software development processes in a Java environment, including the role of databases, object modeling and web tier integration is preferred.
  • Demonstrated fluency with Microsoft Visio and Office suite is required. Knowledge of modeling and prototyping applications such as Dreamweaver, Axure or Enterprise Architect is a plus.
  • Superior technical aptitude combined with proven creativity and lateral thinking.
  • Effective analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must write precisely and concisely.
  • Absolute and meticulous attention to detail and consistency while maintaining the ‘big picture’.
  • Capable of producing pixel perfect documentation.
  • Strong work ethic and the ability to follow through on technically demanding projects.
  • Proven ability to work professionally as an effective member of a high-performance team.

Apply

Qualified candidates may forward their resume to: [email protected].

PLEASE INDICATE JOB TITLE IN SUBJECT AREA.

We would like to thank all candidates for applying, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

No agencies please
No phone calls please

BlueCat Networks – UI Designer

by

Toronto, ON

Have you ever wanted to be part of something really exciting?  Work with the brightest talent in the industry?  A place filled with dynamic professionals constantly resetting the standard for leadership and innovation? 

Then this is where you want to be!

BlueCat Networks, the IPAM Intelligence Company is a profitable and rapidly growing leading provider of enterprise-class IP Address Management (IPAM) platforms and secure DNS / DHCP network administration appliances. Our award-winning Proteus IPAM platforms and Adonis family of DNS/DHCP appliances are helping meet the rising IP management demands of small-medium enterprises, government, military, financial services, retail and manufacturing organizations worldwide.

UI Designer

The UI Designer will be a driving force in setting new UI standards and paradigms. The success candidate will be passionate about great design, innovative solutions, and intuitive user experiences. As a member of the UXD (User Experience Design) team, the incumbent will work closely with product managers, engineers, and management to visually and creatively take product ideas to concept through wireframes and mockups. This individual needs to be a self-starter who enjoys working in collaborative environments, takes direction and criticism openly, and are able to contribute to the creative spirit of the company.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

  • Concrete understanding of UCD, usability and HCI principles and techniques, especially as related to GUI design for web applications.
  • Amazing analytical skills – ability to identify existing usability challenges. Experience performing heuristic evaluations and usability tests, as well as documenting results and translating the findings into design improvements.
  • Experience in leading the UX-design stages of software development.
  • Ability to work with stakeholders and the Engineering team to gather requirements, help define the overall user experience strategy, create the interaction model, architect effective solutions using wireframes solutions and prototypes, iterate upon them, and then proceed to work with a team to implement the same.
  • Be willing to challenge traditional design thinking and look for new and innovative ways to approach design projects and improve and streamline the user experience

Qualifications

  • At least 5 years experience designing user interfaces for Web and/or collaborative applications
  • Good knowledge of Web standards, the DOM, cross-browser & cross-platform (X)HTML/CSS/AJAX and Tapestry.
  • Information design & navigation systems
  • Application workflow diagramming
  • Wire-framing & schematics
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and often intense project environment
  • Extreme level of attention to detail

Education

Post-secondary education in Programming, Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, or related field.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Apply

Email your resume: [email protected]

nForm – Business Analyst

by

Full Time Permanent Position in Edmonton, AB

As a business analyst, your primary responsibility will be research and discovery that drives business, customer, and technical insight. You will work closely with clients, their customers, and others using interviews, workshops, and other methods to develop understanding of both the big picture and the details. You will use this insight to develop clear vision, requirements, and functional design for client systems. Your work will create the foundation for successful projects, and you will be responsible for activities and deliverables such as documenting requirements, creating process flows, use cases, and reports. You will work closely with others on the team to develop concrete plans and prototypes based on the discovery work conducted by yourself and others.

Most importantly, you will work with clients, their users, and nForm colleagues to understand, define, and solve problems to create business and user value through designing fantastic user experiences.

Excellent interpersonal skills are required for client-facing engagements. As a boutique firm, you’ll be called on to serve in a variety of roles – flexibility and the ability to tackle new challenges are important. In particular, adopting a value-centered design approach will be important for your ongoing contribution to the company and our clients.

Qualifications

Skillset

  • Strong analytical and architectural portfolio including things like requirements, scenarios, use cases, process flows, reports, and presentations
  • Great inter-personal skills for teamwork and client-facing activity
  • Experience facilitating workshops and other group work
  • Fluent with Visio, Omingraffle or other diagramming tool
  • Ability to model process flow and other structural components of system
  • Ability to show ideas visually
  • Ability to write clearly so that you can communicate your ideas
  • Some familiarity with back and front end web technology, such as J2EE, .NET, Relational Databases, Object Oriented Code, Web Services, HTML, CSS, (you won’t be coding, but your designs need to be feasible, and you need to be able to speak to technical requirements and communicate with development teams)
  • Web 2.0 awareness (from acronyms like RSS and RIA to your own thoughts on social software)

Mindset

  • Ability to listen and take direction
  • Ability to learn new skills, both with guidance and on your own
  • Ability to work independently
  • Keen interest in the craft of user experience; making systems work better for people takes priority over technical elegance

History

Minimum 2+ years of experience dedicated to a business analysis role or similar job function. We will consider candidates with significantly more experience as well. Your portfolio, process, and mindset trump both formal education and previous jobs, though we appreciate good schools and good work.

Compensation

  • Salary reflective of experience, plus benefits to start. Salary review at 6 months, 1 year, and then annually
  • Signing bonus for the right employee
  • Relocation assistance for the right employee
  • Participation in employee bonus program
  • 3 weeks vacation, plus an additional week of paid personal time off (for running errands, medical appointments, waiting at home for the cable guy to show up, or watching your kid’s afternoon school production)
  • Participation in employee professional development program

Some compensation isn’t about money or benefits. We’re all here because we like working with an experienced, smart team that not only serves great clients, but also influences the practice of user experience across industry. In the last year and a half, nForm has spoken at the Chilean IA Retreat, the Government Marketing Workshop, DigitalNow 2007, UX Week, UPA 2007, the IA Summit 2007 & 2008, the German IA Conference, the Italian IA Summit, Northern Voice, with upcoming appearances at UPA 2008, and others. We host our own Canadian User Experience workshop, CanUX, every year in Banff.

It’s not just events. We regularly blog and write articles, we co-founded the IA Institute, and we’re thrilled to announce that company principal Gene Smith has recently published a book, titled Tagging: People-Powered Metadata for the Social Web.

How to Apply

Email your resume (Word or PDF) and link to your online portfolio to Yvonne Shek, at [email protected] If we’re going to go ahead with an interview, we’ll let you know within a week. Unfortunately we can’t respond to everyone who applies, so if you haven’t heard from us in a week, we’re probably looking for a different skillset.