Re: [IxDA Discuss] Quick easy methods for usability testing micro-interactions?
I just want to second Hilary's mention of the use of bucket testing (aka. multivariate or a/b testing) for these sorts of small things. You can quickly get significant results, and once you start a/b testing things, you'll find all sorts of little tweaks you can make to dramatically increase important metrics like conversion, revenue, and retention. This is an especially good way of testing things that users might not even notice in a regular usability test but that can have a really big impact on your business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=49669 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[JOB] Digital Architect � User Experience; Washington, DC; Powell Tate; Full-Time
Powell Tate, the Washington, DC office of Weber Shandwick, a global public relations and communications firm is expanding our Digital Communications team. We are looking for a *Digital Architect* focused on user experience to help us create intuitive, effective and engaging online experiences for our clients and their users. This is a job for someone who understands how people interact with information online and how to effectively communicate over the emerging social Web. The role focuses on the initial planning and concepting stages of a project to gather and process requirements and objectives and synthesize this information into a blueprint for the creation of a great user experience. The ideal candidate * understands how to address users' needs to ensure intuitive access to information and to drive them to take action. The work will touch on some of the most pressing issues of the day through the work of our nonprofit, corporate, association and government clients. *Job Responsibilities:* * Work with team members and clients to identify and define user needs and project objectives * Turn gathered requirements into visuals to guide design and development including use cases, personas, site maps and wireframes * Plan and execute research activities including surveys, process tests * Work with designers, developers and content editors to guide development of the ideal product for our clients * Follow and evaluate emerging Web technologies, design trends, social media and UX techniques for opportunities to apply to our client work *Required Qualifications:* * 2-3 years of relevant digital communications experience; Broad knowledge of social media and digital communications * Strong understanding of the principles of Web usability, accessibility, interface design, information architecture, user research * Knowledge of HTML, DHTML, Flash, JavaScript and related Interactions * Work well with a variety of key internal and external stakeholders * Be proficient at managing multiple projects across many teams at one time * A fun, collaborative attitude *Desired Qualifications:* * Experience with user research techniques * Proficiency in creating diagrams using applications like Microsoft Visio, OmniGraffle, Adobe Illustrator or similar * Background in Web design, development and/or human-computer interaction To apply, please send cover letter, resume and compensation history to: j...@powelltate.com Powell Tate is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA.M/F/D/V Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Interaction Design vs Interactive Design
I've also run across the same question in brainstorms, interviews, studio talk, twitter, and from clients in the past year or so. I don't know the exact answer but I find they run quite close or even parallel within a UX environment. In my experience Interaction Design crosses with the research, business, visual and technical stream. They focus more on the users - how'll they will interact with the design, flows, early sketching, early prototyping. Interactive Designers do pretty much the same thing with more focus on the prototyping and design 'build'. Possibly after early draft sketching and into the flash, css, installations, etc.. Am I close? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=49025 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Interaction Design vs Interactive Design
I've also run across the same question in brainstorms, interviews, studio talk, twitter, and from clients in the past year or so. I don't know the exact answer but I find they run quite close or even parallel within a UX environment. In my experience Interaction Design crosses with the research, business, visual and technical stream. They focus more on the users - how'll they will interact with the design, flows, early sketching, early prototyping. Interactive Designers do pretty much the same thing with more focus on the prototyping and design 'build'. Possibly after early draft sketching and into the flash, css, installations, etc.. Am I close? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=49025 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Deciding whether to use a Show n items per page control
The one argument I would make to the pick one optimal size theory is that, in some cases, there is no optimal size. One company where I worked had a catalog of millions of products with images. Because there were so many products to choose from, users tended to want to see as many results on a page as they could without slowing things down too much. The biggest problem for us was the huge variation in computer quality and connection speed, which made the pages load at wildly different speeds for different customers. What would be sub-second response for a user with a new computer and DSL could take several seconds for someone with an old computer on dial up. For some reason, our user base had a pretty significant contingent of people at both ends of the range, so it was tough for us to pick an optimal size for the pages. We offered several different page sizes, remembered the users' preferences, and let people decide for themselves what their computer and connection could handle. Of course, products that have different types of customers don't necessarily have this problem, so it might be best in those cases to not clutter up the page with extra choices that their customers don't need. It's all about understanding the actual needs of your particular users, right? Laura Klein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=47813 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] Mini Design Challenge Suggestions
Hi, Does anyone have suggestions of topics for quick (~10 minutes) design challenge scenarios? The University of Michigan SOCHI (Student Org. in Computer Human Interaction) is hosting an event to practice our rapid sketching and ideation skills, particularly in preparation for upcoming job interviews that many of us have. We've done sketching scenarios like this in the past and would love some fresh ideas. Are there any scenarios that you've encountered during IXD/UX interviews that might be good to practice with? We are also compiling a tips for successful IXD interviews document and would love to include any advice that you might have. Reply to this post, or send an email to sochi-officers [at] umich [dot] edu. Thanks, The U-M SOCHI Officers: Jeremy Canfield Debra Lauterbach Katie McCurdy Laura Rodrian www.si.umich.edu/SOCHI Twitter: @umSOCHI Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] Process Books
I am planning on entering the Interaction '10 student competition, which requires submissions in the form of a process book. However, I am not familiar with the documentation style of process books. Can anyone recommend any good examples or guidelines to follow when creating one? I can speculate about what should be included but would like to be sure that I am on the right track. Thanks in advance! Laura Rodrian MSI Candidate 2010 School of Information The University of Michigan www.yellowbreeze.com Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] [JOB] Career Opportunity with Cerner Corporation: Interaction Designer
Cerner Overview Cerner is the leading U.S. supplier of healthcare information technology solutions that optimize clinical and financial outcomes. Around the world, health organizations ranging from single-doctor practices to entire countries turn to Cerner (NASDAQ: CERN) for our powerful yet intuitive solutions. Cerner offers clients a dedicated focus on healthcare, an end-to-end solution and service portfolio, and proven market leadership. Group Overview The Interaction Design Usability Group is part of the Software Design Organization and is responsible for providing solutions that optimize and enable processes across the health care continuum for patients, providers and the health care organization. This group creates the strategy for existing and new Cerner solutions to remain/achieve Best of Class status. The Interaction Design Usability Group works to ensure that solutions across all platforms (Web, Mobile, Java, Win32) are consistent, easy to use and match the user's needs and requirements. Responsibilities The Interaction Designer is responsible for understanding the vision of Cerner Domains and using this knowledge to communicate design specifications to engineering associates. The Interaction Designer interprets guidelines and existing requirements with solution managers, facilitates design sessions to help define vision, functional requirements, specifications, wire frames, and visual prototypes. The Interaction Designer is responsible for solving complex design challenges and presenting ideas across Cerner and our clients. Additional responsibilities include presenting, developing, and implementing the visual style of the Cerner solution by determining illustration style, color palettes, typography, screen layout, and interface design. The Interaction Designer will manage a common visual style across all Intellectual Property domains, updating the corporate style guide according to the latest research in user-centered design and fully understand a user-centered design methodology. This will be accomplished by evaluating designs against common heuristics; creating demonstrations to support usability testing with clients, as well as coordinating those usability tests. Minimum Qualifications: -Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, or related field or equivalent work experience with appropriate licensure/accreditation -Demonstrated ability to translate client and target market needs and interests into visual styles that are responsive to those needs -Excellent written and oral communication skills -Demonstrated knowledge of information architecture, task-flow models, storyboarding, wire framing, visual design specifications, and guidelines. -Excellent problem solving skills -Ability to travel (10-20%) -Must be living in or willing to relocate to the Kansas City area -Ability to thrive in a team atmosphere -Strong ability to manage multiple projects in the same timeframe -Expert level experience in Adobe Indesign and Photoshop Preferred Qualifications: -2-5 years of experience designing interfaces and screen layouts -Experience in the following: Adobe, Macromedia, Illustrator, DreamWeaver, Fireworks, Freehand, Flash -Deep knowledge of digital tools and processes, specifically in the area of application design Cerner Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you're interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit www.cernercareers.com to create a profile and apply to Job ID 22088. Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] When to use faceted navigation
One area is in search. Faceted search such as what's offered in Solr search (http://lucene.apache.org/solr/features.html) can afford some real power filtering for the user. With rich search results, the benefits are obvious, but I could see the benefit of being able to drill down into one of two facets. Sorry I don't have any links to any resources or thoughtful posts on this subject. Hope someone else can! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=46764 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] A vision for the 10-finger desktop
This is very intriguing! Obviously some good thought has gone into this. Nicely done! (Not sure about the cheesy music in the video.) I tweeted the link, fwiw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=46632 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Book: Thoughts on Interaction Design
I've ordered one for over across the pond to London. I'm looking forward to a good tube read for the rainy winter! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=46362 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Unusable things
I encounter something unusable every day! I think there should be a community list that people can access and add/comment thereto. On Mon, Sep 28, 2009 at 1:15 AM, Catherine Ryan cather...@barros.com.auwrote: OK - so we work in the world of digital. Here the affordance is a perceived one. But what about our real lives? Here's the thing - I want to start a list of unusable real life things 1. Elevator buttons: when I press the wrong floor (which is quite the frequent occasion in my uncaffienated state before 12pm) why can't I unpress my mistake? 2. Toilet doors: why does one open in and the next out. Furthermore - why wash your hands when you must touch germ-ridden door handles after the fact? If there is ever a need to have automatic doors - here it is. 3. Coffee cups without handles: OK - I'm a great lover of style and aesthetics, however when it burns my hands off...I'd find it more classy to have a handle and not have tears in my eyes from lifting my beloved caffeine to my mouth. Reply to this thread at ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=46113 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help -- Laura L. Schertler The role of the designer is that of a good host anticipating the needs of their guest. ~Charles Ray Eames Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] Seeking Jr. Interaction Designers
LBi/IconNicholson is currently seeking Junior Interaction Designers to become part of an energized, multi-disciplinary group. If you love the interactive space, appreciate a culture where your work is respected, your opinion counts and you are surrounded by the best and the brightest read on! We are looking for several long-term freelancers to join us immediately. We would love to see recent grads and junior level folks who are interested in jumping into an Interaction Design project. Familiarity with basic Interaction Design concepts. Experience with: InDesign, Illustrator, Visio, HTML, Dreamweaver and the ability to develop interface functionality Qualities that our Junior Interaction Designers possess are: * We would love to see IDs with some experience in interactive media design (preferably within a creative team); * Interaction Design coursework or 1 year in a role exclusively addressing interaction design (preferably working with complex sites); * Ability to research, understand and organize large amounts of specialized content; * Excellent writing, speaking, presentation and interpersonal skills; * Proficiency in one or more of the following: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Visio, HTML, Dreamweaver (or similar); * Ability to develop interface functionality * An overall enthusiasm and excitement for the interactive world and a desire to learn!! If you believe that you meet all these qualifications and weve described your profile above, please submit your resume, work samples and compensation information to http://tbe.taleo.net/NA9/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=INICHOLSONcws=1rid=172 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Windows Photo Gallery for user testing?
I have another option if PPT doesn't work out for you. With very little HTML, you can easily turn your jpgs into quite interactive wireframes. All you have to do is put the jpg into an HTML document and then create image maps with hot spots. I tend to use Dreamweaver since it has a nice GUI to help place the hot spots in the right places, but I'm sure there are other products that do this as well. This would solve your long, scrolling page problem too. If you need help or want to see an example, feel free to contact me directly. Good luck! laurak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=45428 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] best practices for a secure forgot password process
The use case I'm asking for input on is this: The user has forgotten their password and types in an email address that is not in our system. Currently we tell them that we don't have that email address in our system and to try another or register. However, we have been mandated to address the security issues around this approach. Apparently, by telling the user we don't have that email address in their system allows a hacker/attacher to keep trying other email addresses until they get a match. So in other words, there is a conflict between the ease of use in telling a user who has forgotten their password that we don't have their email address in our system vs. the potential breech of security that this messaging apparently invites. My question is, have you resolved this conflict in your website, and if so, how? Thanks for any insight, Laur Malone Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Current Design Topics
I'd incude * Social Networking Design Patterns * Waterfall vs. agile processes Laura Malone From: Jack Moffett jmoff...@inmedius.com To: disc...@ixda.org Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 6:27:26 AM Subject: [IxDA Discuss] Current Design Topics I'm preparing my design seminar for the Fall semester, which is a masters-level course. The last time I taught this specific course was 2005. I assigned readings on the following subjects: Design Certification Offshore Outsourcing Design Business Formal Education vs. Self-taught Design Ethics Design Leadership Making a Business Case for Design Experience Design Many of these are still relevant four years later, but I want to keep the discussions contemporary. If you were picking current topics for students to read, write about, and discuss, what would they be? What are the big issues? Please keep in mind that this is not an Interaction Design classit covers the entire design landscape. I'm looking forward to your suggestions. Thanks, Jack Jack L. Moffett Senior Interaction Designer inmedius 412.459.0310 x219 http://www.inmedius.com Some men see things as they are and say why? I dream of things that never were and say why not? - George Bernard Shaw Reply to this thread at ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=44548 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] How to Get Useful Feedback from Customer Support?
Hi Shima, At my last company, we had a pretty good system for improving the communication between groups. Once a week, for no more than half an hour, one representative each from UX, Customer Support, QA, and Community Management would get together with the head of product development (it was a small company!) and the product owners. The representatives from the different groups were considered customer advocates, and we would each quickly explain what we thought were the top three problems that customers were facing. Expressing it as customer problems helped a lot, since people were encouraged to talk about what the current experience was and why it was bad, rather than just giving a suggestion of what to do. Having the meeting in person also helped, since when people did make suggestions, people could ask, what problem are you trying to solve? Regardless of how you do it, getting customer support and UX talking to each other is a great idea! Good luck. Laura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=44519 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] drop down samples
Hello Henry, Adding functionality to dropdowns is something we explored quite a bit on a project I worked on for E*Trade. One function we developed was the ability to add new items to the drop down list. We placed the function for adding a new item at the bottom of the list in parentheses. Choosing %u201C(add new choice)%u201D causes a small modal dialog box to appear, where the user can create the new choice. Another function that is accessible from a dropdown is to create custom subsets of tables, or what we referred to as column views. If the user selects %u201CManage Column Views%u201D from the column view dropdown, the first screen in a Guided Workflow appears in a floating window. The user chooses an existing column view as the basis for creating the new view. The user can also delete a column view from the list on this screen. The user can also delete a column view from the list on this screen. I'd be happy to send you some screen shots if that would be helpful. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=41626 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] TOU Checkbox Behavior
I would have to agree with you on selecting option #1. The only thing I may also include is an asterisk next to the checkbox and indicate that any/all fields with an asterisk are required. Laura Schertler Sr. IA/UX Engineer On Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 1:54 PM, Hernan Teano hte...@gmail.com wrote: Need to put into place a terms of use checkbox that users need to check in order to place an order. I can go two ways with the interaction: 1. Enable the Place Order button and if the user clicks without checking the TOU box display a message 2. Disable the Place Order button and enable it once the TOU box is checked I'm inclined to go with #1 because it quickly teaches the user the relationship between checking the box and ordering, whereas #2 offers no explanation as to why the order button is disabled and could be potentially confusing. Curious if anyone has experience with this, and which way did you go and why? Thanks, Hernan Teano UX Architect Adobe Reply to this thread at ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=39984 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help -- Thanks, Laura L. Schertler Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Accordion Interaction
Albeit somewhat boring and not the most attractive design, I created the IA for this government website, which includes an accordion menu: http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/Hospital/Search/SearchMethod.asp?pagelist=Homedest=NAV|Home|Search|SearchMethod|Welcomesearch_dest=NAV|Home|Search|Welcomeversion=defaultbrowser=Firefox|3|WinXPlanguage=EnglishbtnFindHosp=Find+and+Compare+Hospitals On Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 12:58 PM, jo...@otto.dreamhost.com wrote: Hi everyone! Does any one have some good samples of expandable/collapsible content pane interaction (accordion)? Something like this http://ui.jquery.com/demos/accordion but applyed on real website. Cheers! Jorge -- Échale un vistazo a mi blog www.usandolo.com Reply to this thread at ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=37559 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help -- Thanks, Laura L. Schertler Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] What to choose? (technical writer or technical tester)
Speaking as a long-time technical writer, if you do go that route, make sure you aggressively market your IxD skills inside the company (and keep up on the trends outside the company) even as you build tech writing skills. Tech writers are not high on the development food chain, and you may find yourself pigeon-holed as just the writer if you're complacent about it. Laura Ali Naqvi wrote: Hello members, well the reason why I only can choose from these two job openings is that I have ben jobless for 3 months now and have been offerede these lately. I cant wait any longer since I have to pay mortgage and support my family. (No more loans granted.) I had a meeting regarding the tech writer job, and the hiring manager actually liked my portfolio and said that he MIGHT send me to the usability or user experience group instead. (though the tech writer position is a part of their overall user experience group) He wasnt sure whether I would fit in the tech writer position since my portfolio was too strong. I might be over qualified for that he said... BUT lets see what happens. They do EVERYTHING inhouse and he told me that my skills might be needed in their new created user experience / usability department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=35392 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Interesting interface design
The Web site is also not accessible for those with certain disabilities, which could be a major factor in some instances. Also - when I composed and attempted to send a message regarding my concerns, the content was completely erased and unsuccessfully sent. H On Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 2:14 AM, Sachin Ghodke [EMAIL PROTECTED]wrote: i was introduced to this website (dontclick.it) a couple of years ago. It felt uncomfortable because it was not the norm to navigate the way this website was constructed. It was innovative at the time it was launched. A solution to probably where touch screens were not as famous as they are today. However, this interface provided me with an understanding that the mouse behaved intuitively. Strange thing for a mouse to do! ;-). It did make me sit up and take notice but if the transition effect were less busy the interface would have worked even better. As i see the transition confined within a space made me feel uncomfortable while navigation. The concept don't click rocks, only that it needs to be executed smart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=32969 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help -- Thanks, Laura L. Schertler Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] JOB: Web/Graphic UX Designer in Herndon, Virginia
Greetings everyone! My company (Command Information) is currently seeking to hire a mid/senior level Web/Graphic User Experience Designer. It is a full-time, permanent position located in Herndon, VA. Job Summary: Web/Graphic UX Designer This is a fulltime, permanent position offering an opportunity to work for a cutting edge company. Command Information is the leading provider of next generation Internet services and products to Fortune 1000 companies as well as Government clients. Candidates must demonstrate a concentrated ability in the Web/Graphic User Experience Design field with five+ years of experience. A Bachelor's degree or higher is required. The UX Designer will create compositions with detailed explanations for their design concepts, and will maintain and conform to those selected/approved concepts as detailed and defined by the information architecture (IA) throughout all phases of a project. The UX Designer converts the overall IA and initial wireframes into a functional, clickable prototype. This individual also coordinates with the project team/client to identify any potential design/technical/usability challenges in developing the desired functionality for current/future project phases. Duties and Responsibilities: - Responsible for the conceptualization and implementation of design compositions, graphic images, and branding for web-based communications and applications - Possesses a solid understanding of information architecture and user interface essentials and how they relate to visual design - Works with project teams to create and design visual treatments and interaction solutions that meet client specifications - Helps solve complex visual interaction problems with technically viable solutions - Articulates multiple concepts and ideas to influence decisions - Actively solicits feedback to ensure that all activities and deliverables meet expectations - Keeps current with the latest design trends and new media technologies Required Skills and Experience - A solid understanding of print and interactive design fundamentals, including color theory, typography, and layout, as well as branding and marketing skills; B2B experience preferred - Collaborates with designers and developers; comfortable working in a team environment - Mentors junior visual designers and provides design guidance - Exhibits the ability to execute tasks in alignment with requirements, style guides and standards - Exhibits a thorough understanding of optimization and production for online media - Exhibits fluency in industry standard interactive design tools and technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, HTML/XHTML/XML, CSS, JavaScript (interactive multimedia authoring, audio/video editing experience a plus) - Able to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment and meet tight deadlines - Detail oriented, efficient, organized, self-starter, highly productive - Able to solve complex interaction problems with creative and technically viable solutions - Able to collaborate with others in a cross-functional team environment - Strong written and verbal communication skills *Online interactive portfolio/samples required when submitting a resume. Resumes submitted without an online portfolio or interactive samples will not be considered. Please submit resume, salary requirements and link(s) to portfolio to: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Thanks, Laura L. Schertler [EMAIL PROTECTED] Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] Sr. IA Wanted at Great West Los Angeles Agency
Sr. Information Architect My client, a great independent interactive agency in Los Angeles, is looking for a Sr. Information Architect who is passionate about building great user experiences and committed to client success. The candidate we seek will hit the ground running and possess a strong interpersonal dynamic and energy level to match. As a member of the User Experience community, the Information Architect will: Work with multidisciplinary teams to create smart, innovative online solutions for our clients; Provide data driven insights into customer behavior and an actionable plan for meeting user needs online; Champion process and methodology as well as research and evangelize the latest tools, best practices and trends that relate to the field. Reporting to the Director of User Experience, day-to-day responsibilities include: Generate project requirements definition by leading client working sessions, reviewing the competitive landscape, and participating in creative brainstorming sessions with the project team; Producing site- and competitive-analysis documentation; Lead user personae research and documentation; Define functionality, content, navigation, and interaction models through page level wireframes, site-maps, process flowcharts, use cases, and content matrices; Present deliverables and recommendations to clients and lead related meetings; Contribute to the development of content/data models, nomenclature and taxonomies; Design, develop and conduct usability tests to validate information architecture and design; Contribute to the overall strategic direction and vision of projects, making positive contributions in a tightly-knit, multidisciplinary team environment. Requirements; Bachelor's degree preferred in design-related discipline: Interaction, Information or Interface design; Human-Computer Interaction; Communications; 3+ years of industry experience; Candidates must be well-versed in user-centered design methods and techniques; Proficient to expert in: Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and IA tools such as OmniGraffle, etc; Must have been in a client-facing role and have project experience working with teams on large scale, long-term projects; Excellent analytical and process-oriented skills; Excellent verbal and written skills; Experience in working on multiple projects simultaneously; Prior experience in a software or game design environment or interactive agency preferred. If you are interested, please contact me at: Laura Laser mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacohn http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralaser http://www.BLTrecruiting.com aim: thelaser 310 567 2183 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] Sr. Information Architect Los Angeles, CA from Laura Laser
Sr. Information Architect My client, a great independent interactive agency in Los Angeles, is looking for a Sr. Information Architect who is passionate about building great user experiences and committed to client success. The candidate we seek will hit the ground running and possess a strong interpersonal dynamic and energy level to match. As a member of the User Experience community, the Information Architect will: Work with multidisciplinary teams to create smart, innovative online solutions for our clients; Provide data driven insights into customer behavior and an actionable plan for meeting user needs online; Champion process and methodology as well as research and evangelize the latest tools, best practices and trends that relate to the field. Reporting to the Director of User Experience, day-to-day responsibilities include: Generate project requirements definition by leading client working sessions, reviewing the competitive landscape, and participating in creative brainstorming sessions with the project team; Producing site- and competitive-analysis documentation; Lead user personae research and documentation; Define functionality, content, navigation, and interaction models through page level wireframes, site-maps, process flowcharts, use cases, and content matrices; Present deliverables and recommendations to clients and lead related meetings; Contribute to the development of content/data models, nomenclature and taxonomies; Design, develop and conduct usability tests to validate information architecture and design; Contribute to the overall strategic direction and vision of projects, making positive contributions in a tightly-knit, multidisciplinary team environment. Requirements; Bachelor's degree preferred in design-related discipline: Interaction, Information or Interface design; Human-Computer Interaction; Communications; 3+ years of industry experience; Candidates must be well-versed in user-centered design methods and techniques; Proficient to expert in: Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and IA tools such as OmniGraffle, etc; Must have been in a client-facing role and have project experience working with teams on large scale, long-term projects; Excellent analytical and process-oriented skills; Excellent verbal and written skills; Experience in working on multiple projects simultaneously; Prior experience in a software or game design environment or interactive agency preferred. If you are interested, please contact me at: Laura Laser mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacohn http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralaser http://www.BLTrecruiting.com aim: thelaser 310 567 2183 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] turning freelance work into a sustainable design business
Talk in person with as many sole practitioners as you can in your specialty to learn how they made it. The largest pitfall for me was not understanding adequate cash flow and planning for the lean times. I'd say the challenge area for most is financial management and adequate capitalization. You can't charge what you think the job is worth as though you were paying for it from your own wallet. Talk to others to learn what they charge. Do some research. I used contracts and ask for a healthy deposit up front to begin work. That helped me get better clients and reduce cash flow problems. I believe in doing your own bookkeeping so you understand your expenses and overhead. Be aware if you set up a partnership, you have more liability if the partnership doesn't work out. A corporate structure is worth set up if you want the tax advantages. If you aren't good at business administration, hire an accountant to help you. Figure out what is your area of strength and focus. Draw in support and resources, realizing you may spend half your time running your business and getting new business. Take time to network out of your office on a regular basis. Also take time to regularly assess where you are going, how you spend your time and if it's worth it. Personally I love freelancing, and did it for more than a decade. By choice now that I'm a parent, I have a day job, benefits and go home to my family at 5 pm. I still freelance part-time to do select design projects. Here's a good way to boost your confidence: Spend a few hours line up all your best work you ever did and look at it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=31583 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] turning freelance work into a sustainable design business
For me the difference between freelancing and having my own design business was the kind of projects I received. When I had my own business I could pursue the kind of work I wanted to do, and the type of clients I wanted to work for. This built my skills and portfolio to strengthen me toward those goals. Also I had more freedom to work from my own office. When I freelanced I often fixed other people's mistakes, did a lot of grunt production, and worked in other people's shops with no benefits and no guarantees for my own future. Taking the risk of running a business was worth it to me. Educate yourself about money, taxation, corporate structures, and sales. You might spend half your time selling and running your business. I find it very rewarding. The biggest challenge is planning for times of zero cashflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=31583 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Pie Menu Spotted on the Web
Oops! When I read the title of this post this is what came to mind... http://www.simplesimonspies.co.uk/menu_pies.htm Guess I got the wrong end of the stick! Laura PS - I wanted to link to this site, but cos its flash I couldnt link you to the menu! http://www.pieminister.co.uk/ They are local heroes round here :) Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Interaction Design in an Agile Environment
Reading this thread on this list has made me really happy! For a while there I was thinking that I was the only person doing things this way, and therefore it was either wrong, or totally radical! I am glad to see its neither :) I still don't think there are many people in the UK working like this. I'm fairly new to this list, but what I am really interested in is finding out where I can meet other people who are working this way because I think talking face to face and sharing experiences and ideas would be really valuable. I've avidly read the responses so far and will continue to do so. thanks Laura On Sun, Apr 27, 2008 at 2:22 AM, Bipul Keshri [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well said Rich. I have been on Agile based projects for about 3 years now. My thoughts on how a start-up interaction designer can use Agile to his/her advantage: 1. Read about Agile and interpret it as a user centered design methodology. 2. Meet your client. Understand what they want to build, why do they want to build it and for whom. Get the big picture. This is when you build the first cut of the site-map. 3. Meet the users. Understand goals, drivers, ... . Build the persona and scenarios. these persona will help you immensely throughout the project. 4. Meet technologists. What they been doing all this time ? Educate them on your UCD interpretation of the agile process and your findings. Now this is the tricky part. Typically, I have got staffed on the project before the developers and got the time (around 2-4 weeks to do the above). Otherwise, you will find them working on spike solutions. That again gives you the time to work in parallel. Find out the technology limitations. That will help you design solutions that are easily implementable and you can get it done with least resistance. Well, mostly. 5. Meet you project manager. He will be almost ready with a list of user stories. Sync up your site-map and scenarios. 6. Go back to your client. Share your findings (vision, user needs, technology) and help them prioritize features/stories. Split the list of stories (backlog) into iterations. 7. Go back to you drawing board. Design for as many iterations as you can and define the patterns. You need to be ahead by as many iterations as you can. If possible design the whole thing even before development begins. You can always make changes as the product evolves. Test with your users using paper prototypes. 8. Let the development begin ... 9. Use every iteration (release) for usability testing and gather user feedback. Create additional stories (new/enhancement) and have them prioritized. That should set you up for success. All the best, -- Bipul Keshri Senior Information Architect Sapient Corporation On Mon, Apr 21, 2008 at 8:23 PM, Rich Rogan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've worked as the UX application design lead within Agile processes for 9 or so years. I've experienced a few key initiatives which increase Design success with Agile, and which make projects more successful in general. Key Initiatives for Design success with Agile process: 1. Be flexible with the Agile Methodology – use aspects that work, deprecate those that don't. Dogmatic process adherence can kill a project. 2. Keep design artifacts one iteration ahead of engineering – Design doesn't have to be waterfall, rather design has laid out a roadmap with architecture and business, and these deliverables are consumed, negotiated and enhanced with engineering. 3. Design Strategic Interface/Interaction Scaffolding upfront/ in first iteration – (This assumes the organization has Strategic vision, if not, good luck and cash your checks quick ;). Strategic vision into the business domain and objectives are the design drivers. With this information design can build interface Scaffolding to be reused and adapted to multiple situations, (see pattern libraries). Note these interface patterns can include deep domain specific interactions, which become component building blocks. Interface scaffolding components should be minimum viable in functionality and design, this will aide in all aspects of usability, design and development, including consistency, ease of testing and training. Has anyone else had success with these initiatives or others within an Agile process? On 4/19/08, Sean Goggins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think the conflict between design and agile development methods is best understood by reflecting on the values conflict between the two disciplines. Here's a full list of the principles of agile development: http://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html These principles are ones I think designers and developers/technolgists will agree on in most cases: Simplicity--the art of maximizing the amount of work not done
Re: [IxDA Discuss] IxDA Digest Translation
Hello Jeff. Sorry for the late feedback. I agree that the translated digests help non-English speakers to understand the discussions and I am not very optimistic either about the quality of translation services. IMHO, the Portuguese translation (I am Brazilian) is quite poor because, similarly to the Spanish one, the sentences' constructions look inverted, like in the example below: most of the big software, digital entertainment and telecommunications companies is translated like a maoria das grandes software, entretenimento digital e telecomunicações empresas and it should be a maioria das grandes empresas de software, entretenimento digital e telecomunicações I guess that it is a common issue when trying to translate Latin languages to English - and vice-versa. In English, we commonly use adjectives followed by substantives (interaction design), whereas in Portuguese and Spanish, we normally have substantives followed by adjectives (diseño de interacción/ design de interação). Maybe, if the translation tool could identify substantives and adjectives, the outcome would be a lot better. just my 2 cents :-) cheers, Laura On Wed, Apr 23, 2008 at 5:59 PM, Jeff Howard [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks for the feedback everyone. Based off these comments and the comments off-list it seems like the translations are pretty universally lackluster--except for Swedish, which holds a special place in terms of incomprehensibility. Portuguese was the most well-received, but I'm not sure this type of thing makes sense for only one language. Google's API is fairly new, so just to be sure I ran translations from a couple other services (Systran for Spanish and InterTran for Swedish) and they didn't fare well. Itamar, could you share which service your students are using? I designed the digests to make it easier to consume the discussions, but this actually seems to make it harder. If you need to doublecheck the conversation in two languages it's not really worth the effort to read, especially if you have some comprehension of english. At this point, it seems like the translated digests would only really be helpful to non-english speakers. I'm not averse to that but I'm not sure how we would get this in their hands without some major outreach. If you know of other good translation services, I'd be interested in checking them out. I'll keep exploring the possibilities, but I'm not optimistic. // jeff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=28333 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Interaction Design in an Agile Environment
Hi Rich I totally agree with all the points you made, in my experience working with UX/UCD and Agile things like making the methodology 'your' methodology, as in whatever works for your organisation is fundamental to success. Working one sprint/iteration ahead is a really good idea, we always start with a planning sprint anyway, its not whats recommended in any methodology but, it has always worked for me. It also allows you to allocate resources and plan some time in for planning. The other thing I think is really valuable is getting a team together and involving the clients/users/devs/designers right from the start. Laura Francis Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] GUI for interactive whiteboards
On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 7:03 PM, dustb!n [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Lots to think about and evaluate. I know the UK is ahead of us in the states with board adoption... wondering if any UK ixd'ers can point me to any useful info. Hi, this is my first post to the list and I'm not sure if the convention is top or bottom posting (I did read the guidelines) so apologies if this is wrong. May I suggest contacting Becta (British Educational Communications and Technology Agency) http://www.becta.org.uk/ I did a lot of consulting work with them about 5 years ago when the British Government were running a programme to get interactive whiteboards into all schools. They have good relationships with all the suppliers and have done a lot of research on the use of them in schools and colleges, so I think they would be in a good position to help. Kind regards Laura Francis Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
