Senior Information Architect @ iCrossing
Company: iCrossing
Location: Chicago, IL
Description:
We’re a different kind of interactive marketing company looking for a different kind of Information Architect.
iCrossing is a global interactive marketing agency with 13 offices worldwide. Our clients include more than 40 Fortune 500 companies and such recognized brands as The Coca Cola Company, DuPont, Office Depot, Toyota and Travelocity. While our roots are in search engine marketing, we have continued to expand our services to provide holistic digital marketing solutions that better meet the needs of our clients. We combine search, social media, website development, market research, analytics and mobile services to create digital marketing programs designed to help global brands connect with their customers.
As we – and the industry – have grown we know it’s not enough to simply optimize page code or design a pretty site. Success depends on the integration of search marketing with Web programs and overall marketing efforts. We have to help customers find exactly what they are looking for, and take them through that entire experience, from a search trigger, to completed action. When customers find, our clients see results.
As a Senior Information Architect you will be an expert in all topics related to user experience strategy, interface design, user-centered design, information architecture and usability. You will consistently generate new ideas and strategies for the team and for the client.
You are an active participant in the creative process including listening to clients’ challenges, developing concepts to address these challenges, and ultimately finding the right solution. During this process you are an advocate for the end user and are passionate about delivering the best possible user experience while finding the right balance between user goals, business value and branding.
You have full knowledge of qualitative and quantitative user research/validation/testing techniques (customer interviews, formal/informal usability testing, paper-prototyping, concept testing, surveys, etc.). You also understand and can articulate the strengths and weaknesses of each technique, and have a great understanding of which technique is appropriate for a given situation during any phase of the project.
You produce outstanding deliverables including siteflows of highly complex web sites and wireframe mock-ups. You are able to get a good understanding of different industries in a short timeframe.
You know how to present complicated topics in an understandable way and you will not be discouraged by difficult questions. You are able to present a POV on any user experience or usability related topic and back up your recommendations with both industry and academic research.
You are well informed about new technologies; you know the buzz words and you know what’s solid and what’s fluff. You know the differences in academic and industry research that is published in this field and understand how they compliment and conflict. Having a firm grasp on what’s useful for users and what has business value for clients you can help clients make heads and tails of all the information that is swirling around out there.
You know that projects will go well if the IA comes early and leaves late.
Major Job Accountabilities:
· Understand client’s business objectives and requirements as well as user needs and translate both into an interface solution that meets outlined objectives and goals.
· Develop and create innovative concepts in keeping with project scope: strategic positioning, and timelines.
· Develop information architecture solutions and navigation systems.
· Prepare Information Architecture deliverables (site maps, process flows, wireframes/schematics)
· Conduct research and analyze user data to develop user profiles, personas and scenarios
· Participate in Functional Specifications and Business Requirements definition
· Present Information Architecture solutions internally and externally
· Prepare and conduct user validation and/or usability testing sessions, evaluate results and present actionable recommendations
· Perform heuristic web site analyses.
· Work closely and iteratively with client and project teams
· Conduct and participate in client meetings and working sessions
· Estimate the information architecture and user validation/testing effort for projects
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
· 3+ years experience designing and developing Information Architecture for web sites and/or applications
· 5+ years experience working in the interactive space or other relevant areas
· Have been the principal IA on at least one major enterprise-level web site, from start to finish.
· Have experience planning, conducting and performing user experience study activities such as one-on-one interviews, paper-prototyping, concept testing, card sorting, surveys, usability testing, etc. as well as evaluating and compiling the results
· Consistent display of interest and involvement in the industry
· Have experience in information design, interface design, flowcharting, storyboarding, human factors or human computer interaction, and usability
· Knowledge of internet technology and interactive capabilities.
· Bachelors degree in Information Science, Human Computer Interaction or related field
· Have strong computer skills and firm grasp of either MS Visio or Adobe InDesign, working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator and Photoshop, and the Microsoft Office product suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
· Be well-read in the masters: Krug, Morville/Rosenfeld, Cooper, Nielsen, etc.
· Have a good understanding of Content Management Systems
· A professional demeanor and positive attitude, with strong problem solving and analytical skills
· Have the ability to understand client’s business objectives and requirements as well as user needs and translate both into an interface solution that meets outlined objectives and goals.
· Be comfortable presenting and leading meetings with clients
· Work very well with visual designers and technologists
· Communicate effectively in written and oral form
· Be forward-thinking and resourceful about trends and best practices in web design and IA
· Have the ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment
· Possess an attention to detail
To Apply:
