User Experience Architect Job Listing at Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook, IL

Insurance

Description User Experience Architects are responsible for applying knowledge of user-centered design methods, human-computer interaction and industry best practices to drive useful and usable interface design solutions.   The User Experience Architect Sr. Consultant level is responsible for understanding and applying knowledge of human capabilities, technology, industry design best practices and standards to create intuitive, easy to use, user interfaces for moderate or high complexity projects.   The following describe the specific areas of accountability:

• Create estimates and project plans (related to user-centered design efforts) for moderate complexity projects. 
• Perform research to gather end-user requirements independently.
• Independently create work models, user profiles, user scenarios and usability objectives, aligned with business goals for moderately complex projects.
• Independently plan, conduct and facilitate iterative evaluations of user-interface designs (usability testing, mock-up interviews, heuristic reviews, qualitative and quantitative measures).
• Plan and conduct formal user interface design reviews.
• Create user interface standards and techniques for use by own group and development teams.
• Assist in defining and refining user-centered design processes. 
• Promote the importance of user-centered design activities to insure execution.

Qualifications

The specific skills and competencies required for the position include:

Usability Testing Has successfully demonstrated an understanding of all activities involved in the Usability testing process.  Has held the responsibility for planning and executing usability tests for moderate to complex projects across multiple technologies. Has trained others in proper testing techniques. Has conducted heuristic reviews for moderate to complex applications   User Centered Design Demonstrates the ability to conduct user-centered design tasks in a team environment or independently to build or enhance a simple system. Has conducted the basic activities including user task analysis, defining user and usability requirements, designing navigational architecture and flow, prototyping, usability testing, preparing functional design specifications and visual design.  Demonstrates ability to identify appropriate methods for completing user-centered design activities based on project scope and requirements.  Has participated in performing user-centered design activities for one or more simple projects.   User Interface Design Demonstrates mastery in applying Human Factors knowledge to create simple, intuitive user interface designs for applications of moderate complexity.  This can include: layout, proper use of controls, navigation structure, error prevention, visual design, etc. Able to design user interfaces which adhere to commonly accepted user interface design principles. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering designs without requiring support and instruction from others. Has designed interfaces across different technology platforms and has used complex controls or helped to create custom controls. Possesses ability to rapidly create medium to high-fidelity prototypes   User Interface Standards and Best Practices Demonstrates mastery of industry user interface design standards and best practices for designing usable, intuitive software applications of moderate to high complexity.  Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully following standards and best practices without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving appropriate instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others while on the job. Demonstrates an attentiveness and vigilance regarding violations of standards and procedures, and takes appropriate action to remedy   Web Concepts Demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge of web concepts to support major changes or develop new functions in web-based applications. Has an in-depth understanding of the design of web-based systems. Has worked closely with knowledgeable users and customers in meeting their business needs. Critically evaluates the customer implications of technological changes   Thriving in Change Possess a fundamental understanding of Thriving in Change as demonstrated by the ability to: adapt well to changes in work assignments, policies, procedures and reorganizations, accept changes with a minimal loss in productivity, proactively talk through changing situations and promote transparency, anticipate the consequences of actions and deal with them effectively, and recognize that a positive outlook influences and motivates the attitudes and actions of others