Job: Usability Specialist, Desire2Learn

Bright minds creating bright futures! Desire2Learn is a leading provider of enterprise eLearning software solutions to academic clients and other organizations around the world. We have been recognized by the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 program as one of the fastest growing companies in Canada for the last 4 years! This prestigious award recognizes our strength and success as we continue to grow. We have also been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Small & Medium Employers, as well as one of Waterloo Region’s Top 15 Employers for 2011. Within our unique and thriving culture, our talented team is encouraged to drive innovation and excellence in an environment that promotes collaboration, continuous improvement and effective communication; not to mention having fun while doing it! We are looking for superstars who share our commitment to improving teaching and learning world-wide. Our challenging projects, company perks and overall passion for the eLearning industry are the Desire2Learn Difference! Learn more at www.Desire2Learn.com.

General Description

The Usability Specialist will work across product teams to define and implement user experience standards and best practices. They will provide research support at all phases of the design process. To drive integration of research findings, the Usability Specialist will develop written summaries and concept designs.

The usability specialist will promote inclusive design by researching, specifying, designing and advocating for accessibility-oriented features and functionality.

Additionally, they will act as an ambassador for Desire2Learn accessibility and user experience both internally and within the larger user community.

Main Duties

• Conducts research into ergonomics and human-computer interaction (HCI)
• Ensures consistency and ease of use of the product
• Conducts design reviews
• Responsible for accessibility reviews and evangelism
• Conducts remote and in-person user research
• Facilitates user-centered design practices throughout the Product Design function
• Creates and maintains all necessary patterns and design guides

Work Experience Recommendations

• 3-5+ years experience working in a professional environment on user experience design and research
• Ability to dialogue with cross-functional teams (from product management to development)
• Experience planning and facilitating usability testing, focus groups, and customer interviews
• Knowledge of eLearning and/or Learning Management Systems is an asset
• Familiar with web technologies and Software Development Life Cycle
• An exceptional understanding of fundamental design principles and graphical design fundamentals
• A proven ability to articulate design concepts
• Superior technical writing skills
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills

Technical Expertise (Strongly encouraged)

• 3+ years of experience with C#, .NET and Microsoft tools and technologies
• Fluent in CSS, HTML and JavaScript with understanding of cross-browser design issues and clean work-arounds
• Experience working with Web Standards and Accessibility Standards
• Experience with enterprise web applications
• Experience with web-based security is considered an asset

Education Recommendations

Post-secondary degree in human factors or interaction design (or equivalent professional experience)

This is your opportunity to make a big impact in the area of next-generation eLearning applications! Candidates that have the combination of skills and abilities as outlined are invited to submit their qualifications in confidence today through our website at www.desire2learn.com/careers. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest. Only those applicants whose profiles closely match our requirements will be contacted directly.