SPEC Kit 341: Digital Collections Assessment and Outreach · 189
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
User Experience (UX) Specialist
User Experience (UX) Specialist
The University of Michigan Library is seeking an innovative, and talented user experience
professional to join our User Experience (UX) Department. We are looking for someone with a
passion for better understanding users, the ability to use creative problem solving skills to design
engaging interfaces, and an investment in improving the library web experience. This position will
be a full-time, two-year term appointment with the possibility of renewal.
The User Experience Department (http://www.lib.umich.edu/user-experience-department) is
part of the Library Information Technology Division (LIT) at the University of Michigan,
University Library. LIT is the library's key organization for the creation, deployment and support
of the library's primary web interfaces (Library Website, Mirlyn Library Catalog, Digital Library
Collections, and HathiTrust Digital Library).
The UX department focuses on regular and mobile interface design, usability testing, user
research, web use statistics, and accessibility. The UX Specialist works in a collaborative team
environment -working closely with the UX Department Manager and another UX Specialist as
well as LIT and library-wide project stakeholders. Proportion of time spent on interface design
and user research is adjustable. We strongly encourage candidates who have experience in only
interface design or user research to apply.
Responsibilities
User Research 40%
Conducts ongoing discovery of user needs, both prior to and following interface
deployment by analyzing user and institutional needs.
Designs and conducts user research/usability studies using a variety of techniques (e.g.
formal/informal user testing, online surveys, card sorting, interviews, personas &
scenarios, use cases, focus groups, ethnographic research techniques).
Conducts regular web use statistics and email feedback analysis to identify opportunities
for improvement.
Conducts web accessibility audits.
Interface Design 40%
Creates wireframes, mock ups, and prototypes to define user interface functionality,
navigation, information architecture, interaction, and overall visual design to help drive
user interface development from concept to implementation. Creates HTML prototypes
that approximate a functional interface for the purposes of evaluation and
communication with the developers.
Conducts ongoing research into the development of new interface capabilities,
enhancements, and user-centered design trends.
Creates complete interface designs and web-ready graphics.
Project Management &Communication 20%
Helps to establish project priorities and discuss project goals with LIT managers, project
stakeholders, developers, and library staff.
Performs occasional project management duties including establishment of timelines,
coordination of staff, scheduling, and project documentation.
Participates, as needed, on library committees. May provide advice or assistance to other
units within the University Library regarding user research or interface issues.
Promotes importance of user-centered design within library and library community.
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