Description:
The University of Waterloo, a renowned public research institution in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, seeks a talented Digital Designer to shape and enhance our digital transformation initiatives, with a primary focus on designing for the university’s websites. The role is pivotal in driving significant improvements in user engagement and institutional reputation. As part of our commitment to innovation, research, and educational excellence, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this dynamic and collaborative role, you’ll bring creative ideas to life across various digital platforms including websites, digital publications, and social media.
Responsibilities:
Designing Digital Experiences
- Create visually engaging designs across digital platforms with a particular emphasis on websites, ensuring they are aesthetically appealing and user-friendly
- Incorporate user-centered design principles by leveraging UX/UI best practices and applying user feedback to optimize the experience
- Incorporate current trends in UX/UI design principles by leveraging best practices and applying user feedback to optimize the experience
- Ensure accessibility and inclusivity by designing content that complies with AODA and WCAG guidelines, making digital content accessible to all users
- Maintain brand consistency by aligning all designs with the university's visual identity, ensuring that digital outputs reflect the institution’s strategic objectives
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Communication
- Work closely with cross-functional teams including content creators, marketing, and technical teams to align design solutions with broader project requirements and goals
- Facilitate creative brainstorming sessions by collaborating with stakeholders to curate mood boards, explore creative ideas, and develop innovative design concepts
- Present design proposals to campus colleagues and senior leadership, articulating the strategic impact and value of design decisions
- Collaborate on multimedia content creation, including videos, animations, and interactive experiences, ensuring alignment with the university’s branding and communication goals
- Ensure alignment with messaging by working alongside content creators to ensure that all digital content respects and represents diversity and inclusivity
Strategic Thinking
- Align design initiatives with institutional objectives by ensuring all projects contribute to enhancing the university’s reputation, recruitment, and community engagement efforts
- Advocate for inclusive design principles by incorporating diverse user needs into all stages of the design process
- Leverage analytics and user feedback to continuously improve design outcomes, using data to solve UX/UI challenges and optimize the user experience
- Anticipate and adapt to future trends by staying informed on the latest developments in design, technology, and education, integrating these insights into long-term strategies
- Participate in workflow redesign to address resource constraints, enhance efficiency, and ensure the delivery of high-quality design work under tight deadlines