In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Usability Architect. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Usability Architect checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Design team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
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Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Usability Architect starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Design onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Usability Architect, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Usability Architect onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Introduction to the company: The new Usability Architect should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated onboarding specialist.
2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The Usability Architect should be given access to the company’s employee handbook or policy manual, which outlines important policies and procedures related to areas such as code of conduct, data security, and intellectual property. The Human Resources department is responsible for providing this information.
3. Introduction to the design team: The new Usability Architect should be introduced to the design team, including their roles and responsibilities. This task is typically performed by the design team lead or manager.
4. Review of current projects: The Usability Architect should be provided with an overview of the current projects the design team is working on. This includes understanding the project goals, timelines, and key stakeholders. The design team lead or project manager is responsible for providing this information.
5. Introduction to design tools and software: The Usability Architect should be given access to the design tools and software used by the company, such as prototyping tools, wireframing software, and user testing platforms. The design team lead or a designated IT specialist should provide training and support in using these tools.
6. Review of past user research and usability studies: The Usability Architect should be given access to past user research and usability studies conducted by the company. This will help them understand the user insights and findings that have been gathered so far. The design team lead or a designated researcher should provide access to this information.
7. Introduction to key stakeholders: The Usability Architect should be introduced to key stakeholders within the company, such as product managers, developers, and marketing teams. This will help them understand the collaborative nature of their role and establish relationships with relevant teams. The design team lead or project manager is responsible for facilitating these introductions.
8. Review of design processes and methodologies: The Usability Architect should be familiarized with the design processes and methodologies followed by the company, such as Agile or Design Thinking. This includes understanding how design projects are initiated, executed, and evaluated. The design team lead or a designated process specialist should provide this information.
9. Access to design assets and resources: The Usability Architect should be provided with access to design assets and resources, such as design templates, style guides, and brand guidelines. This will ensure consistency in design deliverables. The design team lead or a designated resource manager should provide access to these assets.
10. Introduction to user testing and feedback channels: The Usability Architect should be introduced to the user testing and feedback channels used by the company, such as usability labs, online surveys, or user feedback platforms. This will help them understand how user feedback is collected and incorporated into the design process. The design team lead or a designated researcher should provide training and support in using these channels.
11. Collaboration with other departments: The Usability Architect should be encouraged to collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, product management, and development, to ensure a holistic approach to design. The design team lead or project manager should facilitate these collaborations and encourage cross-functional communication.
12. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The Usability Architect should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, or online courses, that can enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of usability and design. The design team lead or Human Resources department should provide information and support in accessing these opportunities.
13. Performance evaluation and goal setting: The Usability Architect should be informed about the performance evaluation process and how goals and objectives are set within the company. This will help them understand how their performance will be assessed and how they can contribute to the company’s overall goals. The design team lead or Human Resources department should provide guidance and support in this area.
14. Introduction to company culture and values: The Usability Architect should be introduced to the company’s culture and values, which may include aspects such as collaboration, innovation, or customer-centricity. This will help them align their work with the company’s overall vision and mission. The Human Resources department or a designated culture ambassador should provide this information.
15. Mentoring and support: The Usability Architect should be assigned a mentor or a designated point of contact who can provide guidance, support, and answer any questions they may have during their onboarding process. This mentor can be a senior Usability Architect or a design team lead.
By completing these onboarding tasks, the new Usability Architect will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, resources, and relationships to effectively contribute to the design team and the company as a whole
From reading through the items in the example Usability Architect checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Usability Architect up to speed and working well in your Design team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.
