User Researcher - Sunnyvale, CA, Palm Inc, FT or Contract

User Researcher
Overview:
Palm is seeking a world-class user researcher with a proven track record of supporting the shipment of game-changing products. In this role you will define, manage and conduct the research and testing essential to developing new mobile products, working with a cross-functional team from product conception to ship date to define the interfaces that millions will use every day.

The ideal candidate for this position has:

• 5 or more years of hands-on experience developing and conducting user research and usability tests
• A finely honed intuitive ability to ask exactly the right research questions
• An intensely analytical mind
• A storyteller's gift for communicating complicated ideas simply and persuasively
• An intrinsic empathic connection to users of mobile devices
  

Responsibilities:

• Plan for, develop and conduct user research and usability testing
  
• Analyze research results
• Communicate research results to the design team and beyond
• Work closely with a tight-knit design team to support a consistent product vision
• Use research to drive intuitively simple, emotionally appealing, and functionally impressive products
• Develop and implement a long-term user research program
  

Qualifications:

• 5+ years experience developing and conducting user research and usability tests
• Broad, practical experience in a variety of techniques including interviews, surveys, personas, focus groups, observations, usability tests and more
• Practical knowledge of the discipline's standard software and hardware tools
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience with software applications for phones or handheld devices a plus
  

Skills/Experience:

• Capable of working independently
• Can deliver research results quickly in a highly iterative and fast-paced environment
• Ability to clearly, succinctly and persuasively articulate research results and influence cross-functional teams
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Can successfully juggle multiple projects and competing priorities
• Good sense of humor
  

Education:
BA/BS or above in Human Factors, HCI, Cognitive Psychology or related discipline

Travel:
Some travel will be required