Kim Donovan

Presentation: It’s All About the User! UX Isn’t Just Some Informal Activity

Abstract: Lean User Experience (UX) is an important element of SAFe, but if often misunderstood, underappreciated, or incorrectly staffed. A very common project mistake is to just assign the UX responsibilities to any person on the project – typically a graphic artist – and then assume that you are properly doing UX. Unlikely nearly all other project roles, UX is not generally understood to be a career focus, and project leadership does not typically engage UX Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). This is a massive mistake, as the majority of systems derive their value from supporting users, and not focusing formal efforts on maximizing user adoption and value is a missed opportunity. Project leadership should engage, and all project staff should embrace, the involvement of UX professionals who are able to bring formal cross-functional human centered design processes and principles to ensure the solutions provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users. At the end of this session participants will be able to: 1) Understand the high-level attributes of a formal User Experience (UX) approach and the types of staff and processes used, 2) Describe the value of using User Experience (UX) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and the value of using SMEs versus assigning general staff to UX activities, 3) Engage User Experience (UX)-focused staff on general UX activities across their organization and specific UX activities within projects.

PMI Talent Triangle: Leadership (Power Skills)

Biography: Kim is a Principal at Booz Allen Hamilton with 20+ years of experience in project management, financial analysis, risk management, and audit in both the private and public sectors.  Kim specializes in leading large teams that are focused on helping global organizations innovate business processes using innovative technical solutions, including cloud-based data tools and platforms. Most recently, Kim grew and led a 400+ person analytic product development team in the creation of decision analytic tools using DoD’s enterprise-wide, cloud based data analytics platform (Advana).  Kim holds a BS from Virginia Tech, an Accounting Certificate from George Mason University, a Product Management certificate from Cornell, and a AWS Cloud Practitioner certificate. Her credentials include the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) certifications.