Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide creative and innovative multimedia solutions for the development of exhibit graphic content, including, but not limited to: Motion graphics (animation), interactive digital content for online and on-site experiences, still images for exhibit graphic elements.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the administrative supervision of the Manager, Weston Family Innovation Centre (WFIC), the position works in multidisciplinary teams made up of scientists, researchers, editorial writers, 3D and other 2D designers, and graphic-production technicians to ensure that the graphic elements of an exhibition reinforce the overarching design direction/criteria, science and communications intent and project timelines/budge objectives.

1. Performs duties common to all exhibition graphics design assignments:

• Analysing and gathering requirements for the graphic/digital content elements for new and existing exhibit experiences.
• Using the creative process, collaboration, and design skills to propose a specific graphic treatment if the piece is stand-alone, or within the guidelines of an overall design direction if the pieces(s) are part of a larger exhibition.
• Providing advice to team members regarding the theoretical and technical possibilities of various multimedia graphic design approaches.
• Generating ideas for, and devising most suitable method of produce, desired impact through graphical exhibit elements.
• Preparing preliminary storyboards, sketches, interactive wireframe components to participate in the exhibit development process.
• Ensuring ongoing communication with other team members throughout the design process so that the exhibit development process is inclusive and iterative.
• Endeavouring to remain current and apprised of development in the various software tools as listed below, as well as new and emerging tools as appropriate; participating in upgrading and training as assigned by Manager.
• Using experience and expertise to provide managers with realistic timelines for executive work, and when required, recommending courses of action to ensure project completion (i.e., overtime, contracting out, alternate production methods and options).
• Planning course of action with other team members to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget.
• Dealing with aspects of sub-contracted work; advising when required on the selection of contractors, resolving matters and communications with contractors, reviewing contracted work, monitoring of delivery dates, etc.
• Reviewing and inspecting final work to ensure quality control.
• Maintaining electronic and hard-copy design files and filing completed file materials with documentation in the central archive for future renewal and ease-of-access.
• Participating in weekly Production Meetings to assist Manager in tracking process and meeting production schedules.
• Producing content materials as required, according to established deadlines and schedules.


2. Performs highly specialized exhibit motion graphics design (animation) work by:

• Using creative design process and specialized graphic design animation skills to produce motion and interactive graphics solutions for use in various exhibition graphics elements.
• Executing design work in one or more industry standard software applications related to motion graphics, still graphics, video editing.
• Formatting and ingesting content into the Content Management Platform; editing and creating playlists and shows.
• Meeting production and posting deadlines for time-sensitive content in the WFIC Hot Zone; taking responsibility for the updating and refreshing of time-sensitive content in the WFIC Hot Zone.
• Providing input and suggestions regarding topics for WFIC Hot Zone Main Screen content and participating in team brainstorming and story development.
• As in-house specialist in the field of motion graphics design, keeping current on developments in exhibition and motion graphic design by researching art/design journals, technical manuals, software-related websites, participating in upgrading courses, professional development, etc. to assess their potential use in exhibition development.

3. Executing other exhibit graphic design work involving the creation and/or manipulation of still images using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other industry-applicable software as required.

Other duties as required or assigned.

Staffing and Licensing :

N/A

Knowledge :

Position requires specialized knowledge of motion graphics 9animation) interface theory/interactivity, techniques and tools in addition to general graphics design knowledge and techniques/tools for still image graphics applications for exhibits, signs, print materials, and merchandise, including illustration (drawing, painting and rendering) colour theory and matching, typography, creating or scaling layouts, industry-applicable graphic design tools and software knowledge of production processes and equipment such as silk screening and other techniques for special materials, mounting methods and substrates, knowledge of accepted industry practices for graphics/print production (screening, typesetting, printing), knowledge of developments in graphic design materials, specialized supplies and equipment for custom applications, to source and provide technical specifications for procurement, knowledge of use and application of computer peripherals including scanner, plotter, thermal and ink jet printers, external drives and electronic storage media.

Current knowledge of design trends, in motion graphics design (animation), interfaces theory/interactivity including their potential for use in exhibition development as in-house specialist.

Position requires the ability to think of creative solutions to assign tasks that would enhance the artistic and aesthetic qualities of the exhibit, while remaining within the project's design criteria, science and communications intent and objectives, project deadlines and budget.

Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety Act, workplace safety and chemical handling requirements.

Skills :

The position requires well-developed skills in the specialized field of motion graphics 9animation) and also requires general graphics design, illustration and related skills to consider spatial elements such as shape and size of the exhibit or sign, surrounding area to produce still image custom exhibit graphics panels and images, signs, print material and merchandise.

Analytical and evaluative skills to assess the nature of the assignment, and using own design, ingenuity and creative problem-solving skills to develop design options which are consistent with the overall design direction and concept of the exhibit, and which will result in a product which meets management's requirements.

Conceptual skills analytical and problem-solving skills to visualise the final product, develop and plan graphic design processes, methods and schedule to achieve desired results. Planning, organization and results oriented skills in scheduling project, monitor progress, identify and solve problem so that the project stays on track to meet established timelines. Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with internal clients (Project Manager, Exhibit Developers, Exhibit Designers, marketing/promotion, etc.), departmental managers, colleagues and skilled trades persons. Demonstrated initiative, flexibility and versatility are required.

Position requires: specialized technical skills in the use of software application work tools; writing skills to produce technical specifications for procurement and formal documentation on exhibits; dexterity in the use of hardware tools such as a mouse, keyboard and tablet for production purposes. Position requires the ability to maintain current knowledge of developments in theory and practice of graphic design. Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating the required professionalism and interpersonal skills to work toward successful completion of a project.

Freedom of Action :

The position works under the direction of the Manger, WFIC Operations, who is accountable for overall planning, organization, supervision, assignment, control and inspection of work, scheduling and workflow, resource allocation, purchase of materials, equipment, tools, services and resolution of work related problems.

The position also works within OSC policies, guidelines and standards for IT technical support; purchasing; the development of exhibition graphics which are free of hazards which in the case of print graphics includes compliance with fire and safety codes as related to flammable materials.

Accountability: As technical specialist in the field of motion graphics (animation), accountable for providing leading edge, creative custom design solutions and most effective production processes, methods, materials and equipment to achieve the desired effects aesthetically and based on performance e.g. durability. Lends technical expertise and insight throughout the life of the project and is accountable for estimates and reports on labour subcontracted work, material and equipment costs.

Judgement: Freedom exists to research motion graphics (animation) developments to recommend overall efficiencies as well as to produce original/custom applications association with projects 9own and other team members). Independence of action in planning the project and production schedules; meeting own deadlines for updating content for WFIC Hot Zone set in conjunction with the Manager, Weston Family Innovation Centre and/or Director, Science Communication; monitoring work for design quality control, adherence to technical standards, timelines and costs; troubleshooting operational problems such as quality and delivery dates for subcontracted work, etc.