UX605 BR1: UX Prototyping (Winter 2027)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX605 BR1 – UX Prototyping (Winter 2027)

Company: Wilfrid Laurier University

Location: Brantford, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Part-Time, Contract

Category: Higher Education Instruction / UX Design

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years teaching/professional experience)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Instructional role focused on delivering a lecture-based course in UX Prototyping within the User Experience Design department.

• Requires a Master's degree and practical experience in analogue prototyping, alongside a demonstrated ability to teach at the university level.

• Emphasis on creating a diverse and inclusive classroom environment, leveraging industry-standard prototyping techniques and tools.

• This position is a part-time contract role within the Wilfrid Laurier Faculty Association (WLUFA) bargaining unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract teaching position within a university setting, specifically focusing on User Experience (UX) Prototyping. While the job title and description are academic, the core responsibilities involve practical skill development and instruction in a design-centric field, aligning with "operations" in the sense of operationalizing design principles and processes within an educational framework. The "operations" aspect here is the systematic delivery of a curriculum and the management of a classroom environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and informative lectures on UX Prototyping to an anticipated class size of 40 students.

• Develop and implement a curriculum that covers key aspects of analogue and digital prototyping relevant to User Experience Design.

• Assess student learning through assignments, projects, and potentially exams, providing timely and constructive feedback.

• Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages student participation and critical thinking.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices in UX Prototyping to inform course content.

• Utilize appropriate teaching methodologies and technologies to facilitate effective learning.

• Adhere to university policies and procedures related to teaching, assessment, and academic integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are centered around curriculum delivery and student assessment within a university course. While not traditional "business operations," these tasks require a structured approach to planning, execution, and evaluation, akin to managing a project or a specific operational function within an academic department. The emphasis on "analogue prototyping" suggests a hands-on component to the course design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's Degree (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching experience at the college or university level is required.

• Experience providing training in a maker lab or shop class, or equivalent, is required.

Required Skills:

• UX Prototyping: Strong proficiency in designing and creating prototypes, with a specific emphasis on analogue prototyping methods.

• Instructional Delivery: Proven ability to teach effectively at the university or college level, including lecture delivery and classroom management.

• Curriculum Development: Skill in developing course content, learning objectives, and assessment strategies for UX-related topics.

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) / Interaction Design: Solid understanding of principles and theories in HCI and Interaction Design.

• Portfolio Demonstration: Ability to present a portfolio showcasing proficiency in relevant prototyping software and tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Commitment to promoting DEI principles within the classroom and curriculum.

• Maker Lab/Shop Class Training: Experience in providing practical, hands-on training in a workshop environment.

• Relevant Software Proficiency: Familiarity with a range of UX prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, as well as physical prototyping materials and techniques).

• Research in UX Fields: Academic background or research experience in UX, HCI, or related disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of academic achievement and practical, hands-on experience in UX prototyping and teaching. The requirement for a portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical skills, which is a common element in design and operations roles where practical application is key. The preference for PhD and specific fields like HCI indicates a need for deep theoretical understanding alongside practical application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Prototyping Proficiency: A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, clearly demonstrating practical skills in creating both analogue and digital prototypes. This should include visual examples of projects, methodologies used, and the outcomes achieved.

• Software & Tool Demonstration: The portfolio must showcase proficiency with relevant prototyping software and tools. Candidates should highlight specific tools used and the complexity of projects undertaken.

• Teaching/Training Examples: While not explicitly a "portfolio" item, evidence of teaching or training experience (e.g., sample lesson plans, student feedback summaries, or descriptions of training conducted) should be readily available or referenced in the application.

• Process Documentation: For any project showcased, candidates should be prepared to articulate the process followed, from ideation and user research to prototyping, testing, and iteration.

Process Documentation:

• Curriculum Design: Candidates may be asked to provide a sample course outline (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating their approach to structuring a UX Prototyping course, including learning objectives, topics, and assessment methods.

• Instructional Methodology: The ability to document and articulate pedagogical approaches for teaching complex design concepts and practical skills.

• Assessment Framework: Clear understanding of how to design and implement effective assessment strategies that measure student learning in prototyping and UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is central to this role, acting as a primary tool for assessing practical skills and experience. For operations roles, a portfolio often showcases process improvements, system implementations, or data analysis projects. Here, it serves a similar purpose by validating the candidate's ability to execute and teach specific design and prototyping processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $9,913.75 CAD (for the Winter 2027 term)

Benefits:

• As a contract position within the WLUFA bargaining unit, specific benefits typically align with the collective agreement. While not detailed here, these may include access to certain university resources and professional development opportunities.

• Opportunities for professional engagement within the User Experience Design department and the broader Faculty of Liberal Arts.

• The position offers a defined salary for the specific term, providing clear remuneration for the contracted teaching duties.

Working Hours: 3 hours per week (for lectures), with additional time expected for preparation, grading, and student interaction, totaling 36 hours for the term.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided as a fixed amount for the term, which is common for academic contract positions. For operations roles, salary ranges are typically provided annually and are more variable. The "benefits" in an academic context often differ from corporate roles, focusing more on professional development and institutional resources rather than traditional health or retirement plans for short-term contracts.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: Large (Wilfrid Laurier University has multiple campuses and a significant student and faculty body).

Founded: 1911 (Wilfrid Laurier University has a long-standing history in education).

Team Structure:

• This role is within the User Experience Design department, part of the Faculty of Liberal Arts.

• The instructor will report to the Part-time Appointment Committee and work under the guidance of the Department Chair, Dr. Geoff Spurr.

Methodology:

• The university operates under established academic standards and follows the WLUFA collective agreement for contract faculty.

• Instructional methodologies are expected to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, as evidenced by the course content and portfolio requirements.

• Emphasis is placed on a structured approach to curriculum delivery, assessment, and student support.

Company Website: https://www.wlu.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: Wilfrid Laurier University is a well-established educational institution. The culture emphasizes academic rigor, student success, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. For operations professionals, understanding this context means appreciating the structured environment, the importance of policy adherence (like the collective agreement), and the focus on educational outcomes rather than purely commercial metrics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a specialized contract teaching position, typically held by individuals with significant expertise in UX design and prototyping, and prior teaching or training experience. It's often a role for seasoned professionals or academics seeking to share their knowledge.

Reporting Structure: The instructor reports to the Part-time Appointment Committee and the Department Chair. Day-to-day academic oversight and support are provided by the department.

Operations Impact: The "operations" impact here is on the development of future UX professionals. By teaching essential prototyping skills, this role directly contributes to the quality of graduates entering the UX design field, influencing the future workforce's capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Further Contract Opportunities: Successful performance can lead to opportunities to teach other related courses within the User Experience Design department or Faculty of Liberal Arts.

• Curriculum Development Input: Potential to contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the UX Design program curriculum.

• Networking: Opportunity to connect with academic peers, researchers, and industry professionals within the university and through WLUFA.

• Academic Experience: Building a track record in university-level instruction, which can be valuable for future academic or training roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional corporate operations role, this position offers growth within an academic context. For operations professionals, this might be a transitionary role, a way to leverage expertise in a new domain, or a step towards more dedicated academic or training leadership. The "growth" is measured by academic reputation, teaching load, and curriculum influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site, in-person teaching role at the Brantford campus.

Office Location(s): Brantford Campus, Wilfrid Laurier University.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace will be a lecture hall or classroom equipped for teaching, potentially with access to maker lab facilities depending on the specific course structure and campus resources.

• Collaboration opportunities exist with faculty and staff within the User Experience Design department and the Faculty of Liberal Arts.

• Access to university resources, such as libraries and online learning platforms.

Work Schedule: The course is scheduled for Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:50 PM during the Winter 2027 term. This constitutes 3 hours of direct teaching per week, with approximately 36 total hours over the term. Additional hours will be required for course preparation, grading, and student consultation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is academic, requiring on-site presence for lectures. This contrasts with many corporate operations roles that may offer hybrid or remote flexibility. The structured schedule is typical for university courses.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit a CV, the Candidate Application Form (CAF), and potentially other supporting documents via the university's online application portal.

• Portfolio Review: The Part-time Appointment Committee will review the submitted CV and CAF, paying close attention to the required portfolio demonstrating UX prototyping skills. Specific referenced pages in supplemental documents will also be reviewed.

• Assessment Rubric: Applications will be assessed using the WLUFA collective agreement's Appendix H (Assessment of CTF Candidates) and a program-specific rubric.

• Potential Interview: While not explicitly stated, an interview may be conducted for shortlisted candidates to discuss their teaching philosophy, experience, and approach to UX prototyping.

• Final Decision: Recommendations are made by the committee, and only those selected for the position will be contacted.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Analogue Prototyping: Since this is a key requirement, ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of analogue prototypes, detailing the materials, techniques, and design challenges.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Clearly list and demonstrate proficiency with relevant UX prototyping software. Include screenshots, links to interactive prototypes, or video demonstrations.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. Consider sections for different types of projects, chronological order, or by skill demonstrated.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While harder in an academic context, if any professional projects led to measurable improvements (e.g., user satisfaction, efficiency), articulate these. For teaching, focus on student success and engagement.

• Address Teaching Experience: Clearly articulate your experience in teaching or training, detailing your pedagogical approach and any positive outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Presentation: Be prepared to discuss a specific UX prototyping project from your portfolio, detailing the problem, your process, the solutions you implemented, and the results.

• Teaching Philosophy: Articulate your approach to teaching UX design and prototyping, emphasizing engagement, inclusivity, and practical skill development.

• Curriculum Outline: If asked, be ready to discuss how you would structure the UX605 BR1 course, including key topics and learning activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is highly structured, following university and union guidelines. The emphasis on the CAF and specific assessment rubrics means candidates must tailor their applications meticulously. The portfolio review is a critical step, similar to how operations candidates might present case studies of process improvements or system implementations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping Software: Proficiency in industry-standard UX prototyping tools is essential. While specific tools aren't listed, common examples include Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, and Axure RP.

• Analogue Prototyping Materials: Familiarity with physical materials for creating tangible prototypes (e.g., cardboard, foam board, clay, 3D printing materials, craft supplies).

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Experience with university-specific LMS platforms (e.g., Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas) for course delivery, assignment submission, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Student Assessment Tools: Familiarity with tools or methods for grading and providing feedback on student work.

• University Systems: Experience with university administrative systems for course management and student records.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional sense, though university systems manage student data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on design and education tools. For operations roles, the emphasis is typically on CRM, ERP, marketing automation, and business intelligence platforms. Here, the "tools" are about enabling creative output and educational delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Academic Excellence: A commitment to high standards of teaching, research, and student learning.

• Inclusivity and Diversity: A dedication to creating a welcoming and equitable environment for all students and staff.

• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing among faculty and staff.

• Innovation: Fostering creative approaches to teaching and design within the UX field.

• Integrity: Upholding academic honesty and ethical conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Faculty members are expected to collaborate with departmental colleagues, the Chair, and other university stakeholders.

• A culture that values peer review and constructive feedback, particularly in the context of curriculum development and teaching practices.

• Emphasis on clear communication channels, both within the department and with university administration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are rooted in the academic mission of the university, emphasizing intellectual growth, diversity, and community. This differs from corporate operations values, which often focus on efficiency, scalability, and profit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse Student Needs: Catering to a classroom of 40 students with varying levels of prior experience, learning styles, and technical aptitudes.

• Balancing Theory and Practice: Effectively integrating theoretical UX concepts with hands-on, practical prototyping skills within a lecture format.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of UX design tools and methodologies requires continuous learning and adaptation of course content.

• Contractual Nature: The role is a part-time contract, which may offer less job security or fewer benefits compared to full-time, permanent positions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Professional Development: Access to university resources and potentially WLUFA-supported professional development opportunities for faculty.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced faculty within the User Experience Design department.

• Curriculum Enhancement: Chance to contribute to and shape the UX Design program's offerings.

• Networking: Building connections within the academic community and the broader UX design field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to an academic teaching environment, focusing on pedagogy and student engagement. Growth opportunities are primarily within the academic sphere, such as expanding teaching assignments or influencing curriculum.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Teaching Philosophy: "Describe your teaching philosophy for UX Prototyping. How do you ensure students grasp both theoretical concepts and practical skills?" (Be prepared to discuss your approach to engaging students, managing different learning styles, and fostering a collaborative environment.)

• Analogue Prototyping Experience: "Can you walk us through a significant analogue prototyping project you've worked on or taught? What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on the process, materials, design decisions, and outcomes using specific examples.)

• Curriculum Design: "How would you structure a 36-hour lecture course on UX Prototyping for undergraduate students? What core topics would you prioritize?" (Consider outlining key modules, learning objectives, and assessment methods.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• DEI Commitment: "How do you plan to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your classroom?" (Prepare examples of how you would create an inclusive learning environment and address diverse student backgrounds.)

• University Fit: "Why are you interested in teaching at Wilfrid Laurier University, specifically within the User Experience Design department?" (Research the university's mission, values, and the department's focus.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your analogue prototyping skills, software proficiency, and teaching/training capabilities.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the process you followed (ideation, research, design, prototyping, testing), the tools/materials used, and the final outcome or learning.

• Highlight Teaching Transferability: For professional projects, explain how you would translate these experiences into teachable lessons for students.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, technical choices, and how you handle challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role focuses on pedagogical skills, practical design expertise, and alignment with the university's values. This is analogous to operations interview preparation, where candidates are expected to articulate their process management skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with company objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this instructional position:

• Submit your application electronically through the Wilfrid Laurier University careers portal by the deadline of June 5, 2026.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible (via a link in your CV or CAF) and clearly showcases your analogue prototyping skills and relevant software proficiency.

• Resume & CAF Optimization: Tailor your CV and meticulously complete the Candidate Application Form (CAF), ensuring it addresses all requirements outlined in the job posting and aligns with the WLUFA assessment criteria (Appendix H).

• Teaching Experience Documentation: Prepare to provide evidence of good teaching, such as official course evaluations or a teaching dossier, if applying as an external candidate.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Wilfrid Laurier University's mission, values, and the User Experience Design department's academic focus. Understand the WLUFA collective agreement context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.