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Lonny Cameron
User Experience (UX) Lead at CRA / ARC
Professional Background
Lonny Cameron is a highly regarded User Experience (UX) Specialist with nearly two decades of rich industry experience. With a deep-seated passion for enhancing customer interactions, Lonny has carved a niche in the realm of UX, effectively blending practical hands-on skills with a comprehensive theoretical understanding of UX principles. A certified professional, Lonny holds the prestigious Certified UX Designer (CXD™) designation from Akendi, underscoring his authority in the field.
Beginning his career at Cognos, a leading global software firm, Lonny's journey in Customer Support saw him earn recognition quickly. In just two years, he transitioned to a senior role within the customer support team, where he provided escalation support for Cognos’ application development tools and business intelligence products, catering to a diverse international client base. This early experience laid a strong foundation for his future roles and responsibilities in UX design and research.
During the acquisition of Cognos by IBM, Lonny was positioned in the Beta Testing organization, playing a pivotal role in recruiting and qualifying strategic customers. His ability to garner feedback during the Beta cycle became invaluable, as he facilitated meaningful communication between clients and developers, ensuring that user needs were front and center during product development.
Lonny's progression within IBM was marked by his ascent to the User Experience organization for IBM's Software Group (SWG), specifically within the Business Analytics segment. Here, he undertook a multitude of vital UX tasks, including usability testing, user needs assessments, competitive evaluations, and UI design. His expertise in presenting UX topics at various user conferences positioned him as a thought leader in the UX community, fostering a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Currently, Lonny is the UX lead for the Web Services team at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), where he manages the UX Research and Testing Lab. His focus encompasses both internal initiatives and external projects aimed at refining and enhancing the user experience of CRA's web offerings. Lonny’s work includes heuristic evaluations, cognitive walkthroughs, persona and scenario research, usability testing, and information architecture validation, all of which contribute to delivering a website that meets the diverse needs of Canadian taxpayers.
One notable project under his leadership involved usability testing with participants who have varying degrees of visual and motor impairments. This initiative highlights Lonny's commitment to ensuring Web standards are met for both accessibility and usability, thereby championing equal access for all users.
Education and Achievements
Lonny's academic journey has well-equipped him with the foundational knowledge necessary for his profession. He studied for a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) in Business/Commerce at Saint Mary's University, where he developed critical skills in business strategy and commerce dynamics. Additionally, he earned a Diploma in Business Computer Programming from the Nova Scotia Community College, further enhancing his technical acumen and understanding of user interface development.
Throughout his career, Lonny has consistently prioritized education and professional development, evidenced by his attainment of the Certified UX Designer (CXD™) designation. This credential reflects his dedication to adhering to the highest standards within the UX industry.
Achievements
Lonny Cameron's extensive portfolio reflects a series of significant contributions to enhancing user experiences across varied platforms. He is recognized for his role in advancing the user experience of systems at both IBM and the Government of Canada, where his strategic insights have paved the way for improved digital interaction.
He has led various internal UX activities that have helped shape and inform the standards of user experience within federal government services. His commitment to ensuring that these services are optimized for usability underscores his strategic vision to use UX principles in the public sector, a relatively novel area with immense potential.
Lonny's leadership in UX testing for users with disabilities showcases his forward-thinking approach to inclusive design. By conducting rigorous usability testing that emphasizes accessibility, he ensures that all digital services can cater to the needs of users with varying abilities. This work not only aligns with contemporary standards for web accessibility but also illustrates his profound respect for user diversity.
In summary, Lonny Cameron is a distinguished UX Specialist dedicated to enhancing user experiences through thoughtful and inclusive design practices. With a rich background in customer support, product development, and user experience design, he is well-equipped to lead initiatives that prioritize user needs, ensuring that digital spaces become more accessible and intuitive for all.
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Lonny Cameron - User Experience Specialist & Lead at Canada Revenue Agency
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