iRise hosted over 250 attendees at Fusion '07, our annual User Conference & Industry Summit, held this year at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Throughout the event, high-powered speakers presented world-class content and case studies, all of which you may access below in PDF, MP3 and WMV formats.
Access a comprehensive Fusion '07 summary in the iRise Blog.
Keynote Presentations
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Achieving the Impossible with Innovation & Creativity
Dick Rutan Founder, Voyager Aerospace Corporation
Brian Binnie Test Pilot, SpaceShipOne Presentation Abstract
As a world-renowned airplane and spaceship designer that has led a team of entrepreneurs and problem solvers literally into outer space, Mr. Rutan will focus his talk on how small groups of highly creative people can leverage innovative thinking to accomplish the amazing. Drawing from his own experiences, Mr. Rutan will focus on delivering practical advice for individuals and businesses that want to break down barriers to creativity and fully realize the potential for innovation.
Topics covered will include:
How to find innovators and fresh ideas
How to break down common barriers to innovation
Leveraging technology to get the job done
How small teams can work to achieve the 'impossible'
Guy Hamblen Project Manager, IT Advanced Technology Group, United Parcel Service Presentation Abstract
Leveraging application simulation to get the right applications to market faster, with lower costs, is a fast becoming a proven strategy. In order to get the most out of this kind of transformational technology, organizations need to also focus on the people and process challenges. This presentation will focus on how UPS is rolling out iRise successfully across a number of diverse business units.
Topics covered will include:
Rapid adoption of iRise by application development teams across the IT organization
Discussion of traditional project lifecycle strategies of goals, project plans, implementation, challenges, solutions to those challenges
Getting a closer alignment between business stakeholders and IT development groups to improve operational performance
Gary Beach Publisher Emeritus, CIO Magazine Presentation Abstract
As publisher emeritus of CIO magazine, Gary has his finger on the pulse of the CIO community. This session will take the form of a lively on-stage interview with Gary, where we will explore the latest trends, survey data and direct feedback from the office of the CIO on topics such as:
Putting the Power of "We" into Your Career & Your Business
Barry Libert CEO, Shared Insights & Author, "We Are Smarter Than Me" Presentation Abstract
At a time where community and social networks are starting to infiltrate every aspect of our personal and professional lives, it is essential to understand how "you" can incorporate the power of "we" into your business. During Barry's keynote, he will discuss how companies like Eli Lily, Proctor & Gamble, Dell and of course, iRise are working with the wisdom of their customer and employee crowds to improve every aspect of their businesses. Barry will also discuss how business analyst and user experience professionals are interacting with a growing ecosystem to advance their skills and careers.
Learn how professionals and companies are using community to:
Connect with the ecosystem
Design better experiences
Create more innovative products
Accelerate learning from peers
Contribute to best practices & a body of knowledge
Hyper-connectivity: Envisioning the Digital Future
Wing Lee Director of Innovation Realization, Sprint-Nextel Presentation Abstract
As the director of innovation realization for Sprint-Nextel, Wing Lee has an amazing viewpoint on the direction technology is taking all of us. Technology is driving the merger of the virtual and real worlds in new and interesting ways that will affect how we work, play and interact. In this session Wing will discuss where we are today and the important roles that design, interactivity, connectivity and empowerment will play in his vision for the digital future.
Disciplined Innovation is at the heart of today's competitive advantage. The presentation will focus on balancing the key ingredients of idea generation with execution, including the challenges that present themselves along the way and some practical solutions to succeed in the innovation arena.
ad2 iRise for High-end Design Brad Mooberry, CEO, President & CCO Presentation Abstract
ad2 is an award winning interactive agency. Our client, Curtco, is the premiere media brand and publisher of the Robb Report – a lifestyle magazine in the ultra luxury category (i.e., jets, yachts, ultra luxury autos, watches, etc.).
ad2 used iRise in place of our traditional wire frame documents. Our challenge with wire frames is to keep the client from interpreting this delivery as an actual design and layout of pages rather than simply trying to identify and represent the elements that need to be on any given page. What we found was that iRise is an incredible solution to use to for this milestone delivery but we had to work harder than ever to try to keep the initial delivery from looking too much like a design.
The result – at the end of our presentation, the CEO claimed, "we had just saved them 6 months," which was attributed to interacting with a simulation rather than a collection of pages with boxes on them; trying to make sense of how everything was connected. Their new site is scheduled for launch in November. Come to this session for a sneak peek!
Other highlights of the presentation include:
Best practices to manage client expectations with iRise
Using iRise to supercharge collaboration – internally and externally
Reaping the benefits of using iRise to save time, avoid miscommunication and eliminate scope creep
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
Asurion Simulating Call Center Success: A Success Story in Progress Ellen Baker, Business Analyst Presentation Abstract
Serving more than 60 Million wireless subscribers, Asurion provides insurance and warranty management for people's wireless devices. 4,000 CSRs work round-the-clock saving customers more than half a billion dollars annually. Ellen's discussion will focus on the ergonomic redesign of their call center application; also used as the project to introduce iRise to Asurion.
The original application, having grown organically over several years, did not meet the needs of the users. Less than optimal flow from page-to-page caused conversations with customers to take longer than was necessary. Initial expectations, as a result of this redesign, were to be able to save an average of 15 seconds per call. Actual results have shown that Asurion has more than doubled the expected result.
Using iRise to fine-tune the application before going to development helped to create a system that is exceeding our expectations. A presentation of the new design will be shown as well as review of actual metrics associated with the project.
Come to this presentation to learn about:
Integrating iRise into the Microsoft Solutions Framework (Agile) development methodology
Simulating a complex, call-center environment
Reducing the number of missed requirements and "gotcha's" throughout a project
Using iRise as an expectation and estimation management platform
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Simulation and the Technical Proof of Concept: Building a Member Portal Karen Uetz, Manager of Business Application Design, Customer Experience & Portal Delivery Presentation Abstract
Getting started with iRise? Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan began with two objectives: (1) validate the use of iRise and Simulation, and (2) demonstrate seamless servicing by creating a participatory definition experience for a new member portal. This talk focuses on moving an organization from a static paper-intensive process to a dynamic & interactive process for Requirements Definition and Web Delivery. Over the course of 9 weeks, we moved from 48 business scenarios to 12 high-fidelity simulated scenarios and saw that stakeholders from end users up to senior management confirmed the definition process was faster, clearer and fostered better collaboration. It turned out to be a great introduction to a new and better way to do requirements definition.
Discussion highlights include:
How much fidelity and how far can and should you take a simulation in iRise
Doing Usability Testing before development
Using iRise as a platform for the collection of accurate feedback
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
Brink's Simulating Applications key to Legacy Systems Replacement William McCary, Senior Business Analyst Presentation Abstract
The Brink's truck routing project is a significant upgrade to a key trucking application that tracks daily armored truck pickups and deliveries from bank branches and other customers. The new tracking application employs a complex user interface based on rich user interface technology that requires a variety of right-click mouse accessible options and keyboard combinations. Using iRise to accurately model the new system's intricate interface and stimulate conversation with the stakeholder community introduced positive transformation by significantly improving the relationship between business and IT.
Topics covered during this discussion include:
Simulating complex user interfaces
Improving relationship between business and IT
Improving collaboration and quality of feedback through a "richer" approach to communication
Integrating iRise into an agile approach to development
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
Citi Cards iRise and Offshore Development Cynthia Bacani, Design & Usability Manager, Citi Cards IT Intranet Web Solutions Presentation Abstract
Off-shoring provides advantages, but it must be approached carefully. Communication, which is difficult enough with collocated resources, becomes even more important in an outsourced delivery model. Citi has employees onshore doing planning, requirements and design who then collaborate efficiently with designers and developers off-shore for the balance of the SDLC. Examples of projects that will be discussed include a Statements, Messages and Inserts Product which automates the entry, prioritization and execution of advertising collaterals in credit card statements in billing statement and a Software Capitalization Application.
Come to this presentation to learn more about:
Using interactive simulation for progressive elaboration during reviews with client to validate their functional requirements
Budgeting for the impact of iRise on the requirements definition phase of your projects
Using the iDoc as the BRD; making communication with offshore resources more effective
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
Comerica Bank Collaborate, Innovate and Create Dora Baltrusaitis, eBusiness Architect
Kirk Tsai, Lead Information Architect Presentation Abstract
How do you design, develop, align and implement a vision for a large corporate initiative that integrates new technologies, involves dozens of stakeholders across multiple disciplines, and then reduce the project's lifecycle by more than two months? Through a committed team, strong collaboration and iRise! Using iRise to flesh out new ideas and concepts, define & validate user requirements and obtain buy-in and approvals from executives, Comerica Bank reduced requirements-related defects by 80% for a large corporate portal project. Kirk and Dora will team up to discuss ways business analysts and information architects can collaborate together and share tips you'll be able to use in your organizations.
Come to this presentation to learn more about:
Integrating business analysis with information architecture
Real-time simulation review/modification sessions with stakeholders
Strengthening customer relationships through a collaborative and inclusive approach to communication
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
Deloitte Consulting Communicating Across Cultures Ramesh Rajagopalan, Manager
Del Taylor, Manager Presentation Abstract
Many companies try to leverage offshore development models in an attempt to lower development costs for their technology projects. However, even the most capable and experienced teams often struggle with offshore development, especially with the communication aspect, which can result in lower client satisfaction, unplanned expansions in scope, and increased project cost.
Deloitte Consulting LLP will present a case study that highlights the benefits and lessons learned with involving an offshore team to develop a simulation for a custom application. Deloitte uses iRise simulations to help mitigate many of the risks involved in utilizing an offshore model by establishing clear statements of work, improving team communications through the use of a visual model and integrating simulations with documentation and other management tools.
Come to this presentation to learn more about:
Deloitte Consulting's Technology and Outsourcing best practices
Using simulation effectively in round-the-clock operations
Identifying design issues early in the process – before problems become costly
General Motors Benefits of Requirements Simulation in a Global Environment Dr. Richard Frost, Global Director, Information Systems & Services Presentation Abstract
General Motors has consistently been a leader in use of Computer Aided Design (CAD), simulation and virtual reality for the design of their cars and trucks. The Information Systems and Services (IS&S) department realized the benefits of simulation and decided to leverage these benefits for the development of information systems. These techniques result in better products, faster development and foster global collaboration.
After evaluating numerous approaches and performing global pilots, General Motors has now incorporated requirements simulation as part of their standard process. The simulations allow the business to visualize their business processes, clarify system behaviors and gain global consensus before the start of development. This is beneficial in a global environment where stakeholders have diverse backgrounds, cultures and languages and communication is difficult.
Come to this presentation to learn more about:
Communicating visually and interactively to overcome cultural barriers, language ambiguities and geographical/time constraints
Determining actual requirements for complex, globally-deployed systems
Using simulation to help stakeholders accurately envision the "to be" state for globally deployed systems
IBM Rational & iRise Align your Software Development Requirements with your Business Goals Barry Carlson, IBM Rational Software Sales Executive, Western Region
Chris Fuller, iRise Enterprise Solutions Manager Presentation Abstract
IBM Rational and iRise will share how customers have used their integrated requirements definition and management solution to improve their software development process and deliver quality solutions on time.
Once you've outlined your requirements for a development project, there's still a long way to go. How will you manage these requirements? How do requirements impact your application lifecycle – and your bottom line? Learn how to ensure that your requirements are not only on target – but that the software developed maps to those requirements and is tested appropriately. The results will improve your software development process, and have a real impact to your business' bottom line.
Join us for a high-level overview and demonstration to learn more!
id8 Keeping up with the Googles: Web 2.0 Simulation with iRise 6 Michael Terrett, Director, Application Definition Presentation Abstract
Web 2.0 technologies have ushered in a new generation of web applications with increasingly dynamic and interactive user interfaces.
If you are developing applications for a competitive marketplace, the ability to simulate rich client behaviors is critical. Prior to the release of iRise 6, the demand for this capability has forced iRise modelers to employ intricate workarounds or resort to using other tools.
Using iRise 6, we are now successfully simulating rich Web 2.0 behavior with no loss of fidelity or functionality. This ability has empowered us to help our clients deliver competitive, cutting-edge consumer-facing applications.
At this presentation, we will:
Show you some of the Web 2.0 features that we have recently simulated for projects currently underway
Illustrate how client-side interaction affects the user experience, and how realistically simulating these features enhances stakeholder evaluation and usability testing
Demonstrate the range of behaviors that are supported in iRise 6, and show how combining them with existing iRise capabilities can produce powerfully compelling simulations
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
KeyBank Could you iRise that for me? Mary Zyrkowsky, Agile Project Coach Presentation Abstract
KeyBank is a study in innovation. From our advanced "build vs. buy" decision methodology, to our use of an agile development process for complex financial applications to our novel "bottom's up" approach to rolling out enabling technologies, KeyBank is an exciting place to be. How well does iRise work in an agile environment, you might ask? The first big win for iRise at Key is with our Customer Experience Desktop team, iRise was used with great success to both secure buy-in and manage expectations for enhancements where the scope impacted users across the enterprise.
Come to this presentation to learn more about:
Implementing iRise in an agile development environment
Using iRise as a demonstration/experimentation platform for concept exploration
Securing broad-based buy-in from a varied and disparate group of stakeholders
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Better Systems Mean Better Patient Care O'Dell Hutchison, Business Systems Analyst Presentation Abstract
As a specialty hospital with a significant outpatient component, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center was faced with finding a vendor who could address all of the unique requirements for an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. After serious consideration, M.D. Anderson leadership made the decision to develop and support an EMR system internally. This provides a unique opportunity to support the continuum between inpatient and outpatient activities so prevalent in oncology care. By incorporating iRise into its development methodology, turn around time for new functionality (specifically Patient Needs Assessments and Order Entry) has decreased by approximately 40%.
Come to this presentation to learn more about:
When/how to use low-fidelity and high-fidelity simulations
Using iRise to drive the ambiguity out of future Clinical process workflows
How iRise was used as a communication vehicle to improve dialog between clinicians and developers
Using iRise to validate Use Case documents and test scripts, early in the process
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
OneSpring The Changing Face of Requirements Definition Jason Moccia, Managing Partner Presentation Abstract
A lot of attention has been focused on the tactical side of simulation and not on the strategic aspects. The use of iRise at the strategic level brings a new set of opportunities, and challenges, to organizations expecting to reap the rewards of simulation. How does simulation affect how we document requirements? How might my organizational roles change as a result of implementing iRise? How does process fit into the equation?
Based on real-world consulting experience on a variety of projects implementing iRise, OneSpring will help shed light on the above questions by presenting real-world scenarios and examples on the topic.
The presentation will cover the following:
How to think about simulation from a strategic perspective
Integrating the Information Architecture and Business Analysis disciplines
Wells Fargo Bank Optimizing iRise for Competitive Advantage Luke Borgnis, AVP of User Centered Analysis & Design Presentation Abstract
Luke will provide a comparative case study between two projects within the same corporate program demonstrating the specifics of utilizing iRise for competitive advantage through User Centered Design (UCD) methods. By highlighting the differences between how UCD was implemented between two projects within relatively similar project climates, the deltas between the outcomes can be analyzed and quantified for meaningful process lessons, especially as to how iRise can be used successfully.
Come to this presentation to learn more about:
"Guerilla usability testing" using simulation
Proving project ROI before building the application
Effective simulation to achieve holistic business vision; avoiding process silos
An iDoc highlighting key points of the discussion will be demonstrated.
Xede Building a Solution Definition Competency Center John Birgbauer, Founder
Shawn Thomas, Managing Director of Consulting Services Presentation Abstract
Organizations frequently introduce new ideas and technologies but often fail to reap the full value of the investment. Recognizing there are more solutions than simply installing software, progressive organizations are creating internal competency centers to ensure the execution of consistent processes, maintaining organization learning, and the reuse of best practices. The goals are to broaden enterprise adoption and improve value realization. This session will provide a roadmap for how to build a Solution Definition Competency Center to transform your organization and drive enterprise adoption.
Learning points:
The value of using a Solution Definition Competency Center to drive enterprise adoption
How to create and mature a Solution Definition Competency Center
Common challenges and pitfalls of a Solution Definition Competency Center
