Job description
UX/UI Designer with UX Research Focus
Direct Client
Location: Mossville, Chillicothe, IL Type: Full Time Mode of Work: Hybrid (2-3 days onsite, must be local and open to full-time onsite if required)
Job Summary
We are seeking a UX/UI Designer with a strong focus on UX Research to join a collaborative team environment. This role is ideal for someone who can translate user insights into actionable design strategies and work closely with designers and product owners to create meaningful, user-centered experiences. Candidates must have a balanced background in both UX research and UI design; pure UX designers will not be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate research findings and usability test results into actionable, prioritized UI/UX recommendations.
- Understand and clarify user, customer, and business needs, converting them into compelling interaction designs.
- Plan and facilitate user research using appropriate methodologies.
- Integrate research insights into product design and UX practices.
- Collaborate with designers to define prototype requirements and iterate based on feedback.
- Document UX goals, themes, interaction behaviors, and design elements for downstream UI teams.
- Create UX artifacts such as journey maps, user flows, and storyboards.
- Define and document overall UX strategy, including UI principles and design frameworks.
- Manage and prioritize research backlog aligned with product roadmap.
Team & Collaboration
- Work within a team of 11 members and 2 interns supporting multiple workstreams.
- Collaborate closely with designers, product owners, and stakeholders.
- Strong stakeholder management is critical for success.
Work Environment
- Hybrid work model (2-3 days onsite required).
- Candidates must be local and flexible to transition into a full-time onsite role if needed.
Required Qualifications
- 5 years of experience in UX Research with strong knowledge of UX best practices.
- Experience in corporate or B2B environments preferred.
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Technical Skills (Required)
- Strong understanding of UI best practices, UI design, and graphic design principles.
- Proficiency in UI layout, prototyping, and design tools.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Portfolio demonstrating UX process, research integration, and design outcomes.
Core Competencies
- Empathy: Ability to synthesize stakeholder and user insights and apply them effectively.
- Adaptive Thinking: Ability to pivot quickly, embrace change, and make informed decisions.
Preferred Skills
- Project management experience.
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong time management abilities.
- Exceptional data storytelling and presentation skills.
Note Disqualifiers
- Frequent job changes or inconsistent tenure.
- Candidates with only UX design experience (without UX research expertise) will not be considered.