Design Researcher

Overview

We’re looking for a freelance Design Researcher. 

• Start date: October
• Duration: on-going 40 hours per week 
• Location: hybrid / on-site in Irvine, CA.
• Some travel required 

The Design Researchers will lead the team through a journey of human-centered research to uncover insights that contribute to all phases of the design process. They champion the voice of users and leverage inspiration to discover hidden opportunities. Experience with a variety of qualitative research methods and tools, and experience working on collaborative design projects is key.

 

As a Design Researcher you will…

• Plan and Inspire
• Design and plan generative, qualitative research, including developing profiles and screening criteria for participant recruitment
• Identify external experts or analogous experiences to inspire the team
• Work with a wide variety of stakeholders to define learning objectives and craft research plans
• Use and help the team use methods such as field observation, analogous research, conversations with experts and extreme users, concept evaluation, and participatory design, to explore the edge of what’s possible in the near and far
• Design compelling research experiences that generate actionable insights
• With the design team, create research stimuli to deeply understand user needs, uncover possibilities, and test assumptions
• Experiment with different tools and methods to stretch and challenge our learning
• Synthesize research findings and unearth systems-level patterns and frameworks
• Help develop creative storytelling tools to enable design for user goals, values, and aspirations
• Make research findings relevant and impactful for design through a variety of formats such as insights, decks, stories, videos, and experiences
• Facilitate post-research learning events such as generative design workshops

 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 + years of qualitative research experience culminating in a sound ability to scope a research plan, conduct fieldwork, lead synthesis and storytelling
• 5 + years’ experience using human-centered design, design thinking principles or methods

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in designing and/or facilitating group collaboration workshops.
• Master’s or PhD in sociology, anthropology, psychology, design, or another liberal arts degree
• Experience working on highly collaborative teams, or other multidisciplinary teams

 

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $50.00 to $70.00 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

 

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.