Sr. Design Researcher

Overview

Job Description:

Become a key player in shaping exceptional digital experiences for millions of users at a leading financial institution, partnering with Aquent Talent. This is your opportunity to join a team that prioritizes user-centric design and pushes the boundaries of digital innovation. As a Design Researcher, you will be instrumental in understanding user needs and translating them into actionable insights that drive the development of cutting-edge digital products.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with a dynamic team of designers, product managers, and developers, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of digital experiences. Your research will directly influence the design and development of products used by millions, making a tangible impact on their daily lives. You will be embedded within a product, journey, or channel team, proactively identifying research needs and executing studies that inform critical design decisions. This is not just about generating insights; it’s about fostering a culture of user-centricity and ensuring that research is integrated into every step of the product development process.

Responsibilities:

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organization to champion user-centered design.
• Collaborate with designers and business stakeholders to prioritize research activities and align them with strategic objectives.
• Develop and execute a variety of research methodologies, including moderated and unmoderated studies, to address key business and design questions.
• Conduct user interviews, pilot research, and facilitate workshops to gather qualitative data and uncover deep user insights.
• Analyze research findings and synthesize them into actionable recommendations that inform design decisions.
• Communicate research insights effectively to cross-functional teams, ensuring that research is understood and applied throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Facilitate ideation sessions and collaborative workshops to generate innovative solutions based on user needs.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Information Studies, Design (e.g., interaction, graphic, visual communications, product, industrial), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in design research.
• Strong understanding of design research theory and practical experience with various research tools and methodologies.
• Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and communicate research findings clearly and persuasively.
• Able to contribute to both evaluative and generative research

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• MA/MS degree or certification in a related field.
• Familiarity with design thinking principles.
• Experience working within a large organization and an agile environment.
• Experience contributing to the launch of a digital product.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $58 to $63.75 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 eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. 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.

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