Design Researcher

Overview

Make a real impact on the user experience for millions of people! A leading financial institution, recognized for its commitment to customer experience and digital innovation, is partnering with Aquent to find a talented Design Researcher. As a key member of a dynamic team, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of digital products, ensuring every customer interaction feels valued and important. Join a collaborative environment where your research expertise will directly influence product design and contribute to a company that prioritizes customer-centricity.
As a Design Researcher, you will be embedded within product, journey, or channel teams. You’ll proactively identify upcoming decisions requiring research input, propose appropriate methodologies, conduct fieldwork, analyze findings, and effectively communicate the implications to stakeholders. You will work in close collaboration with designers, product managers, and developers, ensuring research is integrated throughout the product development lifecycle.
Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders within and outside the design team.
• Collaborate with designers and business stakeholders to prioritize research activities.
• Develop research fieldwork approaches (moderated and unmoderated) aligned with business and design objectives.
• Design and conduct research activities to evaluate prototypes, understand current user contexts, and uncover evolving user needs.
• Moderate live user sessions and internal stakeholder interviews, including those covering complex or sensitive topics.
• Synthesize and analyze research data, communicating key themes and implications to the design team and stakeholders.
• Design and facilitate ideation sessions and collaborative workshops.

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 3 years of experience in research.
• Strong understanding of design research theory and proficiency with design research tools.
• Working knowledge of various design research methodologies.
• Proven experience working effectively on cross-functional teams.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• MA/MS degree or certification 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.
• Understanding and appreciation for the potential of ‘design thinking.’
• Experience working within a large organization and within an agile environment.
• Experience contributing to the launch of a digital product.

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. 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.

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