Design Researcher - Expert

Overview

Join a leading organization in the financial services sector, partnered with Aquent, that is dedicated to shaping the future of digital experiences through innovative and user-centered design. We are seeking a visionary expert to profoundly influence our product development and strategic decision-making. In this pivotal role, you will be the voice of our users, driving impactful insights that directly translate into exceptional digital products and services, fostering a culture of empathy and innovation across our teams.

**About the Role**

Are you a seasoned research professional with a passion for uncovering deep user insights and translating them into actionable strategies? We are thrilled to invite you to join our dynamic team, where you will play a critical role in guiding the development of groundbreaking digital solutions. You will collaborate closely with designers, product managers, and developers, acting as a strategic partner to identify key research opportunities, champion user needs, and ensure our products resonate deeply with our audience. Your expertise will not only shape individual projects but also contribute to our overarching design research strategy, fostering a truly user-centric approach throughout the organization.

**What You’ll Do**

As a key member of our team, you will:

* **Drive Design Research Strategy:**
* Cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders across design and business units to integrate research into strategic planning.
* Provide expert guidance to designers and business leaders on prioritizing impactful research initiatives.
* Architect comprehensive research fieldwork approaches, both moderated and unmoderated, that align with critical business and design objectives.
* **Execute and Analyze Research:**
* Design and implement diverse research activities to rigorously evaluate prototypes, deepen understanding of current user contexts, and anticipate evolving user needs.
* Expertly moderate live sessions with users and internal stakeholders, navigating high-complexity or sensitive topics with skill and empathy.
* Synthesize complex research data into clear, compelling core themes and communicate their strategic implications to design teams and other key stakeholders.
* Lead and facilitate engaging ideation sessions and collaborative work activities to foster innovation and shared understanding.

**Qualifications**

**Must-Have:**

* A 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 closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.
* 10+ years of dedicated experience in research.
* Demonstrated technical understanding of design research theory and proficiency with various design research tools.
* 10+ years of working knowledge across a wide variety of design research methodologies.
* 10+ years of experience collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

**Nice-to-Have:**

* An 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.
* A strong appreciation for the transformative potential of ‘design thinking’.
* Experience operating within a large organizational structure and an agile development environment.
* Prior experience contributing to the successful 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. 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.