Design Researcher

Overview

Aquent is partnering with a leading global financial institution committed to setting the industry standard for exceptional digital experiences. This organization is deeply invested in placing strategy, research, design principles, and technical innovation at the core of everything they do, striving to deliver unparalleled value to their clients and advisors.

Imagine shaping the future of digital interactions for millions, where every touchpoint feels intuitive, valuable, and truly important. As a pivotal Design Researcher, you will be the strategic and technical expert, bringing thought leadership and advanced research skills to the forefront. Your insights will directly enhance user experience, inform product and business strategy, and drive the development of groundbreaking digital solutions. This is your chance to make a profound impact, influencing business outcomes and uncovering new opportunities that redefine the digital landscape.

In this influential individual contributor role, you will lead complex research activities, collaborate with diverse teams, and translate intricate data into actionable strategies. You’ll not only contribute to but also actively shape the practice of design research within a dynamic digital organization, working on solutions used by millions.

**What You’ll Do:**

* **Design Research Strategy:**
* Direct strategic discussions with Design and cross-functional teams, offering expert advice and recommendations.
* Contribute to the development of innovative research methodologies and guide design peers on best practices.
* Evaluate and prioritize research activities to align with business objectives, building trust with key stakeholders and elevating research impact.
* **Research and Testing (Execution, Synthesis, Analysis):**
* Lead the planning, organization, and prioritization of research topics and activities to achieve product and design goals.
* Design and moderate multi-stage research and live sessions to evaluate prototypes, understand user needs, and validate design principles, including Accessibility and Inclusive Design.
* Drive the collation, synthesis, and translation of complex data into actionable insights, guiding design decisions and presenting findings to senior leadership.
* **Leadership:**
* Champion the design research practice within the digital organization, fostering relationships with stakeholders and providing expert guidance.
* Provide leadership and direction on design research standards, tools, and processes, offering coaching and mentorship to junior team members.

**What’s in it for you:**

You’ll thrive in a culture where designers are valued, heard, and supported by a team of exceptional peers. You’ll contribute to a company that prioritizes customer experience and is recognized as a global digital leader, pushing the boundaries of digital product design to improve lives. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of design research as a practice, influencing peers globally, all within an environment that respects work/life balance.

**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 equivalent practical experience.
* A minimum of 7 years of dedicated experience in Design Research.
* Strong technical understanding of design research theory and tools.
* Proficiency in a variety of design research methodologies.
* Demonstrated experience working effectively within cross-functional teams.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* MA/MS degree or certification in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Information Studies, Design, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a related field.
* An appreciation for the potential and application 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.
* Familiarity with AI-based applications.

**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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