Design Researcher

Overview

**Join a leading financial institution that’s revolutionizing the digital landscape!** Aquent is partnering with an industry leader dedicated to delivering exceptional digital experiences. This organization places strategy, research, design principles, and technical innovation at the heart of everything they do, striving to be at the forefront of digital excellence. If you’re passionate about shaping impactful digital journeys and want to contribute to solutions used by millions, this is your chance to make a significant difference.

We’re looking for a talented individual to join a dynamic team as a Design Researcher. In this pivotal role, you won’t just conduct research; you’ll embed yourself within product teams, directly influencing critical decisions and ensuring every digital interaction feels important to our clients. You’ll be a key driver in shaping the experiences across all digital products, working collaboratively with designers, product managers, and developers to bring innovative solutions to life. This is an incredible opportunity to help define and evolve the practice of Design Research within a global leader.

This is a hybrid role, working 4 days per week onsite in our client’s Toronto office.

**What You’ll Do:**

As a Design Researcher, you will be instrumental in bridging the gap between user needs and product development. Your work will directly impact the strategic direction and success of our digital offerings.

* **Shape Design Research Strategy:**
* Cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders across design and business teams.
* Assist in prioritizing research activities that align with strategic objectives.
* Develop comprehensive fieldwork approaches, both moderated and unmoderated, to meet business and design goals.
* **Execute and Analyze Research:**
* Design and conduct diverse research activities to evaluate prototypes, deepen understanding of current contexts, and uncover evolving user needs.
* Facilitate live sessions with users and internal stakeholders, navigating complex or sensitive topics with expertise.
* Synthesize findings into clear, actionable themes and communicate their implications to design teams and broader stakeholders.
* Lead and facilitate ideation sessions and collaborative workshops to foster innovation.

**What’s in it for You:**

You’ll thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions are valued and heard. Surrounded by experts, you’ll work on solutions that impact millions, contributing to a company that genuinely prioritizes customer experience and stands as a global digital leader. This role offers the unique opportunity to push the boundaries of digital product design, improve lives, and help shape the future of Design Research as a practice.

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* 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 related field, or equivalent practical experience.
* A minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in design research.
* Strong technical understanding of design research theory and proficiency with relevant tools.
* Working knowledge and practical experience with a variety of design research methodologies.
* Proven experience collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* 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 principles and potential of ‘design thinking’.
* Experience operating within a large organization and working in an agile environment.
* Previous 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.

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