Design Researcher

Overview

Partner with Aquent to join a global leader in financial services, committed to setting the industry standard for exceptional digital experiences. This organization places strategy, in-depth research, design principles, and technical innovation at the core of every solution, impacting millions of lives daily.

Are you a visionary who thrives on understanding user needs and translating them into impactful digital solutions? We are seeking an exceptional professional to join a dynamic team, where your insights will directly shape the digital journey for countless users. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in ensuring every interaction feels important and intuitive, driving the evolution of digital products through robust research and collaborative design. This is your chance to make a tangible difference, influencing product development from conception to launch within a supportive and innovative environment.

**What You’ll Do:**

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and developers, to identify critical decisions requiring research input.
* Propose and execute diverse research methodologies, encompassing both moderated and unmoderated approaches, to address key business and design objectives.
* Conduct fieldwork and moderate live sessions with users and internal stakeholders, delving into complex or sensitive topics to uncover deep insights.
* Synthesize research findings and communicate core themes, implications, and actionable recommendations to design teams and broader stakeholders.
* Design and facilitate engaging ideation sessions and collaborative workshops to foster shared understanding and drive innovative solutions.
* Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across design and business units to support the prioritization of research activities.
* Develop research activities to evaluate prototypes, enhance understanding of current user contexts, and anticipate evolving user needs.

You will thrive in a culture that values inclusion, collaboration, and continuous growth, surrounded by peers who are experts in their fields. This role offers the unique opportunity to work on solutions used by millions, contributing to an organization that is a global digital leader and deeply committed to customer experience. You will be at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of digital product design, directly improving the lives of the people and communities served. Furthermore, you will play a significant part in shaping the practice of design research, setting an example for peers worldwide.

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* Bachelor’s 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.
* Technical understanding of design research theory and design research tools.
* Working knowledge of a variety of design research methodologies.
* Proven experience working effectively within cross-functional teams.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* Master’s 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.
* An appreciation for the potential of ‘design thinking’.
* Experience working within a large organization and in an agile environment.
* 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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