At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of engaging digital puzzle experiences and create intuitive user journeys.
- Company: Join Puzzler, a company reinventing digital puzzles with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on accessibility and inclusive design.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital entertainment while shaping the future of puzzles.
- Qualifications: Experience in UX/UI design for gaming or highly engaging digital products.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of Digital Puzzle Experiences
At Puzzler, we're on a mission to reinvent the digital puzzle experience.
As part of an exciting product transformation, we're redesigning our B2B digital puzzle platform to create a modern, engaging, mobile-first experience that delights players while supporting the needs of our partners and clients.
We're looking for an experienced Lead Product Designer (UX/UI) with a background in gamification, gaming, puzzles, behavioural design or highly engaging digital consumer products to lead this journey.
You'll play a key role in transforming traditional puzzle formats into a contemporary digital entertainment experience that encourages engagement, completion and repeat play.
This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on a well-established product as we prepare to enter new markets and accelerate growth.
What You'll Be Doing
You'll lead the UX and UI design of key areas of the Puzzler digital experience, helping create products that are intuitive, accessible and designed with engagement at their core.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading the design of modern, mobile-first digital puzzle experiences.
- Creating intuitive user journeys that balance simplicity, engagement and enjoyment.
- Applying gamification principles and behavioural design techniques to encourage repeat play and customer engagement.
- Conducting user research and translating insights into compelling product experiences.
- Producing wireframes, prototypes, user flows and high-fidelity designs.
- Developing scalable design systems that support multiple puzzle formats and partner brands.
- Collaborating closely with product, engineering and commercial stakeholders throughout delivery.
- Championing accessibility and inclusive design best practice.
- Redesigned key elements of Puzzler's white-label digital offering and delivered modern user experiences aligned to the product vision.
- What Success Looks Like
By the end of the contract you will have
- Redesigned key elements of Puzzler's white-label digital offering.
- Delivered modern user experiences aligned to the product vision.
- Established scalable and configurable design systems capable of supporting multiple puzzle types and brands.
- Enhanced engagement through thoughtful UX, visual design and gamification principles.
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience
- Experience designing UX/UI for digital puzzles, mobile games, gaming products or highly gamified digital experiences.
- Experience creating products that use engagement mechanics such as rewards, achievements, progression systems, personalisation or habit-forming user journeys.
- Strong experience collaborating with developers throughout build, testing and delivery.
- Experience creating or evolving scalable design systems.
- A portfolio demonstrating impactful, user-centred digital product design.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working on configurable or white-label products.
- Experience supporting multiple brands, audiences or customer experiences from a common platform.
Skills & Knowledge
You’ll bring
- Expertise in UX methodologies, including user research, information architecture, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping and usability testing.
- A strong understanding of gamification, player motivation, engagement loops and behavioural design.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles.
- Proficiency with modern design tools such as Figma.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain design decisions to technical and non-technical audiences, including commercial teams and senior decision-makers across a white-label product environment.
- Closing date for applications 23rd November 2026 at 4pm
Lead Product Designer (UX/UI) - Gamification & Puzzles (5m FTC) in London employer: D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd.
DC Thomson is an exceptional employer that values storytelling and creativity, offering a collaborative work culture where your editorial skills can shine across beloved magazine titles like The People’s Friend and My Weekly. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your expertise in both print and digital publishing while working alongside experienced teams dedicated to maintaining high editorial standards. Located in a vibrant environment, this role not only allows you to refine your craft but also to contribute to content that resonates with generations of readers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Product Designer (UX/UI) - Gamification & Puzzles (5m FTC) in London
✨Get Your Work Out There
As a temporary UX/UI designer, it’s crucial to have a solid portfolio that showcases your best projects. Share your designs on platforms like Behance or Dribbble, and don't shy away from seeking feedback in design communities. The more visible you are, the better your chances of snagging that next gig!
✨Join Design Meet-ups
Networking in the UX/UI design field can be a game changer. Attend local design meet-ups or workshops to connect with other designers and potential employers. These casual settings often lead to freelance or temporary job opportunities that are not advertised widely. Plus, it’s a great way to share ideas and get inspired!
✨Flexible Platforms for Temporary Roles
Use job platforms that focus on temporary roles, like Creative Circle or Similar. These sites often have listings specifically for short-term design projects, making it easier for you to find quick gigs. Make sure your profiles on these platforms are up to date and highlight your availability!
✨Slide into Direct Applications
When you see a company like D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. is looking for a Lead Product Designer (UX/UI) - Gamification & Puzzles (5m FTC), don’t just rely on job boards. Check out their careers page and apply directly! Companies often prefer candidates who show initiative and genuine interest in their work, plus you might find opportunities that haven't been widely advertised yet.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product Designer (UX/UI) - Gamification & Puzzles (5m FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your portfolio:Since you're diving into UX/UI design, make sure your portfolio is front and centre. We want to see your design process, not just the final products. Share case studies that explain your thought process, the problems you solved, and how you approached user research!
Tailor your CV for the design world:In UX/UI design, your CV should reflect your creative side! Highlight relevant design skills, software you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and any user experience methodologies you’ve employed. Keep it sleek and visually appealing—after all, we’re in design!
Emphasise your adaptability:Because this is a temporary role with D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd., we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention examples of how you’ve adapted to tight deadlines or changing project scopes in the past. Showcase that flexibility and eagerness to learn!
Highlight collaboration experience:UX/UI design is all about teamwork. When you’re applying, mention any experiences where you’ve worked closely with developers, product managers, or other designers. Let D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. know how you can effectively communicate and collaborate to create fantastic user experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary UX/UI design role at D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd., your portfolio is your best friend. Bring along a digital copy and be ready to discuss your design process, the challenges you faced in your past projects, and how you solved them. This is a great opportunity to showcase your adaptability and how quickly you can deliver results.
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
In the world of UX/UI design, familiarity with tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD is crucial. Make sure you can comfortably talk about projects you’ve completed with these tools and any unique features you’ve leveraged. The interviewer might throw in some technical questions about these tools, so be prepared!
✨Understand the Company’s Design Voice
For a temporary gig at D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd., it's key to understand their brand and design ethos. Dive into their past projects or any current designs they may have on their website. Showing that you’re aligned with their visual style and user experience approach will help you stand out during the interview.
✨Flexibility is Key
As it’s a temporary position, highlight your ability to adapt and learn quickly. Discuss previous experiences where you’ve had to pivot your design approach or work under tight deadlines. Employers like D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. will appreciate someone who can hit the ground running and be a quick study.
