At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative UX/UI solutions that enhance user experience for DWP services.
- Company: Join DWP, the UK's largest government department, making a real impact on millions of lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, a generous pension, and 26-31 days of holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team driving digital innovation with a focus on accessibility and user needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in user-focused design, prototyping, and knowledge of WCAG 2.1 guidelines required.
- Other info: Work in vibrant hubs across Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, or Sheffield with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 39648 - 92481 £ per year.
Pay up to £66,058, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work-life balance.
DWP Digital is looking for a Senior Interaction Designer to join our community of tech experts. We are using fresh ideas and leading-edge technology to build and maintain digital solutions that will be used by nearly every person in the UK, every day and at key moments in their lives. DWP is the UK’s largest government department, helping people into work and making payments worth over £195bn a year to support and empower millions of people.
What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- User Focus: Work with User Researchers to plan and develop research activities that help teams to better understand users.
- Evidence and Context Based Design: Lead the design of solutions based on evidence and help identify any gaps in knowledge.
- Prototyping: Use a variety of prototyping tools and methodologies, advising others on prototyping best practices.
- Communication: Present your work and explain ideas clearly. Actively listen to others and facilitate discussions.
- Accessibility: Promote inclusive design and design with accessibility in mind, familiar with WCAG 2.1 guidelines and able to design to meet AA standards.
- Collaboration: Engage others in the design process, offer advice on improving working practices, and lead community activities across workstreams and departmental areas.
You and your role:
As a Senior Interaction Designer, you will drive innovation, creating new UX/UI designs that are simpler, faster, and easier to use, making DWP systems and services accessible to all. You will make design choices based on user data and user research, and create prototypes to test that your designs meet the needs of the end user. You will work in collaborative agile teams alongside researchers, developers, product managers, architects, and more to deliver services that work for our users. You will also be part of a wider DWP design community where you can share solutions and best practices, and access learning and development opportunities.
Details:
- Location: Join us in one of our digital hubs in Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, or Sheffield.
- Hybrid Working: Spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face-to-face in a hub.
- Pay: Competitive pay of up to £66,058.
- Pension: A civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, up to £19,090 per year.
- Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days, rising to 31 days over time, plus public holidays.
- Benefits: An award-winning environment and culture, flexible working, time off volunteering, discounts and savings, interest-free loans for commuting, sports and social activities, and professional development opportunities.
Process:
Our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: Complete your application on Civil Service Jobs.
- Interview: A single stage interview online.
CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.
Senior Interaction Designer employer: Department for Work and Pensions
Contact Detail:
Department for Work and Pensions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Interaction Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the WCAG 2.1 guidelines and ensure you can discuss how you've implemented accessibility in your previous projects. This will show that you understand the importance of inclusive design, which is crucial for the Senior Interaction Designer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your prototyping skills by bringing examples of your work to the interview. Be ready to explain your design choices and how user data influenced your decisions, as this aligns with the evidence-based design approach DWP values.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you worked with cross-functional teams, as this role requires strong collaboration with researchers, developers, and product managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the DWP design community online before your interview. This could involve following their social media channels or participating in discussions. Showing that you're already invested in their community can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Interaction Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Interaction Designer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as user focus, prototyping, and accessibility standards.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your work in user research, evidence-based design, and collaboration within agile teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for user-centred design and your understanding of DWP's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully implemented inclusive design and collaborated with cross-functional teams.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a link to your portfolio that demonstrates your design process, prototypes, and final outcomes. Make sure to highlight projects that reflect your ability to create accessible and user-friendly designs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Work and Pensions
✨Showcase Your User-Centric Approach
As a Senior Interaction Designer, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of user needs. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with user researchers in the past and share specific examples of how user feedback has influenced your design decisions.
✨Highlight Your Prototyping Skills
Prototyping is a key part of the role. Bring examples of your work that showcase your proficiency with various prototyping tools and methodologies. Be ready to explain your process and how you ensure best practices are followed.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
During the interview, focus on your ability to present ideas clearly. Practice explaining complex design concepts in simple terms, as this will be essential when collaborating with cross-functional teams. Active listening is equally important, so engage with the interviewers' questions thoughtfully.
✨Emphasise Accessibility and Inclusivity
DWP values inclusive design, so make sure to discuss your knowledge of accessibility standards, particularly WCAG 2.1. Share examples of how you've incorporated accessibility into your designs and why it matters to you as a designer.