At a Glance
- Tasks: Design clear, accessible digital interactions for government services impacting millions.
- Company: Join hedgehog lab, a trusted consultancy with 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Opportunity to work on innovative projects at the forefront of technology.
- Other info: Potential office presence in Newcastle; flexible working environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while growing your design skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in interaction design for government services and strong prototyping skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is an upcoming opportunity. The role is not yet live but we expect to be hiring shortly. Register your interest now and we'll be in touch as soon as the position opens.
We're looking for an Interaction Designer to join hedgehog lab on a contract basis, designing clear, accessible digital interactions for government services used by millions of people. You'll own the interaction design across features and flows, from early concepts through to production-ready patterns, working closely with user researchers, content designers, and developers to ship things that actually work. You'll know when to follow an established pattern and when to challenge it.
Location note: This role may require presence at a DWP office in Newcastle for approximately 1–2 days per week. While this isn't confirmed, it's something candidates should be prepared for. We'd therefore encourage applications from candidates based within a commutable distance of Newcastle.
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience designing interactions for government or public sector services
- Deep familiarity with the GOV.UK Design System and when to deviate from it
- Strong prototyping skills; you can build something testable quickly
- A clear, evidence-based approach to design decisions
- Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2) and what inclusive design means in practice
Why hedgehog lab? You'll be joining a consultancy with 20 years of experience trusted by global brands, working at the intersection of AI and software engineering. The work is genuinely at the frontier of where the industry is heading, and you'll have the space to grow with it.
To register your interest, please apply via this advert with a copy of your CV and your expected day rate.
Interaction Designer | Contract (Upcoming Role) employer: hedgehog lab
At hedgehog lab, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and inclusivity. As an Interaction Designer, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful government projects that serve millions, with access to professional growth and development in a supportive environment. Our Newcastle office fosters a dynamic atmosphere where your contributions are recognised, and you can truly make a difference in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interaction Designer | Contract (Upcoming Role)
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your best mate. Make sure to showcase a variety of projects that highlight your design process, not just the final product. Include case studies that tell a story about how you approached the problem and the impact of your design solutions.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Dive into online design communities like Dribbble, Behance, or even UX forums on Reddit. These platforms not only allow you to showcase your work but also help you connect with potential clients and fellow designers. Plus, attending local design meetups or online webinars can open up freelance opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Nail Your Pitch
When reaching out to potential clients, tailor your pitches to their specific needs. Highlight how your skills align with their projects and mention any related work you've done. Remember, clients love to see how you can add value to their business, so be clear about what you can bring to the table.
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Showcase your design work on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. Post regularly and engage with your audience; ask for feedback on your designs or share insights into your creative process. This not only builds your brand but can lead to potential clients sliding into your DMs!
We think you need these skills to ace Interaction Designer | Contract (Upcoming Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Portfolio:As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it’s packed with your best work, showcasing your design process, user flows, and final products. Highlight projects that demonstrate not just your aesthetic skills but also your ability to solve real user problems.
Tailor Your Application to hedgehog lab:When applying for the freelance role of Interaction Designer | Contract (Upcoming Role) at hedgehog lab, take a moment to research their style and design language. Customising your CV and portfolio to align with their brand aesthetics shows you're not just any designer, but the perfect fit for their team.
Crisp and Clear Proposals:When you pitch yourself, be direct about what you can bring to the table. Outline your skills clearly and mention your rates upfront. A straightforward proposal lets hedgehog lab know you're professional and ready to hit the ground running!
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Freelance roles often involve working with various clients. Make sure to showcase any previous collaboration experiences in your CV. Mention how you’ve worked with developers, marketers, or stakeholders to create designs that keep all parties happy — that's a key selling point for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at hedgehog lab
✨Showcase Your Portfolio like a Pro
Your portfolio is your calling card, so make sure it’s not just pretty but also tells a story. Arrange your best UX/UI design projects in a way that highlights your thought process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Talk about the challenges you faced and how you tackled them—freelancers need to show they can handle real-world problems.
✨Use Design Tools Effectively
Familiarity with design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD is crucial in our field. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools in real scenarios. They might ask specific technical questions about how you’d approach a design problem or your workflow, so brush up on those details and think of examples from your previous freelance projects.
✨Prepare for Client-Centric Questions
As a freelancer, you'll be client-facing, so expect questions about handling client feedback and managing expectations. Prepare examples of how you've dealt with difficult situations or miscommunications in previous projects. Your ability to communicate effectively with clients is a major selling point, and it’s worth stressing how well you can read and meet their needs.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Self-Management
Freelance work requires a lot of self-discipline and time management. Be prepared to discuss how you organise your time, juggle multiple clients, and prioritise tasks. Sharing how you've successfully managed deadlines and client relationships in the past can really set you apart from the competition and show that you're more than just a designer—you're a complete package.
