At a Glance
- Tasks: Design user flows and interaction models for a new public sector digital service.
- Company: Innovative tech consultancy focused on custom software solutions.
- Benefits: Remote-first work, competitive pay, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to establish design standards in a fast-paced, agile environment.
- Why this job: Shape impactful public services while collaborating with a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in interaction design, ideally with GDS knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Remote-first, with one day per month required on-site (Manchester or London)
Industry: Technology Consultancy
Employment type: Contract (Outside IR35), initial 4-month term, with high chance of extension
Highly desirable: GDS experience
Our client is an innovative technology consultancy that has just been awarded an exciting new piece of work with a public sector organisation. They specialise in the delivery of custom software solutions for private and public sector clients.
The Role
Working closely with a multi-disciplinary team including user researchers, content designers, service designers and engineers, you will shape how a brand-new public sector service behaves and flows, right from the start of the engagement. You’ll turn research insights and service concepts into clear, logical interaction models, working through user flows, task sequences, states and system responses. Your focus is on how things work, not how they look: getting the underlying behaviour, navigation and decision points right so that users can move through a service with as little friction as possible, all within (and contributing to) the GOV.UK Design System and wider public sector standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Designing clear, logical user flows and task sequences across a public sector digital service, from discovery through to live
- Defining interaction patterns and system behaviours, including states, transitions, error handling and edge cases
- Creating and iterating on wireframes and interactive prototypes to test and validate interaction concepts with users and stakeholders
- Applying and contributing to interaction patterns within design systems, including the GOV.UK Design System where relevant
- Translating research findings and service blueprints into detailed flow diagrams and interaction models
- Working closely with user researchers to test flows and iterate designs based on evidence
- Collaborating with engineers to ensure interaction logic and behaviour is carried through accurately into build
- Working in multidisciplinary agile teams, using fast feedback loops and iterative delivery across discovery, alpha, beta and live
- Presenting and defending interaction decisions to clients and stakeholders, including in show-and-tells and design crits
- Helping to establish interaction design standards and ways of working on a brand-new engagement
Required Skills and Experience
- Strong, demonstrable experience as a Senior Interaction Designer, ideally with public sector or government digital service delivery
- Solid understanding of GDS service standards, design principles and experience working with (or contributing to) the GOV.UK Design System
- Strong proficiency in tools such as Figma (or similar) for flow diagrams, wireframing and prototyping
- Deep grasp of interaction design principles, information architecture, task flows and usability heuristics
- Experience designing multi-device, responsive interaction patterns within component-based design systems
- Ability to work closely with user researchers and content designers, translating insight into iterative flow and interaction changes
- Comfortable presenting interaction rationale to senior stakeholders and clients who may be new to user-centred design
- Experience working in agile delivery teams, from discovery through to live service
- A strong portfolio demonstrating rigorous flow-based thinking and interaction craft, not just visual output
If you're a senior-level Interaction Designer who enjoys working in fast-paced agile environments, thinking rigorously about behaviour and flow, and shaping meaningful public sector outcomes.
Senior Interaction Designer in Manchester employer: Inara
Inara is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture, encouraging innovation and collaboration among its team members. With a focus on employee growth, Inara offers ample opportunities for professional development in the rapidly evolving field of digital workplace solutions. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values work-life balance and provides access to cutting-edge technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Interaction Designer in Manchester
✨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 Inara is looking for a Senior Interaction Designer, 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 Senior Interaction Designer in Manchester
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 Inara, 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 Inara know how you can effectively communicate and collaborate to create fantastic user experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inara
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary UX/UI design role at Inara, 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 Inara, 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 Inara will appreciate someone who can hit the ground running and be a quick study.
