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- Tasks: Conduct UX research and design user-centred digital services for students and staff.
- Company: Join Lancaster University, a leader in reshaping digital experiences through innovative design.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, a supportive team, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on thousands of users while collaborating in a creative, research-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in UX design, research, and proficiency with tools like Figma and Miro required.
- Other info: This role promotes a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement in digital services.
The predicted salary is between 39355 - 45413 £ per year.
Product Design Specialist
ISS – Design and Innovation
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,355 to £45,413 (Full-time indefinite)
Closing Date: Friday 05 September 2025
Interview Date: Thursday 11 September 2025
Reference: 0629-25
At Lancaster University, we’re reshaping how students and staff interact with our digital services, using research-driven, human-centred UX practices to design experiences that are accessible, intuitive and informed by genuine user insight.
We’re looking for a Product Design Specialist to join our Design & Innovation Team in Information Systems Services (ISS). In this role you’ll help uncover user insights through research, turn them into practical, user-centred design outcomes and contribute to services that truly work for the people who use them.
What You’ll Do
- Plan and carry out UX research, including interviews, usability testing and surveys, to understand staff and student behaviours, needs and challenges.
- Synthesise findings into actionable insights, helping shape priorities, problem definitions and user-centred solutions.
- Facilitate co-design sessions, workshops and feedback activities to explore and evaluate ideas collaboratively.
- Develop artefacts such as personas, journey maps, wireframes, mock-ups and prototypes to explore and communicate design approaches.
- Iterate designs through evidence-based testing and stakeholder feedback, ensuring they are both usable and inclusive.
- Ensure all designs meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2, PSBAR) and align with the University’s visual and brand guidelines.
- Collaborate with developers and colleagues across the digital ecosystem to bring ideas to life effectively and consistently.
- Contribute to an evolving design library / design system, UX principles and shared practices across the wider digital community.
Who We’re Looking For
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Have experience in designing user-centred digital services, particularly through UX research and prototyping.
- Confidence conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research and synthesising insights into clear, evidence-based design decisions.
- Proficiency with design and collaboration tools such as Figma, FigJam, Miro, or similar.
- Have a solid grasp of accessibility, inclusive design and interaction best practices.
- Have good communication skills, with the ability to present and explain your work to a range of audiences.
- Are committed to collaborative design; open to critical feedback, discussion and iteration as part of a cross-functional team.
- Work closely with users, developers, product teams and stakeholders – not just to share ideas, but to co-create, iterate and deliver solutions that meet real needs.
- Are open-minded and approach problems with curiosity, not fixed opinions.
- Value evidence over instinct and enjoy translating user research into design decisions.
- Work transparently and communicate clearly, sharing ideas early, listening to feedback and iterating together.
Why join us at Lancaster University?This role is part of a collaborative, human-centred team where research, discussion and feedback shape the work – not personal preference or opinion. You’ll be part of a supportive, research-led team that’s improving digital services across a complex, meaningful environment. This is a chance to apply your UX expertise where it really matters; enhancing everyday experiences for thousands of students and staff and contributing to the future of digital in Higher Education.
Location and flexibility:
The role is based at Lancaster University’s Bailrigg campus, with flexible hybrid working arrangements. We expect team members to be on campus for at least two days a week.
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Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
Find out what it\’s like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.
The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
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Product Design Specialist - 0629-25 employer: Lancaster University Conferences and Events+
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Conferences and Events+ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Design Specialist - 0629-25
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest UX research methodologies and tools. Being well-versed in techniques like usability testing and user interviews will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to user-centred design during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your collaborative skills by engaging in design communities or forums. Participating in co-design sessions or workshops can help you build a network and gain insights that are valuable for the role, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on accessibility standards, particularly WCAG 2.2. Understanding these guidelines will not only enhance your designs but also show that you prioritise inclusivity, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your design process in detail during the interview. Be ready to explain how you translate user research into actionable design decisions, as this will highlight your analytical skills and ability to work within a team.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Design Specialist - 0629-25
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in user-centred design, UX research, and prototyping. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in conducting research and synthesising insights.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for improving digital services and how your background aligns with the role. Mention your familiarity with tools like Figma and your commitment to accessibility and inclusive design.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a link to your portfolio that showcases your best work in UX design. Highlight projects where you conducted user research, developed prototypes, and iterated designs based on feedback.
Prepare for the Interview: Think about how you can discuss your design process and experiences in detail. Be ready to explain how you incorporate user feedback into your designs and your approach to collaboration within cross-functional teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University Conferences and Events+
✨Showcase Your UX Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with UX research methods. Highlight specific projects where you conducted interviews, usability testing, or surveys, and explain how you synthesised the findings into actionable insights.
✨Demonstrate Your Design Process
Bring examples of your design artefacts such as personas, journey maps, or prototypes. Be ready to walk the interviewers through your design process, explaining how you iterated based on feedback and testing.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, share experiences that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you’ve facilitated co-design sessions or workshops and how you value input from others.
✨Understand Accessibility Standards
Familiarise yourself with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure your designs are inclusive and meet these standards, as well as any relevant experiences you have in this area.