At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user-centred design for public services, creating intuitive digital experiences.
- Company: Join the Intellectual Property Office, making a real difference in public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on mentoring and skill development.
- Why this job: Shape critical public services and champion accessibility for all users.
- Qualifications: Experience in user-centred design and proficiency in design tools like Figma.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Locations: Newport
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is looking for a Senior Interaction Designer to lead user-centred design across critical public services. This is an opportunity to work on large-scale transformation programmes, solving complex challenges and creating intuitive, accessible experiences that genuinely make a difference to users.
About The Role
At IPO, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team designing and improving public services that people rely on every day. You’ll play a key role in shaping how services work from end to end, turning user needs into simple, effective digital experiences. This is a senior role where you’ll not only deliver high-quality design work, but also influence best practice across teams, champion accessibility and help grow design capability within the organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Designing user-centred services across complex transformation programmes
- Creating user journeys, prototypes and interaction designs across multiple channels
- Collaborating with researchers, developers and stakeholders to turn insights into practical solutions
- Using data and evidence to inform and justify design decisions
- Championing high-quality, accessible design aligned to GOV.UK standards
- Promoting reusable design patterns and consistent user experiences
- Leading design activities such as critiques, workshops and design reviews
- Mentoring and supporting other designers to grow their skills
What We’re Looking For
- Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams delivering user-centred design
- Strong ability to design accessible, inclusive digital services
- Experience producing key design outputs (user journeys, service blueprints, site maps)
- Proficiency in tools such as Figma, Adobe XD or GOV.UK Prototype Kit
- Experience conducting or supporting usability testing
- Strong understanding of GOV.UK Design System and Service Standards
- Ability to influence teams and promote best practice design
- Experience mentoring or coaching other designers
Interested? This partner post gives you a quick overview.
Senior Interaction Designer - Public Services (GOV.UK) in Manchester employer: Manchester Digital
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newport where creativity and innovation thrive. As a Senior Interaction Designer, you will have the opportunity to lead user-centred design initiatives that directly impact public services, while benefiting from a culture that prioritises collaboration, professional growth, and accessibility. With a commitment to mentoring and developing talent, IPO provides a unique platform for designers to influence best practices and contribute to meaningful change in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Interaction Designer - Public Services (GOV.UK) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at IPO or similar organisations. A friendly chat can give you insights and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best user-centred design work. Tailor it to showcase projects that align with the role, especially those involving accessibility and public services.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common design challenges. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled complex problems and how you champion accessibility in your designs. We want to see your thought process!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Interaction Designer - Public Services (GOV.UK) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in user-centred design. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Interaction Designer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Design Process:When you describe your past work, focus on your design process. We love to see how you approach user journeys and prototypes, so include examples that demonstrate your ability to create intuitive and accessible experiences.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, make sure to mention your collaboration experiences. We’re keen to know how you’ve worked with researchers, developers, and stakeholders to turn insights into practical solutions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our team and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Know Your User-Centred Design Principles
Make sure you brush up on user-centred design principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, especially in agile environments. Highlight specific examples where your designs have improved user experiences.
✨Showcase Your Design Outputs
Prepare a portfolio that showcases your key design outputs like user journeys, prototypes, and service blueprints. Be ready to walk through your thought process for each piece, explaining how you used data and evidence to inform your decisions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GOV.UK Standards
Since this role is focused on public services, it’s crucial to understand the GOV.UK Design System and Service Standards. Familiarise yourself with their guidelines and be prepared to discuss how you would apply them in your work.
✨Demonstrate Your Mentoring Skills
As a senior designer, you'll be expected to mentor others. Think of examples where you've supported or coached fellow designers. Be ready to share your approach to fostering growth and best practices within a team.
