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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design research to shape AI-powered products and enhance user experience.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on innovation and user-centric design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving design excellence and user insights in cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in UI/UX design, with leadership experience in UX research.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: London, UK (3 days a week Work from the office.)
Job Type: Permanent
Mandatory: Our client is looking for local British Citizens only.
Role Overview
As a Principal Design Researcher, you will lead the integration of design and research to shape the next generation of AI-powered products. You will champion user-centered discovery, ensuring that every design decision is informed by deep insights into user behavior, psychology, and context. This role requires a thought leader who can blend design excellence with rigorous UX research, driving company-wide initiatives that make the Descrial product ecosystem smarter, more intuitive, and more valuable for users. You will focus on guiding product lifecycle strategies—activation, retention, and expansion—through evidence-based design research, experimentation, and system thinking.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead strategic UX research programs across product lifecycles (activation, retention, renewal) to uncover unmet user needs.
- Proactively identify opportunities where research insights can transform user experience and business outcomes.
- Design and execute mixed-method research (qualitative and quantitative) including interviews, usability testing, surveys, ethnographic studies, and behavioral analytics.
- Translate research findings into actionable design strategies, user journeys, and product recommendations.
- Partner with Product Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers to embed research into product development.
- Develop scalable research frameworks, playbooks, and systems that ensure repeatable excellence.
- Establish style standards and design principles informed by user evidence.
- Maintain an iterative mindset—continuously testing, learning, and refining.
- Advocate for the voice of the user across the organization, backing opinions with strong logic and data.
- Review product requirements and technical documents to provide meaningful, research-driven feedback.
Prerequisites
- Deep expertise in UX research methodologies (qualitative & quantitative).
- At least 3 years of leadership experience in UX research, guiding teams and influencing product strategy.
- Strong knowledge of human interaction design and usability principles.
- Balanced mindset regarding functional, aesthetically pleasing, and evidence-based design.
- Proficiency with design and research tools (Figma, Adobe Suite, UserTesting, Dovetail, Optimal Workshop, or similar).
- Demonstrated experience in technology product design and research.
- Experience working in Agile product environments.
Experience
- 10+ years in UI/UX design and research, with a proven track record of leading research-driven design initiatives.
- Minimum 3 years in UX research leadership roles, managing teams or programs.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in design, HCI, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Behavioral Science, or a related field from a premier institution.
- Advanced training in UX research or human-centered design is a plus.
Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Function: Information Technology
Industries: Financial Services, Banking, and Software Development
Principal Design Researcher in England employer: Rapinno Tech Solutions GmbH
Contact Detail:
Rapinno Tech Solutions GmbH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Researcher in England
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend design meetups, workshops, or conferences. You never know who might be looking for a Principal Design Researcher or who can refer you to someone who is.
✨Showcase Your Work
Create a killer portfolio that highlights your best projects and research insights. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing. This is your chance to show off your design excellence and how you’ve transformed user experiences!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to UX research. Be ready to discuss your methodologies and how you've influenced product strategies. Remember, confidence is key—show them you’re the thought leader they need!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Researcher in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Design Researcher role. Highlight your experience in UX research methodologies and how you've led teams to drive product strategy. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, emphasise your expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Share specific examples of how your research has transformed user experiences or influenced design decisions. This is your chance to shine a light on your analytical prowess!
Be User-Centric: Remember, this role is all about championing user-centred design. Illustrate how you've advocated for the voice of the user in past projects. We love seeing candidates who can back their opinions with strong logic and data, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rapinno Tech Solutions GmbH
✨Know Your Research Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on both qualitative and quantitative UX research methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects, especially in leading strategic UX research programmes. This will show your depth of knowledge and experience.
✨Showcase Your Design Thinking
Prepare to talk about how you blend design excellence with rigorous research. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to translate research findings into actionable design strategies. This is crucial for a role that champions user-centered discovery.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, such as Product Designers and Engineers. Discuss specific instances where your research has influenced product development and led to improved user experiences. This will showcase your collaborative spirit and impact.
✨Emphasise Your Iterative Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you maintain an iterative mindset in your work. Share examples of how you've continuously tested, learned, and refined your designs based on user feedback. This aligns perfectly with the role's focus on evidence-based design and user advocacy.