Principal Design Researcher in London

Principal Design Researcher in London

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design research to shape AI-powered products and enhance user experiences.
  • Company: Innovative tech firm focused on user-centered design and research.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • 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.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team in London, working 3 days a week in the office.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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.

Experience:

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.

Principal Design Researcher in London employer: Rapinno Tech Solutions GmbH

As a Principal Design Researcher at our London office, you will join a dynamic team that values innovation and user-centric design, fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages creativity and professional growth. We offer competitive benefits, including flexible working arrangements, opportunities for continuous learning, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
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Contact Detail:

Rapinno Tech Solutions GmbH Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Design Researcher in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design and research field. Attend meetups, webinars, or even casual coffee chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially projects that showcase your UX research skills. When you get an interview, be ready to discuss your process and how your research has influenced design decisions.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to UX research and design. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership experience and your ability to advocate for user needs. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence.

✨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 are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that Principal Design Researcher role!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Researcher in London

UX Research Methodologies
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
User-Centered Design
Design Strategy
Mixed-Method Research
Usability Testing
Behavioral Analytics
Product Lifecycle Management
Collaboration with Product Teams
Design Tools (Figma, Adobe Suite, UserTesting, Dovetail, Optimal Workshop)
Agile Methodologies
Human Interaction Design
Iterative Design Process

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Design Researcher role. Highlight your experience in UX research methodologies and leadership roles, showcasing how you've influenced product strategy in the past.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about user-centered design and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Be sure to mention specific projects that demonstrate your skills.

Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role is all about blending design and research, make sure to include examples of your mixed-method research projects. Talk about how your insights have transformed user experiences and business outcomes.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rapinno Tech Solutions GmbH

✨Know Your User-Centred Design Inside Out

As a Principal Design Researcher, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centred design principles. Brush up on your knowledge of UX research methodologies and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. Think about specific examples where your insights led to significant improvements in user experience.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

This role requires strong leadership skills, so be prepared to talk about your experience guiding teams and influencing product strategy. Share stories that highlight your ability to lead strategic UX research programmes and how you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive initiatives forward.

✨Prepare for Mixed-Method Research Discussions

Since the job involves designing and executing mixed-method research, be ready to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Bring examples of how you’ve conducted interviews, usability testing, or surveys, and how these findings shaped design strategies. This will show your practical expertise and thought process.

✨Emphasise Your Iterative Mindset

The role calls for an iterative mindset, so be sure to convey your approach to continuous testing and learning. Discuss how you’ve refined designs based on user feedback and data, and how this has led to better product outcomes. Highlighting your adaptability and commitment to improvement will resonate well with the interviewers.

Principal Design Researcher in London
Rapinno Tech Solutions GmbH
Location: London
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