AI-First Product Designer 【AIファースト プロダクトデザイナー】

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: AI-First Product Designer 【AIファースト プロダクトデザイナー】

Company: SmartNews

Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: August 7, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid to Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design and AI-driven prototyping for a leading news app with millions of users in the Japanese market.

• Bridge the gap between user needs, business goals, and AI technology by transforming insights into intuitive, high-impact experiences, with a focus on AI-powered summarization and personalized discovery tools.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers to build, test, and refine interactive, code-built prototypes, pushing the boundaries of traditional product design.

• Maintain a high bar for visual and interaction craft, ensuring designs are specifically tailored to the nuances of the Japanese mobile consumer market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description clearly indicate a strong focus on "AI-First" product design, emphasizing the use of AI coding tools alongside traditional design software. This role requires a candidate who is not only a skilled product designer but also comfortable with emerging AI technologies and their application in prototyping and user experience development, particularly for a consumer mobile product in the Japanese market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for Japanese product features, from early-stage prototyping and discovery through to high-fidelity execution and launch.

• Utilize AI coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, Cursor) to build, test, and validate interactive prototypes, complementing traditional Figma workflows.

• Partner closely with Product Managers and Engineers to build, test, and refine interactive, code-built prototypes, bridging the gap between design concepts and development workflows.

• Maintain a high standard for visual and interaction design craft, ensuring designs and live prototypes are optimized for the Japanese mobile consumer market.

• Synthesize findings from user research and quantitative data into actionable design improvements, ensuring product and feature changes solve real user pain points.

• Ensure designs are technically feasible, aligned with business KPIs, and seamlessly integrated into the development cycle through cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, execution-focused role where the designer is expected to be a primary owner of the design craft and a key contributor to interactive, code-built prototypes. This goes beyond typical UI/UX design, requiring a blend of design skills and technical prototyping capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in product design, with a significant portion focused on consumer mobile products.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in AI-First Design & Prototyping, proficient in using AI coding tools to build interactive prototypes beyond traditional Figma workflows.

• Strong track record of designing for large-scale, successful consumer mobile products for the Japanese market, demonstrating a deep understanding of local UI patterns and aesthetic nuances.

• Excellent visual and interaction design craft with a keen eye for detail and user experience optimization.

• Solid product owner mindset and problem-solving abilities, balancing user needs, business goals, technical constraints, and product strategy.

• Highly collaborative communication skills, capable of clearly articulating design choices and their rationale to Product Managers and Engineers.

• Conversational proficiency in both Japanese and English to enable effective collaboration within local and global teams. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Project Management or Product Management.

• Experience working with news, media, or content platforms.

• Strong experience in planning and conducting UX research through user interviews.

• Experience building and maintaining Design Systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for AI coding tool proficiency for prototyping is a key differentiator for this role, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to product design. The emphasis on the Japanese market expertise and dual language proficiency is critical for success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of AI-first prototyping capabilities, showcasing interactive prototypes built with AI coding tools alongside traditional design tools.

• Case studies of successful consumer mobile products designed for the Japanese market, highlighting an understanding of local UI patterns, aesthetic nuances, and user behaviors.

• Examples of end-to-end design process, from initial research and concept development to high-fidelity execution and launch, with a focus on user pain point resolution.

• Evidence of collaborative work with Product Managers and Engineers, illustrating how design concepts were translated into functional prototypes and aligned with technical constraints and business KPIs.

• Projects that showcase problem-solving skills, balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility to deliver simple yet effective user experiences. Process Documentation:

• Documentation of how AI tools were integrated into the design and prototyping workflow to accelerate iteration and validation.

• Examples of user research findings and quantitative data being synthesized into actionable design improvements and feature enhancements.

• Case studies detailing the process of aligning design decisions with cross-functional teams, ensuring technical feasibility and KPI alignment.

• Demonstrations of the design system's contribution to maintaining visual and interaction craft consistency across the Japanese mobile consumer product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should explicitly showcase the candidate's ability to leverage AI for prototyping, a core differentiator of this role. It needs to demonstrate not just design skills but also the ability to integrate new technologies and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (5-10 years) and the specialized skills (AI prototyping, Japanese market expertise), and the location (Shibuya, Tokyo), a competitive salary range for a Product Designer in Japan would typically fall between ¥8,000,000 and ¥14,000,000 JPY annually. This estimate accounts for the advanced technical skills and the demand for experienced designers in the Tokyo tech market.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and social insurance coverage as required by Japanese labor law.

• Annual health check-ups.

• Visa sponsorship and overseas relocation support for eligible candidates, facilitating international talent acquisition.

• Access to a dynamic and innovative work environment at the SmartNews Tokyo office.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement. Flexibility may be available, but the core expectation is a commitment to project timelines and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for experienced Product Designers in Tokyo, with an upward adjustment for the specialized AI prototyping skills and the "AI-First" focus. The inclusion of visa sponsorship and relocation support is a significant benefit for international candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (News & Information Services)

Company Size: SmartNews operates globally with offices in Japan, the US, and Singapore. While the exact number of employees isn't specified in the provided text, the company is described as a "global startup" with a significant user base, suggesting a mid-to-large size organization with a dynamic, fast-paced culture.

Founded: June 15, 2012. This indicates a company with established operations but still retaining a startup spirit, focused on innovation and global expansion.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is dedicated to user-centric innovation within the consumer product space, focusing on both Japanese and US markets.

• This role will be part of the Consumer Product Design team, working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Business members.

• The structure encourages close collaboration between design, product, and engineering to ensure seamless integration and rapid prototyping. Methodology:

• User-centric design principles are paramount, aiming to revolutionize news consumption.

• A strong emphasis on AI-First innovation and prototyping, pushing beyond traditional design tools.

• Data-informed design, utilizing research and quantitative data to drive improvements.

• Agile development methodologies are implied through close cross-functional collaboration and iterative prototyping.

Company Website: [SmartNews Careers Site Link - inferred from context]

📝 Enhancement Note: SmartNews positions itself as a global tech company with a strong mission. The culture likely blends the innovation and speed of a startup with the structure and resources of a more established company, particularly given its significant user base and international presence. The "AI-First" approach suggests a forward-thinking and experimental culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level Product Designer role, indicated by the 5-10 years of experience requirement and the expectation of leading design for key features. The "AI-First" aspect adds a layer of specialization, positioning the candidate at the forefront of emerging design trends.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report into a Design Lead or Head of Design, working closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads on specific feature streams. This structure emphasizes cross-functional teamwork.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on how millions of Japanese users consume news daily. Success means enhancing user engagement, retention, and satisfaction, which in turn contributes to the company's business objectives and the value of its media ecosystem. The AI focus suggests an impact on future product strategy and competitive positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in AI-driven design and prototyping, becoming a leader in this emerging field within product design.

• Opportunity to shape the future of news consumption for a massive user base in Japan and potentially influence global product strategy.

• Potential to contribute to the development and evolution of SmartNews's design system.

• Advance into more senior design roles, mentorship positions, or explore Product Management paths given the cross-functional nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to specialize in AI-first design, a highly sought-after skill. The impact is significant, and the growth potential lies in developing cutting-edge design skills and influencing product direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Shibuya, Tokyo, with a hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a modern office environment designed to facilitate collaboration and innovation, with dedicated spaces for individual work and team meetings.

Office Location(s): Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. This is a prime business and technology hub in Tokyo, offering excellent accessibility and a vibrant urban environment.

Workspace Context:

• A hybrid model necessitates a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

• The office environment is likely equipped with the necessary tools and technology to support advanced design and prototyping, including access to AI coding tools and collaborative software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams (PMs, Engineers, other Designers) are a key feature of the in-office days, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule with a hybrid arrangement is expected. While specific hours may offer some flexibility, the emphasis on collaboration and prototyping suggests that timely communication and availability during core working hours are important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with a prime Tokyo location, offers a blend of flexibility and in-person collaboration. The emphasis on AI tools suggests the workspace will be equipped with cutting-edge technology.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and portfolio review to assess core design skills, AI prototyping experience, and Japanese market expertise.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on specific case studies that demonstrate AI-first prototyping, end-to-end design process, and collaborative problem-solving. This may include a presentation and discussion of their work.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to evaluate collaboration skills, communication clarity, technical understanding, and strategic thinking regarding user needs and business goals.

• Cultural Fit & Language Assessment: Discussions to assess alignment with SmartNews's mission and culture, and to confirm conversational proficiency in both Japanese and English.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Prototyping: Dedicate sections of your portfolio to showcase projects where you've used AI coding tools (Claude Code, Cursor) for prototyping. Explain the process, the tools used, and the impact on design iteration speed or fidelity.

• Showcase Japanese Market Expertise: Clearly articulate your understanding of Japanese UI patterns, cultural nuances, and aesthetic preferences in your case studies. Explain how these insights influenced your design decisions.

• Demonstrate End-to-End Ownership: Walk through the entire design lifecycle for at least one key project, from problem definition and user research to solution design, prototyping, and collaboration with engineering.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs in terms of user engagement, retention, or problem resolution.

• Explain the "Why": Be prepared to articulate the strategic rationale behind your design choices, linking them to user needs, business objectives, and technical considerations.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Prototyping Practice: Familiarize yourself with AI coding tools and practice building simple interactive prototypes. Be ready to discuss their advantages and limitations.

• Case Study Preparation: Select 2-3 strong projects from your portfolio that best represent your AI-first capabilities, Japanese market experience, and collaborative approach. Prepare concise narratives for each.

• Cross-Functional Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would collaborate with PMs and engineers, resolve design disagreements, and balance competing priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's practical application of AI in design and their deep understanding of the Japanese market. The portfolio is critical for demonstrating these specific skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be the primary static design tool for creating wireframes, mockups, and design systems.

• AI Coding Tools (e.g., Claude Code, Cursor): Essential for building interactive, code-built prototypes and pushing the boundaries of traditional design. Proficiency here is a key differentiator.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond AI tools, other standard prototyping software might be used for specific functionalities or presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) for data-informed design is highly valuable.

• Ability to interpret user data and research findings to inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this design role, but understanding how design integrates with product development and user feedback loops is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and AI coding tools like Claude Code and Cursor highlights the specific technical requirements of this role, setting it apart from standard product design positions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving user pain points to improve their daily experience with news.

• AI-First Innovation: Embracing and leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to redefine product experiences and design processes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using research and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Collaboration & Alignment: Working effectively across disciplines to ensure designs are technically feasible, strategically aligned, and seamlessly integrated.

• Craftsmanship & Detail: Maintaining a high standard for visual and interaction design, with a keen eye for detail, especially for the Japanese market.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working in lockstep with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the design and development lifecycle.

• Open communication is encouraged to bridge the gap between design concepts and technical implementation.

• A proactive approach to seeking alignment and ensuring shared understanding of design goals and constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values revolve around innovation (especially AI), user focus, and strong cross-functional collaboration, all tailored to the unique context of a global tech company operating in the Japanese market.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating AI Prototyping Integration: Effectively integrating AI coding tools into existing design workflows and managing the learning curve for both the designer and the team.

• Balancing Innovation with Market Nuances: Designing cutting-edge AI features that are also deeply resonant with the specific cultural and aesthetic preferences of the Japanese mobile user.

• Cross-Functional Alignment on Emerging Tech: Ensuring seamless collaboration and shared understanding when working with AI technologies that may be new to some team members.

• Translating Complex AI Capabilities into Simple UX: Distilling sophisticated AI functionalities into intuitive and user-friendly experiences for a broad audience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Become a pioneer in AI-First product design, gaining expertise in a rapidly evolving field.

• Opportunity to significantly influence the product direction and user experience of a leading news app.

• Continuous learning through exposure to advanced AI technologies and innovative design practices.

• Potential for leadership growth within the design team or broader product organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges lie in the innovative application of AI in design and tailoring these advanced features to a specific cultural context. The growth opportunities are substantial for those looking to specialize in AI-driven product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you used AI coding tools to build an interactive prototype. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on AI Prototyping)

• "How would you approach designing an AI-powered news summarization feature for the Japanese market, considering local user preferences and potential concerns about AI-generated content?" (Focus on AI, Market Expertise, Problem Solving)

• "Walk me through how you would collaborate with a Product Manager and an Engineer to design a new personalized discovery feature. How do you ensure alignment and address technical constraints?" (Focus on Collaboration, Communication) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about SmartNews's mission to 'deliver quality information to people who need it,' especially in the context of AI?" (Focus on Mission Alignment)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in AI and product design, and how do you apply that knowledge to your work?" (Focus on Continuous Learning)

• "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with business goals or technical limitations. How did you navigate that situation?" (Focus on Product Owner Mindset) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, starting with your strongest AI-first projects. For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the solutions (especially AI aspects), and the results.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project. Emphasize the "why" behind your decisions and highlight your unique contributions, especially in AI prototyping and Japanese market adaptation.

• Demonstrate Tools: Be ready to show examples of your work in Figma and, crucially, demonstrate how you've used AI coding tools for prototyping. Explain the benefits you gained from using them.

• Language: Be prepared to present and discuss your work fluently in both English and Japanese, as relevant to the interviewer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for concrete examples of AI prototyping, deep understanding of the Japanese consumer market, and strong collaborative skills. Being able to articulate the "why" behind your design decisions and the impact of your work is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this AI-First Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workable platform.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience with AI coding tools for prototyping, consumer mobile product design for the Japanese market, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features AI-first prototyping projects. Clearly explain your process, the tools used (especially AI coding tools), and the impact. Include case studies demonstrating Japanese market expertise.

• Prepare your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on the AI aspects, your problem-solving approach, and your collaborative experience. Be ready to discuss your work in both English and Japanese.

• Research SmartNews: Understand the company's mission, products, and recent initiatives (e.g., SmartNews+). Consider how your skills and experience align with their "AI-First" strategy and their commitment to delivering quality information.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.