Design Researcher (Contract, Palo Alto)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher (Contract)

Company: Moon Creative Lab

Location: Palo Alto, California, United States

Job Type: Contract, Part-Time

Category: Design & User Experience Research

Date Posted: August 10, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovative product and initiative development through rigorous design and UX research methodologies.

• Conduct comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research to uncover user needs, market trends, and competitive landscapes.

• Synthesize complex findings into clear, actionable insights that directly inform strategic business and product decisions.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and innovative environment.

• Explore and expand skills across various design disciplines, including Strategic Design, UX/UI, and Product Design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a specialized contractor within a creative lab environment, emphasizing adaptability and cross-disciplinary growth. The focus on "heavy industry-focused partnerships and collaborations" suggests a B2B context with complex operational challenges.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute comprehensive research scopes across all stages of new initiative development, tailored for industry-specific partnerships.

• Plan and conduct both desktop and in-depth market research, including trend analysis, competitive landscape mapping, and PESTLE/SWOT analyses.

• Design and implement qualitative research methodologies (interviews, focus groups) with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify unmet operational, safety, and commercial needs.

• Synthesize research data, identify critical insights, and translate them into concrete implications for key project and business decisions.

• Plan and execute concept testing to validate emerging ideas against user needs and identify potential industry constraints.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, serving as a thought partner to expand strategic thinking and contribute unique perspectives.

• Assist in identifying and prioritizing innovation opportunities based on research findings for potential future projects.

• Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance research efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of foundational research skills and strategic contribution, emphasizing the ability to operate in an ambiguous, early-stage development environment. The expectation to "expand your thinking into different areas" suggests a role that encourages learning and cross-functional application of research skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in Design Research, Strategic Design, or UX Research.

Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in Design Research or UX Research, with a proven track record in qualitative research methods.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methodologies (e.g., interviews, ethnographic studies, usability testing).

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills to translate complex findings into clear, decision-ready outputs.

• Proven ability to conduct B2B research, understanding complex stakeholder needs and operational environments.

• Proficiency in essential collaboration and design tools: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Slack, Notion, and Figma.

• Excellent business-level English communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Proactive, self-driven, and comfortable working autonomously within a dynamic project team.

• Ability to adapt research methods to new industry contexts quickly and effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in heavy industries such as mining, energy, manufacturing, or supply chain.

• Prior experience with exploratory research in early-stage product development or new business creation.

• Experience in proof-of-concept prototyping and iterative development processes.

• Familiarity with quantitative research methodologies and synthesis techniques.

• Demonstrated experience experimenting with and effectively utilizing AI tools for research purposes.

• Experience working within deep-tech or AI-focused organizations.

• Exposure to working with international or cross-cultural teams.

• Understanding or experience in other design disciplines (e.g., Solution/Product Design, Service Design, Brand Design).

• Business-level proficiency in Brazilian Portuguese and/or Spanish.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must-Haves" emphasize foundational research skills and tool proficiency, while the "Nice-to-Haves" point towards a desire for domain expertise in complex industries and emerging technologies, suggesting a strategic and forward-thinking research function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable case studies showcasing the end-to-end design research process, from problem definition to insight generation and impact.

• Examples of qualitative research projects, clearly outlining methodologies used, participant recruitment, data collection, and synthesis.

• Evidence of translating research findings into actionable recommendations that influenced product or strategic decisions.

• Documentation of concept testing or validation studies, illustrating how user feedback shaped product direction.

• Examples of market research and competitive analysis, showcasing how strategic insights were derived. Process Documentation:

• Showcase a structured approach to defining research questions and objectives aligned with project goals.

• Illustrate methods for synthesizing complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, compelling narratives.

• Demonstrate experience in documenting research findings and recommendations for diverse stakeholder audiences.

• Include examples of how research insights were integrated into iterative product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should highlight a candidate's ability to not only execute research but also to strategically apply findings to drive business outcomes, particularly within complex B2B or industrial contexts. Emphasis on synthesis and decision-ready outputs is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90 - $115 per hour. This rate is commensurate with experience and the specialized nature of contract work in the Design Research field within the Palo Alto/Silicon Valley market.

Benefits:

• Contract role with an initial 3-month term, offering flexibility.

• Potential for contract extension based on business needs and performance.

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge initiatives with a focus on innovation.

• Exposure to diverse industry sectors and advanced technologies.

• Professional development through varied project exposure and skill expansion.

• Paid for 20-28 hours per week.

Working Hours: Part-time contract role requiring approximately 20-28 hours per week. Flexibility in scheduling is expected, with close collaboration with the Project Manager to align with project timelines and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate falls within the expected range for experienced contract Design Researchers in the high-cost-of-living Bay Area, particularly for specialized roles. The benefits focus on the flexibility and learning opportunities inherent in contract work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Innovation Lab / Venture Studio, with a focus on developing new business initiatives, often in partnership with established corporations. The specific industry focus is broad, but the role emphasizes "heavy industry-focused partnerships," suggesting engagement with sectors like manufacturing, energy, or supply chain.

Company Size: The description implies a lean, project-based team structure typical of an innovation lab or venture studio, likely with a core team and project-specific contractors.

Founded: Moon Creative Lab was founded in 2017, indicating a relatively established, yet still agile, organization focused on future-oriented innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Researcher will report to a Project Manager, working closely within a project-specific team.

• Collaboration is expected with internal team members and external industry partners.

• The environment encourages cross-functional collaboration, with researchers encouraged to contribute beyond their core discipline. Methodology:

• Moon Creative Lab likely employs agile and lean methodologies for new initiative development, emphasizing rapid prototyping, iterative feedback, and data-driven decision-making.

• Research is integral to validating hypotheses, understanding market needs, and de-risking new ventures.

• The lab fosters an experimental approach, encouraging the exploration of new technologies and business models.

Company Website: [Moon Creative Lab Website - Placeholder, as URL was not provided]

📝 Enhancement Note: Moon Creative Lab's positioning as an innovation lab suggests a dynamic, experimental, and collaborative work environment. The emphasis on industry partnerships implies a focus on practical, market-driven innovation rather than purely theoretical research.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This contract role is for an experienced professional, equivalent to a Senior or Principal level Design Researcher, given the 7+ years of experience requirement and the expectation to lead research initiatives. The role focuses on deep expertise in research execution and strategic application.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to a Project Manager, indicating a focused, project-driven reporting line. This structure allows for direct impact on initiative development.

Operations Impact: The Design Researcher's work directly influences the direction and success of new initiatives by providing critical user and market insights. This impact is crucial for validating business concepts, identifying market opportunities, and mitigating risks for Moon Creative Lab and its industry partners.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to broaden expertise into adjacent design disciplines (Strategic Design, UX/UI, Product Design) and explore new technologies like AI.

• Industry Exposure: Gain deep insights into complex "heavy industries" and their operational challenges, building domain-specific knowledge.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop strategic thinking and thought partnership skills by collaborating with diverse project teams and stakeholders.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead research efforts on significant new initiatives, demonstrating strategic impact and project management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a contract role, the emphasis on skill expansion and strategic contribution offers significant growth potential. The role is designed for experienced professionals looking to apply their expertise in a high-impact, innovative setting and potentially explore new areas within design and technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in Palo Alto, CA, suggesting a physical workspace designed for collaboration, ideation, and focused work. Innovation labs often feature flexible layouts, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces.

Office Location(s): Palo Alto, California, United States. This prime Silicon Valley location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction, brainstorming, and co-creation among team members and project stakeholders.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to essential collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Slack, Notion) and design software (Figma) will be provided or expected. The role also encourages experimentation with AI tools.

• Team Interaction: Close daily interaction with the Project Manager and project teams is expected, fostering a connected and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role requires 20-28 hours per week, indicating a part-time commitment. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily scheduling, but consistent availability for collaboration and project milestones is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Palo Alto suggests an environment prioritizing in-person collaboration and access to physical resources, typical of innovation labs focused on tangible development and partnership.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience and fit with the role's requirements.

• Project Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your research experience, methodologies, B2B background, and ability to work in an ambiguous environment. Expect questions about synthesizing complex findings and translating them into actionable insights.

• Portfolio Deep Dive: A presentation and discussion of your portfolio, where you'll walk through specific case studies, highlighting your process, challenges, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your approach to qualitative research, market analysis, and concept testing.

• Team/Stakeholder Conversation: Potentially a conversation with other team members or stakeholders to assess collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit within the innovation lab environment.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, strategic thinking, and potential for growth within the contract term.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the problem statement, your role, methodologies used, key findings, and the impact of your research.

• Methodology Focus: For each case study, explicitly detail the qualitative research methods employed and why they were chosen.

• Synthesis & Impact: Clearly demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex data into concise, actionable insights and recommendations that drove tangible business or product outcomes. Use metrics where possible.

• B2B Context: If possible, include examples of B2B research projects that highlight your understanding of complex stakeholder needs and operational environments.

• Adaptability: Showcase projects where you adapted research methods to new contexts or industries.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach research for a hypothetical new initiative in a heavy industry.

• Prepare to articulate your thought process for synthesizing findings from complex, potentially ambiguous data sets.

• Consider how you would leverage AI tools in your research process.

• Practice presenting your case studies concisely, focusing on the "so what" – the impact and strategic implications of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application of research skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate impact. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates these abilities is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Google Workspace: Essential for document creation, data organization, and collaboration (Docs, Sheets, Slides). Proficiency is a must.

• Slack: For real-time team communication and project updates.

• Notion: Likely used for project management, documentation, and knowledge sharing. Familiarity with its organizational capabilities is beneficial.

• Figma: Critical for design collaboration, prototyping, and potentially for visualizing research findings or user flows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, the role requires synthesis of findings, implying the ability to work with data. Experience with data analysis and reporting tools that can support qualitative synthesis would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as primary requirements, but an understanding of how research integrates with product development pipelines is implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the listed collaboration and design tools is a non-negotiable requirement. The emphasis on AI tools suggests an openness to adopting new technologies for research efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: An innate drive to understand "why" and explore complex problems deeply.

• Adaptability: Willingness to adjust methods and thinking to suit new industries and project needs.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with project managers and cross-functional teams, contributing a unique perspective.

• Impact-Driven: Focus on generating insights that lead to tangible business outcomes and innovation.

• Analytical Rigor: Commitment to sound research methodologies and evidence-based decision-making.

Collaboration Style:

• Thought Partnership: Actively engage with teams to brainstorm, challenge assumptions, and co-create solutions.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Work seamlessly with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

• Transparent Communication: Share research findings, insights, and challenges openly and proactively.

• Experimental Mindset: Embrace a culture of testing, learning, and iterating on both products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Moon Creative Lab likely values initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a hands-on approach to innovation. The contract nature of this role also implies a need for self-direction and proactive engagement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity: Navigating undefined project scopes and evolving business requirements in a fast-paced innovation lab setting.

• Industry Specificity: Quickly gaining domain expertise in "heavy industries" to conduct relevant and impactful research.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Effectively translating research insights for audiences outside of a traditional UX/Design background.

• Balancing Depth and Breadth: Conducting deep qualitative research while also exploring broader design and strategic implications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Diversification: Opportunity to gain exposure and potentially develop skills in Strategic Design, UX/UI, Product Design, and other areas.

• Emerging Technology Exploration: Hands-on experience with AI tools and their application in research.

• Complex Industry Immersion: Deep dive into the operational realities and challenges of sectors like manufacturing, energy, or supply chain.

• Innovation Methodologies: Learning and applying cutting-edge approaches to new business creation and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity for experienced researchers to tackle complex, real-world challenges in demanding industries, while simultaneously expanding their own professional toolkit and strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach understanding the unmet operational needs in the [specific heavy industry, e.g., mining] sector for a new initiative?"

• "Describe a time you synthesized complex qualitative data into clear, actionable insights that led to a significant product or business decision. What was your process?"

• "Imagine we are developing a new concept for [e.g., supply chain optimization]. How would you plan and execute concept testing to validate its potential?"

• "How do you stay current with emerging research methodologies and technologies, particularly AI tools?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Moon Creative Lab's approach to innovation and new venture creation?"

• "How do you see your research skills contributing to a fast-paced, ambiguous environment like an innovation lab?"

• "Describe your experience working with project managers or cross-functional teams. What is your preferred collaboration style?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative, highlighting the problem, your journey through research, the insights discovered, and the ultimate impact.

• Visuals: Use visuals (diagrams, charts, mockups) to illustrate your process, findings, and recommendations.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most critical aspects of each project, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your research using metrics or demonstrable outcomes.

• Address Ambiguity: Be prepared to discuss how you handled uncertainty or evolving requirements in your past projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just research execution, but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to translate complex findings into business value, all within the context of innovation and potentially heavy industries.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher position:

• Submit your resume and optionally, a cover letter, through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest qualitative research case studies, B2B experience, and examples of synthesizing complex findings into actionable insights. Emphasize projects that demonstrate adaptability and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7+ years of experience in Design Research/UX Research, specifically mentioning qualitative methodologies, B2B experience, and proficiency with tools like Figma, Slack, and Notion. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, clarity of process, and the impact of your research. Be ready to discuss your approach to ambiguous environments and your interest in innovation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Moon Creative Lab's mission, past projects (if publicly available), and their approach to innovation. Understand the context of working within an innovation lab and the potential for industry partnerships.

⚠️ 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.