Design Researcher - Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher - Intern

Company: Verisure

Location: Pozuelo de Alarcón, Community of Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Intern, Full-time

Category: User Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-23

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Internship/Entry-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the planning and execution of user testing for both digital and physical products, observing and documenting user behaviors and insights.

• Assist in the collection and organization of qualitative and quantitative data, contributing to basic analysis and the generation of actionable insights for product improvement.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including designers, product managers, and engineers to align research activities with project needs and drive a user-centered design approach.

• Prepare research summaries, presentations, and documentation to effectively communicate findings and learnings to various stakeholders.

• Gain hands-on experience with design research methodologies, tools, and best practices within a dynamic technology and product development environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically an internship focused on Design Research, which is a critical component of Product Operations and GTM strategy by ensuring products meet user needs. The emphasis on user testing, data collection, and cross-functional collaboration points towards a role that bridges user understanding with product development execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute user testing sessions for digital interfaces and physical products, meticulously observing and documenting user interactions, feedback, and pain points.

• Collect, organize, and contribute to the preliminary analysis of qualitative data (e.g., interview transcripts, observation notes) and quantitative data (e.g., survey responses, usage metrics).

• Support senior researchers in designing research plans, selecting appropriate methodologies (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys), and recruiting participants.

• Collaborate with product managers and designers to understand project goals, define research questions, and integrate user insights into the product development lifecycle.

• Prepare comprehensive research reports, presentations, and visual summaries that clearly articulate findings, insights, and actionable recommendations to diverse audiences.

• Assist in organizing and facilitating workshops, brainstorming sessions, and co-creation activities, ensuring accurate capture of outcomes and contributions.

• Support the Research and Insights Team Leader with internal documentation, tool exploration, and the development of best practices for research operations.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on hands-on execution of research tasks, data handling, and communication. This indicates that the intern will be actively involved in the operational aspects of research, supporting the entire lifecycle from planning to reporting, which is crucial for effective product operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Prior internship or project experience in user research, design research, UX research, or a related field is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Strong interest in user-centered product and service design, with a motivation to enhance user experiences.

• Basic familiarity with user research methodologies such as usability testing, interviews, and observation.

• Proficiency with core productivity tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace.

• Familiarity with design and collaboration tools like Figma, FigJam, Miro, or similar platforms.

• Fluency in both English and Spanish, both written and verbal, for effective communication and documentation.

• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail in documenting research findings.

Preferred Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques.

• Experience with survey design and analysis tools.

• Understanding of design thinking principles and their application in product development.

• Proactive and curious mindset, eager to learn through observation and asking questions.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with comfort in collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on academic background in related fields and a strong interest in user-centered design, coupled with basic tool proficiency, positions this as a foundational role for individuals aiming to enter the product development and operations field. The requirement for a portfolio further underscores the practical application of these skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio is required for consideration, showcasing relevant projects and demonstrating practical application of research skills.

• The portfolio should highlight projects related to user testing, data collection (qualitative and quantitative), and insight generation.

• Include examples of how research findings were translated into actionable recommendations or influenced design decisions/product improvements.

• Showcase familiarity with design and collaboration tools (e.g., Figma, FigJam) if applicable to portfolio projects.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding of how research plans are documented, including research objectives, target users, and methodologies.

• Ability to assist in documenting research findings, including observation notes, interview summaries, and data analysis outputs.

• Familiarity with creating presentations and reports to communicate research outcomes effectively to stakeholders.

• Experience in organizing and managing research artifacts and data to ensure accessibility and traceability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio is critical for this role. It signifies that Verisure values tangible evidence of skills and potential over theoretical knowledge alone. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to apply research methodologies and communicate findings clearly, demonstrating their readiness for practical research operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced design researchers and product professionals.

• Opportunity to contribute to real product development projects at a leading security solutions company.

• Exposure to a global team and diverse cross-functional collaboration.

• Learning opportunities focused on qualitative and quantitative research methods, insight synthesis, and stakeholder communication.

• Potential for future career development and full-time opportunities within Verisure Technology.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business hours in Spain (e.g., Monday to Friday, with potential flexibility).

📝 Enhancement Note: For internship roles, specific salary ranges are often not publicly disclosed but are typically structured as a monthly stipend. The benefits are heavily weighted towards learning and development, which is standard for intern positions. The duration of the internship and its potential for conversion to a full-time role would be key details to clarify during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Smart Home Security & Alarm Systems. Verisure is a global leader in providing advanced security solutions, combining smart technology with customer-centric services. Verisure Technology focuses on innovation and developing cutting-edge products and platforms that enhance customer safety and convenience.

Company Size: Verisure is a large, multinational corporation with a significant global presence. (Company Size data was not provided, but Verisure is known to be a large employer.)

Founded: Verisure was founded in 1988. This long history indicates a stable and established organization with a proven track record in its industry.

Team Structure:

• The intern will be part of the Research and Insights Team within Verisure Technology, likely reporting to a Research and Insights Team Leader or a Senior Design Researcher.

• This team collaborates closely with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, Engineers, and other members of the Global Design team.

Methodology:

• Verisure Technology likely employs a mix of agile and user-centered design methodologies.

• Research activities are integrated into the product development lifecycle to inform design decisions, validate concepts, and improve existing products.

• A strong emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, leveraging both qualitative insights and quantitative data to understand user behavior and market needs.

• The team values continuous learning and the adoption of best practices in design research and product development.

Company Website: https://www.verisure.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Verisure's focus on security technology suggests a culture that values reliability, innovation, and customer trust. The internship within Verisure Technology implies an environment that is likely fast-paced, data-informed, and committed to technological advancement, offering a robust learning experience for aspiring design researchers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an internship position, serving as an entry point into the field of Design Research and Product Operations. It is designed for individuals with limited professional experience but strong academic foundations and a keen interest in the domain.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to a Research and Insights Team Leader or a designated Senior Design Researcher, who will provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision for assigned tasks and projects. This structure ensures structured learning and direct feedback.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact may be more focused on supporting key research initiatives, their contributions to user testing, data analysis, and insight generation are vital for informing product decisions. This directly influences the user experience and, by extension, customer satisfaction and adoption rates, which are core metrics for GTM success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning and practical application of qualitative and quantitative research methods, user testing, data synthesis, and reporting. Opportunity to gain proficiency in industry-standard tools (Figma, FigJam, Office Suite).

• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into the smart home security and alarm systems industry, understanding user needs and market dynamics within this sector.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Work closely with diverse teams (design, product, engineering), gaining insights into the broader product development and GTM processes.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance and feedback from experienced professionals, fostering professional growth and career clarity.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time positions or extended internships, providing a potential pathway into a career at Verisure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a foundational step. The growth opportunities are geared towards building core research competencies and understanding the practical application of these skills within a tech company's product development framework. The direct link to product decisions provides a clear understanding of how research operations contribute to business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Pozuelo Headquarters in Spain, indicating an on-site work environment within a corporate setting. This provides opportunities for direct collaboration, team building, and immersion in the company culture.

Office Location(s): Pozuelo de Alarcón, a municipality within the Community of Madrid, Spain. This is a well-established business hub, offering access to resources and a professional atmosphere.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with team members and other departments.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for research, analysis, and communication will be provided.

• Opportunities for informal learning through observation, team meetings, and discussions with peers and mentors.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week. Standard business hours in Spain are expected, with potential for some flexibility as is common in internship roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-site at the headquarters offers significant advantages for an intern, including direct mentorship, easier access to resources, and a more immersive understanding of the company's operations and culture. This setup is ideal for learning and networking within the organization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio for basic qualifications and demonstrated skills.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Conversation focused on motivations, understanding of design research, academic background, and initial assessment of fit with team dynamics. This stage will likely delve into the portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present one or more projects from their portfolio, explaining their process, methodology, findings, and impact. This is a crucial step to assess practical skills and communication ability.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Potentially meet with other team members (e.g., designers, product managers) to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Final Interview/Offer: Final discussion and offer extension.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in user research, data analysis, and insight generation.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodology used, the process you followed, your key findings, and the impact or recommendations derived.

• Showcase Process: Detail your research approach, including participant recruitment, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

• Visuals are Key: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your work and findings. Ensure they are professional and easy to understand.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the impact of your research, even if it's through qualitative insights that led to specific design changes or problem-solving.

• Tailor to Verisure: If possible, highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of user needs in technology or security contexts, or show adaptability in research methods.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of design thinking principles and how user research fits into the product development lifecycle.

• Practice articulating your thought process for research problems and how you would approach them.

• Prepare to answer behavioral questions about teamwork, problem-solving, and learning from feedback.

• Research Verisure's products and services to understand their user base and industry context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their process, justify their methodological choices, and demonstrate how their research led to tangible outcomes. This is where they can truly showcase their understanding of research operations and its impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office 365 / Google Workspace: Essential for documentation, data organization, presentations, and communication. Proficiency in Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, and PowerPoint/Slides is expected.

• Figma/FigJam: Widely used for design prototyping, wireframing, and collaborative ideation. Familiarity with these tools is beneficial for understanding design outputs and collaborating with designers.

• Research & Collaboration Platforms: While not explicitly mentioned, tools like Miro, Mural, or similar for virtual whiteboarding and collaboration may be used.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of how to interpret and present quantitative data, potentially using Excel/Sheets for analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how user feedback and insights can inform customer relationship management and product improvement cycles is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary tools listed are standard for design and research roles. The emphasis on Figma/FigJam indicates close collaboration with the design team. The expectation is for a foundational understanding and willingness to learn specific tools used within Verisure's technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value driving all product and service development, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of decision-making.

• Innovation: A drive to develop cutting-edge technology and solutions in the smart home security space.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork across departments (Design, Product, Engineering) to achieve common goals.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing both qualitative insights and quantitative data to inform strategy and validate solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning, adapting, and refining processes, tools, and products.

• Integrity & Trust: Particularly relevant in the security industry, fostering a culture of reliability and responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, with regular interaction between research, design, product management, and engineering teams.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged to ensure alignment and effective problem-solving.

• A willingness to share knowledge and learn from peers and mentors is a hallmark of the team's collaborative approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Verisure's emphasis on security technology implies a culture that values precision, reliability, and a deep understanding of user needs for safety and convenience. The collaborative environment, driven by user-centricity and data, provides a strong foundation for learning and contributing to impactful projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a large organization: Understanding the various teams, processes, and communication channels within a global company.

• Translating raw data into actionable insights: Developing the skill to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, concise, and impactful recommendations.

• Balancing research rigor with project timelines: Learning to conduct effective research within the constraints of product development cycles.

• Communicating findings to diverse stakeholders: Adapting communication style and content for different audiences (e.g., designers, product managers, engineers, leadership).

• Adapting to new tools and methodologies: Quickly learning and applying new research techniques and software as needed.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on experience with industry-standard research tools and methodologies.

• Mentorship from experienced design researchers and product professionals.

• Exposure to the full product development lifecycle within the smart home security sector.

• Development of critical soft skills: communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and presentation.

• Opportunity to build a professional portfolio and gain references.

• Potential to gain insights into career paths within UX research, product management, and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an intern role, emphasizing the learning curve associated with professional environments. The growth opportunities are substantial, focusing on skill acquisition and practical experience that can significantly shape an early-career professional's trajectory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to collect and analyze data for a project. What was your process, and what did you learn?" (Focus on your portfolio projects and research methodologies.)

• "How do you approach understanding user needs or problems?" (Discuss user-centered design principles and your research interests.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with others to achieve a goal. What was your role?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "How would you approach planning a usability test for a new feature?" (Demonstrate your understanding of research planning and methodology.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Verisure and our products/services?" (Show you've done your homework.)

• "How do you handle feedback, especially constructive criticism?" (Demonstrate openness to learning and improvement.)

• "What are your career aspirations in the field of design or research?" (Align your goals with the internship's learning opportunities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the research questions, methodology, participant profile, key findings, recommendations, and outcomes/impact.

• Visuals: Use clear, professional visuals (screenshots, mockups, charts, graphs) to support your narrative.

• Conciseness: Be articulate and to the point. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your thinking process, methodological choices, and how you translated insights into action.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges, and potential alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for behavioral questions and practicing the portfolio walkthrough are crucial. Candidates should be ready to articulate their thought process and demonstrate how they apply research principles to solve problems, showcasing their potential for growth in research operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher - Intern position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Verisure careers portal.

• Portfolio Submission: Ensure your portfolio is attached or linked clearly within your application. This is a mandatory requirement.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant academic projects, any prior research experience, technical skills (Office Suite, Figma/FigJam), and language proficiencies (English/Spanish).

• Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended): Craft a concise cover letter expressing your specific interest in design research at Verisure, your passion for user-centered design, and how this internship aligns with your career goals.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review potential interview questions, practice your portfolio presentation, and research Verisure's company mission and products.

⚠️ 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.