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: Design Research / User Experience Operations

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: Intern (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Research and Insights Team in Spain, contributing to the improvement of products and services through user insights.

• Gain hands-on experience in design research practices, including user testing and data collection, under guided supervision.

• Collaborate with designers, product managers, and engineers to understand user behaviors and assist in the end-to-end product development process.

• Develop essential research documentation and presentation skills by preparing summaries and sharing learnings with stakeholders.

• Participate in internal initiatives, explore new tools, and learn best practices within a dynamic global design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly an internship, focusing on learning and development within design research. While not a traditional Revenue or Sales Operations role, it involves operational aspects of product development through user insight generation, data collection, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on data analysis, documentation, and stakeholder communication aligns with foundational operations skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Assist in the collection and organization of qualitative and quantitative data, contributing to foundational analysis and the generation of actionable insights.

• Collaborate effectively with designers, product managers, and engineers, ensuring research activities are aligned with project needs and strategic objectives.

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

• Support workshops and collaborative sessions by assisting with preparation, logistics, and capturing key outcomes and decisions.

• Aid the Research and Insights Team Leader with internal initiatives, documentation management, and the exploration of new tools and best practices to enhance team efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are centered around supporting senior researchers and the broader team. This involves foundational research tasks like data collection, documentation, and assisting in user testing. The role is designed for learning, emphasizing the intern's contribution to ongoing projects rather than independent ownership of complex operational processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently studying or recently graduated in Design, Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a closely related field. Bachelor's degree level is generally expected for this type of internship.

Experience: While this is an intern position, a foundational understanding or demonstrated interest in user research and user-centered design is crucial. Previous academic projects, volunteer work, or personal projects showcasing these interests are highly valued.

Required Skills:

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

• Basic familiarity with productivity and design collaboration tools such as Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Figma, and/or FigJam.

• Fluency in both English and Spanish, enabling effective communication across diverse teams and with users.

• Excellent attention to detail for reviewing and improving research materials.

• Ability to organize time and tasks effectively with guidance, ensuring clear understanding of expectations.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic understanding of design thinking principles.

• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, observation).

• Exposure to quantitative data collection and basic analysis.

• Good interpersonal skills and comfort collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and roles.

• Flexibility and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are geared towards individuals early in their academic or professional journey. The emphasis is on foundational knowledge, a willingness to learn, and soft skills like collaboration and communication, rather than extensive prior experience. The requirement for a portfolio indicates a need for candidates to showcase their understanding and potential through practical examples.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating understanding and application of design research principles.

• Examples of projects that highlight user-centered design thinking, problem-solving approaches, and methods for gathering user insights.

• Documentation of any user testing, interviews, or observational studies conducted, including methodology and key findings.

• Visualizations or summaries of qualitative and quantitative data, showcasing analytical capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how research findings were documented and communicated to stakeholders.

• Any experience in preparing research summaries, presentations, or reports.

• Evidence of understanding basic research workflows, from planning to synthesis.

• Familiarity with organizing and managing research data and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio suggests that candidates will need to demonstrate their understanding of research processes and their ability to apply them. This is critical for an intern role where practical demonstration of potential is key. The portfolio should showcase their grasp of user-centered design and research methodologies, even if derived from academic projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As an internship position, compensation will typically be structured as a fixed monthly stipend or hourly wage. Based on industry standards for internships in Spain, particularly in a tech/design hub like Madrid, a range of €800 - €1,200 per month is a reasonable estimate. This can vary based on the specific duration of the internship and the company's internal compensation bands.

Benefits:

• Hands-on learning experience in a leading security technology company.

• Mentorship from experienced design researchers and product professionals.

• Exposure to real-world product development cycles and user insights integration.

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that improve customer experiences.

• Potential for networking within a global organization.

• Development of key skills in user research, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Practical experience with industry-standard design and research tools.

Working Hours: This is a full-time internship. Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with the company's operational schedule. There may be some flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration schedules, but a consistent presence is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on typical internship compensation in Spain for roles requiring a degree in a related field and involving technical skills. Benefits are focused on the learning and development aspects crucial for an internship, rather than extensive traditional corporate benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Verisure operates in the security industry, specifically focusing on smart alarms, connected home security, and safety solutions. This context means the company is driven by innovation in technology to provide reliable and user-friendly security products that protect homes and families. Operations within this sector often prioritize reliability, data security, and seamless user experience.

Company Size: Verisure is a large, established international company with a significant global presence, employing thousands of people. This size offers stability, structured processes, and opportunities for broad exposure, while potentially having more formalized operational procedures.

Founded: Founded in 1988, Verisure has a long history in the security market, evolving from traditional alarm systems to sophisticated smart home security solutions. This history implies a culture that values experience and continuous adaptation to technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The Design Research Team is part of the broader Verisure Technology organization, likely collaborating closely with Product Management, UX/UI Design, and Engineering departments.

• Interns will likely report to a Research and Insights Team Leader or a Senior Design Researcher, who will provide guidance and oversight.

Methodology:

• Verisure likely employs a user-centered design methodology, where user insights are integral to the product development lifecycle.

• Data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, is used to understand user needs, pain points, and behaviors.

• Research findings are translated into actionable recommendations to improve product design, functionality, and overall user experience.

• Emphasis is placed on agile development principles, allowing for iterative feedback loops and continuous improvement based on research outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a focus on technology, user experience, and data-driven decision-making within the security sector. For an operations-minded intern, understanding how user insights feed into product development and operational efficiency is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for individuals with minimal to no professional experience in design research. The scope of responsibilities is supportive and educational, focusing on learning foundational research skills and contributing to team tasks under supervision.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to a Research and Insights Team Leader or a Senior Design Researcher within the Spanish division of the Global Design Team. This structure ensures direct mentorship and guidance on tasks and learning objectives.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact on core business operations is limited, their contribution to user research directly influences product development. Insights generated can lead to improved product usability, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, better market adoption and retention, which are critical operational outcomes for a product-centric company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience in core design research methodologies (usability testing, interviews, observation), data collection and analysis, and research documentation.

• Industry Exposure: Learn how user insights are integrated into the product development lifecycle within a large, international technology company in the security sector.

• Networking: Build professional connections with designers, product managers, engineers, and researchers, opening doors for future opportunities.

• Career Path Exploration: This internship provides a clear pathway to understanding if a career in design research, UX, or related product operations fields is a good fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis emphasizes the learning and developmental aspect of an internship. For candidates interested in operations, this role offers a foundational understanding of how user experience research contributes to the operational success of product development and customer satisfaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Verisure Headquarters in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain. This is likely a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the "ES - Central Priégola - Pozuelo Headquarters" in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid. This location offers accessibility within the Madrid metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is expected to support a collaborative atmosphere, with spaces designed for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional work.

• Tools and Technology: Interns will have access to necessary office equipment and software, including Microsoft Office 365 and potentially design tools like Figma/FigJam, as specified in the requirements.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Research and Insights Team and other departments involved in product development will be abundant, facilitating learning and integration.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (40 hours/week) and operates on a hybrid model. This means a combination of working from the office and potentially some remote work days, offering a balance between structured team collaboration and personal work flexibility. Specific days in the office will likely be determined by team needs and supervisor guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment offers a balance that is increasingly common in operational roles, providing structure while allowing for flexibility. Understanding how to manage tasks and collaborate effectively in such an environment is a key operational skill.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for basic qualifications, including academic background, language proficiency, and the presence of a portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: The attached portfolio will be a critical component. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their projects, design thinking process, and any research methodologies employed.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): This will likely focus on assessing interest in user research, understanding of design principles, collaborative skills, and motivation for the internship. Expect to discuss academic projects and experiences.

• Potential Second Interview (Team Member/Cross-functional): This may involve assessing cultural fit, teamwork capabilities, and specific technical interests related to user research tools or methodologies.

• Final Offer: Based on overall assessment of skills, potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your understanding of user-centered design, research methods, and problem-solving.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the research methods used (even if academic), your insights, and the outcomes or recommendations.

• Highlight Collaboration: If projects involved teamwork, explain your specific contributions and how you collaborated with others.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and relevant visuals.

• Showcase Learning: Emphasize what you learned from each project and how you applied that knowledge. For an intern role, demonstrating eagerness to learn is key.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal "challenge" might not be typical for an intern, be prepared for behavioral questions designed to assess your problem-solving approach, curiosity, and ability to learn.

• Practice articulating your thought process for design or research problems.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical user research task, even at a basic level.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role. Candidates should treat it as a foundational piece of their application, demonstrating not just theoretical knowledge but also practical application and potential for growth in research operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office 365: Essential for general productivity, document creation (Word), data organization (Excel), and presentations (PowerPoint). Proficiency is expected for basic tasks.

• Figma/FigJam: Widely used for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative whiteboarding. Familiarity is beneficial for understanding design outputs and participating in collaborative sessions.

• Research Platforms (Potential): While not explicitly mentioned, exposure to or willingness to learn tools for user testing, surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), or data analysis would be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Data Analysis: Familiarity with organizing and performing basic analysis on qualitative and quantitative data. Excel is often used for this at an intern level.

• Presentation Tools: PowerPoint or similar (e.g., Google Slides) for creating research summaries and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this specific intern role, as it is focused on design research rather than sales or revenue operations processes. However, understanding how user feedback might inform CRM data or automation workflows could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for design and product development environments. For an operations-focused candidate, understanding how these tools contribute to the overall product development workflow and how data from them can be leveraged is important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing user needs and experiences in all product and service decisions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Curiosity & Learning: A culture that encourages asking questions, exploring new ideas, and continuous professional development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research insights and data to inform strategy and drive improvements.

• Quality & Detail: A dedication to thoroughness, accuracy, and high standards in research execution and documentation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The team actively collaborates with designers, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure research findings are relevant and actionable.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on research methods, findings, and documentation.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that encourage sharing learnings, best practices, and insights across the team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style highlight a team that is integrated into the product development process, emphasizing data, user needs, and teamwork. This is a microcosm of how operational efficiency is achieved through effective communication and a shared understanding of goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Learning and Contribution: As an intern, the challenge is to absorb new information and skills rapidly while also contributing meaningfully to team projects.

• Translating Raw Data into Insights: Moving from collecting qualitative and quantitative data to synthesizing it into clear, actionable insights requires developing analytical skills.

• Communicating Findings Effectively: Learning to present research findings persuasively to stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and priorities.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding internal processes, stakeholder relationships, and how to get work done within a global company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Deep Dive: Gain hands-on experience with various qualitative research methods and understand their application in a real-world product context.

• Industry Best Practices: Learn from experienced professionals about established workflows, tools, and best practices in design research and product development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Understand the roles and perspectives of designers, product managers, and engineers, enhancing your ability to collaborate effectively.

• Soft Skill Enhancement: Develop crucial soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability in a professional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are typical for an internship but also highlight areas where operational skills are developed. Successfully navigating these challenges requires proactive learning, effective communication, and a structured approach to tasks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to learn a new skill quickly. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses learning agility and proactivity)

• "Imagine you are given a task to collect user feedback on a new feature. What are the first steps you would take, and what information would you seek?" (Assesses basic understanding of research planning)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Verisure and our work in the security industry?" (Assesses company research and genuine interest)

• "How do you approach working in a team, especially with people from different backgrounds or roles?" (Assesses collaboration and interpersonal skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as stories that highlight a problem, your process, your insights, and the impact or learning.

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate how you approached the problem, what methods you used, and why you chose them.

• Highlight Key Learnings: Emphasize what you learned from each experience, especially any challenges overcome or insights gained about user behavior or design.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your choices, your role in team projects, and how you would apply your learnings to future tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong interest in user research, a willingness to learn, and foundational skills in collaboration and communication. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher - Intern position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight academic achievements, relevant coursework (Psychology, HCI, Design, Computer Science), and any projects that demonstrate your interest in user research or user-centered design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link) and clearly showcases 2-3 relevant projects. Detail your process, role, methods, and any insights gained.

• Research Verisure: Familiarize yourself with Verisure's products, mission, and recent developments. Understand their position in the smart security market and their commitment to user experience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects, your motivation for pursuing this internship, and your understanding of design research principles. Practice articulating your thought process and collaborative approach.

⚠️ 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.