Experience Director (UX) - Future Freelance

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experience Director (UX) - Future Freelance

Company: Fantasy

Location: Remote (United States or Canada)

Job Type: Freelance

Category: UX/Product Design Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of digital product and experience design projects, leveraging cutting-edge AI tools to enhance innovation and efficiency.

• Drive the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and strategic visioning to final product delivery, ensuring exceptional quality and user-centered outcomes.

• Cultivate and mentor a team of UX designers, fostering their professional growth and promoting a culture of continuous learning and process improvement.

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients, acting as a strategic partner and thought leader in digital experience design and AI integration.

• Champion human-centered design principles, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring these are embedded in all aspects of product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior, strategic leadership opportunity within a design consultancy. The emphasis on "Future Freelance" suggests a contract-based engagement for specific projects or an ongoing partnership, requiring a high degree of autonomy and business development acumen. The integration of AI is a core differentiator, positioning the candidate to shape the future of design practice in this domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish the overarching experiential direction and strategic guidance for engagements, from ambiguous briefs to final delivery, utilizing AI tools for accelerated ideation and bold experimentation.

• Define and advocate for the core principles that constitute exceptional, human-centered products, ensuring teams meticulously execute these principles with creativity and craft.

• Oversee and direct complex, large-scale engagements hands-on, maintaining a keen eye for detail and ensuring realization with outstanding creativity and expert craftsmanship.

• Synthesize diverse and often competing inputs—including user research, business strategy, technical constraints, and stakeholder feedback—into a clear, defensible, and shippable design direction.

• Formulate compelling product visions, feature sets, and roadmaps that drive business growth, articulating these through persuasive, strategic narratives for clients and internal collaborators.

• Develop scalable design systems that integrate delight with systematic thinking, delivering consistent, accessible, world-class experiences for global audiences.

• Collaborate effectively across disciplines (product, engineering, research, strategy) to establish unified experiential approaches that balance user needs with business requirements.

• Mentor, manage, and grow a team of UX designers, supporting their craft advancement and career acceleration.

• Identify opportunities for design process enhancement and lead the team towards more effective and intelligent ways of working, specifically by defining AI tool adoption and pushing creative boundaries.

• Lead by example, inspiring colleagues to think beyond conventional approaches and elevate the standard of design in the age of AI.

• Engage directly with client partners to solve complex problems, co-create solutions, and develop meaningful digital experiences.

• Lead client presentations, workshops, and working sessions with clarity, confidence, and a strong point of view, effectively conveying the strategic thinking behind team solutions.

• Cultivate trusted, enduring client relationships, becoming a go-to resource for creativity, problem-solving, and strategic design thinking.

• Own the complete end-to-end project lifecycle, from initial client conversations through delivery, growth, and ongoing partnership management.

• Identify emerging shifts in tools, technology, and design practices, translating these insights into tangible improvements in team workflows and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design leadership, strategic client management, and team mentorship. The emphasis on "owning the full end-to-end process" and "building trusted, lasting relationships" indicates a need for strong business development and client relationship management skills, common in freelance or agency leadership roles. The explicit mention of AI integration throughout the responsibilities underscores its importance to the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is implied by the experience requirements. A portfolio demonstrating exceptional design thinking and execution is paramount.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in the design industry, with a significant portion dedicated to leading teams in the creation of human-centered digital experiences at scale.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of digital product, service, or systems design work across various industries and contexts.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire designers, driving them to produce their career-best work.

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated thought leadership and strategic thinking capabilities, resulting in a strong, well-articulated point of view and the ability to align clients and collaborators.

• End-to-End Ownership: Capacity for self-direction and independent leadership of UX vision from strategy through interaction design to shipped product.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Hands-on familiarity with AI-powered design tools and a genuine curiosity about their impact on the design craft.

• Process Improvement: Passion for continuous practice and process improvement, with a track record of elevating team workflows and efficiency.

• Attention to Detail: A meticulous eye for detail and strong aesthetic sensibilities in design execution.

• Trend Awareness: Continuous awareness of design trends, emerging technologies, and innovation within the digital product space.

• Communication & Presentation: Exceptional communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Client Relationship Building: A passion for people and a drive to build highly successful, enduring client relationships.

• Inclusive & Accessible Design: Commitment to inclusive, accessible, and equitable design practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in defining and scaling design systems.

• Familiarity with service design methodologies.

• A background in agency or consulting environments.

• Experience with generative AI platforms beyond standard design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a senior-level professional with extensive experience in leading design initiatives. The explicit requirement for familiarity with AI tools, alongside a passion for innovation and process improvement, strongly positions this role at the forefront of design evolution. The portfolio requirement is critical and should demonstrate not just design execution but also strategic impact and leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a breadth of digital product, service, or systems design projects, demonstrating versatility across different industries and user contexts.

• Include case studies that detail the problem, your strategic approach, the design process (including AI tool integration), key decisions, and tangible outcomes or impact.

• Highlight examples of leading teams, managing complex projects, and collaborating with cross-functional partners.

• Demonstrate your ability to translate user needs and business goals into concrete, effective design solutions.

• Present examples of scalable design systems, user interface design, interaction design, and user experience strategy. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to defining and evolving design processes, particularly how you incorporate new technologies like AI.

• Provide examples of how you manage project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication throughout the design lifecycle.

• Showcase how you ensure quality and consistency in design output, potentially through design system utilization or rigorous review processes.

• Demonstrate your methods for distilling complex inputs into actionable design directions and product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, the portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of strategic thinking, leadership, and process mastery. The emphasis on AI integration means candidates should be prepared to articulate how these tools were used to enhance the design process, not just as a final output. Portfolio entries should clearly show end-to-end ownership and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a freelance position, compensation will be project-based and negotiated. Based on industry benchmarks for "Experience Director" or "Senior UX Lead" roles in the US and Canada, with 10+ years of experience and expertise in AI-driven design, freelance rates can range from $80 - $150+ USD per hour, or project fees equivalent to $150,000 - $250,000+ annually, depending on project scope, duration, and client budget.

Benefits:

• As a freelance role, standard employee benefits (health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans) are typically not provided.

• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects with industry-leading clients.

• Flexibility in work schedule and location (fully remote).

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and their application in design.

• Professional development through challenging projects and client interactions.

• Potential for long-term engagements and repeat business.

Working Hours: This is a freelance position, so working hours are flexible and project-dependent. Candidates are expected to dedicate the necessary time to meet project deadlines and client needs, typically aligning with standard business hours for collaboration with US and Canadian teams. An estimated 40 hours per week may be required, with potential for peaks during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical freelance rates for senior design leadership roles in the US and Canada, considering the specialized skill set (AI integration, strategic leadership) and the "Director" title. Freelance compensation structures vary widely, and candidates should expect to negotiate based on their experience, the project's complexity, and the client's budget. The absence of traditional benefits is standard for freelance roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Product Design & Strategy, Technology Consulting. Fantasy partners with global brands to create innovative digital experiences, with a current focus on leveraging AI to redefine product and brand interactions.

Company Size: Fantasy is a well-established design firm with a significant presence, having partnered with major clients for over two decades. While the exact current employee count isn't specified, their client roster (Google, Microsoft, Nike, Spotify) suggests a medium to large-sized, highly reputable agency.

Founded: 1999. This long history indicates stability, deep industry expertise, and a proven track record in evolving with technological shifts.

Team Structure:

• The Experience Director will likely work within multidisciplinary project teams composed of UX designers, product strategists, researchers, and potentially engineers and project managers.

• The reporting structure for a freelance director may be fluid, often reporting directly to a client stakeholder or a Fantasy internal lead for project oversight.

• Cross-functional collaboration is core, involving close partnerships with client product teams, engineering departments, and other agency disciplines to ensure holistic product development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on synthesizing user research, business strategy, and technical constraints to inform design decisions.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of digital product development and client engagements implies an agile or iterative approach, especially with the integration of AI for rapid prototyping and experimentation.

• Strategic Narrative: A strong focus on articulating product visions and design rationale through compelling strategic narratives for clients.

• AI-First Approach: Actively exploring and defining how AI tools can transform the design craft, pushing boundaries for efficiency and innovation.

Company Website: fantasy.co

📝 Enhancement Note: Fantasy's longevity and client list suggest a culture of excellence and a commitment to innovation. The focus on AI indicates a forward-thinking approach, attracting talent eager to shape the future of design. The "Future Freelance" model implies a client-centric, project-driven operational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design discipline, equivalent to a Director or Principal level. It demands not only deep expertise in UX/product design but also strategic vision, client management, and team leadership capabilities. The focus is on shaping the direction of projects and the practice of design itself, especially in the context of emerging AI technologies.

Reporting Structure: As a freelance Experience Director, the reporting structure will likely be project-specific. You may report to a Fantasy internal lead (e.g., a Managing Director or Head of Design) for overarching project alignment and client management, and directly to client-side stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, VPs of Product/Design) for day-to-day project execution and strategic input.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the strategic direction, user experience, and ultimate success of digital products for major global brands. By leading teams and defining how AI is integrated into the design process, the Experience Director will shape not only specific products but also the future of design practice within Fantasy and for its clients. This role is pivotal in driving client satisfaction, securing future business, and advancing the company's reputation for innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to define and lead the adoption of AI in design processes, becoming a thought leader in this emerging space.

• Client Portfolio Expansion: Building a strong track record with high-profile clients can lead to more significant, long-term engagements and strategic partnerships.

• Team Development: Growing and mentoring a high-performing design team, potentially leading to opportunities to build out specialized design functions.

• Thought Leadership: Contributing to Fantasy's intellectual property, case studies, and industry presence through innovative approaches to AI-driven design.

• Business Development: For successful freelancers, there's potential to transition into more permanent leadership roles or to establish a strong independent consulting practice built on this foundation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Future Freelance" aspect implies a growth path focused on building a robust client portfolio and demonstrating business development capabilities, rather than traditional corporate advancement. The opportunity lies in becoming a recognized expert in AI-driven design leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position. Candidates must be based in the United States or Canada. The work environment will be primarily home-based, requiring self-discipline and effective remote collaboration tools.

Office Location(s): Remote, with the stipulation that candidates must reside in the United States or Canada. This allows for collaboration with teams and clients across these regions without geographic limitations.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: Reliance on digital tools for communication, project management, design collaboration, and client presentations. Expect to use platforms like Slack, Zoom, Figma, Miro, and potentially AI-specific design software.

• Autonomy & Independence: As a senior freelance role, there will be a high degree of autonomy in managing your workday and project approach.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Regular interaction with multidisciplinary teams (designers, strategists, engineers) and client stakeholders.

• Dynamic Project-Based Work: The environment will be dynamic, shifting with the needs of different client projects, requiring adaptability and the ability to quickly integrate into new team structures.

Work Schedule: While the role is remote and offers flexibility, standard business hours for collaboration with US and Canadian teams are expected. This means being available for meetings, workshops, and real-time collaboration during typical working hours in relevant time zones. An estimated 40 hours per week is likely, with potential for increased hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires strong self-management skills. The expectation of aligning with US/Canadian business hours is crucial for effective collaboration and client engagement, despite the flexibility inherent in freelance work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements, particularly experience level, leadership, and AI familiarity.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A key stage involving a detailed walkthrough of your portfolio. Expect to discuss specific projects, your strategic approach, leadership contributions, how you integrated AI, and your problem-solving methodologies.

• Skills & Leadership Assessment: Interviews focused on strategic thinking, leadership philosophy, team management, client relationship skills, and your vision for the future of design with AI.

• Cross-functional/Client Interaction: Potentially a session with other team members or client stakeholders to assess collaboration style and communication effectiveness.

• Final Evaluation: Review of all feedback to determine best fit for the role and Fantasy's client engagements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership, leadership, strategic impact, and ideally, the use of AI in the design process.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the methodologies used (including AI tools), your specific contributions, the challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, mentoring designers, and managing client relationships.

• Demonstrate AI Integration: Be prepared to discuss specific instances where AI tools were leveraged to accelerate design, improve outcomes, or explore new possibilities. Quantify benefits where possible.

• Articulate Vision: Be ready to discuss your perspective on the future of UX design, particularly in relation to AI, and how you envision shaping that future.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, conflict resolution, and how you handle ambiguity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Design Challenge: You might be asked to approach a hypothetical design problem, outlining your strategy, potential AI integrations, and how you would lead a team to develop a solution.

• Process Improvement Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would improve an existing design process, particularly concerning AI adoption or team efficiency.

• Client Pitch Simulation: Prepare to articulate a design vision and strategy in a way that would resonate with a client, focusing on business value and user impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the portfolio as proof of experience and leadership. Candidates should prepare to articulate their strategic thinking, leadership style, and their forward-looking perspective on AI in design. The ability to demonstrate practical application of AI tools in past projects will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable for collaboration and prototyping), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite.

• AI-Powered Design Tools: Familiarity with generative AI platforms for ideation, asset creation, content generation, and potentially AI-assisted coding or prototyping tools. Specific tools will depend on industry trends and client needs.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural, Zoom, Slack.

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar platforms used by clients.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience interpreting data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform design decisions.

• Ability to translate data insights into actionable design strategies and present findings clearly. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX leadership, understanding CRM principles and how user experience impacts customer relationships is beneficial.

• Familiarity with automation tools used in product development workflows could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma is a given. The critical differentiator for this role will be demonstrable experience and curiosity with emerging AI design tools and platforms. Candidates should be prepared to discuss which AI tools they've used and how they've applied them to design challenges.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future-Forward Thinking: A core value is actively exploring and defining the future of design, particularly with AI integration. This role is expected to push boundaries.

• Human-Centered Design: A deep commitment to creating products that are intuitive, useful, and delightful for users, with a strong emphasis on empathy and user needs.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality execution, meticulous attention to detail, and delivering world-class design work.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships both internally within multidisciplinary teams and externally with clients.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A commitment to designing products that are equitable and accessible to all users.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of always seeking better ways of working, refining processes, and leveraging new technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with product managers, engineers, strategists, and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives contribute to the final product.

• Client-Centric Approach: Building trust and strong partnerships with clients is paramount, involving open communication, transparent feedback loops, and a consultative approach.

• Mentorship & Empowerment: A leadership style that empowers designers, provides constructive feedback, and fosters professional growth within the team.

• Strategic Dialogue: Engaging in robust discussions to challenge assumptions, explore innovative ideas, and collectively arrive at the best strategic and design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value innovation, user-centricity, and high-quality execution. The emphasis on AI suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking environment. As a freelance director, embodying these values and demonstrating a collaborative, client-focused approach will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining the AI Frontier in Design: Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools and methodologies to effectively integrate them into design workflows without compromising user experience or craft.

• Managing Client Expectations: Balancing innovative AI-driven approaches with client timelines, budgets, and existing technological constraints.

• Leading Diverse Teams Remotely: Effectively leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams in a remote, freelance capacity, ensuring alignment and high performance.

• Maintaining Work-Life Balance: Managing the demands of a senior freelance role, which can involve long hours and the need for constant business development, while maintaining personal well-being.

• Staying Ahead of the Curve: Continuously learning and adapting to new AI technologies, design trends, and client industry shifts to remain a valuable strategic partner.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Tool Mastery: Deepening expertise in current and emerging AI design tools, becoming a go-to resource for the company and its clients.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in client relationship management, business development, and leading complex, high-stakes projects.

• Industry Trend Forecasting: Developing a keen eye for future shifts in technology and user behavior to proactively advise clients.

• Mentorship & Talent Cultivation: Growing leadership capabilities by nurturing emerging design talent and building high-performing teams.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into product strategy, engineering challenges, and market dynamics through close collaboration on diverse projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity revolve around pioneering the use of AI in design leadership. Success in this role means not just adapting to AI but actively shaping its application and impact within the design discipline.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a team through a complex digital product development cycle from concept to launch. What was your strategic approach, and how did you ensure alignment across disciplines?"

• "How do you envision AI fundamentally changing the role of a UX Director in the next 3-5 years? Provide specific examples of how you've already begun integrating AI into your workflow."

• "Walk us through a project where you had to synthesize conflicting stakeholder requirements or technical constraints into a cohesive design solution. How did you arrive at your recommendation, and how did you get buy-in?"

• "How do you define and measure 'success' for a digital product experience? What key metrics do you focus on, and how do you use them to inform strategy?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Fantasy's approach to design, particularly our focus on AI and our long-standing client relationships?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within a design team, especially in a remote or freelance setting?"

• "Describe your ideal client relationship. How do you build trust and become a strategic partner rather than just a vendor?"

• "What are your thoughts on inclusive and accessible design, and how do you ensure these principles are embedded in your team's work?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, focusing on 3-5 impactful projects. For each, outline the context, challenge, your strategic approach (including AI use), your leadership role, the process, the solution, and the results/impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, user satisfaction scores).

• Highlight AI Integration: Be explicit about how and why AI tools were used. Discuss the benefits achieved (e.g., faster iteration, novel ideas, enhanced realism) and any lessons learned.

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in guiding the team, making critical decisions, and managing client interactions.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, rationale, and problem-solving techniques. Be ready to discuss trade-offs and alternatives.

• Enthusiasm for the Future: Convey your passion for the evolving design landscape, especially the potential of AI, and how you're excited to shape it with Fantasy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will probe your strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and practical experience with AI in design. Your portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to demonstrate these skills and your vision for the future.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Lever.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 10+ years of experience in digital product design leadership, your proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, and your hands-on familiarity with AI-powered design tools. Emphasize your strategic thinking and client relationship management skills.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to showcase 3-5 of your most impactful projects. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your strategic approach (including AI integration), your leadership role, the design process, the solution, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to present this compellingly.

• AI Integration Articulation: Prepare specific examples of how you have used AI tools in your design process, the benefits achieved, and your perspective on the future of AI in UX design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fantasy's work, client roster, and their stated focus on AI. Understand their company values and how your leadership style aligns with their innovative, client-centric 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.