Founding UI/UX & Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Founding UI/UX & Graphic Designer

Company: Clera

Location: London, United Kingdom (San Francisco also available)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

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

Remote Status: On-site (some flexibility may be discussed)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a pivotal founding design role within a fast-paced, Y Combinator-backed consumer wearable startup, focusing on AI-driven emotional intelligence and peak mental performance.

• The role requires end-to-end ownership of the entire visual presence and user experience, from the initial concept through to scaling the brand's identity across all touchpoints.

• As the first design hire, you will work directly with the founder, with a clear trajectory towards leading the design organization as the company grows.

• Success in this role hinges on exceptional aesthetic taste, strong graphic design fundamentals, and the versatility to design for mobile, web, and marketing materials with a premium consumer focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational hire, implying significant autonomy, direct impact, and the opportunity to shape the company's design direction from its inception. The emphasis on "opinionated taste" and "premium consumer lens" suggests a company prioritizing sophisticated aesthetics and a high-end brand image, typical of successful hardware and lifestyle startups.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and execute end-to-end UI/UX design for the company's primary iOS application, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.

• Lead the visual design strategy and execution across the company website, social media channels, customer communications, and email marketing campaigns.

• Develop compelling marketing collateral, including event invitations, launch materials, and campaign assets that strongly embody and elevate the brand's premium identity.

• Define, document, and rigorously maintain a unified and sophisticated consumer design language across all digital and physical touchpoints to ensure brand consistency.

• Establish and uphold the visual and interaction design standards that will serve as the foundation for the brand's identity as the company scales rapidly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a broad scope, encompassing both product design (iOS app) and brand/marketing design. This is common for early-stage startups where individuals must wear multiple hats. The expectation to "set the visual and interaction standards" highlights the strategic importance of this role in shaping the company's long-term brand perception and user experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background from a rigorous design program (e.g., Royal College of Art, RISD, or equivalent) is highly valued, alongside demonstrable practical experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in user-facing design, with a significant portion focused on consumer products or brands. Experience in a startup environment or with hardware/lifestyle brands is a strong plus.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio First: A standout portfolio is the single most critical requirement, showcasing exceptional graphic design fundamentals, strong aesthetic sensibility, and a clear, opinionated design voice suitable for a premium consumer brand.

• Demonstrated experience in delivering high-quality, user-facing design work for consumer-oriented companies or equivalent training from a top-tier design institution.

• A genuine aesthetic sensibility that aligns with and elevates a premium consumer hardware brand identity.

• Proven ability to independently manage and execute a broad design spectrum, including mobile UI/UX, web design, and marketing collateral creation.

• High proficiency in design tools, specifically Figma, and familiarity with standard graphic design software suites.

• Readiness to work on-site in either London or San Francisco, indicating a commitment to collaborative, in-person design sprints and team integration. Preferred Skills:

• Previous design experience within a consumer company recognized for its outstanding visual identity.

• Prior experience designing for hardware products or lifestyle brands, understanding the nuances of physical product integration with digital experiences.

• Familiarity with AI and wearable technology product design considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Portfolio First" requirement is paramount. Candidates must curate their portfolio to explicitly demonstrate the aesthetic taste and craft Clera is seeking for a premium consumer hardware brand. The distinction between "consumer company experience" and "B2B background" is crucial, signaling the company's focus on user acquisition, brand loyalty, and consumer appeal over purely functional B2B interfaces.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of case studies demonstrating end-to-end design ownership, from initial concept and user research to final execution and iterative improvements.

• Specific examples of UI/UX design for mobile applications (preferably iOS), highlighting user flow, interaction design, and visual polish.

• Demonstrations of graphic design craft, including branding, marketing collateral, and visual identity development for consumer products.

• Evidence of defining and maintaining design systems or style guides to ensure brand consistency across multiple platforms.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, the design solution, the process undertaken, and the measurable impact or intended outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to user-centered design, including user research methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Illustrate your process for translating brand strategy and emotional intelligence concepts into tangible visual and interaction design elements.

• Detail your workflow for collaborating with founders and cross-functional teams, and how you manage feedback and iterations.

• Provide examples of how you establish and maintain design standards, ensuring scalability and consistency as a product or brand evolves.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should not just showcase finished products but also the designer's thought process and ability to establish foundational design principles. Emphasis should be placed on how the designer translates abstract concepts (like emotional intelligence) into concrete, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly designs, particularly for a premium consumer audience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For London-based candidates: Approximately £75,000 GBP per annum.

• For San Francisco-based candidates: Approximately $150,000 USD per annum. Benefits:

• Meaningful Founding Employee Equity: Significant equity stake (up to 1–2%) reflecting the foundational nature of the role and the candidate's contribution to the company's early success.

• Design Leadership Opportunity: Foundational ownership of design, with a clear path to growing into a design leadership role as the company scales and the team expands.

• Direct Founder Collaboration: Opportunity to work directly with the founder, gaining insights into early-stage startup strategy and decision-making.

• Impactful Role: The chance to shape the visual identity and user experience of a cutting-edge AI and wearable technology product from its inception.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with an understanding of the demands and flexibility often required in a fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary figures provided are estimates based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in London and San Francisco, particularly for founding positions in well-funded startups. The equity component is a significant part of the compensation package, reflecting the high risk and potential reward of joining an early-stage company. The London salary is provided as a conversion of the USD figure, considering typical UK market rates for comparable roles. Research indicates that a £75,000 salary in London is competitive for a senior/founding designer with a strong portfolio, and $150,000 USD is standard for a similar role in San Francisco.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Wearables, AI, Emotional Intelligence, Health Technology. Clera operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and personal well-being, aiming to enhance users' emotional intelligence and mental performance through advanced biometric analysis.

Company Size: Early-stage startup (likely <50 employees, given it's a "founding role"). This implies a lean, agile, and highly collaborative environment where every team member's contribution is critical.

Founded: Backed by Y Combinator, a prestigious startup accelerator, suggesting a strong foundation, potential for rapid growth, and a culture that values innovation, speed, and problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• As the first design hire, you will be part of a small, core team, likely reporting directly to the founder.

• Collaboration will be tight-knit, involving close interaction with engineering, product management (if established), and potentially early marketing/operations roles.

• The team culture is expected to be driven, fast-paced, and highly focused on product development and market validation, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI and data. Methodology:

• Data-driven product development, utilizing AI and biometric data to inform design decisions and product features.

• Agile development methodologies, prioritizing rapid iteration and responsiveness to user feedback and market dynamics.

• A strong focus on user-centric design principles, aiming to create products that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply resonant and beneficial for users' emotional well-being.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The Y Combinator backing is a significant indicator of the company's potential and the caliber of talent they attract. It suggests a culture that values rapid execution, product-market fit, and scalable innovation. The focus on emotional intelligence and AI in a wearable device positions Clera as a forward-thinking company in the health-tech and wellness space.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Founding Design Role," positioning it at a senior/lead level. The individual is expected to establish the design function, set standards, and potentially grow into a Design Lead or Head of Design position as the company scales. The scope is broad, covering UI/UX, graphic design, and brand identity.

Reporting Structure: Direct line to the company founder, offering high visibility and influence on strategic decisions. As the company grows, this role may evolve to manage a team of designers.

Operations Impact: The designer will have a profound and direct impact on the company's success by shaping its core product's user experience and defining its premium brand identity in a competitive consumer market. This impact is crucial for user acquisition, retention, and overall market perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: The primary growth path is to build and lead the design team, defining its structure, processes, and culture as the company scales.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute directly to product strategy, brand positioning, and go-to-market efforts through design leadership.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in designing for hardware-software integration, AI-driven products, and premium consumer brands.

• Equity Growth: Potential for significant wealth creation through early-stage equity as the company achieves growth milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "founding" nature of this role implies a high degree of responsibility and autonomy. The growth trajectory is not just about individual contribution but about building and leading a function. This is a prime opportunity for a designer looking to make a significant mark and move into a leadership position early in their career with this specific company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role, indicating a preference for in-person collaboration, rapid brainstorming, and a strong team dynamic. While some flexibility may be discussed, the core expectation is physical presence.

Office Location(s): Primary office in London, UK, with San Francisco also available. This suggests a potential for global reach and diverse talent acquisition.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Expect a dynamic, open workspace designed to foster spontaneous collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas between design, engineering, and leadership.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially early access to prototype hardware.

• Startup Energy: A fast-paced, innovative environment characteristic of early-stage startups, with a focus on rapid prototyping, iteration, and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While typically 40 hours per week, the startup environment often requires flexibility and dedication, especially during critical product development phases or launch periods. The emphasis is on achieving outcomes rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in London or San Francisco is a key factor. Candidates must be willing to relocate or already be based in one of these tech hubs. This preference for on-site work suggests a culture that values face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback loops, crucial for rapid product development in a startup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Portfolio Review: The primary screening tool. Candidates must present a portfolio that strongly aligns with Clera's aesthetic and product vision. Be prepared to articulate why your work is a fit for a premium consumer hardware brand focused on EQ and AI.

• Founder/Hiring Manager Interview: Discuss your background, design philosophy, and how you approach end-to-end design ownership. Expect questions about your experience with consumer products, brand building, and your vision for Clera's design.

• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: A practical exercise to assess your design skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication. This might involve refining an existing concept or proposing a design solution for a specific user problem related to the product.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Assess your ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, collaborate effectively, and contribute to the company's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Ruthlessly: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates exceptional graphic design craft, premium aesthetics, and consumer-facing UI/UX.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, iteration), the tools used, and the outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight "Opinionated Taste": Showcase projects where you made bold aesthetic choices and can defend them. Demonstrate your understanding of premium branding and emotional resonance.

• Address the "Why": Explicitly explain why your work is a good fit for Clera's specific mission (AI, EQ, wearables) and target market.

• Include Process: Show wireframes, user flows, mood boards, and style guides to illustrate your comprehensive approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the Clera product and its mission. Understand the concepts of emotional intelligence and biometric tracking in wearables.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing for hardware-software integration and how to create a cohesive brand experience across physical and digital touchpoints.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on user needs, business goals, and aesthetic principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio first" approach means candidates should tailor their portfolio specifically for Clera. Generic portfolios will likely not suffice. The interview process will likely gauge not only technical skill but also strategic thinking, cultural fit, and the candidate's ability to operate autonomously in a high-stakes founding role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Likely required for graphic design tasks, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially After Effects for motion graphics or animated assets.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like Principle or ProtoPie for more advanced interactions might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how design impacts user behavior and engagement metrics tracked via analytics platforms (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude, Google Analytics) is advantageous.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies for design elements can also be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design role, but awareness of how marketing collateral and web presence tie into lead generation and CRM systems could be a bonus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and standard graphic design tooling points to a modern, efficient design workflow. The emphasis is on tools that facilitate rapid iteration and collaboration, which is critical for an early-stage startup.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to creating beautiful, intuitive, and impactful design solutions that embody premium quality.

• User-Centricity: Deep empathy for the user, with a focus on understanding their emotional needs and creating experiences that enhance their well-being.

• Innovation & AI Integration: Embracing cutting-edge technology, particularly AI, to push the boundaries of what's possible in wearable devices and emotional intelligence.

• Speed & Agility: A fast-paced, iterative approach to product development and design, adapting quickly to feedback and market changes.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking full responsibility for design outcomes and driving projects to completion with a proactive mindset.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Transparent: Open communication and feedback loops, essential for rapid iteration in a startup environment.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with engineering, product, and leadership to ensure design vision aligns with technical feasibility and business objectives.

• Shared Vision: Working collectively towards a unified brand identity and user experience that resonates with a premium consumer audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI and emotional intelligence suggests a culture that values deep thinking, data-informed decisions, and a human-centered approach to technology. The "founding role" aspect implies a culture of high ownership and a strong sense of shared mission among early employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New Brand Identity: Creating a compelling and cohesive visual identity from scratch for a novel product category (AI-powered EQ wearables).

• Balancing Innovation with Usability: Designing for advanced AI and biometric features while ensuring the user experience remains intuitive, accessible, and emotionally resonant.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup Environment: Adapting quickly to evolving product requirements, market feedback, and the inherent unpredictability of early-stage growth.

• Defining Design Processes: As the first designer, you'll need to establish foundational design processes, workflows, and potentially a design system that can scale.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI & EQ Tech: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for emerging fields like AI-driven emotional intelligence and biometric sensing.

• Brand Building Mastery: Develop expertise in crafting and scaling a premium consumer brand identity from the ground up.

• Leadership Development: Grow into a design leadership role, honing skills in team management, strategic planning, and cross-functional influence.

• Startup Dynamics: Acquire invaluable experience navigating the challenges and opportunities of a high-growth, venture-backed startup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a founding role in a tech startup, offering significant learning opportunities. The ability to navigate ambiguity and drive foundational processes will be key to success and career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the visual identity for a premium wearable brand focused on emotional intelligence and AI, given its novel nature?" (Prepare to discuss mood boards, color palettes, typography, and brand voice).

• "Describe your process for designing an iOS app interface that effectively communicates complex biometric data related to emotional states in a user-friendly and empathetic way." (Focus on user flows, data visualization, and interaction design).

• "Imagine we're launching a new feature that helps users understand their stress levels. How would you design the UI and accompanying marketing materials to convey both accuracy and approachability?" (Highlight your ability to translate technical features into user benefits and compelling narratives). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you drawn to Clera's mission of enhancing emotional intelligence through technology?" (Research the company's vision and align your passion).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to and shaping the design culture as the first design hire in a startup environment?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit, proactive approach, and vision for design leadership).

• "What does 'premium consumer aesthetic' mean to you, and how would you ensure Clera embodies it across all touchpoints?" (Be ready with concrete examples and your design philosophy). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a concise overview of your design philosophy and suitability for Clera. Then, dive into 2-3 in-depth case studies, dedicating ample time to each.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear diagrams. Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable and visually appealing.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story of problem, process, solution, and impact. Emphasize your unique contributions and decision-making rationale.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your familiarity with Figma and other relevant design tools, demonstrating your workflow and efficiency.

• Q&A: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges faced, and how you'd apply your learnings to Clera.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of Clera's unique value proposition (AI, EQ, wearables) and a clear vision for how your design expertise will translate into a premium consumer brand. Be prepared to defend your aesthetic choices and design process with conviction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this founding design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine 3-5 of your most relevant projects, specifically highlighting consumer-facing UI/UX and premium graphic design work. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your aesthetic taste and end-to-end design capabilities.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with consumer products, brand identity, UI/UX design, and any relevant work in hardware, AI, or wellness technology. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, your vision for Clera's brand, and how your skills align with the requirements of a founding design role in a fast-paced startup.

• Research Clera: Understand their mission, product, target audience, and the competitive landscape. Be prepared to discuss how your design approach will contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.