Full-Stack Design Technologist

Above Agency
Full-timeMalmö, Sweden

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Full-Stack Design Technologist

Company: Above Agency

Location: Malmö, Skåne County, Sweden / Stockholm, Sweden

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Technology / Product Innovation

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: Intermediate/Senior (Preferably 3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive innovation and product development by bridging design, strategy, and technology.

  • Develop compelling concept prototypes and strategic narratives for cutting-edge projects.

  • Contribute across the full design lifecycle, from research and concept definition to technical exploration and delivery.

  • Act as a key ambassador for Design Technology within multi-disciplinary project teams.

  • Leverage AI tools and modern full-stack technologies to accelerate iteration and deliver impactful experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a Design Technology team, focusing on the intersection of user experience design and technical implementation. The emphasis is on hands-on prototyping and technical exploration within innovation projects, rather than pure software engineering. The "Full-Stack" aspect refers to the ability to work across different layers of a solution, from conceptualization to functional prototypes, rather than exclusively backend or frontend development in a traditional software sense.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Proactively contribute to all phases of the design process, including user research, ideation, concept definition, and detailed design.

  • Conduct technical explorations and feasibility studies to inform design decisions and identify innovative solutions.

  • Craft compelling and functional concept prototypes that effectively communicate design ideas and user experiences.

  • Develop strategic narratives and compelling presentations to articulate project vision, technical approaches, and potential impact to stakeholders.

  • Drive smaller design technology engagements independently, managing scope, timelines, and deliverables.

  • Integrate seamlessly into larger, diverse, cross-functional project teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

  • Act as a subject matter expert and advocate for the Design Technology discipline, influencing project direction and best practices.

  • Shape excellent project deliveries through a combination of technical craft, creative problem-solving, and strong conceptual thinking.

  • Explore and implement emerging technologies, including AI tools and frameworks, to enhance design and prototyping capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative problem-solving, technical execution, and strategic thinking. The role requires someone who can not only build prototypes but also understand the "why" behind them and articulate their value within a broader innovation strategy. The emphasis on "driving smaller engagements independently" suggests a need for strong project management and self-direction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background or equivalent practical experience in fields such as Interaction Design, Industrial Design, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related technical/creative discipline is expected.

Experience: Preferably 3+ years of professional experience, with a demonstrated track record in design technology, product innovation, or a similar role. Familiarity with fast-paced agency environments and workflows is highly valued.

Required Skills:

  • Proven track record in developing interactive systems and functional prototypes.

  • Strong technical troubleshooting skills, particularly in bridging design and technical domains.

  • Demonstrable expertise in modern full-stack development, including:

    • TypeScript
    • React / Next.js
    • Node.js
    • Python
  • Daily fluency and practical experience with AI coding/prototyping tools (e.g., Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, Weavy).

  • Hands-on experience with AI-native application development, including:

    • Shipping on LLM APIs (Anthropic, OpenAI, open models)
    • Agent frameworks and tool use
    • Structured generation and streaming/generative UI
    • Writing evaluations and A/B testing prompts
    • Model selection and MCP (Multi-agent Control Plane) design
  • Strong craft and conceptual thinking, paired with excellent communication and storytelling abilities.

  • Demonstrated curiosity for design craft (interaction, visual, industrial, or service) and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

  • A humble, self-propelled, and collaborative team player, comfortable working in multi-competence constellations.

Preferred Skills:

  • Knowledge of local and distributed network architectures.

  • Experience with API and integration design.

  • Demonstrated skills and experiences in Game Engines (Unity / Unreal).

  • Experience with voice/audio interfaces, computer vision, video editing, or physical computing.

  • Familiarity with leading conversations with stakeholders and experts across design, business, and engineering.

  • Ability to structure ambiguous work and select the appropriate tools and fidelity at each stage of a project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical toolkit is heavily weighted towards AI-native development and modern web technologies, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to innovation. The "full-stack" designation here is more about the breadth of technical capabilities applied to design problems rather than a traditional backend/frontend software engineering role. The emphasis on AI tools and LLM APIs is a significant differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A forward-thinking portfolio showcasing an integrated approach to design, technology, and creativity.

  • Demonstrations of your ability to work across the full design process, from research and concept definition to technical exploration and prototyping.

  • Case studies that highlight your technical skills, particularly in developing interactive systems and leveraging AI for design and prototyping.

  • Examples of how you've structured ambiguous work, chosen appropriate tools and fidelities, and driven projects forward.

Process Documentation:

  • Showcase your ability to document and explain technical workflows, from initial concept to functional prototypes.

  • Provide examples of how you've applied AI tools and methodologies in your design and development processes.

  • Demonstrate your understanding of API integration, network architectures, and how these are applied in practical design solutions.

  • Include examples of how you've collaborated within cross-functional teams, detailing communication strategies and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's integrated approach to design and technology. It should not only display finished work but also the process, technical exploration, and strategic thinking behind it. Emphasis on AI tool usage and interactive system development is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Malmö/Stockholm, Sweden), experience level (Intermediate/Senior, 3+ years), and the specialized nature of Design Technology with AI focus, a competitive salary range is estimated. For an Intermediate to Senior Full-Stack Design Technologist in Sweden, the annual gross salary typically falls between 550,000 SEK and 850,000 SEK. This can vary significantly based on the specific depth of AI expertise and the candidate's negotiation.

Benefits:

  • Work Permit & Relocation Assistance: The company is able to assist with work permit and relocation processes for international applicants, facilitating a smoother transition.

  • Professional Development: Opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects with leading global brands and startups, fostering continuous learning in design technology and AI.

  • Collaborative Environment: A warm, welcoming, and international team with a strong emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and driving tangible impact.

  • Diverse Project Exposure: Work across a wide variety of innovation projects spanning consumer products, smart home devices, robotics, future mobility, and spatial experiences.

  • Competitive Compensation Package: Beyond salary, expect a comprehensive package typical for a reputable innovation agency. (Specifics to be confirmed during the interview process).

  • Studio Locations: Access to modern studio environments in both Malmö and Stockholm.

Working Hours: Full-time employment. Standard working hours are expected, with flexibility often available depending on project needs and team agreements. The focus is on results and collaboration rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on available data for similar roles in Sweden, considering the specified experience level and the highly specialized nature of AI and full-stack design technology. The inclusion of visa sponsorship and relocation assistance is a significant benefit for international candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Innovation Agency / Design & Technology Consulting. Above Agency operates within the creative services sector, focusing on innovation, strategy, and technology integration for a diverse client base.

Company Size: The company is likely of medium size, based on the presence of multiple studios (Malmö, Stockholm) and a dedicated hiring process indicating growth and structured operations. This suggests an environment with established processes but still agile enough for impactful individual contributions.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, the agency's focus on cutting-edge design, strategy, and technology integration suggests it is a relatively modern firm, likely founded within the last 10-20 years to stay competitive in the innovation space.

Team Structure:

  • The Design Technology team appears to be a specialized unit within the agency, working in close collaboration with broader design, strategy, and engineering teams.

  • Roles within Design Technology likely include specialists in areas such as interactive prototyping, AI integration, hardware/software bridging, and technical exploration.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Innovation: While emphasizing creativity, the agency likely employs data and user research to inform innovation strategies and validate concepts.

  • Integrated Workflow: A seamless integration of design, strategy, and technology is central to their approach, breaking down traditional silos.

  • Agile Prototyping: Rapid iteration and prototyping, heavily leveraging AI tools, are key to moving projects forward and exploring future visions.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong emphasis on diverse, multi-competence teams working collaboratively to achieve world-class results.

Company Website: https://above.se

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as Scandinavian, emphasizing warmth, collaboration, creativity, and driving tangible impact. The focus on fusing hardware and software into meaningful experiences and working with both global brands and startups indicates a dynamic and diverse project landscape.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an Intermediate to Senior level, indicating a need for significant professional experience and a high degree of autonomy. Candidates are expected to contribute substantively to projects, drive smaller engagements independently, and act as an ambassador for their discipline.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Design Technology team, likely under the Director of Design Technology. However, day-to-day work will involve deep integration into various project teams, collaborating with designers, strategists, engineers, and other specialists.

Operations Impact: The Design Technologist directly influences the direction and feasibility of innovation projects. By creating compelling prototypes and conducting technical explorations, they enable clients to visualize and validate future product concepts, ultimately shaping category-defining products and future visions. Their work directly impacts the quality of project deliveries and the agency's reputation for cutting-edge innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-native application development, LLM APIs, agent frameworks, or emerging areas like computer vision and physical computing.

  • Leadership: Progress to leading larger design technology initiatives, mentoring junior team members, and taking on more strategic client-facing roles.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Mastery: Expand knowledge and practical skills across other areas of design and technology within the agency, fostering a more holistic understanding of innovation.

  • Industry Influence: Contribute to the agency's thought leadership through internal knowledge sharing, external presentations, or contributing to case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Design Technologist at an agency like Above is often tied to increasing project complexity, client impact, and leadership within specialized technical domains. The rapid evolution of AI presents significant opportunities for those who can master these new tools and methodologies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring presence in either the Malmö or Stockholm studio. These are likely modern, collaborative studio spaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Office Location(s):

  • Grimsbygatan 24, Malmö, 211 20, Sweden

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Hubs: The studios are designed to encourage interaction, brainstorming, and cross-pollination of ideas among diverse teams.

  • Technology-Rich Environment: Access to necessary hardware, software, and potentially specialized equipment for prototyping and technical exploration.

  • International & Diverse: The work environment is international, with team members from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich exchange of perspectives.

  • Project-Focused: The atmosphere is driven by project goals, client needs, and a shared passion for innovation and creative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site in either Malmö or Stockholm. While core hours are expected, the agency likely offers some flexibility to accommodate project demands and individual work styles, emphasizing results and collaborative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often crucial for hands-on design and prototyping work in an innovation agency setting. The presence of two distinct studio locations offers some flexibility for candidates within Sweden.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Application Review: Applications will be screened based on the submitted portfolio and motivation statement. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

  • Portfolio Deep Dive: Shortlisted candidates will likely engage in discussions focused on their portfolio projects, exploring their technical approach, problem-solving methodology, and impact.

  • Technical & Conceptual Assessment: Interviews will assess technical proficiency, particularly in AI tools and full-stack development, as well as conceptual thinking, design craft, and strategic rationale.

  • Team & Culture Fit: Conversations will evaluate collaborative skills, communication style, curiosity, and alignment with Above Agency's values and team dynamics.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, long-term potential, and address any final questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight AI Integration: Clearly showcase how you've used AI tools (LLMs, coding assistants, generative design) to enhance your design and prototyping processes.

  • Demonstrate Full-Stack Capabilities: Provide examples of end-to-end projects where you've handled various technical aspects, from ideation to functional prototypes using TypeScript, React, Node.js, or Python.

  • Showcase Interactive Systems: Include projects that demonstrate your ability to build interactive and dynamic systems, detailing the technical challenges and solutions.

  • Articulate Your Role & Impact: Clearly define your specific contributions within each project, especially in team settings, and quantify the impact of your work where possible.

  • Focus on Process & Rationale: Explain your decision-making process, why you chose specific technologies or tools, and how your technical choices supported the overall design goals.

  • Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to tell a compelling narrative about the problem, your approach, your solutions, and the outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Technical Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical technical challenges related to AI integration, prototyping complex interactions, or bridging hardware/software gaps.

  • Problem-Solving Exercises: Anticipate questions that require you to break down ambiguous problems, propose solutions, and justify your approach using design and technology principles.

  • Communication & Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've communicated complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders and collaborated effectively within diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount. Candidates should curate their best work that specifically addresses the requirements for AI-native development and full-stack prototyping. The interview process will likely be iterative, starting with a strong evaluation of the portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • AI Development Frameworks & APIs: Experience with LLM APIs (Anthropic, OpenAI, open models), agent frameworks, tool use, structured generation, streaming/generative UI, prompt engineering, model selection, and MCP design.

  • Full-Stack Development: TypeScript, React, Next.js, Node.js, Python.

  • Prototyping Tools: AI coding/prototyping tools like Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, Weavy.

  • Game Engines: Unity / Unreal Engine (Bonus).

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly detailed for this role, familiarity with tools that can help measure prototype effectiveness or gather user feedback would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but understanding how prototypes might integrate into broader product development or client feedback systems is relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on modern web development and, critically, cutting-edge AI tools and development methodologies. Candidates are not expected to be experts in all areas but should demonstrate depth in some and a strong curiosity to learn others.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Craft & Quality: A commitment to high-quality design and technical execution, striving for world-class results.

  • Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within diverse, multi-competence teams.

  • Curiosity & Learning: A proactive drive to explore emerging trends, learn new technologies (especially AI), and continuously grow one's skill set.

  • Impact & Purpose: A desire to create meaningful experiences and drive tangible positive change through thoughtful design and technology.

  • Humility & Self-Propulsion: A humble attitude, combined with the initiative to drive work forward independently and contribute actively to team goals.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The agency fosters an environment where design, strategy, and technology professionals work closely together, sharing expertise and perspectives.

  • Open Dialogue: Encouragement of open discussions, feedback exchange, and constructive critique to refine ideas and improve outcomes.

  • Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing learnings, best practices, and insights across projects and teams.

  • Hands-On Approach: A collective willingness to get hands-on with challenges, experiment with solutions, and build what's next.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is distinctly Scandinavian, emphasizing a blend of professional rigor and a positive, human-centric work environment. The values align with an innovation agency that pushes boundaries while maintaining a strong ethical and collaborative foundation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Staying current with the fast pace of AI advancements, new tools, and best practices in AI-native development.

  • Bridging Design and Advanced Technology: Effectively translating cutting-edge AI capabilities and complex technical concepts into tangible, user-centered design prototypes.

  • Ambiguity in Innovation Projects: Navigating projects with undefined scopes and exploring novel technological applications.

  • Balancing Craft and Speed: Delivering high-quality, conceptually strong work within agency timelines, often accelerated by AI tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI Specialization: Opportunity to become a leader in AI-native application development and generative design within the agency.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse project types (hardware, software, spatial, mobility) and with various client industries.

  • Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals within the agency for guidance on technical skills, career development, and project execution.

  • Industry Engagement: Potential to attend conferences, workshops, or pursue certifications related to emerging technologies and design innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunities lie in mastering the rapidly evolving AI technology stack and applying it to complex design challenges. The agency's diverse project portfolio provides a rich learning ground for developing a broad range of technical and creative skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a project where you used AI tools to significantly accelerate the design or prototyping process. What was the outcome?" (Focus on specific AI tools, your role, and quantifiable impact).

  • "How do you approach structuring an ambiguous design technology project? What factors influence your choice of tools and fidelity?" (Highlight your process for managing uncertainty and making strategic technical decisions).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you most about Above Agency's approach to innovation and Design Technology?" (Research their website and recent work; connect it to your own interests).

  • "How do you collaborate with designers, strategists, and engineers? Provide an example of a successful cross-functional collaboration." (Emphasize communication, empathy, and shared goal achievement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your AI and full-stack capabilities, interactive systems, and integrated design thinking.

  • Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in team projects. Use "I" for your actions and "we" for team efforts.

  • Explain the "Why": For each project, explain the problem, your proposed solution, the technologies used (and why), and the final outcome or learnings.

  • Showcase Process: Include sketches, wireframes, code snippets (if appropriate), and iterations to demonstrate your thought process and technical journey.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success or impact of your work.

  • Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss your code, architecture, and technical decisions in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just technical skill but also a strategic mindset and strong communication abilities. The portfolio is the centerpiece, so thorough preparation in presenting it is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the application link provided by Above Agency.

  • Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your expertise in AI-native development, full-stack prototyping (TypeScript, React, Node.js, Python), and interactive systems. Highlight specific examples of using AI coding/prototyping tools and LLM APIs.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, technical skills (especially AI and full-stack), and achievements that align with the job description. Use keywords such as "Design Technologist," "AI Development," "Prototyping," "Full-Stack," "TypeScript," "React," "LLM APIs," and "Interactive Systems."

  • Motivation Statement: Craft a concise statement explaining your interest in Above Agency, your passion for Design Technology and AI innovation, and why you are a strong fit for this specific role.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Above Agency's work, client portfolio, and company values to articulate your alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have preferably 3+ years of professional experience and a forward-thinking approach to technology. Strong craft and conceptual thinking, along with clear communication and storytelling skills, are essential.