Intern - UX Design (HCI, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Computer Science Majors)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern - UX Design (HCI, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Computer Science Majors)

Company: Simon Property Group

Location: Corporate Indianapolis, IN, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design Operations

Date Posted: September 04, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support digital marketing and product design teams in crafting intuitive and user-centered digital experiences.

• Engage in hands-on UX research, interaction design, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance usability and customer satisfaction.

• Contribute to the development of web and mobile interfaces, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and accessibility standards.

• Analyze user behavior through digital analytics tools to inform design decisions and optimize user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a corporate setting at Simon Property Group, a major player in the retail real estate industry. The "UX Design Operations" category is inferred due to the role's focus on supporting product design and digital marketing teams, implying a need for structured design processes, system maintenance (like design systems), and data-driven decision-making, which are core to operations. The emphasis on analyzing user behavior with tools like Clarity, Firebase, or Google Analytics further solidifies this operational aspect by focusing on measurable outcomes and process improvement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and iteration of user interfaces for web and mobile platforms, adhering to established brand and accessibility standards.

• Develop wireframes, interactive prototypes, and comprehensive design documentation to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Analyze user behavior patterns and engagement metrics using tools such as Clarity, Firebase, or Google Analytics to identify areas for improvement.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure design feasibility, technical alignment, and consistent implementation across digital products.

• Contribute to the creation, maintenance, and evolution of design systems and component libraries to ensure design consistency and efficiency.

• Support content strategy initiatives by organizing and structuring content for optimal clarity, engagement, and discoverability.

• Actively advocate for and implement inclusive design principles and accessibility best practices throughout the design process.

• Present design proposals, research findings, and project updates to various stakeholder groups, including design leadership and cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are derived from the provided description and structured to highlight the operational aspects of UX design. This includes the creation and maintenance of design systems, which are crucial for operational efficiency and consistency in larger organizations. The emphasis on analyzing user behavior with specific tools points to a data-driven approach, fundamental to operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Digital Media, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience or relevant internship experience in UX/UI design.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated strong interest in user-centered design principles and the creation of engaging digital experiences.

• Familiarity with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.

• Basic understanding of UX research methodologies, usability testing, and core usability principles.

• Ability to articulate design ideas, rationale, and user flows clearly and effectively through verbal and visual communication.

• A collaborative mindset with a proactive willingness to receive and incorporate feedback from peers and mentors.

• Analytical thinking capabilities and a keen attention to detail in design execution and problem-solving. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with prototyping and wireframing tools.

• Exposure to or basic understanding of web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

• Familiarity with user behavior analytics tools like Google Analytics, Firebase, or Microsoft Clarity.

• Experience contributing to or maintaining design systems or component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level is inferred from the "Intern" job title and the common educational backgrounds listed. The "Required Skills" are directly extracted or logically derived from the provided description. "Preferred Skills" are added based on common complementary skills that would enhance an intern's contribution, such as analytics tool experience and basic web technology knowledge, which are highly relevant in a UX operations context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 UX design projects that demonstrate a user-centered design process from research to final design.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project, especially in collaborative team settings.

• Include wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to illustrate design evolution.

• Provide evidence of problem-solving through design, explaining the challenges faced and how your solutions addressed them.

• Demonstrate an understanding of accessibility standards and how they were incorporated into your designs. Process Documentation:

• For each project, outline the specific UX design process followed (e.g., user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, iteration).

• Explain how user feedback and data analytics were used to inform design decisions and iterations.

• Detail any collaboration methods used with cross-functional teams (developers, product managers, marketers).

• Document any contributions to design systems, component libraries, or style guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers typical portfolio expectations for a UX Design Intern. The emphasis on "process documentation" and "design systems" aligns with the operational aspect of the role, where understanding and contributing to standardized workflows and reusable assets are key. Demonstrating a structured design process is critical for an operations-focused role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an internship position, compensation is typically offered on an hourly basis. For an intern role in Indianapolis, IN, with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated hourly rate can range from $18 to $25 per hour. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for UX Design internships in major US metropolitan areas and considers the cost of living in Indianapolis.

Benefits:

• Paid internship opportunity providing valuable industry experience.

• Exposure to professional UX design practices and corporate environments.

• Networking opportunities with experienced design and marketing professionals.

• Potential for academic credit, depending on university program requirements.

• Access to company resources and training materials relevant to design and digital marketing.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position, typically requiring 20-30 hours per week. Specific daily schedules can be discussed and arranged with the hiring manager to accommodate academic commitments and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a part-time UX Design Intern in Indianapolis, IN, based on general industry data for similar roles and locations. Benefits are described based on typical offerings for intern positions, focusing on the value derived from experience and learning rather than comprehensive corporate benefits. The working hours are inferred from the "Part time" employment type.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail Real Estate. Simon Property Group is a global leader in the development, ownership, and operation of premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. This context means the UX intern will be working on digital platforms that support a vast physical retail ecosystem, aiming to enhance the customer journey both online and offline.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (10,000+ employees). This size indicates a structured organization with established processes, potential for specialized teams (like dedicated UX and digital marketing departments), and opportunities to learn within a large corporate framework.

Founded: 1960. With a long history, Simon Property Group likely has a blend of established corporate practices and ongoing innovation, providing a stable yet dynamic environment.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Intern will likely be part of a larger Digital Marketing or Product Development team, potentially within a dedicated UX/UI design group.

• The team structure will involve collaboration with senior UX/UI designers, product managers, digital marketers, and potentially analysts responsible for website performance.

• Reporting will likely be to a UX Design Lead or Manager who oversees the intern's projects and development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions will be informed by user analytics (Clarity, Firebase, Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and optimize digital experiences.

• User-Centered Approach: A strong emphasis on understanding user needs and translating them into intuitive and effective digital solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with various departments to ensure a cohesive and integrated user experience across all digital touchpoints.

• Iterative Design: Employing a process of continuous improvement, where designs are refined based on feedback, testing, and performance data.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about Simon Property Group's industry, size, and founding date is sourced from general knowledge and typical corporate profiles. The "Team Structure" and "Methodology" sections infer how a UX design function typically operates within a large enterprise like Simon, emphasizing operational efficiency through data and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, providing foundational experience in UX Design Operations. It's designed for individuals early in their career, offering exposure to real-world design challenges, professional workflows, and corporate collaboration. The focus is on learning and skill development rather than immediate impact or strategic decision-making.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a UX Design Lead or Manager, who will provide guidance, mentorship, and project assignments. This structure ensures clear direction and support for skill development.

Operations Impact: While the intern's direct impact may be on specific project deliverables or feature enhancements, their contribution will indirectly support the broader operations of Simon Property Group's digital platforms. By improving user experience and engagement, the intern helps drive customer satisfaction and potentially supports business objectives related to digital engagement and customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience with industry-standard UX tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch) and analytics platforms (Clarity, Firebase, Google Analytics).

• Portfolio Building: Develop tangible design projects and case studies to showcase skills and experience for future job applications.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about UX design processes within a large corporate environment and the retail real estate sector.

• Networking: Build professional connections with designers, marketers, and product managers at a leading company.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals, fostering learning and career advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" and "Operations Impact" are framed to highlight how an internship contributes to operational understanding and efficiency, even at an entry level. "Growth Opportunities" are tailored to what an intern typically seeks and gains, emphasizing practical skill acquisition and professional development within an operational context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site internship at Simon Property Group's Corporate Headquarters in Indianapolis. The environment is expected to be a professional corporate office setting, likely with open-plan areas for collaboration and designated workspaces for individual tasks.

Office Location(s): Corporate Indianapolis, IN, United States. Specific details about office amenities or accessibility can be obtained upon inquiry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms and common areas for team discussions, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews.

• Individual Workstations: A dedicated desk or workspace equipped with necessary technology to perform design tasks.

• Technology Access: Likely provision of company-provided hardware (laptops) and software licenses for design and analytics tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the UX/UI design team, product managers, and digital marketing colleagues.

Work Schedule: The part-time schedule will be negotiated to align with academic requirements, typically involving 20-30 hours per week. Flexibility may be offered within the standard business hours of the corporate office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Office Type" and "Workspace Context" are inferred based on the "On-site" status and the nature of a corporate internship. The emphasis is on the professional and collaborative environment conducive to learning and operational integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application, with particular attention to relevant coursework, projects, and any prior internship experience.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their UX design work. This will involve discussing your design process, problem-solving approach, and the outcomes of your projects.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a short design exercise or a discussion about your proficiency with specific design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch) and UX principles.

• Behavioral/Fit Interview: Questions to assess your collaboration skills, learning aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the company culture. This may involve discussing how you handle feedback and work in a team.

• Final Interview: A discussion with a hiring manager or senior team member to finalize the selection.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your UX skills and design process.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your user-centered approach, including research methods, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. Show how you iterated based on feedback.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch, and how you leverage them for efficient design.

• Accessibility Focus: If possible, showcase projects where you considered and implemented accessibility best practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of UX principles and how they apply to real-world scenarios, especially within the retail or digital marketing context.

• Review common UX challenges and how you might approach them, focusing on user research and iterative design.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if explaining a design decision to a non-designer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is structured based on standard practices for UX Design internships, with an emphasis on demonstrating a structured design process and collaborative capabilities, aligning with the operational focus of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch (Familiarity with at least one is expected). These tools are central to creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• User Behavior Analytics: Microsoft Clarity, Firebase, Google Analytics (Exposure or basic understanding is beneficial). These platforms are crucial for analyzing user data to inform design decisions and measure performance.

Collaboration & Documentation:

• Project Management/Collaboration: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello may be used for task management and team coordination.

• Documentation: Standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for creating presentations and reports.

Web Technologies (Beneficial):

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript: Basic knowledge is helpful for understanding design implementation and feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists the specific tools mentioned in the job description and adds common complementary tools used in UX design and operations to provide a comprehensive overview of the expected technology stack. The inclusion of analytics tools highlights the data-driven operational aspect of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of users to create valuable and intuitive digital experiences.

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

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics and user feedback to inform design choices and measure the impact of design solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to iterating on designs, learning from feedback, and optimizing processes for efficiency and effectiveness.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A commitment to designing for all users, ensuring digital platforms are usable and accessible to everyone.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively works with product management, marketing, and development to ensure a cohesive product strategy and user experience.

• Feedback-Oriented: An open environment where constructive feedback is shared and welcomed to foster design quality and professional growth.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" and "Collaboration Style" are inferred from the job description's emphasis on user-centered design, cross-functional collaboration, and data analysis, reflecting typical values in a UX operations environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Learning to navigate and reconcile potentially competing priorities between user experience desires and business objectives within a corporate structure.

• Adapting to Corporate Processes: Understanding and working within established corporate workflows, design systems, and approval processes.

• Translating Data into Actionable Insights: Developing the skill to effectively interpret user analytics and translate findings into concrete design improvements.

• Communicating Design Rationale: Articulating design decisions clearly to diverse stakeholders, including those without a design background.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Skill Application: Gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard UX design and analytics tools in a professional setting.

• Mentorship and Guidance: Learning from experienced UX designers and digital marketing professionals within a structured internship program.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with real-world projects that showcase design thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the operational aspects of UX design within a large, established company in the retail real estate sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" identified are common for interns in corporate environments, particularly in roles that bridge creative design with operational processes and business objectives. "Learning & Development Opportunities" are framed to highlight the practical, skill-building aspects of the internship.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a new feature, from initial concept to final design. What steps do you take?" (Focus on user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing.)

• Problem Solving: "Describe a time you encountered a design challenge. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Be ready to discuss a specific project from your portfolio.)

• Collaboration: "How do you approach working with developers or product managers who have different perspectives on a design?" (Highlight your communication and negotiation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in UX design, and why Simon Property Group specifically?" (Research Simon's digital presence and connect it to your interests.)

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic." (Emphasize collaboration and willingness to learn.)

• Learning Aptitude: "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and best practices?" (Showcase your proactive approach to learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem statement, your role, the target users, your design process, key decisions, and the results or learnings.

• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes to illustrate your work. Annotate key design choices.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data or metrics related to your projects, present them to demonstrate the impact of your design.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your challenges, and how you would iterate on the presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored for a UX Design Intern role, focusing on assessing design thinking, process, collaboration, and the ability to learn within a corporate operational framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design internship position:

• Submit your resume and a brief cover letter through the Simon Property Group careers portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your best 2-3 UX design projects. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your process (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), your specific contributions, and any outcomes or learnings. Use visuals effectively.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any previous internship or volunteer experience in design or related fields. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, articulate your design thinking, and answer behavioral questions about collaboration and problem-solving. Practice explaining your process clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Simon Property Group's digital platforms (website, app if applicable) and understand their business model in retail real estate. Think about how UX design contributes to their overall operations and customer engagement.

⚠️ 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.