Senior UX/UI Product Design Consultant, UAE at ION Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Product Design Consultant, UAE

Company: ION Group (Lab49)

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Freelancer

Category: UX/UI Product Design

Date Posted: June 13, 2025

Experience Level: Senior (8+ years)

Remote Status: On-site (Dubai)

🎨 Role Summary

Elevate your consulting career with unparalleled experience in one of the world's most dynamic business hubs, shaping the future of innovation and growth in the financial sector.
Work with development teams to envision and design desktop, web, and mobile applications for clients in the finance industry.
Solve complex workflow challenges and develop innovative ways to visualize market data through user-centered design approaches.
Engage in sporadic engagements with varying scope and duration as a freelance consultant, requiring flexibility and adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly stated as a freelance consultant position ("This is not a full-time position"), focusing on project-based work within the UAE for clients in the financial sector. This requires a high degree of autonomy and adaptability.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Define the overall user experience, including flow, layout, information architecture, interactions, and data visualizations for assigned financial technology projects.
Collaborate closely with clients to understand complex business requirements and translate them into intuitive and effective design solutions.
Proactively identify essential tools and features that enhance client solutions and contribute to solving real-world business problems in finance.
Present, iterate, and refine design ideas in real-time with clients, incorporating feedback efficiently and demonstrating strong communication skills.
Work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, quickly adapting to diverse client business areas and technologies.
Partner with product and development teams to deliver design solutions that align with project timelines and client objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a senior consultant role within the finance sector, responsibilities are inferred to include a strong emphasis on complex data visualization, workflow optimization for financial professionals, and direct client interaction and influence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate or Graduate Degree in HCI, Interaction Design, Information Architecture, Visual Communication, Graphic Design, or any design-related field is highly preferred.

Experience: 8+ years of solid experience in UX/UI Design, Interaction Design, or Information Architecture, with a demonstrated ability to define and drive the design process. Candidates must have a portfolio showcasing their experience ready for screening.

Required Skills:

Extensive experience in UX/UI Design, Interaction Design, and Information Architecture.
Hands-on expertise in user research, sketching, wire-framing, and final UI/Visual design.
Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on real-world business challenges.
Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present and influence clients.
High degree of resourcefulness, independence, flexibility, and adaptability.
Registration as a freelancer in the UAE is mandatory.

Preferred Skills:

Experience designing complex, interactive, transactional, enterprise-level systems in the financial domain.
Knowledge of and strong interest in global financial markets and financial products.
Excellent organizational skills and a focus on operational efficiency.
Experience working in an agile development environment.
Ability to drive product deliverables forward on time and with high quality.
Experience operating within cross-functional design and engineering teams.
Corporate or retail banking experience.
Experience with Responsive Web, Android, and iOS design.
Previous experience working in a consultancy environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on 8+ years of experience and the consultant title strongly suggest a requirement for leadership in design process and direct client engagement. Preferred skills highlight the specific industry context (finance) and working model (agile, consulting).

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Portfolio must clearly demonstrate experience in defining and driving the end-to-end UX/UI design process, including user research, ideation, wire-framing, and final visual design.
Include case studies showcasing complex problem-solving in real-world business contexts, ideally within the financial sector.
Visually present design solutions with high fidelity, demonstrating strong UI and visual design skills across different platforms (desktop, web, mobile).
Showcase examples of designing interactive and transactional systems, highlighting understanding of complex user flows and data visualization.

Process Documentation:

Document the user research and discovery phase, explaining methodologies used and key insights gathered to inform design decisions.
Detail the ideation and iteration methods employed to arrive at the final design solutions, including sketches, wireframes, and prototypes.
Explain the validation and testing approaches used to gather user feedback and refine designs.
Clearly articulate the design rationale behind key decisions, demonstrating a user-centered approach and understanding of business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior consultant role, the portfolio needs to go beyond just pretty visuals and demonstrate a deep understanding of the design process, strategic thinking, and the ability to tackle complex domain-specific challenges, particularly in finance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance role in Dubai, compensation is typically project-based or a daily/hourly rate. Based on Dubai's market rates for senior UX/UI consultants with 8+ years of experience and expertise in finance/enterprise systems, a rough estimated daily rate could range from AED 1,500 to AED 3,500+, depending on the project complexity, duration, and the consultant's specific expertise and portfolio. This estimate is based on general market data for senior design consultants in the UAE and should be used as a guide only; actual rates will be subject to negotiation. Cost of living in Dubai is relatively high compared to many global cities, which influences compensation expectations.

Benefits: As a freelancer, benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not provided by the engaging company (Lab49/ION). These would be the responsibility of the independent consultant. Project-specific benefits (e.g., travel allowances if required) may be negotiated.

Working Hours: Working hours for freelance engagements are typically project-dependent and may vary. Flexibility is often required to align with client schedules and project milestones. The role is described as "sporadic engagements with varying scope and duration."

📝 Enhancement Note: Since this is a freelance position, standard employee benefits are not applicable. The salary is presented as a typical freelance rate range for the Dubai market, considering the seniority and specialized industry focus (finance). This estimate is based on publicly available data and industry benchmarks for design consultants in the UAE.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech) - Lab49, part of ION Group, specializes in creating bespoke technology solutions for major companies in the finance sector, including financial institutions, corporations, central banks, and governments.

Company Size: ION Group is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally. Lab49 operates as an award-winning specialist consultancy within this larger structure, suggesting a potentially smaller, more focused team environment within the broader company.

Founded: Lab49 was founded in 2002 to bring Silicon Valley solutions to Wall Street. ION Group was founded in 1998.

Team Structure:

As a consultant within Lab49, you would likely work as part of project-specific teams, collaborating closely with developers, product managers, and other consultants.
Reporting structure would likely be project-based, potentially reporting to a project lead or manager within Lab49.
Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working with both internal Lab49 teams and client stakeholders.

Methodology:

The company description mentions experience working in an agile environment as a desired skill, suggesting agile or lean methodologies are likely employed in project delivery.
User research is a required skill, indicating a focus on understanding user needs and behaviors in the financial domain.
Iteration and collaboration with clients are highlighted, pointing towards a design process that involves rapid prototyping and feedback loops.

Company Website: https://on.iongroup.com/3QN0vLD (ION Group LinkedIn)

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information is based on the provided job details and the LinkedIn profile for ION Group. Lab49's role as a specialist consultancy within ION suggests a focus on high-impact, client-facing projects, particularly within the financial sector. The emphasis on agile and client collaboration points to a dynamic working environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Senior Consultant level, indicating a requirement for extensive experience, leadership in design practice, and the ability to operate autonomously and influence client strategy. This role is suited for a seasoned design professional looking for project-based engagements.

Reporting Structure: Reporting is likely project-specific, potentially to a project or consulting lead. The freelance nature means less traditional hierarchical reporting compared to full-time roles.

Design Impact: Design has a significant impact on the usability and effectiveness of complex financial technology solutions. Consultants are expected to drive design strategy and deliver innovative solutions that enhance client workflows and data visualization.

Growth Opportunities:

Exposure to a wide range of financial clients and complex projects, providing opportunities to deepen expertise in FinTech design.
Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies and business areas within finance.
Building a strong portfolio of high-impact projects for major financial institutions.
Potential for repeat engagements and long-term relationships with Lab49 and its clients based on performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a freelance consultant, career growth is less about climbing a traditional corporate ladder and more about expanding expertise, building a strong reputation, and securing challenging and impactful projects. The focus is on continuous learning and specialization within the finance domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: While the job is listed with a Dubai location, the nature of a consultant role, especially freelance, might involve working on-site at client locations in Dubai or potentially remote work depending on the project requirements and client preferences. The job explicitly mentions being "On-site (Dubai)".

Office Location(s): The primary location listed is Dubai. ION Group has numerous global offices, but this specific role is tied to Dubai.

Design Workspace Context:

The work environment would likely be collaborative, involving close interaction with development teams and client stakeholders.
Access to necessary design tools and collaboration platforms would be provided or required.
The environment would likely be fast-paced, requiring adaptability and the ability to work effectively under project deadlines.

Work Schedule: The role involves "sporadic engagements with varying scope and duration." This means the work schedule is not fixed and will depend entirely on the specific projects undertaken. Flexibility is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is primarily defined by the project-based, freelance nature of the role. While the location is Dubai, the actual workspace could vary between Lab49's office, client sites, or potentially remote, depending on project needs. The emphasis is on flexibility and adaptability to different project requirements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

The initial step involves submitting an application and having a portfolio ready for screening.
Interviews will likely assess your experience, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit for a consulting environment.
Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, explaining your approach to user research, ideation, iteration, and collaboration.
Case studies from your portfolio will be central to the discussion, demonstrating your ability to tackle complex design challenges, particularly in the financial domain if possible.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience in designing complex, transactional, or enterprise-level systems.
Focus on showcasing your end-to-end design process through detailed case studies, explaining your role, challenges, solutions, and impact.
Clearly articulate your design rationale and decision-making process for each project.
If you have experience in FinTech or related industries, make sure to feature those projects prominently.
Ensure the visual presentation of your portfolio is professional and demonstrates strong UI skills.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for potential discussions around complex workflow optimization or data visualization challenges relevant to the financial sector.
Practice articulating your problem-solving approach and demonstrating how you would apply user-centered design principles to a new, complex domain.
Consider how you would approach a design challenge with limited information or tight deadlines, as is common in consulting.

ATS Keywords: UI/UX Design, Product Design, Interaction Design, Information Architecture, User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Visual Design, Financial Services, FinTech, Enterprise Software, Agile, Consulting, Client Management, Stakeholder Communication, Problem Solving, Workflow Optimization, Data Visualization, Mobile Design, Web Design, Desktop Application Design, User-Centered Design, Design Strategy, Design Process, Usability Testing, Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Zeplin, Jira, Confluence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a senior design consultant role will heavily emphasize the portfolio and the ability to articulate the design process and impact. Interview questions will likely probe experience with complex systems and client interaction. Preparation should focus on showcasing expertise through detailed case studies and demonstrating strong communication skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools is expected. While specific tools aren't listed, common tools for this type of role include Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP, and InVision.
Experience with tools for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs is essential.
Familiarity with version control for design assets and potentially design system management tools would be beneficial.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Experience with collaboration platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar is likely required for communication with internal teams and clients.
Tools for design handoff to developers, such as Zeplin, Avocode, or integrated features within primary design tools, are important.
Familiarity with project management and documentation tools like Jira and Confluence is often beneficial in an agile environment.

Research & Testing:

Experience with tools or methods for conducting user research (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) is a required skill.
Familiarity with analytics tools might be beneficial for understanding user behavior and the impact of design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't explicitly mentioned, the required skills and the nature of the role (UX/UI Product Design) imply proficiency with a standard set of design, prototyping, and collaboration tools used in the industry. The emphasis on user research and working with development teams also points to the need for relevant tools in those areas.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

The company values bringing "Silicon Valley solutions to Wall Street," suggesting a culture that blends innovation, technology, and a deep understanding of the financial domain.
There's an emphasis on solving complex challenges and thinking outside the box, indicating a value for creative problem-solving and innovative design approaches.
A focus on delivering "superior quality" implies a commitment to high standards in design execution and user experience.
The mention of building rapport with various end-users highlights a user-centered approach and the value placed on understanding user needs in a diverse client base.

Collaboration Style:

Collaboration with development teams, product teams, and clients is explicitly mentioned, indicating a highly collaborative environment.
The ability to "think on your feet to sketch, present, iterate, and refine design ideas in real-time with clients" suggests a dynamic and interactive collaboration style.
Experience working in an agile environment implies a collaborative approach with frequent feedback loops and cross-functional teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of innovation, technical expertise, and client focus, particularly within the demanding financial sector. The design culture likely values problem-solving, high-quality execution, and close collaboration with both internal teams and external clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Designing complex, interactive, and transactional systems for the financial sector, which often involves intricate workflows and large datasets.
Quickly understanding diverse client business areas and technical requirements across different projects.
Balancing innovative design solutions with the practical constraints and specific needs of enterprise-level financial applications.
Working effectively with varying project scopes and durations in a freelance capacity, requiring strong time management and project execution skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Deepen expertise in designing for the financial industry, gaining exposure to various financial products and markets.
Enhance consulting skills, including client management, presentation, and influencing client strategy.
Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and design approaches used in FinTech.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are tied to the complexity of the financial domain and the nature of freelance consulting. Growth opportunities lie in becoming a highly specialized and sought-after design expert in FinTech.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be ready to walk through your design process for a complex project, explaining your approach to user research, defining requirements, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Use specific examples from your portfolio.
Discuss how you approach designing for complex workflows and data visualization, particularly if you have relevant experience in finance or enterprise systems.
Explain how you collaborate with developers and product managers during the design and implementation phases.

Company Culture Questions:

Research Lab49 and ION Group's work in the financial sector. Be prepared to discuss your interest in FinTech and how your skills align with the challenges of this industry.
Think about how you adapt your design process and communication style when working with different clients and project teams.
Be ready to discuss your experience working in fast-paced, potentially agile environments and how you manage project timelines and deliverables.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 2-3 strong case studies that best demonstrate your experience with complex systems, problem-solving, and end-to-end design process.
For each case study, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role, your design process, key decisions, and the impact of your work.
Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions and how they address user needs and business objectives.
Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design solutions and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep design expertise, particularly in complex domains, and showcasing strong communication and collaboration skills essential for a consulting role. A well-structured portfolio presentation with detailed case studies is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link.
Ensure your portfolio is readily available as a .pdf file or link and is tailored to showcase your experience with complex UX/UI design projects, ideally within the financial sector.
Optimize your resume to highlight your 8+ years of experience, required and preferred skills, and any relevant experience in finance, consulting, or enterprise systems, using relevant ATS keywords.
Prepare for interviews by reviewing your portfolio case studies, practicing articulating your design process, and researching Lab49 and ION Group's work.
If you are not already, ensure you are registered as a freelancer in the UAE, as this is a mandatory requirement for consideration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Senior UX/UI Product Design Consultant, UAE