Trainee UX/UI Designer (m/w/d) at Digitale Leute School

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Trainee UX/UI Designer (m/w/d)

Company: Digitale Leute School | DL Education

Location: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: INTERN

Category: UI/UX Design

Date Posted: June 11, 2025

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry Level)

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🎨 Role Summary

Embark on a transformative learning journey to master UX/UI design principles and practices within a structured bootcamp environment.
Gain hands-on experience in the complete design process, from user research and ideation to prototyping and usability testing.
Collaborate with a dedicated team and mentors to simulate real-world product design scenarios and build a robust portfolio.
Transition into an entry-level design role with the support of a program focused on job placement and career development in the digital product space.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interpreted the "Trainee" title and the bootcamp structure to emphasize the learning and career transition aspects, framing it as a comprehensive entry point into the UX/UI design field for individuals with limited prior experience.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Actively participate in and manage simulated design processes, working closely with a team to create user-centered solutions for digital products, apps, and web projects.
Conduct qualitative and quantitative user research, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis, to develop user personas and customer journey maps that inform design decisions.
Develop and visualize design ideas through wireframing and creating interactive prototypes using industry-standard design tools.
Plan and execute usability tests to gather user feedback, identify usability issues, and iteratively optimize the user interface and overall user experience.
Contribute to the visual and functional design of digital products, focusing on creating intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interfaces that align with user needs and business goals.
Learn to utilize tracking and analytics tools to monitor user interaction with designed products and gather data for continuous design improvement and validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Structured the responsibilities based on a typical UX/UI design process, emphasizing the practical, hands-on learning expected in a trainee/bootcamp context. Highlighted the inclusion of analytics, suggesting a data-informed design approach is part of the curriculum.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While a specific degree may not be strictly required, a strong portfolio and demonstrated passion for design are essential. The program is designed for individuals looking to transition into UX/UI design, including career changers and those with foundational design knowledge.

Experience: This role is suitable for individuals with 0-2 years of experience, including recent graduates, career changers, or those with some exposure to design principles. A foundational understanding of design concepts and a willingness to learn are more critical than extensive prior professional experience.

Required Skills:

Passion and enthusiasm for design and technology, with a genuine interest in creating digital experiences.
Strong ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment, collaborating with others to achieve shared design goals.
Familiarity with or eagerness to learn agile working methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban, with an understanding of iterative design processes.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate design ideas clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated eigeninitiative, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to contribute creative and pragmatic solutions.
A strong sense of empathy and focus on understanding user needs to design impactful and user-centric solutions.
A courageous and curious mindset, comfortable approaching challenges with innovation and seeking novel approaches to complex design problems.

Preferred Skills:

Basic understanding of User Research methodologies.
Some exposure to Prototyping and Wireframing tools or concepts.
An interest in learning about Usability Testing and design optimization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Categorized skills into Required and Preferred based on the "Trainee" nature of the role, emphasizing foundational traits and willingness to learn over extensive prior technical expertise. Added preferred skills based on the responsibilities outlined.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

While extensive professional projects may not be expected for a trainee role, demonstrating your design thinking process through personal projects, case studies from the bootcamp, or even speculative work is crucial.
Include at least one or two case studies that clearly articulate your approach to solving a design problem, highlighting your role, methodologies used, and the outcomes.
Present your work visually in a clear, organized, and aesthetically pleasing manner, showcasing your attention to detail and visual design sensibilities.
If applicable, include examples of interactive prototypes or wireframes to demonstrate your understanding of user flow and interaction design.

Process Documentation:

For each project, document your approach to the research and discovery phase, including how you identified user needs and defined the problem space.
Showcase your ideation and iteration methods, including sketches, wireframes, prototypes, and feedback incorporation.
Explain your validation and testing approaches, detailing how you tested your designs with users and what insights you gained.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailored portfolio requirements for an entry-level/trainee role, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating the design process and potential, even without extensive professional experience. Focused on case studies and process documentation as key elements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a trainee position associated with a bootcamp, a traditional salary is unlikely during the training period. The program focuses on providing education and job placement support. Upon successful completion and placement in an entry-level role in Cologne, Germany, a typical starting salary for a Junior UX/UI Designer in this region can range from €38,000 to €48,000 annually, depending on the company size, industry, and specific responsibilities. This estimate is based on current market data for entry-level design roles in the Cologne area, taking into account the cost of living and industry standards for junior positions.

Benefits:

Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from experienced design professionals throughout the bootcamp.
Remote Training: The program is conducted remotely, offering flexibility in learning.
Job Placement Support: Assistance in finding an entry-level UX/UI design position during or after the bootcamp.
Flexible Learning: The program is designed to be compatible with existing professional commitments.

Working Hours: The bootcamp involves a structured learning schedule, which may be full-time or part-time depending on the program's design. Upon securing a job placement, standard full-time working hours (around 40 hours per week) are typical for entry-level design roles, with potential for some flexibility depending on the employer's policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Clarified the compensation structure related to the bootcamp model, stating that a salary is not expected during training. Provided a realistic salary range for a subsequent entry-level position in Cologne based on regional market data for junior UX/UI designers, including typical factors influencing the range.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), focusing on digital skills training. The company operates within the broader digital product and design industry, aiming to bridge the skills gap for aspiring design professionals.

Company Size: The Digitale Leute School is likely part of a larger organization focused on digital media and education. Specific size details for the school itself are not provided, but its focus on specialized bootcamps suggests a dedicated team focused on curriculum development, instruction, and career services.

Founded: Specific founding date for the school is not provided, but its affiliation with "Digitale Leute" suggests a connection to an established community and platform within the German digital industry.

Team Structure:

Instructional team comprising experienced UX/UI design professionals.
Mentors providing guidance and support to trainees.
Career services team focused on job placement assistance.

Methodology:

Curriculum focused on practical application of UX/UI design principles.
Emphasis on hands-on projects and simulated product team environments.
Iterative learning approach mirroring agile design methodologies.

Company Website: https://school.digitale-leute.de

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferred company context based on the name "Digitale Leute School" and the nature of a design bootcamp. Positioned the company within the EdTech and digital product industry, highlighting its role in training and career transition for design professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This position represents an entry point into the UX/UI design field. It is designed for individuals who are new to the profession or transitioning from other careers, providing the foundational skills and experience needed to secure a junior-level design role.

Reporting Structure: During the bootcamp, trainees likely report to instructors and mentors who guide their learning and project work. Upon job placement, reporting structures will vary depending on the hiring company, typically reporting to a Design Lead, Senior Designer, or Product Manager.

Design Impact: While in the trainee program, the impact is primarily on developing personal design skills and building a portfolio. In a subsequent junior role, the impact will involve contributing to specific features or aspects of a digital product under supervision, learning to apply design principles to real-world challenges.

Growth Opportunities:

Successful completion of the bootcamp and securing an entry-level position provides the foundation for a career in UX/UI design.
Continued learning and practical experience in a junior role lead to advancement opportunities to Mid-Level and Senior Designer positions.
Specialization in areas like UX Research, UI Development, or Product Design can open up further career paths.

📝 Enhancement Note: Analyzed the role within the context of a design career path, clearly defining it as an entry-level opportunity provided by a training program. Outlined the typical progression from this starting point to more senior design roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Remote/Online learning environment during the bootcamp. Upon job placement, the work environment will depend on the hiring company and may be on-site, hybrid, or fully remote.

Office Location(s): The bootcamp is conducted remotely. The listed location in Cologne, Germany, likely refers to the company's base or the target region for job placement. Subsequent employment locations will vary.

Design Workspace Context:

During the bootcamp, the workspace is virtual, requiring a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office setup for focused learning and remote collaboration.
Interaction primarily occurs through online platforms for lectures, workshops, team projects, and mentorship sessions.

Work Schedule: The bootcamp schedule will be defined by the program structure (e.g., full-time or part-time). Flexibility may be offered to accommodate individuals with existing commitments. Upon employment, typical full-time schedules apply, with potential for flexibility depending on the employer's policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Distinguished between the remote learning environment of the bootcamp and the potential work environments upon job placement. Emphasized the requirements for a remote setup during the training phase.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial application review, including resume and potentially a motivational statement.
Interview with the program admissions team to assess suitability and motivation for the bootcamp.
Potential assessment or discussion of any existing design work or projects.
Upon completion of the bootcamp, the focus shifts to interview processes with potential hiring companies, which will include portfolio presentations and likely design challenges.

Portfolio Review Tips:

For the bootcamp application, focus on showcasing your passion for design and willingness to learn, even if you don't have a formal portfolio yet. Include any relevant personal projects or creative endeavors.
During the bootcamp, build a portfolio of projects completed within the program, focusing on clearly documenting your design process for each case study.
Structure your case studies to highlight the problem, your approach (including research and iteration), your solutions, and the outcomes or key learnings.
Practice presenting your work and articulating your design decisions effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

While a formal design challenge may not be part of the bootcamp admission, be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving and creative thinking.
For subsequent job interviews, practice common design challenges, focusing on understanding the problem, outlining your process, and presenting a thoughtful solution within a limited timeframe.
Be ready to explain your rationale behind design choices and demonstrate your understanding of user-centered design principles.

ATS Keywords: UX Design, UI Design, User Experience, User Interface, Product Design, User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability Testing, Design Thinking, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Miro, Collaboration, Communication, Problem Solving, Creativity, Empathy, User-Centered Design, Iteration, Digital Products, Web Design, App Design, Trainee, Bootcamp, Entry Level, Junior Designer, Germany, Cologne, Remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: Outlined the application process for the bootcamp itself, distinguishing it from the job interview process that follows. Provided tailored portfolio and challenge preparation advice relevant to both the bootcamp application and subsequent job search. Included a comprehensive list of design-relevant ATS keywords.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Training will likely cover industry-standard design tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, focusing on their application for wireframing, prototyping, and interface design.
Emphasis will be placed on collaborative features within these tools for team projects.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Tools like Miro or similar whiteboarding platforms may be used for collaborative ideation and brainstorming during remote sessions.
Introduction to handoff principles and potentially tools like Zeplin or the handoff features within primary design tools for developer collaboration.

Research & Testing:

Methods and tools for conducting user interviews and surveys will be covered.
Techniques for planning and facilitating usability tests, potentially using platforms suitable for remote testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferred the likely design tools and technologies covered in a modern UX/UI design bootcamp, focusing on industry standards relevant to entry-level roles. Structured the tools by function (design, collaboration, research) for clarity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Emphasis on a user-centered approach, prioritizing understanding and meeting the needs of the end-users in all design decisions.
Value placed on collaboration and teamwork, fostering an environment where trainees learn from each other and work effectively in simulated team settings.
Encouragement of curiosity and continuous learning, promoting exploration of new design trends, tools, and methodologies.
Cultivation of a pragmatic and proactive mindset, encouraging trainees to take eigeninitiative and contribute creative solutions to design challenges.

Collaboration Style:

Collaborative learning environment with opportunities for peer feedback and group projects.
Mentorship-driven collaboration with experienced designers providing guidance and support.
Likely use of online collaboration tools for communication and project sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferred design values and collaboration style based on the nature of a bootcamp focused on teamwork, user-centered design, and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Rapidly acquiring a broad range of UX/UI design skills and knowledge within a compressed timeframe.
Translating theoretical concepts into practical application through hands-on projects and simulated real-world scenarios.
Developing a strong design portfolio that effectively showcases learned skills and potential to prospective employers.
Navigating the job search process and securing an entry-level position in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Intensive, structured curriculum covering core UX/UI design principles, methodologies, and tools.
Hands-on project work providing practical experience and portfolio-building opportunities.
Mentorship from experienced design professionals offering guidance and industry insights.
Dedicated career services support to assist with resume building, interview preparation, and job placement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identified key challenges inherent in a fast-paced design bootcamp and the subsequent job search. Framed the program's structure and support services as direct opportunities for learning and development to overcome these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the complete design process, from research and ideation to testing and iteration, drawing on examples from your bootcamp projects.
Articulate your approach to understanding user needs and how you translate research findings into design solutions.
Explain your experience with wireframing and prototyping, discussing the tools you used and the purpose of each stage in the design process.

Company Culture Questions:

Research the Digitale Leute School and its affiliation with Digitale Leute to understand its mission and values in digital education.
Be ready to discuss why you are passionate about UX/UI design and why this specific bootcamp aligns with your career goals.
Highlight your enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration, providing examples of how you've worked effectively with others (even in academic or personal projects).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Prepare to walk through 1-2 key projects from your bootcamp portfolio, focusing on the problem you addressed, your design process, your specific contributions, and the outcomes.
Structure your presentation as a compelling story, guiding the interviewer through your thought process and design decisions.
Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and iterative approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided tailored interview preparation advice, focusing on questions relevant to design process, company fit, and portfolio presentation, specifically within the context of applying for a design bootcamp and subsequent entry-level roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link.
Craft a motivational statement or cover letter that clearly articulates your passion for UX/UI design and why you are seeking to transition into this field through the Digitale Leute School bootcamp.
Prepare your resume, highlighting any relevant skills, experiences, or projects (even personal ones) that demonstrate your interest in design, technology, or problem-solving.
Be prepared to discuss any existing design work or creative projects during the interview process, focusing on your process and learnings.
Research the Digitale Leute School and the broader field of UX/UI design to demonstrate your informed interest during the application process.

⚠️ 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.

Trainee UX/UI Designer (m/w/d)