UX/UI Designer Intern at Sun World International, LLC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer Intern

Company: Sun World International, LLC

Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Job Type: Internship (Approximately 40 hours/week)

Category: UX/UI Design

Date Posted: June 5, 2025

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Collaborate closely with product managers and engineers to enhance the user interface and user experience of the company's platform.
Translate business requirements, user feedback, and usability findings into user-centered design solutions.
Execute visual design stages from initial concepting through to final hand-off for development.
Contribute to establishing and promoting design guidelines, best practices, and standards within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the internship title and responsibilities, this role is focused on practical application of core UX/UI design principles within a structured team environment, emphasizing collaboration and execution over strategic leadership. The expectation is for the intern to gain hands-on experience in the full design lifecycle, particularly within platform development.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Collaborate with product management and engineering teams to define and implement innovative solutions for product direction, visuals, and overall user experience.
Execute all visual design stages, from initial concept creation and wireframing to final design hand-off to the engineering team for implementation.
Conceptualize original design ideas focused on bringing simplicity and user-friendliness to complex interface and interaction challenges.
Create detailed design artifacts including wireframes, storyboards, user flows, process flows, and site maps to effectively communicate design ideas and interactions.
Present and effectively communicate design concepts, decisions, and key milestone deliverables to both peers and executive-level stakeholders.
Conduct user research activities, including usability testing, and actively gather and evaluate user feedback to inform design iterations.
Contribute to the establishment and promotion of design guidelines, best practices, and standards across the design team and relevant stakeholders.
Analyze product specifications and user psychology to inform design decisions and create intuitive user experiences.
Plan and conduct concept testing and usability testing sessions, gathering actionable feedback for design refinement.
Proactively identify and solve UX problems, such as usability and findability issues, utilizing creative and user-centered approaches.
Clearly communicate design ideas, specifications, and interactive prototypes to developers to ensure accurate implementation.
Stay informed about competitor product offerings, industry trends, and emerging design technologies to inform best practices and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for an entry-level UX/UI role, focusing on execution and collaboration. The inclusion of user research and testing indicates an expectation for the intern to engage directly with users and data, which is valuable for skill development. The emphasis on communication highlights the importance of articulating design decisions to various stakeholders, a critical skill for designers at any level.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Certification in UX Design is a plus.

Experience: Proven UX/UI experience demonstrated through a strong design portfolio. Experience in designing software solutions and experience with user research and conducting user testing are preferred.

Required Skills:

Proven UX/UI design experience with a compelling portfolio demonstrating design thinking and execution.
Proficiency in using industry-standard UX/UI design software and tools, specifically mentioning Figma or equivalent.
Strong understanding and practical application of UX design best practices in creating effective and user-centered solutions.
Deep understanding of mobile-first and responsive design principles and their application across different devices and platforms.
Solid grasp of user-centered design methodologies, testing procedures, subsystems, and considerations for usability and accessibility.
Ability to clearly and effectively communicate design processes, ideas, and proposed solutions to various teams and stakeholders.
Strong problem-solving capabilities with a creative and analytical approach to design challenges.
Excellent visual design skills, demonstrating sensitivity to user-system interaction and aesthetic quality.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a team setting, synthesizing abstract concepts into concrete design implications and deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

Experience specifically in designing software solutions.
Experience working within a fast-paced, agile development environment.
Experience with conducting user research and user testing activities.
Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for creating rapid prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a Bachelor's degree is listed, equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio are also valued, aligning with design industry trends that prioritize demonstrated skill over formal education alone. The preferred skills highlight areas where candidates can differentiate themselves, particularly experience in software design and agile environments, which are common in platform development roles.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate your UX/UI design skills through completed projects, showcasing your design process and problem-solving approach.
Include detailed case studies that walk through your understanding of the problem, research methods used, ideation process, design iterations, and the final solution's impact.
Highlight your visual design skills with high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and examples that demonstrate attention to detail, typography, color, and layout.
If applicable, demonstrate technical understanding through examples of designs implemented with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or explain your hand-off process to developers.

Process Documentation:

Clearly document your research and discovery phase, including how you gathered user insights, analyzed business requirements, and defined the problem space.
Showcase your ideation and iteration methods, including sketching, wireframing, prototyping, and how you tested and refined your designs based on feedback.
Explain your validation and testing approaches, including usability testing methodologies, how you analyzed results, and how they informed your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the emphasis on process documentation and case studies is crucial. This allows the hiring team to understand the candidate's design thinking and potential for growth, even if their portfolio contains fewer large-scale projects. Highlighting technical proficiency (HTML/CSS/JS) as a preferred skill suggests that a portfolio demonstrating an understanding of technical constraints would be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: R10,000 - R25,000 per month (Estimated). This is an estimated range for an intern position in Stellenbosch, South Africa, based on local market data for entry-level design roles and the cost of living in the region. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and the specific duration and nature of the internship.

Benefits:

Specific benefits for interns are typically less comprehensive than for full-time employees but may include mentorship opportunities with experienced design and engineering professionals.
Potential for exposure to industry-standard design tools and workflows within a professional setting.
Opportunity to work on real-world product development projects and gain practical experience.
Networking opportunities within Sun World International and the local design community.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, likely following a standard business schedule. Flexibility for creative workflows may be discussed with the team lead.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary expectations for internships can vary significantly. The provided range is an estimate based on publicly available data for intern roles in the Stellenbosch area and general design industry benchmarks for entry-level positions in South Africa. Specific benefits for interns are often focused on learning and experience, which is reflected in the description.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Research (Specifically Plant Variety Development & Licensing, Intellectual Property, and Specialty Fruit). While the company is in the agricultural research sector, this role is within their platform development team, indicating a focus on internal tools, data platforms, or potentially customer-facing digital products related to their operations.

Company Size: 51-200 employees globally (LinkedIn data). This size suggests a relatively close-knit environment where interns may have the opportunity to interact directly with various teams.

Founded: 1976. Sun World has a long history in its core industry, suggesting stability, but the platform development role indicates a focus on modernization and digital transformation.

Team Structure:

The intern will work within the platform development team, collaborating with product managers and engineers.
Likely reports to a Senior UX/UI Designer or a Product Manager overseeing the platform development.
Cross-functional collaboration is explicitly mentioned, indicating interaction with engineering, product management, and potentially other business stakeholders.

Methodology:

The mention of working in a fast-paced, agile development environment (preferred skill) suggests the design team likely follows Agile or Lean methodologies.
User-centered design is a core principle mentioned in the requirements, indicating a focus on understanding user needs and incorporating feedback throughout the design process.
The process likely involves iterative design, prototyping, and testing based on user feedback and business requirements.

Company Website: https://sun-world.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's core industry (agricultural research) is important, but the context of the role within the "platform development team" suggests a focus on enterprise software or internal tools. The LinkedIn data provides valuable context on company size and overall focus, which informs assumptions about the team structure and potential for cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for individuals looking to gain practical experience and build their professional portfolio in UX/UI design. The scope of responsibility will likely be focused on specific features or components of the platform under guidance.

Reporting Structure: The intern will likely report to a more senior designer, a team lead, or a product manager within the platform development team. This structure provides mentorship and guidance opportunities.

Design Impact: As an intern, your design work will directly contribute to the user experience and interface of the company's internal or external digital platforms. While the impact might be focused on specific areas, it provides real-world application of design skills.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunity to transition into a full-time junior UX/UI Designer role upon successful completion of the internship, depending on performance and business needs.
Skill development through hands-on experience with industry-standard design tools, methodologies (Agile, user-centered design), and collaboration practices.
Potential for exposure to specialized areas within UX/UI design, such as data visualization, enterprise software design, or mobile application design, depending on the platform's focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The analysis of growth opportunities is based on typical internship outcomes and the nature of an entry-level role within a structured team. Highlighting potential full-time conversion is a key motivator for interns. The specific growth paths mentioned are inferences based on the likely nature of platform development within a research organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site at Stellenpark Business Park, Stellenbosch. This indicates a traditional office environment, likely with dedicated workspace for the platform development team.

Office Location(s): Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. Stellenbosch is a well-known hub for technology and innovation in South Africa, potentially offering a vibrant professional community.

Design Workspace Context:

The on-site nature suggests a collaborative workspace environment, facilitating direct interaction with team members (product managers, engineers, other designers).
Access to necessary hardware, software licenses (Figma or equivalent), and potentially dedicated meeting or critique spaces.
Opportunities for informal learning and knowledge sharing through daily interactions with experienced professionals.

Work Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, though specific team dynamics might allow for some flexibility in managing creative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are derived directly from the location information and remote status. Assumptions about the workspace context are based on typical office setups for technology teams and the collaborative nature of design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial application screening, focusing on resume, qualifications, and the initial impression from the design portfolio link provided.
Potential introductory call or screening interview to assess basic fit, communication skills, and understanding of the role.
Portfolio review session(s) where you will be asked to walk through selected case studies, explaining your design process, rationale, and contributions. Be prepared to discuss your role in team projects.
Possible design exercise or challenge to assess problem-solving skills, design execution, and ability to work within constraints.
Interviews with potential team members, including product managers, engineers, and possibly a senior designer or manager, to assess technical fit, collaboration style, and cultural alignment.
Final evaluation based on a combination of portfolio strength, interview performance, challenge results, and team fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to platform design and the skills mentioned in the job description (user-centered design, mobile-first, responsive design).
For each case study, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role in the project, the design process you followed (research, ideation, testing), your key design decisions, and the outcome or impact of your work.
Use clear and concise language. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.
Be prepared to discuss challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Challenge Preparation:

If a design challenge is given, carefully read and understand the requirements and constraints.
Structure your solution presentation logically, demonstrating your thought process from understanding the problem to proposing a solution.
Be mindful of the time limit if one is provided. Focus on demonstrating your core skills rather than aiming for perfection.
Be prepared to explain your design rationale and defend your choices during the review.

ATS Keywords: UI Design, UX Design, User Interface, User Experience, Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Prototyping, Wireframing, Usability Testing, User Research, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Information Architecture, Responsive Design, Mobile-First, Design Systems, Design Guidelines, HTML, CSS, JavaScript (preferred), Agile, Scrum, Design Thinking, User Flows, Storyboards, Site Maps, Stakeholder Communication, Problem Solving, Team Collaboration, Accessibility, Heuristics, Design Critique, Case Study, Portfolio, Iteration, Feedback, User-Centered Design, Software Design, Enterprise Software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process steps are a standard sequence for design roles, particularly internships. The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges is typical for assessing practical design skills. The ATS keyword list is generated based on the language used in the job description and common terms in the UX/UI design field, providing candidates with actionable advice for resume optimization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Figma or equivalent: Proficiency is required. This is likely the primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration within the team. Experience with shared components and design systems within Figma would be beneficial.
Other potential tools (based on "equivalent"): Sketch, Adobe XD. Familiarity with these tools, while not explicitly required if proficient in Figma, demonstrates adaptability.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Collaboration within Figma (commenting, sharing) is likely common.
Tools for developer handoff may include Figma's built-in inspect features, Zeplin, or similar platforms to provide design specifications, assets, and redlines.
Communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams are likely used for daily team interaction and updates.

Research & Testing:

Tools for creating and conducting usability tests (e.g., Maze, Lookback, or simple remote testing setups).
Survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms) for gathering user feedback.
Analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Pendo) for understanding user behavior on the platform, though direct use by an intern might be limited, understanding the data is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard in the UX/UI design industry, with Figma being explicitly required. The inferences about collaboration, handoff, research, and testing tools are based on common practices in product development teams and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

User-Centeredness: A core value based on the emphasis on understanding user needs, conducting research, and using feedback to drive design decisions.
Collaboration: Working closely with product managers and engineers is explicitly required, indicating a collaborative environment where design is integrated into the development process.
Problem-Solving: The ability to solve complex design roadblocks with creative approaches is highlighted, suggesting a value placed on innovative thinking and finding effective solutions.
Communication: Presenting and defending designs to diverse stakeholders is a key responsibility, indicating that clear and effective communication is highly valued within the team.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional collaboration with product management and engineering is a key aspect of the role, suggesting a need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
Likely involves regular design critiques, feedback sessions, and brainstorming meetings to refine design concepts.
Agile methodologies (if used) would imply daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospective meetings, requiring active participation and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design values and collaboration style are inferred directly from the responsibilities and required skills listed in the job description. The emphasis on user research, collaboration with other teams, problem-solving, and communication strongly suggests these cultural elements are important within the design team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Translating complex business requirements from the agricultural research industry into intuitive and user-friendly design solutions for a digital platform. This may require understanding domain-specific terminology and workflows.
Balancing user needs and feedback with technical constraints and business objectives within an agile development environment.
Integrating design work seamlessly into an existing platform development workflow and contributing effectively to a fast-paced team.
Clearly communicating design decisions and the value of UX/UI to stakeholders who may not have a strong design background.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Gain practical, hands-on experience working on a real-world digital product within a professional team environment.
Enhance skills in industry-standard design tools (Figma) and methodologies (user-centered design, potentially Agile).
Develop communication and presentation skills by presenting designs to peers and stakeholders.
Learn about the specific challenges and opportunities of designing for the agricultural research industry, gaining potentially niche expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design challenges are inferred based on the industry (agricultural research, which can be complex), the role within platform development, and the mention of an agile environment. The growth opportunities are standard for an internship but are framed within the context of gaining practical experience and specific industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to walk through your design process for a project in your portfolio. Explain how you approached understanding the problem, conducted research (if any), ideated solutions, and arrived at your final design. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Discuss a time you received constructive feedback on your design and how you incorporated it. This assesses your ability to iterate and collaborate.
Explain how you would approach designing a specific feature for the company's platform (they might provide a hypothetical scenario). Focus on your thought process and user-centered approach.

Company Culture Questions:

Research Sun World International beyond just the job description. Understand their core business in agricultural research and how a digital platform might support their operations. Be prepared to ask insightful questions about the platform's purpose and users.
Ask about the design team structure and how design collaborates with product management and engineering. This shows your interest in team dynamics.
Inquire about the company's design values or principles. This helps assess cultural fit and shows your commitment to design quality.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 2-3 of your strongest and most relevant case studies to present. Practice presenting them concisely, focusing on the problem, your process, and the outcome.
Highlight your contributions, especially if it was a team project. Clearly articulate what parts you were responsible for.
Be prepared to answer questions about your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you measured success (if applicable).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to a design internship role, emphasizing the importance of showcasing process through the portfolio and demonstrating collaborative skills. The suggestion to research the company's core business is specific to this role and helps candidates prepare for questions related to the platform's context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link. Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the specific requirements of this UX/UI Designer Intern role.
Customize your design portfolio link within your application or resume. Ensure the portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your strongest and most relevant design projects, particularly those demonstrating your process and problem-solving skills for digital platforms.
Optimize your resume by incorporating relevant design-related keywords from the ATS keywords list provided. Highlight your proficiency in Figma and other required or preferred tools, as well as your experience with user-centered design methodologies.
Prepare for the interview process by practicing walking through your portfolio case studies and anticipating questions related to your design process, collaboration style, and problem-solving approach.
Conduct thorough research on Sun World International, particularly their platform development efforts and the context of this role within their business. Prepare insightful questions to ask during the interview.

⚠️ 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.

UX/UI Designer Intern