Associate UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate UX Designer Company: Plymouth Rock Assurance Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States Job Type: Regular Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) Design Date Posted: October 28, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level Associate UX Designer role focuses on contributing to human-centered design across digital products and services within the insurance sector.
• The position involves supporting UX research and design activities, emphasizing the translation of user insights into actionable design solutions.
• Collaboration is key, with an expectation to work closely with senior UX designers, developers, business analysts, and product managers.
• The role requires developing wireframes, prototypes, and user flows, as well as creating visual assets that adhere to established design guidelines and brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Associate UX Designer," the description clearly indicates an entry-level position, targeting candidates with 1-3 years of experience primarily through internships, freelance work, or personal projects. The emphasis on supporting senior designers and learning best practices confirms this.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Development: Create wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes based on research findings and project requirements. Iterate on designs through feedback loops, including stakeholder reviews and usability testing.
• Visual Asset Creation: Develop and refine visual UI components such as icons, buttons, and form elements, ensuring adherence to Plymouth Rock's design system and brand identity.
• User Research Support: Assist in planning and executing user interviews, surveys, and usability studies to gather qualitative and quantitative data on user needs and behaviors.
• Data Synthesis and Insight Translation: Analyze research data to identify user pain points, unmet needs, and opportunities for design improvement. Translate these insights into clear, actionable design recommendations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with product managers, developers, business analysts, and other stakeholders to ensure design feasibility, alignment with business objectives,, and a cohesive user experience.
• Design Documentation: Contribute to the creation and maintenance of design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure consistency and scalability across digital products.
• Quality Assurance: Participate in design review sessions and assist in usability testing to evaluate the effectiveness of designs and identify areas for refinement.
• Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of emerging UX design trends, tools, and methodologies, actively seeking opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design execution, research support, and collaborative tasks, typical for an Associate UX Designer. The iterative nature of the design process and the emphasis on documentation and consistency are critical for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 1 to 3 years of relevant experience, demonstrable through internships, freelance projects, personal portfolio work, or previous entry-level design roles.

Required Skills:

• Design Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to create wireframes, user flows, and prototypes using industry-standard design tools.
• Tool Expertise: High proficiency in design and prototyping software such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).
• User Research Acumen: Familiarity with fundamental user research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, surveys) and usability testing principles.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to extract meaningful user insights and inform design decisions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and present concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established guidelines.
• Collaborative Spirit: Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment, engaging product managers, developers, and other cross-functional partners.
• Accessibility Knowledge: Understanding of accessibility best practices (e.g., WCAG) and their application in digital design.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic Web Development Knowledge: Foundational understanding of HTML and CSS, enabling better collaboration with development teams and understanding of implementation constraints.
• Design Systems Experience: Familiarity with creating, maintaining, or contributing to design systems, style guides, or component libraries.
• Agile Methodologies: Experience working within an Agile development framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1 to 3 years of experience" is specifically qualified by "through internships, freelance work, or personal projects," indicating that formal full-time employment is not a strict prerequisite. This opens the door for candidates with strong demonstrable skills gained outside traditional employment structures.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a clear and repeatable design process, from initial research and ideation through to final design solutions and iteration.
• Problem/Solution Framing: Case studies that clearly articulate the problem being solved, the user needs identified, the design decisions made, and the rationale behind them.
• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Visual examples of work created using Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, showcasing proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and UI component design.
• Impact and Iteration: Evidence of how designs were tested, iterated upon based on feedback, and the resulting impact on user experience or business goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Examples of user flows and wireframes that clearly map out user journeys and interaction sequences.
• Research Synthesis Examples: Documentation or presentation slides that summarize user research findings and translate them into actionable design insights.
• Design System Contribution: If applicable, examples of contributions to design systems, style guides, or component libraries, highlighting consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate UX Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just aesthetic skills but a structured approach to problem-solving, user empathy, and the ability to articulate design decisions. Demonstrating familiarity with research and iteration is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 4 weeks accrued paid time off annually.
• Holidays: 9 paid national holidays per year.
• Wellness & Fitness: Free onsite gym at the Boston location and robust health and wellness programs with fitness reimbursements.
• Insurance: Low-cost, excellent coverage health insurance options (medical, dental, vision) starting on Day 1.
• Employee Discounts: Auto and home insurance discounts, and pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Retirement Savings: Annual 401(k) employer contribution of up to 7.5% of base salary.
• Family Support: Various paid family leave options, including paid parental leave.
• Professional Development: Resources for continuous learning, including LinkedIn Learning subscriptions and licensure assistance.
• Community Impact: Matching gift opportunities for charitable contributions.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with the expectation of on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an entry-level UX Designer in the Boston area. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, professional development, and employee well-being, which are attractive to early-career professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance (Personal and Commercial Auto, Homeowner's) Company Size: Over 2,000 employees. This indicates a well-established organization with structured processes, offering stability and potential for internal growth. Founded: Plymouth Rock Assurance was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, and has grown to manage over $2.2 billion in insurance. This history suggests a company with a solid foundation and a commitment to customer loyalty and technological investment.

Team Structure:

• UX Team: The Associate UX Designer will join an existing User Experience team, implying a collaborative environment with opportunities to learn from senior designers.
• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with product managers, developers, and business analysts, indicating a cross-functional product development approach.
• Reporting: Likely reports to a Senior UX Designer or UX Manager, forming part of a larger digital product or technology department.

Methodology:

• Human-Centered Design: The core of the UX team's methodology is human-centered, focusing on understanding user needs and behaviors.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasis on translating qualitative and quantitative data from research into actionable design insights.
• Iterative Design: Designs are expected to be refined based on feedback from usability testing, design reviews, and stakeholder input.
• Agile Environment: While not explicitly stated, the collaborative nature with developers suggests a potential alignment with Agile or Lean development practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Plymouth Rock Assurance's emphasis on service, technology investment, and an empowering employee environment suggests a culture that values innovation and professional development, which is a positive indicator for a UX designer looking to grow.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate UX Designer is an entry-level position, serving as a foundational role within the UX discipline. It's designed for individuals starting their careers in user experience design.

Reporting Structure: The Associate UX Designer will likely report to a Senior UX Designer or a UX Manager. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals who can oversee the learning and development of the associate.

Operations Impact: While this role is entry-level, the UX team's contributions are critical to the company's success. By improving the usability, accessibility, and overall experience of digital products (e.g., customer portals, internal tools, marketing websites), the UX team directly impacts customer satisfaction, retention, operational efficiency, and brand perception. An Associate UX Designer contributes to this by executing design tasks and supporting research efforts that lead to better products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, visual design, or design systems.
• Advanced Design Tools: Mastery of advanced features within Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, and potential exposure to new design and prototyping tools.
• Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry's unique user needs and business requirements.
• Project Leadership: As experience grows, opportunities to lead smaller design initiatives or take ownership of specific features within larger projects.
• Mentorship & Senior Roles: Progression to Mid-Level UX Designer, Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, or UX Manager roles through demonstrated skill, impact, and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from Associate UX Designer typically involves building a strong portfolio, demonstrating problem-solving skills, and developing a deep understanding of user-centered design principles within the context of the insurance industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Plymouth Rock Assurance operates from a physical office location in Boston, Massachusetts, indicating a traditional on-site work environment. Office Location(s): The office is conveniently located at 695 Atlantic Avenue, directly across from South Station, providing excellent accessibility via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes collaborative areas, meeting rooms, and individual workstations designed to facilitate teamwork and focused design work.
• Technology Access: Employees will have access to necessary hardware, software (including design tools like Figma and Adobe), and IT support required for their roles.
• Team Interaction: Being on-site allows for direct, spontaneous interaction with senior designers, developers, product managers, and other team members, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and efficient communication.

Work Schedule:

• The role is designated as "Regular Full-Time," typically implying a standard 40-hour work week. The on-site nature suggests a structured schedule, though some flexibility might be available depending on team practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The office's prime location near South Station is a significant perk for commuters, suggesting the company values accessibility and offers support for public transit users.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth interview, often with a Senior UX Designer or UX Manager, where candidates will present their portfolio. This stage typically includes discussing design process, problem-solving approaches, and specific case studies.
• Technical/Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a small design exercise or a take-home assignment to evaluate their design thinking, tool proficiency, and problem-solving skills under relevant constraints.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with cross-functional team members (e.g., product managers, developers) to assess collaboration skills and alignment with team dynamics.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a hiring manager or department head to discuss career aspirations and confirm fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the research methods used, your design process (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), key decisions, and the outcome/impact.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, user flows, final UI) to illustrate your design journey. Ensure high-quality mockups and interactive prototypes where possible.
• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize how you approach problem-solving, user research, and iteration. Demonstrate your understanding of UX principles.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success or impact of your designs.
• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that align with the responsibilities and required skills for this Associate UX Designer position at Plymouth Rock Assurance.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, and your experience with specific tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is given, ensure you understand the business goals and user needs behind it.
• Focus on Process: Even if you can't complete a full design, clearly articulate your thought process and the steps you would take.
• Prioritize: For timed exercises, focus on the most critical aspects of the design problem.
• Communicate Clearly: Present your ideas logically and be prepared to explain your rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for an Associate UX Designer. Candidates should curate their best work, focusing on demonstrating a solid understanding of the UX process and problem-solving abilities, rather than just a high volume of projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design efforts. Expect a high degree of proficiency required.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in tools like Photoshop and Illustrator is expected for creating and editing visual assets, icons, and imagery.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a core requirement for the designer, understanding how to interpret basic analytics or user feedback reports will be beneficial for informing design decisions. Exposure to tools like Google Analytics or similar might be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX Designer's primary tools, but an understanding of how UX impacts customer-facing platforms (which may integrate with CRMs) is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience and demonstrate their skills with these tools during the interview process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting customer needs through user-centered design.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation: Embracing new design trends and technologies to create engaging and effective user experiences.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning, feedback, and refinement of designs and processes.
• Data-Informed Design: Utilizing research and analytics to guide design decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: The UX team works closely with engineering and product management, requiring clear communication and a shared understanding of project objectives.
• Feedback Exchange: An open environment where constructive feedback is given and received respectfully, leading to better design outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on customer-centricity and collaboration suggests a team environment where designers are integrated into the broader product development lifecycle and are expected to be proactive communicators.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Learning to effectively advocate for user needs while aligning with business goals and technical constraints.
• Navigating Stakeholder Feedback: Developing strategies for managing diverse stakeholder opinions and incorporating feedback constructively.
• Adapting to Industry Specifics: Gaining a deep understanding of the insurance industry's complex user journeys and regulatory landscape.
• Rapidly Evolving Design Landscape: Keeping pace with new design tools, methodologies, and user expectations in the digital space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior UX designers to accelerate skill development and career progression.
• Professional Development Resources: Access to LinkedIn Learning and licensure assistance provides structured learning paths for acquiring new skills or deepening existing ones.
• Industry Exposure: Working on real-world projects within the insurance sector provides practical experience and industry-specific knowledge.
• Design System Contribution: Opportunities to contribute to and learn from established design systems, enhancing understanding of scalability and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a UX career, with clear pathways for growth through mentorship, structured learning, and hands-on experience in a critical industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Deep Dive: Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your thought process, research methods, design decisions, iterations, and the final outcome. Focus on why you made certain choices.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Expect questions like "How would you approach designing a feature for X?" or "Describe a time you encountered a difficult design challenge and how you overcame it." Focus on your structured approach.
• Collaboration and Feedback: Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with developers and product managers, and how you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for Plymouth Rock: Research Plymouth Rock Assurance's mission, values, and recent news. Be prepared to articulate why you are interested in their specific industry and company.
• Team Fit: Think about your preferred working style and how it aligns with a collaborative, on-site team environment.
• Impact Measurement: How do you think your UX work contributes to the overall success of an insurance company?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative. Start with the problem, introduce the users, explain your journey, showcase your solutions, and conclude with the impact.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, well-designed, and easy to follow. Use high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes where possible.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Highlight the most critical aspects of each project and be prepared to answer detailed questions.
• Tool Demonstration: Be ready to speak confidently about your use of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially demonstrate features if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Practice articulating your design process concisely and confidently. The interview will likely assess not just your design skills but also your communication, problem-solving, and collaborative capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ADP portal at https://myjobs.adp.com/plymouthrock/cx/job-listing.
• Portfolio Curation: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in Figma/Adobe. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills such as UX/UI Design, User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Figma, Adobe Suite, and any experience with HTML/CSS or accessibility. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved user task completion rate by X% in a personal project").
• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, anticipating common UX interview questions, and researching Plymouth Rock Assurance's business and recent initiatives.
• Company Research: Understand Plymouth Rock's position in the insurance market, their commitment to customer service, and their digital presence. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

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