Experience Design Director (UI/ UX) at AKQA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experience Design Director (UI/ UX) Company: AKQA Location: Gurgaon, Haryana, India Job Type: Full-time Category: Design Leadership / User Experience Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-22 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and inspire design teams to deliver exceptional user experiences, aligning with AKQA's mission and values.
Act as a senior creative leader, representing AKQA India's design capabilities and driving growth for the creative practice.
Champion design processes, techniques, and thought leadership both internally and externally within the design community.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across multidisciplinary teams.
Drive client relationships and influence strategic decisions through compelling design vision and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is focused on Design Leadership, its emphasis on process, client consultation, and driving business outcomes through creative solutions aligns it closely with the strategic and operational aspects of GTM (Go-To-Market) functions, particularly in how design influences product adoption and customer experience strategy. The operations aspect lies in managing the design practice, ensuring quality output, and fostering team efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Guide and mentor project teams and direct reports, ensuring high-quality output and professional development.
Serve as a design custodian for clients, providing expert consultation and strategic recommendations.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary project teams (e.g., strategy, technology, creative) to create innovative, user-centered solutions.
Advocate for human-centered design (HCD) principles and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) across all projects.
Lead the development of design strategies, concept ideation, and storytelling for client pitches and new business development.
Oversee the end-to-end experience design process, from discovery and definition to solution design and build phases.
Ensure projects are informed by the latest UI/UX and service design methodologies and best practices.
Actively participate in new business development, client pitches, and foster collaboration across the AKQA network.
Establish and maintain best practices for the design and creative practice, including hands-on creative output and storytelling.
Responsible for hiring new talent and mentoring them to support business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, client-facing consultancy, and team management typical of senior operations roles in creative agencies. The focus on process, quality assurance, and driving business impact through design directly translates to operational efficiency and client success metrics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in user experience (UX) and interface (UI) design, with a significant portion in leadership or directorial roles. Proven track record of leading design teams and managing complex client engagements.

Required Skills:

Expertise in Brand & Experience Strategy, Concept Development, and Ideation.
Strong proficiency in Storytelling and Pitch Structuring for client presentations.
Deep understanding of Information Architecture, Interaction Design Prototyping, and Interface Design.
Experience with Landscape & Competitor Reviews to inform design strategy.
Knowledge of Digital Product Design System Development and Product Roadmaps definition.
Proficiency in Service Design principles and methodologies.
Skilled in creating Wireframes, facilitating Workshops, and executing Visual Design.
Hands-on experience with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud).
Expertise in Accessibility Standards and Inclusive Design Practices (e.g., WCAG).
Championing Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles and processes.
Ability to lead multiple accounts as a consultant, applying solution frameworks (e.g., Agile).
Strong client relationship management and engagement skills.

Preferred Skills:

Demonstrated thought leadership in Experience Design, both internally and externally.
Experience in new business development and contributing to client pitches.
Proven ability to hire, mentor, and develop design talent.
Experience developing case studies for design output, innovations, and processes.
Background in partnering with Fortune 500 companies to shape large-scale solutions.
An award-winning portfolio that reflects world-class work and establishes industry leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of strategic thinking, hands-on design craft, client management, and team leadership indicates a role that requires a broad operational skillset beyond pure design execution. The emphasis on process improvement, quality control, and talent development is key for operations success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating expertise across Brand & Experience Strategy, Interaction Design, Information Architecture, and Visual Design.
Include examples of end-to-end project lifecycles, from initial concept and ideation through to final implementation and iteration.
Present well-defined case studies that articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes (e.g., improved user engagement, conversion rates, client satisfaction).
Highlight experience with Digital Product Design Systems and Service Design frameworks.
Demonstrate practical application of Human-Centered Design principles and accessibility standards (WCAG).

Process Documentation:

Evidence of structured design processes, including requirements gathering, user research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iterative refinement.
Examples of how you have facilitated workshops and collaborative design sessions.
Documentation illustrating the development and application of design systems or style guides.
Demonstrated ability to manage design projects within Agile or other iterative frameworks, including planning, estimation, and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The request for a portfolio that details end-to-end project lifecycles, process documentation, and measurable outcomes is a direct reflection of operational expectations for demonstrating efficiency, strategic thinking, and impact. This is crucial for evaluating a candidate's ability to manage and optimize design operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Director-level position, extensive experience required, and location in Gurgaon, India, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in India, the estimated annual salary range would be ₹25,00,000 to ₹45,00,000. This range is a guideline and can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio, and negotiation.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.
Retirement savings plan or provident fund contributions.
Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.
Access to employee assistance programs for personal and professional support.
Opportunities to work on global, high-profile client projects.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, due to the client-facing and leadership nature of this role, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, potentially involving occasional evening or weekend work, balanced with in-office collaboration days as per the hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for Director-level roles in creative/digital agencies in India, considering the specialized skills and leadership responsibilities. Benefits are standard for professional roles in multinational companies, with a focus on growth and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing and Advertising Technology, Experience Design, Innovation Consultancy. AKQA operates at the intersection of technology, design, and marketing, creating innovative digital experiences for leading global brands. Company Size: AKQA is a large, global organization, employing thousands of professionals across numerous offices worldwide. This scale provides ample resources, diverse project opportunities, and a robust network for collaboration. Founded: AKQA was founded in 2001. Its history is marked by continuous innovation and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital experiences, building a reputation for excellence and cutting-edge work.

Team Structure:

The Experience Design Director will be part of the senior leadership team within the AKQA India studio.
This role will lead a team of UX/UI designers, interaction designers, and service designers, potentially overseeing multiple project teams simultaneously.
Close collaboration is expected with other discipline leaders, including Creative Directors, Technology Leads, Strategy Directors, and Account Managers.
The structure encourages cross-functional collaboration to deliver integrated, high-quality solutions for clients.

Methodology:

AKQA emphasizes a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach, ensuring that user needs and business objectives are balanced.
Projects often follow Agile methodologies, allowing for iterative development, flexibility, and continuous feedback.
Data analysis and user research are integral to informing design decisions and measuring the impact of solutions.
A strong focus is placed on craft, innovation, and delivering work of the highest quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's global presence and focus on innovation suggest a dynamic environment where operational excellence in design is crucial for maintaining quality and client satisfaction across diverse projects and regions. The hybrid model implies a need for strong operational processes to ensure seamless collaboration and productivity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design practice, akin to a Head of Design or a Senior Director. It involves strategic oversight, team management, client consultancy, and business development for the design discipline. Reporting Structure: The Experience Design Director likely reports to a Country Managing Director, Regional President, or a Global Head of Design. They will directly manage a team of designers and collaborate closely with other senior leaders within the studio and across the AKQA network. Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on the operational efficiency and creative output of the studio. By setting design standards, mentoring talent, and driving effective processes, the Director directly influences project quality, client satisfaction, and the agency's overall reputation and revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into regional or global design leadership roles, overseeing larger teams or broader strategic initiatives.
Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like Service Design, Design Strategy, or emerging technology applications within design.
Business Development: Play a key role in shaping AKQA's offerings, contributing to new business wins, and expanding the design practice's footprint.
Mentorship & Training: Develop and deliver internal training programs, establish best practices, and mentor junior and mid-level designers, cultivating future leaders.
Thought Leadership: Contribute to industry publications, speak at conferences, and represent AKQA as a leading voice in experience design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career progression outlined emphasizes operational leadership, strategic contribution to the business, and the development of talent, all critical components of growth within an operations-focused career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AKQA operates with a hybrid work model, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This requires robust operational processes to ensure team cohesion and productivity regardless of location. Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. This location serves as a hub for creative talent and client engagement within the region.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces.
Access to state-of-the-art design tools, software, and technology is expected to support the high caliber of work.
Opportunities for informal and formal collaboration with diverse teams, including designers, strategists, technologists, and client partners, are integral to the environment.
The hybrid model necessitates strong communication protocols and digital collaboration tools to maintain team synergy.

Work Schedule: While the standard workday is typically 9 AM to 6 PM, the nature of client service and project-driven work may require flexibility. Operations professionals in this role need to be adaptable to meet project demands, ensuring that design processes and client deliverables are consistently met with high quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model emphasizes the need for well-defined operational workflows and communication strategies to ensure seamless project execution and team collaboration, highlighting the practical application of operations management in a creative agency setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial review of applications, focusing on experience, portfolio relevance, and alignment with AKQA's culture.
Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, their role, the design process, and outcomes. This is a critical step to assess design craft, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Expect questions about how you managed challenges, collaborated with teams, and ensured quality.
Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design, Country Director) will assess strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, client management skills, and cultural fit.
Team/Peer Interviews: Discussions with potential peers or direct reports may occur to evaluate collaboration style, mentorship approach, and team dynamics.
Final Interview: A final interview with senior management may focus on vision, business acumen, and overall fit for the Director role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, process execution, and impact, aligning with the requirements of this role (e.g., complex digital products, service design, design systems).
Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your specific contributions, the design process followed, key decisions made, and the quantifiable results or business impact. Emphasize how you led teams and facilitated collaboration.
Highlight Process: Clearly demonstrate your understanding and application of design methodologies, including HCD, Agile, and the use of specific tools. Show how you iterated and problem-solved.
Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of how you mentored teams, influenced stakeholders (internal and external), managed client relationships, and drove innovation.
Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your work (e.g., user engagement increases, conversion rate improvements, efficiency gains).

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy, your approach to fostering a creative and collaborative culture, and how you identify and nurture talent.
Anticipate questions about how you handle difficult clients, manage conflicting priorities, and drive innovation within a team or for a client.
Practice articulating your strategic vision for the design practice at AKQA India and how you would contribute to its growth.
Be ready to discuss your experience with process improvement and efficiency gains within design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review are heavily weighted towards demonstrating operational excellence in design leadership, including strategic planning, process management, talent development, and client relationship management, which are core to operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Design & Prototyping: Figma (extensive experience expected), Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD), Sketch.
Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams.
User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, Optimal Workshop.
Design Systems: Storybook, Zeroheight, or custom-built systems.
Presentation Tools: PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides.

Analytics & Reporting:

Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude for user behavior analysis.
Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools for data visualization and dashboard creation.

CRM & Automation:

While not primary for a Design Director, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for understanding client ecosystems and the impact of design on conversion funnels.
Understanding of integration tools and APIs can be helpful for designers working on complex digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of design and collaboration tools is essential. The emphasis on analytics and reporting tools highlights the operational need for data-driven decision-making and performance measurement within the design practice.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence & Craft: A commitment to delivering work of the highest quality, with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for design craft.
Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies, pushing creative boundaries.
Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across disciplines and with clients, valuing diverse perspectives.
Human-Centredness: Placing the user at the heart of all design decisions, ensuring empathy and accessibility.
Impact & Results: Focusing on delivering tangible business outcomes and measurable success for clients.
Continuous Improvement: Embracing a mindset of learning, feedback, and iteration to constantly refine processes and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Actively seeking opportunities to work with strategists, technologists, creative directors, and account teams to create holistic solutions.
Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing within the design team and across departments.
Process-Oriented: Valuing structured workflows, clear documentation, and efficient collaboration practices to ensure smooth project execution.
Client-Centric: Maintaining a strong focus on client needs and objectives, building trust and acting as a strategic partner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize the operational aspects of design, focusing on quality, efficiency, collaboration, and measurable impact, which are cornerstones of successful operations leadership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creative Vision with Client Demands: Effectively translating client business objectives and constraints into innovative yet practical design solutions.
Managing Diverse Project Portfolios: Overseeing multiple complex projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements, timelines, and stakeholders.
Fostering Innovation in a Hybrid Environment: Ensuring consistent creative output and collaborative synergy among design teams working in a hybrid model.
Staying Ahead of Evolving Technologies and Trends: Continuously updating skills and team knowledge to remain at the forefront of digital experience design.
Developing and Retaining Top Talent: Attracting, mentoring, and retaining high-performing designers in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Access to programs focused on strategic leadership, team management, and client consultancy.
Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend leading design and technology events to gain insights and network.
Mentorship Programs: Participation in or delivery of mentorship programs to foster career growth within AKQA.
Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with experts in strategy, technology, and other creative disciplines.
Global Network Access: Leveraging AKQA's global expertise and resources for learning and project collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in senior operations roles, requiring strong problem-solving, strategic planning, and people management skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding operational leadership and strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your approach to developing a comprehensive brand and experience strategy for a new digital product." (Focus on process, research, and stakeholder alignment).
"How do you foster a culture of innovation and quality within a design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Highlight leadership, process, and team motivation strategies).
"Walk us through a complex project where you had to lead cross-functional teams to deliver an end-to-end experience design solution. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize collaboration, problem-solving, and process management).
"How do you ensure accessibility and inclusive design principles are integrated into every stage of the design process?" (Detail your methodologies and commitment).
"What is your vision for the future of experience design, and how would you position AKQA India as a leader in this space?" (Showcase thought leadership and strategic foresight).

Company & Culture Questions:

"What attracts you to AKQA, and how do you see your leadership style aligning with our mission and values?" (Research AKQA's work, values, and culture).
"How do you approach mentoring and developing talent within a design team?" (Provide specific examples of your mentorship approach).
"Describe a time you had to deliver difficult feedback to a client or a team member. How did you handle it?" (Demonstrate communication and stakeholder management skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a compelling story for each project, highlighting the journey from problem to solution and impact.
Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, visually appealing, and effectively showcase your design work.
Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate the design process you followed, including user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
Role Clarity: Be precise about your specific contributions and leadership role in each project.
Outcome Focus: Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible, linking design decisions to business results.
Engagement: Be prepared for questions and engage in a discussion about your work, demonstrating your strategic thinking and passion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions requires a deep understanding of operations principles in design, focusing on process, strategy, leadership, and measurable outcomes, which are critical for success in this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experience Design Director position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the AKQA careers page.
Prepare a tailored resume: Highlight your leadership experience, years of experience in UI/UX design, specific skills (e.g., Service Design, Design Systems), and any achievements in new business development or team management. Use keywords from the job description.
Curate your portfolio: Select your strongest 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, leadership, end-to-end process execution, and quantifiable impact. Ensure it includes examples of your work with Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud, and showcases your approach to HCD and accessibility.
Practice your portfolio presentation: Rehearse walking through your case studies, focusing on storytelling, process, your role, and the outcomes achieved. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your work and decision-making.
Research AKQA: Familiarize yourself with AKQA's recent work, client portfolio, values, and culture. Understand their approach to innovation and client service.

⚠️ 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.

Experience Design Director (UI/ UX)