Founding Product Designer - Decentralized Identity

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Founding Product Designer - Decentralized Identity

Company: Hyphen Connect Limited

Location: Japan

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Web3 Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-13

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead end-to-end product design processes, from initial concept ideation through to final execution for a groundbreaking decentralized identity (DeID) protocol.

• Define and establish a cohesive, compelling visual language and brand identity that resonates with the Web3 ecosystem and target user base.

• Drive user experience (UX) strategy by collaborating closely with engineering, product management, and marketing to ensure intuitive and engaging product interactions.

• Develop high-fidelity prototypes and detailed design specifications that effectively communicate design intent and functional requirements to development teams.

• Continuously research and integrate the latest design trends, best practices, and emerging Web3 technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

• Champion a user-centric design approach, incorporating user feedback and testing results to drive iterative improvements and product enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Founding Product Designer," indicating a critical, early-stage contribution to the company's product vision and design foundation. The emphasis on "Decentralized Identity" and "Web3 Technologies" suggests a need for candidates with specialized knowledge and a passion for the evolving landscape of digital identity and blockchain. The remote-only nature with a focus on Japan implies a need for strong asynchronous communication skills and potentially an understanding of regional market nuances or talent pools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire product design lifecycle, encompassing user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and user testing, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technical feasibility.

• Translate complex technical concepts within the decentralized identity space into simple, user-friendly interfaces and experiences.

• Architect and maintain a scalable design system that ensures consistency, efficiency, and brand integrity across all product touchpoints.

• Conduct user interviews, usability testing, and gather feedback to identify pain points and opportunities for design innovation.

• Collaborate effectively with engineering teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs and provide ongoing support throughout the development sprints.

• Contribute to product strategy discussions by providing design perspectives on market opportunities, user needs, and competitive landscapes.

• Develop and present design concepts, prototypes, and final solutions to stakeholders, clearly articulating design rationale and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Lead end-to-end design processes" and "Establish and maintain a cohesive visual language" highlights the strategic and foundational nature of this role. The requirement to "Stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and Web3 technologies" is crucial for a role in a nascent and rapidly evolving field like decentralized identity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for foundational understanding, though equivalent practical experience is highly valued in design roles.

Experience: 2-5 years of progressive experience in product design, with a strong emphasis on UI/UX design, prototyping, and visual design. Experience within startup environments or fast-paced tech companies is highly desirable, demonstrating adaptability and the ability to thrive with ambiguity.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in end-to-end product design, from ideation to implementation, with a focus on user-centered methodologies.

• Expert-level command of Figma for wireframing, interactive prototyping, and design system development.

• A robust and diverse portfolio showcasing successful Web3 projects, emphasizing decentralized identity solutions or related blockchain applications.

• Exceptional ability to articulate and present design decisions, rationale, and user insights to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Proven track record of driving design projects independently, managing timelines, and delivering high-quality results in a self-directed manner.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies and translating research findings into actionable design improvements.

• Familiarity with other design and prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision).

• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate better collaboration with engineers.

• Experience in defining and evolving brand identity and visual systems.

• Knowledge of security best practices relevant to decentralized systems and user data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio showcasing Web3 projects" is a critical differentiator for this role. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight their understanding of blockchain concepts, decentralized applications (dApps), and ideally, experience with identity-related protocols or solutions. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a role that requires hands-on execution and design leadership but may not yet involve extensive team management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Detailed case studies that walk through the design process for at least two significant Web3 projects, ideally related to decentralized identity, verifiable credentials, or blockchain-based authentication. Each case study should clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges, and the final outcome or impact.

• Problem-Solving: Showcase examples of how you tackled complex user problems within a decentralized or blockchain context, demonstrating your ability to simplify intricate concepts for end-users.

• Visual Design & Branding: Include examples of established visual languages, style guides, or brand identity work that highlight your ability to create cohesive and compelling aesthetics.

• Prototyping: Demonstrate interactive prototypes, ideally built in Figma, showcasing user flows and interaction design for Web3 applications.

• Impact & Metrics: Where possible, quantify the impact of your design work, whether through user engagement metrics, conversion rates, or qualitative feedback that demonstrates success.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Flow: Clearly articulate your personal end-to-end design process, from discovery and research to iteration and final handoff. Highlight how you integrate user feedback and testing at various stages.

• Collaboration Workflows: Illustrate how you collaborate with engineering, product management, and other stakeholders, detailing communication methods and handoff procedures.

• Figma Workflow: Describe your typical Figma workflow, including how you manage design files, utilize components, build prototypes, and collaborate with team members within the tool.

• Web3 Design Considerations: Explain your approach to designing for Web3, including considerations for user onboarding, security, privacy, and the unique paradigms of decentralized systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Founding Product Designer" role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to be more than just a collection of pretty visuals; it must demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities within the Web3 domain, and a clear understanding of the end-to-end design process. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions is as important as the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Mid-Level Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Japan, particularly in a remote, early-stage startup focusing on Web3, a competitive salary range could be estimated between ¥7,000,000 - ¥10,000,000 JPY annually. This range accounts for the specialized nature of Web3, the foundational role, and the remote work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for early-stage equity or token options.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (details to be confirmed based on local Japanese regulations and company policy).

• Flexible working hours and a fully remote work environment, promoting work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development, including attending Web3 and design conferences.

• đóng góp vào một dự án tiên phong trong lĩnh vực danh tính phi tập trung và công nghệ Web3.

• Support for home office setup and equipment.

Working Hours: A standard full-time commitment of approximately 40 hours per week is expected. Given the remote, potentially global nature of a Web3 startup, flexibility in scheduling may be offered, but consistent availability for core team collaboration during agreed-upon hours will be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for Japan are based on general market data for mid-level tech roles, adjusted for the specialized Web3 sector and the remote nature. For exact figures, candidates should refer to the company's official compensation package. The inclusion of potential equity or token options is common for founding roles in early-stage startups and is a significant part of the overall compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Blockchain / Decentralized Identity (DeID) / Web3. The company operates at the cutting edge of decentralized technologies, aiming to revolutionize digital identity management. This industry is characterized by rapid innovation, a strong community focus, and a commitment to open-source principles and user empowerment.

Company Size: Early-Stage Startup. As an early-stage startup, Hyphen Connect Limited is likely to have a small, agile, and highly dedicated team. This environment fosters a culture of rapid iteration, direct impact, and close collaboration among all members.

Founded: The company is "early-stage," implying it has recently been founded or is in its initial phases of development and funding. This suggests a dynamic, evolving organizational structure and a mission-driven ethos.

Team Structure:

• Core Team: Expect a lean team comprising founders, key engineering talent, and now, a founding product designer. Roles are often fluid, requiring individuals to wear multiple hats.

• Reporting Structure: The Founding Product Designer will likely report directly to a founder or the Head of Product/CTO, with a high degree of autonomy.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Very close working relationships are expected with co-founders, product managers, and blockchain engineers, necessitating strong communication and alignment.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Design and development processes are likely to follow agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, frequent feedback loops, and adaptability to change.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding user needs and iterating based on feedback is paramount, especially in a new technology space.

• Decentralized Principles: The company's core mission revolves around decentralization, which may influence internal processes, governance discussions, and technology choices.

Company Website: [Hyphen Connect Limited - Assumed domain: hyphen-connect.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: The "early-stage startup" context is critical. It implies a high level of ownership, a fast-paced environment, and the opportunity to significantly influence the company's direction and product. Candidates should be comfortable with ambiguity and a hands-on approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Founding Product Designer. This role represents a significant opportunity for career growth, placing the individual at the inception of a product's design journey. It offers a unique chance to shape the product's DNA, establish design principles, and build a design function from the ground up.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report directly to a founder or a very senior leader (e.g., CTO, Head of Product), indicating high visibility and direct access to decision-makers. This structure facilitates rapid feedback and strategic alignment.

Operations Impact: The design decisions made by this role will have a direct and profound impact on user adoption, brand perception, and the overall success of the decentralized identity protocol. The designer is not just executing tasks but is a key strategic partner in defining the product's market fit and user engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: As the company grows, this role can evolve into a Head of Design or Design Lead position, overseeing a growing design team and shaping the future of the company's design strategy.

• Product Strategy Influence: Deep involvement in product strategy, contributing to roadmap planning and feature prioritization based on user insights and design expertise.

• Web3 Expertise: Deepening expertise in decentralized technologies, potentially leading to specialization in areas like blockchain UX, tokenomics design, or decentralized governance interfaces.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Gaining invaluable experience in building a company and product from its earliest stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Founding" title signifies more than just seniority; it implies a foundational role with significant influence and growth potential. This is an opportunity to be instrumental in building both a product and a company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role operates entirely online, eliminating the need for a physical office space and offering maximum flexibility in terms of location.

Office Location(s): While the company is based in Japan, the role is designated as fully remote, potentially allowing candidates to work from various locations, though proximity to Japan may be beneficial for timezone alignment with some team members.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration Tools: The primary workspace will be digital, relying heavily on collaboration tools such as Slack, Discord, Figma, and project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana) for communication and workflow management.

• Asynchronous Communication: Given the remote nature and potential for global team members, proficiency in asynchronous communication is vital. This includes clear written communication, detailed documentation, and efficient use of project management tools.

• Independent Work: The environment demands a high degree of self-discipline, time management, and the ability to work autonomously without direct supervision for extended periods.

Work Schedule: While a 40-hour work week is standard, the remote setup often allows for flexibility. However, candidates should be prepared to align with core team hours for critical meetings and collaborative sessions, likely requiring some overlap with Japan Standard Time (JST) or other primary team timezones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote Solely" nature means candidates must be comfortable with a fully digital work environment and possess strong self-management skills. The mention of Japan as the location suggests that while remote, there might be an expectation of some timezone alignment or cultural understanding.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call to assess basic qualifications, alignment with the role, and interest in Web3/DeID.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on relevant Web3 projects, and discusses their design process, problem-solving approach, and vision for the role. This is a crucial stage for evaluating design thinking and communication skills.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a design exercise or a deeper dive into Figma proficiency and prototyping capabilities.

• Founder/Team Interviews: Meetings with founders and key team members to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and passion for the company's mission.

• Final Offer: Based on the overall assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-3 of your strongest Web3 or decentralized identity-related projects. Quality over quantity is key.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process you followed, key decisions made, and the impact achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Web3 Understanding: Explicitly address how your designs cater to the unique challenges and opportunities within decentralized systems (e.g., user onboarding, security, privacy, trust).

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Be prepared to demonstrate your Figma skills, potentially through interactive prototypes or by explaining your file organization and component usage.

• Be Ready for "Why": Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs considered, and how you incorporated user feedback or technical constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design exercise is given, focus on understanding the prompt thoroughly, breaking down the problem, and outlining your approach before diving into solutions. Prioritize core user flows and critical interactions.

• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to use Figma during the interview or for a take-home challenge. Ensure you are comfortable with its features for prototyping and design system elements.

• Web3 Context: Think about potential design challenges specific to decentralized identity – e.g., user education, key management, privacy controls, trust establishment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical part of the application for a design role, especially a "Founding" position. Candidates should treat this as a strategic presentation of their capabilities and potential impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all stages of the design process, including wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and design system development. Mastery of Figma's collaborative features is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's native capabilities, experience with other advanced prototyping tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Web3 Specific Technologies:

• Decentralized Identity Protocols: Familiarity with concepts like Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), Verifiable Credentials (VCs), Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), and related standards.

• Blockchain Platforms: General understanding of how different blockchain technologies operate.

• Wallet Integration: Experience designing user flows for connecting with crypto wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Phantom).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a product designer in this space extends beyond standard design tools to include an understanding of the underlying Web3 infrastructure and protocols. Figma is explicitly mentioned as required, highlighting its central role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore new frontiers in decentralized technology and design, pushing boundaries to create novel solutions.

• User Empowerment: A core belief in giving users control over their digital identity and data, reflected in design choices that prioritize privacy, security, and transparency.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working together across disciplines, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other to achieve collective goals.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change, iterating quickly, and adapting to the fast-paced evolution of the Web3 landscape.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on creating tangible value for users and the ecosystem, with a clear understanding of how design contributes to business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and frequent communication, both synchronous and asynchronous, to ensure alignment and address challenges proactively.

• Constructive Feedback: Fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed, given constructively, and used for continuous improvement.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working as a true partner with engineering and product teams, valuing their expertise and integrating design considerations early in the development process.

• Shared Ownership: Promoting a sense of collective responsibility for the product's success, where everyone contributes to problem-solving and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of an early-stage Web3 startup typically revolve around innovation, community, decentralization, and a strong sense of mission. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pioneering a New Field: Designing for decentralized identity is navigating uncharted territory, requiring creative problem-solving for user education, trust-building, and complex technical integrations.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying abreast of fast-paced advancements in Web3 and blockchain technology and adapting designs accordingly.

• Balancing Innovation and Usability: Creating cutting-edge decentralized solutions that are also intuitive and accessible to a broad user base.

• Establishing Design Foundations: As the founding designer, you'll be building the design system, processes, and culture from scratch, which requires strategic foresight and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Web3 Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert in decentralized identity, blockchain UX, and related emerging technologies.

• Foundational Role: Gaining unparalleled experience in building a product and design function from the ground up within a startup environment.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend key Web3 and design conferences, network with industry leaders, and contribute to the broader ecosystem.

• Strategic Impact: Direct influence on product direction and company growth, offering significant professional development and leadership potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in a cutting-edge, early-stage environment. Framing these as growth opportunities is key for attracting ambitious candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a complex Web3 feature, such as a decentralized identity management system. What are the key considerations?" (Focus on user education, security, privacy, and decentralization principles).

• "How would you approach establishing a visual identity and design system for a new DeID protocol from scratch?" (Highlight your methodology for brand definition, component creation, and scalability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about decentralized identity and Hyphen Connect's mission?" (Show genuine interest and research the company's specific goals).

• "How do you collaborate with engineers and product managers, especially in a remote setting?" (Emphasize clear communication, asynchronous workflows, and proactive engagement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through your thought process for each project.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality mockups and clear annotations. Ensure prototypes are interactive and demonstrate key user flows.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or user feedback to validate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss how you would measure success.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Dedicate time to explaining the challenges you faced and the rationale behind your design decisions. This is crucial for a founding role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the Web3 space. The "founding" aspect means they'll be looking for someone who can build and lead.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your most relevant Web3 and decentralized identity design experience. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases Figma proficiency and end-to-end design process for at least one DeID-related project.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Design," "Decentralized Identity," "Web3," "Figma," "Prototyping," and "User Experience." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling and articulating your design rationale. Prepare answers for common questions about Web3, your design process, and your experience in startup environments.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hyphen Connect Limited's mission, the broader decentralized identity landscape, and current trends in Web3. Understand the challenges and opportunities in this space.

⚠️ 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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