Founding Product Designer - Decentralized Identity

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Founding Product Designer - Decentralized Identity

Company: Hyphen Connect Limited

Location: Hong Kong

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Web3 Design

Date Posted: March 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design processes, from initial concept and ideation through to final execution and iteration.

• Establish and meticulously maintain a cohesive and compelling visual language and brand identity for a pioneering decentralized identity (DeID) protocol.

• Foster strong collaboration with engineering, product, and marketing teams to translate complex technical concepts into intuitive, engaging, and user-centric experiences.

• Develop high-fidelity prototypes, detailed design specifications, and user flow diagrams to effectively communicate design intent and ensure seamless implementation.

• Drive innovation by staying abreast of emerging design trends, best practices in user experience (UX) design, and the rapidly evolving landscape of Web3 technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a "Founding Product Designer," indicating a critical early-stage position with significant influence on the product's direction and brand. The focus on "Decentralized Identity" and "Web3 Technologies" suggests a need for candidates familiar with blockchain, digital identity solutions, and the unique design challenges within the Web3 ecosystem. The "On-site" work arrangement in Hong Kong is a key factor for potential candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire design lifecycle for the DeID protocol, encompassing user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and usability testing.

• Define and document the core design principles, style guides, and component libraries that will form the foundation of the product's aesthetic and functional consistency.

• Conduct user research and gather feedback through various methods (interviews, surveys, usability tests) to inform design decisions and validate user needs.

• Translate complex technical requirements and business objectives into user-friendly interfaces and seamless user journeys.

• Collaborate closely with the founding team and engineers to ensure design feasibility and high-quality implementation of the product.

• Champion a user-centered design approach, advocating for the user throughout the product development process.

• Contribute to the strategic vision of the product by identifying opportunities for design innovation and user engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a founding member, the designer is expected to not only execute but also to strategize and influence the product's direction. The responsibilities highlight a need for a self-starter who can manage multiple facets of design independently and collaboratively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: Proven experience in product design, with a strong emphasis on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, preferably within fast-paced startup environments or innovative tech companies.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end product design processes, from concept to deployment.

• Exceptional proficiency in design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma.

• A robust portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of UX/UI principles, visual design, and ideally, experience with Web3 projects or decentralized technologies.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Proven ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and drive initiatives forward with minimal supervision.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.

• Understanding of front-end development principles to facilitate collaboration with engineers.

• Experience designing for complex systems or protocols.

• Exposure to branding and visual identity development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Founding" and "startup" experience suggests a need for adaptability and a broader skill set beyond pure design execution. A portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's role, process, and impact on Web3 or identity-related projects will be crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of projects that clearly demonstrate the candidate's end-to-end design process, from problem definition to final solution.

• Case studies that detail the challenge, your role, the design decisions made, the tools used (especially Figma), and the impact of your work.

• Specific examples showcasing your ability to establish and maintain a consistent visual language and brand identity.

• Projects that highlight your experience in creating intuitive user experiences for complex systems or novel technologies.

Process Documentation:

• Clear articulation of your design methodology, including how you approach user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Examples of how you have iterated on designs based on user feedback and data.

• Documentation of how you collaborate with engineering and product teams to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation.

• Showcase of how you define and apply design systems or style guides to maintain consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Founding Product Designer," the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to build a design function from scratch within an early-stage company. Projects related to Web3, blockchain, or identity management will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the "Founding" nature of the role, the "Mid-Level" experience (2-5 years), and the location in Hong Kong, a competitive salary range would likely be between HKD 40,000 to HKD 65,000 per month, depending on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and the startup's funding stage.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for equity options or token grants, common in early-stage Web3 startups.

• Opportunity to be a foundational member of a growing team with significant impact.

• Exposure to cutting-edge decentralized identity and Web3 technologies.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

Working Hours:

The role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, typical for full-time employment. However, as a founding member of an early-stage startup, there may be an expectation for flexibility and dedication beyond standard hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on typical compensation for mid-level product designers in Hong Kong, with an upward adjustment for the "founding" role and the specialized Web3 domain. Equity or token grants are a significant potential part of compensation in this sector and should be a key discussion point. Research conducted using general Hong Kong tech salary benchmarks and Web3 industry compensation trends.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (specifically Blockchain, Decentralized Identity, Web3)

Company Size: Early-stage startup (likely <50 employees). This means a lean, agile, and highly collaborative environment where each individual's contribution is critical.

Founded: Hyphen Connect Limited is an early-stage startup, implying a dynamic, fast-paced, and potentially high-growth environment. The company is focused on building a decentralized identity (DeID) protocol, positioning it at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

Team Structure:

• The design team will likely be nascent, with the Founding Product Designer being the primary or sole design resource initially.

• Close collaboration with founders, engineers, and potentially early product managers will be essential.

• Reporting structure will likely be directly to a founder or CEO in the early stages.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on agile development methodologies, allowing for rapid iteration and adaptation.

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging user feedback and analytics to refine the product.

• A focus on building a robust and secure DeID protocol, adhering to best practices in blockchain development and cryptography.

• A commitment to user-centric design principles to ensure adoption and usability in the Web3 space.

Company Website: (Hyphen-Connect.com - inferred from domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: As an early-stage startup, the culture will be heavily influenced by the founders. Expect a high degree of ownership, a willingness to wear multiple hats, and a strong focus on execution and innovation. The "DeID Protocol" mission is central to the company's identity and will shape its culture and product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant opportunity to be a foundational member of a company. As the "Founding Product Designer," you will have a unique chance to shape the product's entire user experience and visual identity from inception. This is a high-impact role with substantial responsibility and potential for growth.

Reporting Structure: In an early-stage startup, you will likely report directly to one of the founders or the CEO. This provides direct access to leadership and a clear line of sight into strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is immense. You will be directly responsible for how users understand, interact with, and perceive the decentralized identity protocol. Your designs will be critical to the product's adoption, user satisfaction, and overall success in the competitive Web3 landscape. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between complex technology and user needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: As the company grows, you will have the opportunity to build and lead a design team, establishing design processes and mentoring junior designers.

• Specialization: Deepen your expertise in decentralized identity, Web3 UX, and blockchain-specific design challenges.

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in product strategy, contributing to the vision and roadmap of the DeID protocol.

• Equity/Token Upside: Potential for significant financial growth through equity or token grants as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Founding" title signifies a career inflection point. Candidates should expect to be instrumental in building the design function and influencing the company's trajectory, offering substantial growth potential beyond typical mid-level roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is listed as "On-site" in Hong Kong. This suggests a physical office space where collaboration and team interaction are prioritized. Startups often have modern, open-plan offices designed to foster creativity and communication.

Office Location(s): Hong Kong. This provides access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and a global financial hub. Specific details about the office location within Hong Kong would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a close-knit team environment where spontaneous discussions and collaborative problem-solving are common.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma is explicitly mentioned), collaboration tools, and potentially hardware for testing.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with engineers, product managers, and leadership, fostering a shared sense of purpose and collective ownership.

Work Schedule:

While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the startup environment may require flexibility. The focus will be on delivering results and meeting project milestones, which can sometimes necessitate working beyond traditional hours, especially during critical launch phases or for major feature development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement in Hong Kong is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared for a hands-on, in-person collaboration style, which is often beneficial for early-stage product development and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A more in-depth discussion about your portfolio, focusing on your process, decision-making, and contributions to Web3/identity projects. You may be asked to complete a small, focused design exercise or case study related to decentralized identity.

3. Team Interviews: Meetings with key team members (e.g., engineers, founders) to evaluate technical skills, collaboration style, and strategic thinking.

4. Final Interview: Typically with the CEO or lead founder to discuss overall vision, culture fit, and role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Web3/Identity: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in decentralized identity and Web3.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, user research methods, and iterative process. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or evidence of how your designs contributed to product success (e.g., increased engagement, improved usability).

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow in Figma and showcase complex prototypes or design systems you've built.

• Visual Language: Demonstrate your ability to create a cohesive and compelling visual identity, especially relevant for a founding role establishing a brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand DeID: Research decentralized identity concepts, protocols (e.g., DID, Verifiable Credentials), and common user pain points.

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared to tackle a hypothetical design problem related to user onboarding, security, or privacy in a DeID context.

• Strategic Thinking: Think about how your design decisions align with the company's mission and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to think strategically about decentralized identity. Demonstrating a proactive, problem-solving mindset and a deep understanding of Web3 principles will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required skill. Expect to use it extensively for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and potentially design system management.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially others like Principle, ProtoPie, or Adobe XD if used in conjunction with Figma.

• User Research Tools: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze), and potentially session recording (e.g., Hotjar, FullStory).

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for team communication. Project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Less directly relevant for a Product Designer, but familiarity with how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) or marketing automation tools might influence user journeys could be beneficial for broader context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the core design tool. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. Familiarity with tools that support the full design lifecycle, from research to implementation and iteration, will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore new technologies and design solutions for the evolving Web3 landscape.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users in the decentralized space.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork and cross-functional partnership to achieve ambitious goals.

• Ownership: A strong sense of responsibility and accountability for one's work and its impact.

• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment and pivot as needed.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication across all levels.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with engineering and product teams, fostering a shared understanding of goals and challenges.

• Feedback-Oriented: Valuing constructive feedback from peers and users to drive continuous improvement.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative development and being comfortable with change.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a founding team member, you'll be instrumental in shaping these values. Expect a culture that values initiative, a willingness to learn, and a shared passion for the company's mission in decentralized identity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Design Foundation: Building a design system, processes, and brand identity from scratch in an early-stage environment.

• Navigating Web3 Complexity: Designing intuitive experiences for users who may be new to decentralized technologies and concepts like digital identity.

• Balancing Innovation and Usability: Pushing the boundaries of design while ensuring the product is accessible and easy to use.

• Resource Constraints: Working with limited resources common in startups, requiring creativity and prioritization.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting quickly to feedback and market changes in the fast-paced Web3 space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into DeID: Becoming an expert in decentralized identity protocols, standards, and best practices.

• Web3 UX Mastery: Developing specialized skills in designing for blockchain applications, wallets, and decentralized platforms.

• Building a Design Function: Gaining experience in establishing and scaling a design team and its processes.

• Strategic Product Development: Contributing directly to the product roadmap and business strategy.

• Networking: Connecting with leaders and innovators in the blockchain and Web3 communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but directly tied to immense growth opportunities. Success in this role will provide invaluable experience in building a product and a design function from the ground up in a cutting-edge technological domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing the onboarding flow for a new user of a decentralized identity protocol?" (Focus on clarity, security, and user education).

• "Describe your process for creating a visual language for a new technology brand like ours." (Highlight brand strategy, consistency, and target audience).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about decentralized identity and Hyphen Connect's mission?" (Show genuine interest and research into the space).

• "How would you contribute to building a strong design culture within an early-stage startup?" (Discuss collaboration, feedback, and setting standards).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the critical decisions, and the outcome.

• Focus on Impact: Highlight how your designs solved a problem or achieved a specific goal, using metrics where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Show wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final UI, explaining the evolution of your design.

• Web3 Relevance: Emphasize any experience or understanding of Web3 concepts, decentralized systems, or digital identity.

• Figma Showcase: Be ready to walk through a Figma prototype or discuss your Figma workflow in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your design philosophy in the context of Web3 and decentralized identity. Your ability to translate complex technical concepts into user-friendly designs will be heavily scrutinized.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Founding Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, focusing on those with Web3, identity, or complex system design elements. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your role, your process, and the impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in startups, product design leadership, UX/UI, Figma proficiency, and any exposure to Web3 technologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Pitch: Practice articulating your design philosophy, your passion for decentralized identity, and how your skills align with the "founding" nature of this role. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and design process confidently.

• Research Hyphen Connect: Understand their mission, the problem they're solving with DeID, and the current landscape of decentralized identity solutions.

⚠️ 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.