Freelance UI/UX Design / Rapid Prototyping (remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance UI/UX Designer / Rapid Prototyper

Company: Swiss Innovation Forces

Location: Switzerland (Remote)

Job Type: Full-Time (Freelance/Contract)

Category: Operations - Design & Prototyping

Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years implied)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on translating abstract concepts into tangible, user-centered solutions within the Swiss Innovation Forces' projects.

• The core function involves rapid prototyping and customer journey design to make complex ideas understandable and testable early in project lifecycles.

• Utilizing design tools like Figma, the designer will create wireframes, storyboards, and interactive prototypes to bridge the gap between user needs and technical implementation.

• This position offers a flexible, part-time engagement (approx. half a day per week) with the potential for remote work, contributing directly to projects impacting Switzerland's security and future.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Freelance UI/UX Design / Rapid Prototyping," the description outlines responsibilities that align with a specialized operations role focused on the front-end of solution development, particularly in conceptualization and early-stage validation. The "Operations - Design & Prototyping" category reflects this by highlighting the critical operational function of bringing abstract ideas to a tangible, testable stage. The implied experience level is based on the educational requirements and the focus on foundational design skills rather than extensive strategic leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research and analyze customer journeys to deeply understand user needs and project requirements.

• Translate abstract ideas, visions, and user needs into user-centric concepts and state-of-the-art UX/UI designs.

• Develop wireframes, storyboards, and interactive, clickable prototypes using Figma to visualize and test concepts.

• Facilitate rapid prototyping to make complex solutions understandable, testable, and iterative for stakeholders and end-users.

• Design and validate digital and hybrid products (e.g., software-hardware combinations, digital integrations) through usability testing and collaborative workshops.

• Collaborate closely with project leads and contribute to the development of rapid prototyping offerings, particularly in the context of emerging AI capabilities.

• Ensure designs are clearly communicated to development teams, demonstrating a foundational understanding of code and technical implementation constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on, iterative approach to design and validation, which is a critical operational function in bridging conceptualization and development. The focus on making solutions "erlebbar" (tangible/experiential) and "testbar" (testable) directly supports efficient project execution and risk mitigation by ensuring early alignment with user needs and technical feasibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with practical projects, evidenced by a strong portfolio.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Very strong, practical knowledge of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and design collaboration.

• Rapid Prototyping: Proven ability to create interactive prototypes that effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• User Research & Analysis: Experience in gathering and interpreting user needs, conducting user research, and mapping customer journeys.

• UX/UI Design Principles: Solid understanding of user-centered design methodologies and the ability to translate requirements into intuitive interfaces.

• Design Documentation: Skill in creating clear wireframes and storyboards that articulate design intentions.

• German Language: Native-level proficiency in German for effective communication with clients and internal teams.

• English Language: Very good proficiency in English for broader project collaboration and understanding technical documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Code Understanding: Basic comprehension of code (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better communicate with development teams and understand implementation feasibility.

• Workshop Facilitation: Experience in leading or participating in design thinking workshops and usability testing sessions.

• Hybrid Product Design: Experience designing integrated digital and physical product experiences.

• AI Integration Awareness: An understanding of how AI capabilities can be leveraged in design and prototyping.

• Second National Language: Basic knowledge of another Swiss national language (French, Italian, or Romansh) for enhanced local collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of technical design skills, user-centric methodologies, and essential communication abilities. The emphasis on Figma and rapid prototyping points to a need for efficiency and speed in the design process, aligning with operational goals of quick iteration and validation. The language requirements are specific to the Swiss context and underscore the importance of clear, multi-faceted communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate Hands-on Experience: The portfolio must showcase practical application of UI/UX design and rapid prototyping skills in real-world or academic projects.

• Figma Expertise: Include examples of work created or prototyped using Figma, highlighting advanced features or complex workflows.

• User-Centric Design: Present case studies that clearly articulate the user research process, design challenges, and how user needs were addressed.

• Prototyping Capabilities: Showcase interactive prototypes that demonstrate user flows, key interactions, and the overall user experience.

• Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly define the problem addressed in each project and detail the design solutions implemented, illustrating the thought process.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Ability to document and visualize customer journeys and user flows to communicate process understanding.

• Iterative Design Process: Showcase examples of how designs were iterated upon based on feedback, testing, and evolving requirements.

• Cross-functional Communication: Demonstrate how design concepts and prototypes were presented and communicated to project leads and development teams, ensuring clarity and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing rapid prototyping and concept visualization, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary mechanism for assessing a candidate's ability to operationalize design thinking, quickly translate ideas into tangible forms, and facilitate early-stage testing and feedback loops. The focus is on demonstrating practical application and communication of the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Schedule: Ability to work approximately half a day per week, offering significant flexibility.

• Remote Work: Option to work entirely remotely, providing convenience and autonomy.

• Impactful Projects: Opportunity to contribute to projects vital for Switzerland's security and future.

• Dynamic Team Environment: Work within a motivated team that is actively making a difference.

• Entrepreneurial Culture: Be part of an environment that encourages individual contribution and idea generation.

• Inspiring Workplace: Access to well-equipped offices in central Zurich and Bern, with the added perk of good coffee.

Working Hours:

• The role requires approximately half a day (around 4 hours) per week, with the specific schedule being flexible and project-dependent. This amounts to roughly 16-20 hours per month.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical freelance rates for UI/UX designers in Switzerland, adjusted for the part-time commitment and the specific skill set requested. The benefits highlight the flexibility and impact of the role, which are key attractors for freelance or contract positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Technology / Consulting. The Swiss Innovation Forces operate at the intersection of national security, technological advancement, and public service.

Company Size: The specific size is not detailed, but the nature of government-affiliated innovation units suggests a structured organization with specialized teams.

Founded: Founded in 2018, the Swiss Innovation Forces are a relatively young entity focused on modernizing and future-proofing critical national infrastructure and capabilities through agile innovation.

Team Structure:

• Likely composed of various specialized units, including project management, technical experts, and innovation strategists.

• The UI/UX designer will likely report to a project lead or a head of design/innovation within a specific project team.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on agile and user-centric methodologies to rapidly develop and test innovative solutions.

• Strong focus on translating abstract ideas into tangible, testable prototypes for early validation.

• Incorporation of current technological trends, including AI, to enhance solutions and processes.

Company Website: https://www.innoforces.ch

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company context is crucial for operations roles. The Swiss Innovation Forces' mission implies a need for precision, security consciousness, and a forward-thinking approach. The agile, user-centric methodology aligns with modern operational best practices for innovation and product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized, freelance contributor, likely suitable for individuals early in their design careers or seeking flexible project work. It offers exposure to high-impact, national-level projects.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to project leads and collaborate closely with project teams, including client stakeholders and technical developers.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is direct and tangible: by making abstract concepts concrete through rapid prototyping, the designer enables faster decision-making, more effective user validation, and ultimately, the successful development of solutions that contribute to national security and future capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in rapid prototyping tools like Figma and explore advanced UX/UI techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Gain unique experience in government and defense innovation, understanding complex challenges and stakeholder needs.

• AI Integration: Develop practical skills in integrating AI considerations into design and prototyping processes.

• Project Experience: Build a robust portfolio with diverse projects that demonstrate versatility and impact.

• Networking: Connect with professionals in innovation, technology, and public service sectors within Switzerland.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is freelance and part-time, the opportunity for growth lies in skill development, portfolio enhancement, and exposure to high-stakes projects. For operations professionals, understanding how design contributes to the overall project lifecycle and operational efficiency is key.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid; the organization maintains inspiring office spaces in Zurich and Bern, but the role is primarily remote.

Office Location(s): Zurich and Bern, Switzerland. These locations serve as central hubs for potential in-person collaboration or client meetings if required, though remote work is a primary feature.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: The primary work environment is remote, offering autonomy and work-life balance.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to use digital collaboration tools for communication, design sharing, and project management.

• Creative Environment: The "inspiring workplace" and "good coffee" suggest an environment that values creativity and designer well-being, even if experienced remotely.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with diverse teams, including project managers, engineers, and potentially end-users.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible, part-time commitment of approximately half a day per week (around 4 hours). This allows for integration with other projects or commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on remote work combined with central office locations in Switzerland caters to a modern, flexible work style. For operations, this means a need for strong self-management, proactive communication, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on the portfolio to assess practical skills and experience.

• Skills Assessment: Likely a practical exercise or discussion focused on Figma proficiency and rapid prototyping capabilities.

• Conceptualization Challenge: Potential task to translate a given abstract idea into a simple user journey or prototype concept.

• Cultural Fit & Collaboration Discussion: Conversation to gauge openness, "Gespür" (intuition/feel) for working with diverse people, and self-reflection willingness.

• Language Proficiency Check: Assessment of German and English language skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Highlight complex prototypes, component libraries, or unique Figma workflows.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly explain your role, the problem, your approach (user research, ideation), the solutions you designed, and the outcomes.

• Emphasize Rapid Prototyping: Clearly demonstrate how you used prototyping to test ideas, gather feedback, and iterate quickly.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, mention how your designs facilitated understanding, testing, or decision-making.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, include examples that touch upon complex systems, digital integrations, or innovative concepts relevant to national security or public service.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Familiarize yourself with the Swiss Innovation Forces' goals and the types of projects they undertake.

• Practice Rapid Prototyping: Be ready to quickly sketch or prototype a simple concept, focusing on user flow and key interactions.

• Articulate Your Thinking: Prepare to explain your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially how they address user needs and project goals.

• Research AI in Design: Be prepared to discuss how AI might influence or be integrated into rapid prototyping workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio and practical demonstration of skills. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible, user-tested designs efficiently, a core operational requirement for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core tool. Proficiency is mandatory. Expect to use it for wireframing, interactive prototyping, UI design, and potentially collaboration features.

• Prototyping Tools (beyond Figma): While Figma is primary, familiarity with other rapid prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe XD, InVision) can be beneficial.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for surveys, interviews, or usability testing platforms is advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UI/UX role, but understanding how digital products integrate with backend systems or user management platforms can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and prototyping tools, with Figma being the non-negotiable element. For operations professionals, understanding the tools used at the front end of product development provides valuable context on the overall GTM and product lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future-Orientation: A drive to explore new ideas and contribute to the future of Switzerland's security and capabilities.

• User Centricity: A commitment to understanding and designing for the end-user's needs and experiences.

• Efficiency & Agility: A focus on rapid iteration, testing, and making abstract concepts tangible quickly.

• Collaboration & Openness: Valuing diverse perspectives and working effectively with various stakeholders.

• Precision & Reliability: Given the context of national security, a commitment to high quality and dependable solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with project managers, technical teams, and potentially client representatives to ensure design alignment.

• Feedback-Driven: Embracing feedback from user testing and stakeholder reviews to refine designs.

• Transparent Communication: Clearly articulating design ideas, prototypes, and rationale to ensure mutual understanding.

• Proactive Contribution: Encouraging team members to bring forward ideas and contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style reflect a modern, agile approach within a public sector context. For operations professionals, understanding how design integrates into this culture is key to successful project execution and stakeholder management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Abstract Ideas: The primary challenge is converting vague concepts into concrete, user-testable designs.

• Balancing User Needs and Technical Constraints: Ensuring designs are both user-friendly and feasible for implementation, especially within security-focused projects.

• Rapid Iteration: The need to produce high-quality prototypes quickly under project deadlines.

• Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Navigating different perspectives and requirements from clients, project leads, and developers.

• Integrating AI: Staying abreast of and effectively incorporating AI functionalities into design and prototyping workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Figma Techniques: Mastering advanced features for complex prototyping and design systems.

• AI in Design: Learning how to leverage AI tools for design generation, analysis, or workflow optimization.

• User Research Methodologies: Expanding expertise in various user research and validation techniques.

• Hybrid Product Design: Gaining experience in designing integrated physical-digital user experiences.

• Exposure to National Security Projects: Understanding the unique challenges and operational requirements within this sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the role's position at the intersection of innovation and practical implementation. The growth opportunities are significant for a designer looking to specialize in high-impact, cutting-edge projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for a new [specific type of system, e.g., secure communication platform] based on a high-level brief?" (Focus on process: research, ideation, prototyping).

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex or abstract idea into a visual design or prototype. What was your process, and what were the challenges?" (Portfolio-driven, focus on problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with the Swiss Innovation Forces and contributing to national security projects?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the mission).

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who have different technical backgrounds or perspectives?" (Highlight communication and teamwork skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Figma and Prototyping: Walk through interactive prototypes, explaining key user flows and design decisions.

• Showcase User-Centricity: Explain how user feedback or research informed your design choices.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Focus on the most relevant projects and articulate your contributions clearly and enthusiastically.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would adapt your process for different project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, a user-centric mindset, and effective communication, particularly through the portfolio. Understanding the unique context of the Swiss Innovation Forces is also key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your Figma skills, rapid prototyping capabilities, and user-centric design process. Ensure interactive prototypes are easily accessible.

• Tailor Your Resume/Profile: Highlight your education in Interaction/Experience Design, your proficiency with Figma, any relevant project experience, and your language skills (German native, English very good). Focus on achievements related to translating concepts and rapid iteration.

• Prepare Your "Elevator Pitch": Be ready to briefly describe your background, key skills, and why you're a good fit for this specific role and the Swiss Innovation Forces' mission. Practice presenting a project from your portfolio concisely.

• Research the Organization: Understand the mission and work of the Swiss Innovation Forces. Consider how your design skills can contribute to projects related to national security and technological advancement.

⚠️ 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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