Graphic Designer (contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Contract) Company: IDEO Location: Shanghai, China Job Type: Contract Category: Creative Operations / Design Strategy Date Posted: 2025-09-24T07:38:45 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategies to inspire and guide both internal teams and external clients, leveraging graphic design as a core tool for problem-solving.
• Develop compelling visual narratives that contextualize and enhance business strategies, ensuring a people-centered approach to design challenges.
• Art direct and deliver high-quality design outputs across a broad spectrum of creative projects, from brand identities to user interfaces.
• Foster collaboration with diverse cross-functional teams, including Industrial Designers, Design Researchers, and Business Designers, to tackle complex challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Graphic Designer, its placement within IDEO, a renowned design and innovation firm, suggests a strong emphasis on the "operations" aspect of design. This means not just executing creative tasks, but also contributing to the strategic application of design, process facilitation, and client engagement within a project lifecycle. The role requires a blend of creative craft and strategic thinking, typical of design operations or creative project management functions within a consultancy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and implementation of brand identities, including logos, visual systems, and comprehensive brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.
• Design engaging graphics for physical and digital spaces, such as retail environments, packaging, publications, and exhibition materials, to enhance user experience and brand perception.
• Develop clear and impactful information graphics and illustrations to visualize complex business ecosystems, data, and concepts for internal and client presentations.
• Collaborate closely with project teams to rapidly prototype user interfaces and other design outputs for consumer testing and iterative development.
• Produce visually appealing and strategically sound presentation decks for client pitches, project reviews, and internal communications, effectively translating ideas into compelling visuals.
• Conduct user research and fieldwork, including user observation and experiential activities, to build empathy and gather insights that inform design decisions.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality creative assets while adhering to project scopes and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep engagement with the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept and research to final implementation and presentation. For a "contract" role, the expectation is likely focused on delivering specific project outcomes with a high degree of autonomy and creative input, rather than long-term strategic planning or team management. The emphasis on "rapid prototypes" and "beautiful presentation decks" points to a need for efficiency and polish in deliverables.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related design field is typically expected. Equivalent professional experience in lieu of a formal degree will also be considered.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience as a Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, or Communication Designer, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality design work.
• Experience working within a design consultancy, innovation firm, or a fast-paced agency environment is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in international markets or with diverse client portfolios, showcasing adaptability and a broad understanding of different cultural contexts.

Required Skills:

• Design Craft Mastery: Proficient in a wide range of communication design disciplines including Brand Identity, Editorial Design, Information Graphics, Typography, Packaging Design, and Exhibition Design.
• Visual Storytelling: Ability to translate complex ideas and business strategies into clear, compelling visual narratives that resonate with target audiences.
• Creative Leadership: Capacity to guide creative direction, inspire team members, and art direct design projects from conception to completion.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse disciplines (e.g., Industrial Design, Research, Business Design) in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in User Interface (UI) design and digital product design.
• Skills in illustration, motion graphics, or animation.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies and translating user insights into design solutions.
• Experience in developing and presenting design concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Understanding of project management principles within a creative context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a candidate who is beyond entry-level but not yet a senior leader. They should be capable of independent work on defined projects, demonstrating strong foundational skills and the ability to contribute to team efforts. The requirement for fluency in Mandarin and English is critical for this Shanghai-based role, impacting communication and client interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a breadth of design projects across various disciplines mentioned in the responsibilities (Brand Identity, Editorial, Information Graphics, Packaging, Exhibition Design, UI).
• Demonstrations of how design solutions have addressed specific client challenges or business objectives, highlighting the strategic thinking behind the creative execution.
• Examples of visual storytelling and the ability to create compelling narratives through design.
• Case studies that illustrate the end-to-end design process, from research and concept development to execution and final delivery.
• Evidence of collaboration with diverse teams and the ability to integrate feedback effectively.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as formal documentation, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design process, including:
  • Workflow design for creative projects, from brief to final asset.
  • Methods for incorporating user feedback and iterative design.
  • Approaches to managing multiple design deliverables and deadlines.
  • How design decisions are informed by strategy and research.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role at IDEO, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about showcasing aesthetic quality but also the designer's ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and work collaboratively. The portfolio should reflect IDEO's human-centered design philosophy and its impact-driven approach. The contract nature implies a focus on tangible project outcomes rather than long-term process documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a contract Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Shanghai, China, the estimated salary range would likely be between ¥15,000 - ¥28,000 per month, depending on the specific project scope, duration, and the candidate's demonstrated expertise and portfolio quality. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for contract design roles in major international cities in China, considering the reputation of a firm like IDEO.

Benefits:

• As a contract position, benefits may differ from full-time employment. Potential benefits could include:
  • Competitive hourly or project-based rate.
  • Opportunity to work on high-profile, impactful projects with a leading innovation firm.
  • Exposure to IDEO's unique design thinking methodology and collaborative culture.
  • Professional development through project experience and team collaboration.
  • Potential for extension or future contract opportunities based on performance.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are expected to be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. However, as a contract role, there might be flexibility depending on project demands and client needs, potentially requiring extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Contract roles often do not include traditional benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions that are common in full-time positions. Compensation is typically higher per hour or project to account for this. The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for Shanghai and the specialized nature of working for a firm like IDEO.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design and Innovation Consulting Company Size: IDEO operates globally with a significant presence across multiple studios, employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals worldwide. The Shanghai studio, while a part of this larger network, maintains a dynamic and often close-knit team environment focused on serving the Asian market. Founded: IDEO was founded in 1991 through a merger of three design firms, with a long history of innovation and design thinking.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Shanghai studio's creative team, working within project-specific teams.
• These project teams are typically multidisciplinary, comprising individuals from various design disciplines (research, industrial design, interaction design, business design) and potentially project managers.
• The reporting structure is likely fluid, with project leads or studio directors overseeing contract engagements, and direct creative guidance coming from senior designers or creative directors within project contexts.
• Collaboration is highly valued, fostering an environment where designers work closely with researchers to understand user needs, with business designers to align with strategy, and with industrial designers on product development.

Methodology:

• Human-Centered Design: IDEO is renowned for its human-centered approach, emphasizing empathy, deep user understanding, and iterative prototyping.
• Design Thinking: The core methodology involves a five-stage process: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Designers are expected to contribute across these stages.
• Experimentation and Iteration: IDEO encourages a culture of experimentation, learning from failures, and iterating quickly to refine solutions.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Projects are tackled by diverse teams, leveraging varied perspectives and skill sets to achieve holistic solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: IDEO's culture is built around creativity, collaboration, and a passion for solving complex problems. For a designer, this means an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, embraces ambiguity, and values both individual craft and collective contribution. The Shanghai studio specifically focuses on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the Chinese market.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level for a contract Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of design skills and the ability to execute projects with a degree of autonomy, contributing effectively to project teams. The focus is on delivering high-quality design outputs rather than managing teams or long-term strategic initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to project leads or creative directors within specific project teams. There may also be oversight from studio management for contract administration and integration into the Shanghai office. Collaboration will be with a diverse range of project team members.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact lies in translating complex ideas and strategies into tangible, visually compelling forms that communicate effectively to clients and users. Their work directly influences how clients perceive IDEO's capabilities and how project outcomes are understood and adopted. By bringing clarity and aesthetic excellence to projects, they enhance the overall effectiveness and perceived value of IDEO's design solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to work across a wider variety of design disciplines and project types than might be available in a more specialized role.
• Methodological Mastery: Deepen understanding and application of design thinking, human-centered design, and iterative prototyping processes through hands-on project work.
• Portfolio Enrichment: Build a strong portfolio with impactful projects for a globally recognized innovation firm, enhancing future career prospects.
• Network Building: Connect with a diverse network of design professionals, researchers, and business strategists within IDEO's global and Shanghai studios.
• Potential for Future Engagements: Successful contract performance can lead to extensions or opportunities for future projects within IDEO.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, "growth" is primarily defined by the experience gained, skills honed, and the portfolio built. While direct career progression within IDEO might be limited for contractors, the exposure and learning are significant for future career development in the design field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: IDEO Shanghai operates as a physical studio space designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and client interaction. It is likely a modern, open-plan environment with dedicated project spaces, meeting rooms, and areas for brainstorming and prototyping.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Shanghai, China, a vibrant global hub for business and innovation. The specific location within Shanghai would be IDEO's studio there, likely situated in a central business district or creative hub accessible via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction and cross-pollination of ideas among team members from different disciplines.
• Resource Availability: Access to design tools, prototyping materials, and collaborative technology is expected to support project work.
• Client Engagement: The studio environment is also geared towards hosting client workshops, presentations, and collaborative sessions, requiring a professional and adaptable presentation of work.
• Dynamic Pace: The nature of consulting work means the environment can be fast-paced, with project cycles dictating workflow and team dynamics.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is expected to be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, which is common in contract roles within consulting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement signifies the importance of in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and client interactions, which are core to IDEO's working model. The workspace is intended to be an incubator for ideas and a professional environment for client engagements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV, cover letter, and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit for the contract role.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session (likely virtual or in-person) to walk through your portfolio, discuss specific projects, and understand your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaboration style.
• Skills/Scenario-Based Interview: May include questions about your experience with specific design challenges, your approach to ambiguous problems, and how you handle client feedback or project constraints.
• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to gauge your alignment with IDEO's values, working style, and comfort with their design thinking methodology and collaborative culture.
• Potential Final Interview: With a senior member of the Shanghai team or a project lead to confirm suitability and discuss contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the skills and experience outlined in the job description, particularly highlighting diversity in project type and impact.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and process, the solutions developed, and the impact or outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.
• Showcase Process: Include sketches, mood boards, user journey maps, wireframes, or other artifacts that illustrate your thought process and iterative approach.
• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, mention your role within a team and how you collaborated with others to achieve the final outcome.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or client feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your design solutions.
• Tailor to IDEO: Understand IDEO's human-centered design philosophy and try to reflect this in your project selection and presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you approach ambiguous problems and translate abstract concepts into concrete design solutions.
• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex visual systems or strategic design choices.
• Think about how you would integrate user research insights into your design process and how you would adapt your approach based on client feedback.
• Be ready to discuss your experience working in multidisciplinary teams and navigating different working styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical part of the application for this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, strategic thinking, and collaborative capabilities with clarity and confidence. Emphasizing IDEO's specific methodologies will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of visual assets and layouts.
• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for UI design and rapid prototyping.
• Presentation Software: Expertise in Keynote or PowerPoint for developing high-quality client-facing presentations.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Slack, Miro, or similar for team communication and virtual whiteboarding.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a graphic designer, understanding how to present data visually through infographics and charts is beneficial. Familiarity with basic data visualization principles is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an awareness of how design assets integrate into broader marketing or product workflows might be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on creative execution tools. Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with UI/UX prototyping tools is increasingly important for designers working in product-focused projects, which IDEO often undertakes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A drive to explore, learn, and understand deeply, especially regarding users and complex problems.
• Empathy: A commitment to understanding and sharing the feelings of others, particularly users, to inform design decisions.
• Optimism: A belief in the possibility of positive change and the ability to find creative solutions to challenges.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, diverse perspectives, and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality execution and attention to detail in all design work.
• Impact: A focus on creating meaningful change and delivering tangible value through design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with researchers, strategists, and other designers, actively participating in team discussions and contributing to a shared understanding of project goals.
• Feedback Exchange: An open and constructive approach to giving and receiving feedback is crucial for iterative design and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, learnings, and best practices within project teams and the broader studio.
• Experimentation: Comfortable with testing new ideas and approaches, embracing uncertainty as part of the innovation process.

📝 Enhancement Note: IDEO's culture is a significant differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values and can thrive in a collaborative, iterative, and human-centered environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity and Pace: Working on novel problems with evolving requirements in a fast-paced consulting environment demands adaptability and resilience.
• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating design intent and rationale to team members with different backgrounds and expertise requires strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Balancing Craft and Strategy: Ensuring that creative execution is not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically aligned with client objectives and user needs.
• Client-Facing Demands: Presenting work to clients, managing expectations, and incorporating feedback can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across a wide range of industries (e.g., healthcare, mobility, education, food safety) and project types.
• Mentorship and Peer Learning: Learning from experienced designers, researchers, and strategists within IDEO's global network and Shanghai studio.
• Immersive Design Process: Deepening practical knowledge of design thinking, user research, and prototyping methodologies.
• Global Network Access: Opportunities to connect with and learn from IDEO colleagues worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the consulting and innovation space. The growth opportunities are significant in terms of learning and portfolio building, making it an attractive role for designers looking to expand their horizons.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Can you walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to translate a complex business strategy into a visual identity? What was your process?"
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with designers from different disciplines (e.g., research, industrial design). How did you ensure effective communication and integration of your work?"
• "How do you approach creating visual narratives that engage and inform an audience? Can you provide an example?"
• "Imagine you're tasked with designing a brand identity for a new sustainable mobility service in Shanghai. What would be your first steps, and what key visual elements would you consider?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about IDEO's approach to design and innovation, particularly in the Shanghai context?"
• "How do you handle ambiguity and evolving project requirements? Can you share an example?"
• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?"
• "How do you ensure your design work is human-centered and empathetic to user needs?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your portfolio, highlighting the types of projects included. For each project, clearly state the client/context, the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the impact.
• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative. Use visuals to support your story, but be prepared to verbally explain the strategic decisions and creative rationale behind them.
• Visual Aids: Prepare your portfolio in a digital format that is easily shareable and navigable (e.g., PDF, online portfolio link). Ensure high-quality images and clear layouts.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure you can cover your key projects effectively within the allocated timeframe. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Engagement: Be ready to answer questions and engage in a conversation about your work, demonstrating your passion and critical thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, collaborative abilities, and an understanding of IDEO's core methodologies. Being able to articulate your process and the impact of your work is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your CV, a compelling cover letter explaining your interest and suitability, and a link to your online portfolio or a PDF version via the provided application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that align with IDEO's values and the specific requirements of this role, such as brand identity, editorial design, information graphics, and UI/UX prototyping. Highlight projects that demonstrate strategic thinking and human-centered design principles.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, skills (especially software proficiency and design disciplines), and any international project experience. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and collaborative experiences. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, focusing on the narrative and impact of your work.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with IDEO's work, particularly projects from their Shanghai studio, and understand their design thinking methodology. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and values align with the company culture.

⚠️ 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.