Junior Product Designer (all humans)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer

Company: Erste Digital GmbH

Location: Vienna, Austria

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design ownership, from initial discovery and ideation through prototyping and final handoff, for a leading digital banking platform.

• Collaborate daily within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary agile product team, partnering closely with engineers, product managers, researchers, and writers to deliver exceptional user experiences.

• Translate complex user and business needs into intuitive, delightful user journeys and interfaces for a platform serving millions of customers.

• Leverage a comprehensive skill set in product design, AI, and visual design to enhance existing user experiences within the established George Design System.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on product design within the fintech/banking sector, emphasizing user experience for a large customer base. The "all humans" descriptor in the title suggests a commitment to inclusivity and broad user applicability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take ownership of design challenges from initial concept through to implementation, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Work collaboratively in an agile environment, actively participating in team ceremonies and contributing to sprint planning, retrospectives, and backlog refinement.

• Conduct user research and analysis to gather insights into customer needs, pain points, and behaviors, informing design decisions.

• Develop high-fidelity prototypes and mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows to stakeholders and development teams.

• Contribute to and utilize the George Design System to ensure consistency, scalability, and maintainability of the user interface across web and mobile platforms.

• Iterate on designs based on user feedback, A/B testing results, and performance metrics to continuously improve usability and user satisfaction.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles and best practices throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Collaborate with product managers to define product requirements and translate them into effective design solutions.

• Partner with engineers to ensure accurate implementation of designs and provide ongoing support during the development process.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in product design, UX/UI, and digital banking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design, emphasizing ownership and deep collaboration within a product team. The focus on "simplicity, intelligence, and personal" banking experience implies a need for design that balances functionality with user delight.

🎓 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 product design roles. Equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio will be highly valued.

Experience: 1-3 years of hands-on product design experience, or equivalent project work demonstrating practical application of design skills.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in product design, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end design projects.

• Proficiency in UX/UI design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and wireframing/prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Solid understanding of established UX patterns and their application across multiple platforms (web and mobile).

• Experience working within or contributing to design systems.

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

• Demonstrated ability to think critically, solve complex user problems, and propose effective design solutions.

• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate ideas and opinions effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI in design contexts.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Experience in the fintech or banking industry.

• Knowledge of user research techniques and how to apply them to gather insights.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that demonstrate problem-solving, user journey mapping, and the application of design systems. The emphasis on "values and opinions" suggests that cultural fit and communication style are as important as technical skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design ownership.

• Include examples of user research, problem definition, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and final UI design.

• Highlight how you incorporated user feedback and iterated on designs to achieve desired outcomes.

• Demonstrate your understanding and application of design systems or style guides.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions in team-based projects.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process and how you approach different stages of the product development lifecycle.

• Explain how you gather requirements and translate them into user flows and interface designs.

• Detail your methods for testing design assumptions and incorporating feedback from users and stakeholders.

• Describe your experience collaborating with engineering teams to ensure design fidelity during implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for evaluating a candidate's practical design skills and process. It should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to tackle design problems, collaborate, and deliver user-centric solutions within a team environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided salary range is €3,267 to €4,285 gross per month for a full-time position. This is a legal minimum disclosure requirement in Austria.

Benefits:

• Provision of necessary hardware and software for efficient work (e.g., MacBook, mobile device, licenses).

• Encouraging, empathic, friendly, and professional work environment.

• Open-minded attitude with a willingness to go the extra mile for the correct solution.

• Support for personal well-being and career development.

• Active support for educational needs and professional growth.

• Competitive and performance-related salary, potentially exceeding the stated minimum.

Working Hours: While the specific hours are not detailed, this is a full-time position, which typically implies a standard 40-hour work week in Austria, with potential for flexible arrangements as suggested by the "New Work" philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as a legal minimum, indicating that actual compensation will be dependent on the candidate's qualifications and performance. The benefits package emphasizes a supportive work environment and investment in employee development, aligning with "New Work" principles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Banking and Financial Technology (Fintech). Erste Digital GmbH is part of Erste Group, a leading financial services provider.

Company Size: As part of Erste Group, Erste Digital GmbH benefits from the resources of a large, established financial institution, though George Labs may operate with a more agile, startup-like environment within it.

Founded: Erste Group was founded in 1819, giving Erste Digital GmbH a strong legacy and deep roots in the financial sector. George Labs is a more recent initiative focused on digital innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within George Labs, a multidisciplinary product team. This team is characterized by agile methodologies and close collaboration between designers, engineers, product managers, writers, and researchers.

• The team structure is likely flat and non-hierarchical, fostering transparency, safety, and trust.

Methodology:

• Agile development is a core methodology, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and responsiveness to change.

• User-centered design principles are paramount, ensuring that all design decisions are driven by user needs and business objectives.

• A strong emphasis is placed on simplicity, intelligence, and personalization in the digital banking experience.

• Continuous improvement and iteration are key, driven by feedback and data.

Company Website: https://www.erstedigital.com/ (Likely part of Erste Group's digital innovation efforts)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "New Work," implying flexibility, autonomy, and a focus on employee well-being and development. The emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and trust indicates a modern, progressive work environment within a traditional industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior Product Designer role, suitable for individuals with 1-3 years of experience. It represents an entry to mid-level opportunity within the product design discipline.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will report to a Design Lead or Product Manager within the George Labs team. They will work closely with their immediate team members, including engineers and product managers, in a collaborative, non-hierarchical setting.

Operations Impact: The product designer's work directly impacts the user experience of millions of customers, influencing how they interact with their finances. Successful designs contribute to customer satisfaction, engagement, and the overall success of the George digital banking platform, indirectly driving revenue and customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UX/UI, product design, design systems, and potentially AI applications in design. Exposure to a wide range of design challenges within the fintech sector.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Product Designer, Senior Product Designer, or specialized roles (e.g., UX Researcher, Design System Specialist) within Erste Digital GmbH or Erste Group.

• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to design strategy.

• Learning & Education: Active support for educational needs, including potential for certifications, workshops, and conferences relevant to product design and the financial industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a renowned financial institution's digital innovation arm. The emphasis on continuous learning and development suggests a commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Vienna, Austria. Erste Digital GmbH likely offers a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Vienna, Austria (Am Belvedere 1, 1100 Vienna). This location is likely well-connected and situated in a professional business district.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative and professional environment that embraces "New Work" principles.

• Access to necessary hardware and software, including a MacBook, mobile device, and relevant licenses, to facilitate efficient work.

• Opportunities for close interaction and collaboration with a multidisciplinary product team.

• A culture that values transparency, safety, and trust, encouraging open communication and idea sharing.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment. While specific daily hours are not detailed, the "New Work" philosophy suggests potential for some flexibility within a standard work week. The emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being is a key aspect.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Vienna, combined with "New Work" principles, suggests a hybrid model might be implicitly supported or that the office space itself is designed for highly collaborative and engaging in-person work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through selected case studies from your portfolio, discussing your design process, problem-solving approach, and contributions.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Assessment of technical skills, collaboration style, cultural fit, and understanding of user-centered design principles. May involve a design exercise.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase end-to-end product design.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the positive impact of your design solutions.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with cross-functional teams (engineers, PMs) and incorporated feedback.

• Design System Focus: If relevant, detail your experience with or understanding of design systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise during the interview process.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving process rather than just the final output.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Understand the George Design System and how you might contribute to or work within it.

• Research Erste Digital GmbH and the George banking app to understand their existing design language and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should be ready to defend their design choices with data, user insights, and a clear understanding of business objectives. The "all humans" aspect suggests a need to consider diverse user needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (proficiency in at least one is expected).

• Collaboration: Tools like Slack, Jira, Confluence, or similar platforms for team communication and project management.

• Design Systems: Experience working with or contributing to established design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and track design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design impacts user adoption and engagement within a digital platform is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools is a must. The ability to leverage data and analytics to inform design choices is increasingly important for product designers. Experience with design systems is explicitly mentioned as a valuable asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Simplicity, Intelligence, Personal: These are the core tenets of the George banking experience and should guide design decisions.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of all users ("all humans").

• Collaboration & Transparency: A belief in open communication, shared knowledge, and a non-hierarchical culture.

• Quality & Usability: A passion for creating polished, intuitive, and delightful user experiences.

• Drive & Passion: A proactive attitude towards shaping the product and making a significant impact.

• Trust & Safety: Fostering a secure environment for both employees and customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with engineers, product managers, researchers, and writers in multidisciplinary teams.

• Emphasis on open communication, constructive feedback, and mutual respect.

• A willingness to "go the extra mile for the correct solution," indicating a commitment to excellence and problem-solving.

• Culture of transparency and trust, encouraging individuals to voice opinions and contribute ideas freely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "New Work," collaboration, and a non-hierarchical structure suggests a dynamic and supportive team environment where individual contributions are valued. The core values of simplicity, intelligence, and personalization are central to the product's identity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Complexity with Simplicity: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex financial products that serve a diverse user base.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring a seamless and consistent user experience across web and mobile platforms.

• Integrating New Technologies: Adapting to and incorporating emerging technologies (like AI) into the design process and product features.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Working within a large financial institution while maintaining agility and a startup-like innovation culture.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and product managers within the George Labs team.

• Skill Specialization: Possibility to develop expertise in specific areas like UX research, interaction design, or design systems.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the rapidly evolving fintech industry.

• Conferences & Training: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for product designers working on complex digital platforms in established companies. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a strong foundation for a career in product design within the financial sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to designing for a complex financial product like a banking app. How do you ensure simplicity for all users?"

• "Walk us through a project where you had to collaborate closely with engineers and product managers. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you approach gathering user requirements and translating them into effective user journeys and interfaces?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the fintech industry and specifically for Erste Digital GmbH and the George app?"

• "How do you align with our 'New Work' philosophy and our values of collaboration, transparency, and trust?"

• "What does 'simplicity, intelligence, and personal' mean to you in the context of digital banking?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Research -> Ideation -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and flow diagrams. Annotate key design decisions.

• Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially in team projects.

• Process Explanation: Be ready to articulate why you made certain design choices, referencing user needs, research, or design principles.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily assess your design process, problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your design philosophy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Erste Digital GmbH careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate end-to-end product design ownership, problem-solving, and collaboration. Tailor your case study selection to highlight relevant experience in user journeys, interface design, and ideally, design systems.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly highlight your 1-3 years of product design experience, proficiency in relevant design tools (Figma, Sketch, etc.), and any experience in agile environments or the fintech sector. Use keywords from the job description like "UX/UI," "prototyping," "design systems," and "user-centered design."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to user problems, and your collaboration style. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and prepare thoughtful questions about the team, culture, and the product.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Erste Digital GmbH, the George banking app, and Erste Group's mission. Understand their commitment to "New Work" and their emphasis on simplicity, intelligence, and personalization in banking.

⚠️ 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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