Praktikum Interaction Experience Design (UX/UI)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Praktikum Interaction Experience Design (UX/UI) Company: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Location: Winnenden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany Job Type: Intern Category: Design Operations / Product Operations Date Posted: September 5, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a foundational experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design within a global manufacturing leader, focusing on product design innovation.
• The role emphasizes hands-on involvement in the product design lifecycle, from initial concept to final implementation, providing practical application of academic knowledge.
• Candidates will gain exposure to customer requirements, ergonomic principles, and technological trends, contributing to the development of user-centric products.
• Success in this role requires a blend of technical design skills, strong analytical and communication abilities, and a collaborative, customer-focused mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a UX/UI Design role, the "Operations" category is inferred due to the emphasis on process, implementation, and contributing to product development within a structured corporate environment. This internship can serve as a stepping stone into product operations or design operations roles by building practical experience in product lifecycle management and user-centric design principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support all phases of the product design process, from initial conception and user research to detailed design and implementation.
• Contribute to the creation of user interfaces and interaction flows, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience for Kärcher products.
• Conduct trend research focusing on ergonomic, technical, and customer-centric aspects to inform product design decisions.
• Develop prototypes and design mock-ups using industry-standard tools to visualize and test design concepts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and marketing, to gather requirements and ensure design alignment.
• Assist in user testing and feedback sessions to iterate on designs and improve product usability.
• Gain practical experience in applying UX methodologies and best practices within a corporate setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are extrapolated from the provided description, focusing on the practical application of design principles within a product development context. The emphasis on "all phases of the design process" and "customer requirements" points towards an operational role in product development, managing aspects of the user experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Interface Design, Interaction Design, Interactive Media Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated interest and foundational knowledge in UX methods, interaction design principles, and prototyping techniques.
• Previous internship or project experience in design, particularly with a focus on user experience, is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, specifically Adobe Creative Suite (CC) and Figma.
• Strong understanding of User Experience (UX) principles and methodologies.
• Familiarity with User Interface (UI) design best practices and visual design principles.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret customer requirements and technical constraints.
• Solid communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration and presentation.
• Demonstrated customer orientation and empathy for user needs.
• Intercultural openness and the ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment.
• Advanced proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of additional languages beyond English.
• Experience with interactive media design concepts.
• Familiarity with prototyping tools beyond Figma.
• Exposure to product development cycles in a manufacturing or hardware context.
• Openness to innovation and a creative approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are directly extracted from the job description. "Advanced English proficiency" is noted as required, while "another language" is preferred, indicating a multinational work environment. The emphasis on Adobe CC and Figma are critical technical requirements for this design-focused operations intern role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of user-centered design processes, illustrating how user needs were identified and incorporated into design solutions.
• Examples of prototyping and wireframing work, showcasing the ability to translate concepts into interactive or visual representations.
• Case studies that highlight problem-solving approaches in design, detailing the challenges, solutions, and impact.
• Work samples that showcase proficiency in Figma and Adobe CC, demonstrating technical skill in creating UI elements and user flows.
• Projects that reflect an understanding of ergonomics and technical trends in product design.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design decisions and rationale, explaining the "why" behind specific design choices.
• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies and user research documentation.
• Understanding of how design integrates into broader product development workflows and implementation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly a "portfolio requirement" section, the responsibilities and required skills strongly imply the need for a portfolio. This section infers the types of projects and skills that would be crucial to showcase for a UX/UI design internship, focusing on process, tools, and problem-solving relevant to product operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• €1,890 per month. This is a fixed monthly compensation for the internship period.

Benefits:

• Networking Opportunities: Access to cross-departmental and company-wide networking events.
• Onboarding: Structured onboarding events in March and September to facilitate integration.
• Mentorship & Support: Comprehensive onboarding and individualized support from department experts.
• Flexible Work: 35-hour work week with flexible working hours (Gleitzeit) and home office options.
• Vacation: Two days of paid vacation per full calendar month of employment.
• Commuting Support: 85% subsidy for public transport travel costs.
• Wellness & Recreation: Access to various sports activities (e.g., basketball, Zumba, outdoor training).
• Employee Perks: 35% discount on Kärcher products and a range of corporate benefits (discounts on travel, fashion, dining, concerts, etc.).

Working Hours:

• A flexible 35-hour work week is offered, with options for flexible scheduling and home office to accommodate personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary of €1,890 per month is clearly stated. The benefits are extensive for an internship and highlight Kärcher's commitment to employee well-being and development, which is a strong draw for operations-focused roles that value a supportive work environment. The hybrid work arrangement is confirmed by the mention of home office options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing & Cleaning Technology. Kärcher is a global leader known for its high-pressure cleaners, vacuum cleaners, and other cleaning equipment. Company Size: Large Enterprise. With a significant global presence and workforce, Kärcher offers opportunities typical of larger organizations, including structured processes and diverse teams. Founded: 1935. Founded by Alfred Kärcher, the company has a long history of innovation and growth, establishing a strong brand reputation.

Team Structure:

• The internship is likely within a product development or design department, potentially part of a larger R&D or product management group.
• Interns typically report to a dedicated mentor or a team lead within their specific department.
• Collaboration is expected with various internal teams, including engineering, marketing, and potentially user research specialists, to integrate design into the product lifecycle.

Methodology:

• The role involves applying design thinking and user-centric methodologies throughout the product development process.
• Emphasis is placed on research, concept development, prototyping, and iterative design based on user feedback and market trends.
• Data analysis of user behavior and technical feasibility are implicit in supporting product design decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kärcher's status as a well-established, innovative company in the cleaning technology sector provides context for the type of product development and design challenges the intern will encounter. The "WOW" branding suggests a culture that values employee engagement and positive experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position designed for students to gain initial practical experience in a professional design and product development environment. It serves as an excellent introduction to the operational aspects of bringing products to market. Reporting Structure: The intern will likely report to a direct supervisor or mentor within the design or product development team, who will provide guidance and oversee tasks. Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is developmental, contributions to product design concepts and user experience improvements can influence product usability and market reception, indirectly impacting customer satisfaction and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design tools (Figma, Adobe CC) and methodologies through hands-on projects and expert mentorship.
• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in the product development lifecycle within a leading global company, understanding industry standards and best practices.
• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers, engineers, and product managers, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.
• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future internships or entry-level positions within Kärcher or related fields, especially if they demonstrate strong performance and a good cultural fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a crucial stepping stone for individuals looking to enter the product development or design operations field. The emphasis on learning and practical application within a large corporation provides a solid foundation for future career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of on-site work at the Winnenden location and remote work capabilities. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Winnenden, Germany. Specific details about the office facilities and amenities would typically be available upon inquiry or during the onboarding process.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with design teams and other departments.
• Access to necessary design software and technology (Adobe CC, Figma) will be provided.
• Opportunities for informal and formal team interactions will exist, supporting knowledge sharing and project collaboration.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 35 hours, with flexibility offered through "Gleitzeit" (flexible working hours) and the possibility of home office arrangements. This provides a good work-life balance, common in progressive corporate environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, allowing for both focused individual work at home and collaborative engagement in the office. The mention of flexible working hours and home office options suggests a modern and accommodating work culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates are required to submit a CV, relevant transcripts, and potentially proof of enrollment or internship requirements.
• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for suitability based on educational background, required skills, and demonstrated interest in UX/UI design.
• Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews, likely with the hiring manager (Julia Klose) and potentially other team members. These interviews will assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and understanding of design principles.
• Portfolio Review: A key component will be the review of your design portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your projects, design process, and the rationale behind your decisions.
• Confirmation: Successful candidates will receive a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 strong projects that best showcase your skills in interface design, interaction design, and prototyping.
• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your design process: problem definition, research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Use visuals to support your explanations.
• Showcase Tools: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and Adobe CC.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the positive impact of your design solutions.
• Tailor to Kärcher: If you can, show projects that align with Kärcher's product categories or user needs (e.g., intuitive interfaces for complex machinery).
• Concise Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio concisely and answer specific questions about your contributions and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design challenges or case studies that assess your problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and ability to apply UX/UI principles under pressure.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically.
• Understand Kärcher's product range and target audience to better frame your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for design roles heavily relies on the portfolio. This section provides actionable advice on how to present oneself effectively, emphasizing the demonstration of process and technical skills, which are crucial for any operations-related role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.
• Adobe Creative Suite (CC): A comprehensive suite that may include Photoshop, Illustrator, and XD, used for various design tasks from asset creation to mockups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this intern role, exposure to analytics tools (e.g., for user behavior tracking) might be beneficial to understand how design impacts user engagement.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this design internship, but understanding how design outputs integrate into product management systems could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Adobe CC is critical. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable for this role and signifies the technical foundation required for design operations or product development support.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs is paramount in all design and product development efforts.
• Innovation & Creativity: Kärcher values embracing new ideas and creative solutions to enhance product design and user experience.
• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality products and user experiences is a core principle.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals is highly encouraged.
• Efficiency: While not explicitly stated for design, operational efficiency in design processes and implementation is implicitly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• The culture promotes cross-functional collaboration, encouraging designers to work closely with engineers, product managers, and marketing teams.
• Open communication and feedback exchange are expected to foster continuous improvement in product design.
• A "WOW" culture suggests an environment that aims to impress and delight, both internally and externally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WOW" branding suggests a culture that is energetic and customer-centric. The emphasis on collaboration and innovation aligns well with the demands of a product development environment, where design operations are integral to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Learning to translate user desires into feasible product designs that meet technical and business requirements.
• Adapting to Corporate Processes: Navigating the workflows and approval processes of a large, established company.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicating design ideas and rationale to non-design stakeholders.
• Rapid Learning Curve: Quickly mastering new tools, methodologies, and product knowledge within a limited internship period.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience: Direct application of UX/UI principles in real-world product development scenarios.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals in the field of interaction design.
• Skill Enhancement: Deepening proficiency in design software and learning new design techniques.
• Industry Insight: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the product development lifecycle in the cleaning technology sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Internships inherently present challenges related to skill acquisition and adaptation. This section frames these challenges as growth opportunities, which is a common theme in operations roles where continuous learning and problem-solving are key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, the tools you used, and the outcome?" Focus on demonstrating your systematic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Tool Proficiency: "How do you typically use Figma for prototyping? What are your favorite features in Adobe CC for UI design?" Be ready to discuss specific workflows and techniques.
• User-Centricity: "How do you ensure a design is user-friendly? How do you incorporate user feedback into your designs?" Provide examples of UX methods you employ.
• Collaboration: "Describe a time you worked in a team on a design project. What was your role and how did you handle disagreements?" Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.
• Innovation: "What recent trends in UX/UI design excite you? How might these apply to Kärcher products?" Show your awareness of industry advancements.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Kärcher's product lines, recent innovations, and brand mission ("Together towards a clean world").
• Understand Kärcher's "WOW" culture – what does it mean to you?
• Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in Kärcher specifically and this internship role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives. Start with the problem, detail your process and solutions, and conclude with the impact or learnings.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visuals are clean, well-organized, and clearly illustrate your design work.
• Conciseness: Practice presenting each project within a limited timeframe (e.g., 5-10 minutes) to respect the interviewer's time.
• Interactive Elements: If possible, have interactive prototypes ready to demonstrate key user flows.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would handle specific scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Effective preparation for a design role interview, particularly for an internship, requires showcasing not just technical skill but also a strong understanding of process, collaboration, and user-centricity – all vital components in operations-oriented roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided careers link, including your CV, relevant transcripts, and any required documentation (e.g., enrollment certificate, proof of internship).
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects demonstrating your UX/UI design process, proficiency in Figma and Adobe CC, and problem-solving skills relevant to product design.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant coursework, projects, and any prior design experience, using keywords from the job description such as "Interaction Design," "UX Methods," and "Prototyping."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project contributions, and career aspirations. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively and answer questions about your skills and motivation.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kärcher's products, brand, and mission to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.