Principal, UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal, UX Design
Company: DEPT®
Location: United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Design & User Experience
Date Posted: 2025-10-28
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered design strategies and execute innovative UX solutions that align with business objectives and user needs, leveraging a strong understanding of digital strategy and design thinking.
• Lead the ideation, prototyping, and testing phases of the design process to create world-class digital experiences, ensuring a user-centric approach throughout.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, project leads, and clients to develop and present compelling design concepts and articulate strategic value.
• Establish and uphold UX best practices, including adherence to accessibility standards and the implementation of design systems, to ensure high-quality, consistent, and inclusive user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under Design & User Experience, focusing on strategic UX leadership and execution within a digital agency environment. The emphasis is on driving innovation and delivering impactful design solutions for clients.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end UX design process, from initial concept and research through to detailed design, prototyping, and user testing, ensuring a user-centric approach.
• Develop and articulate comprehensive UX strategies and concepts for client projects, bridging business goals with user needs and desires.
• Design and iterate on new and existing digital solutions, adhering to established design languages and systems while pushing creative boundaries.
• Present design thinking, concepts, and solutions clearly and effectively to internal teams, stakeholders, and clients, articulating the strategic value and user impact.
• Implement and define UX best practices based on research findings, user testing, and industry trends, with a particular focus on accessibility and inclusive design.
• Create detailed annotations and comprehensive documentation for design handoffs to development teams, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Conduct Design QA to ensure the fidelity and functionality of the implemented design, working closely with development to resolve any discrepancies.
• Develop and manage asset creation and kitting processes for project delivery.
• Rapidly prototype designs for user research and testing, enabling quick iteration and validation of concepts.
• Contribute to the development of presentations for stakeholders and internal workshares, showcasing design rationale and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level UX role requiring strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and strong client-facing communication skills. The inclusion of 'Design QA' and 'Asset creation and kitting' suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of the full design-to-delivery lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in digital strategy, user experience design, and working with design systems.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in user experience (UX) design principles and methodologies, including user research, information architecture, interaction design, and usability testing.
• Strong proficiency in digital strategy development, translating business objectives into user-centered design solutions.
• Extensive experience with design systems, including their creation, implementation, and maintenance, ensuring design consistency and scalability.
• Demonstrated ability to design for accessibility (WCAG standards) and a deep understanding of web best practices.
• Advanced skills in prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision) for rapid iteration and user testing.
• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas, design rationale, and strategic value to diverse audiences, including clients and stakeholders.
• Strong collaborative nature and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with an analytical and strategic mindset.
• High attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills, ensuring meticulous execution and project management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-enhanced design workflows and an understanding of their potential impact on UX processes.
• Familiarity with various testing methodologies beyond standard usability testing, such as A/B testing and heuristic evaluations.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, with the ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects forward with limited oversight.
• Passion for design, creativity, and technology, staying current with industry trends and emerging tools.
• Experience in asset creation and preparing design kits for development handoff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior candidate with a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and strong interpersonal skills. The preference for AI-enhanced design workflow knowledge indicates a forward-looking agency that values innovation in its design processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5 years of diverse UX design projects demonstrating strategic problem-solving, user empathy, and impactful design outcomes.
• Include case studies that detail the entire design process, from problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing to final implementation and results.
• Highlight experience with design systems, showcasing examples of how you've contributed to or utilized them to ensure consistency and efficiency in design.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of accessibility standards and how they were integrated into your design solutions.
• Provide examples of comprehensive prototypes that effectively communicate design intent and user flow.

Process Documentation:

• For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the design methodologies employed (e.g., Design Thinking, Agile UX).
• Document the research methods used to gather user insights and inform design decisions.
• Illustrate the iterative process through wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes, explaining the rationale behind key design choices.
• Detail how user feedback and testing results were incorporated to refine designs and improve user experience.
• Include examples of design annotations and documentation provided for development handoff.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process, articulate their strategic thinking, and demonstrate how they have driven user-centered design solutions that achieve business objectives. The emphasis on process documentation and iterative design is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $106,900 - $150,100 USD per year (based on a 40-hour workweek, location, and experience)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401k plan with employer matching contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work-life balance.
• Paid Company Holidays for rest and rejuvenation.
• Parental Leave to support new parents.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered to support efficient workflow and personal needs, aligning with the company's remote-first approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for US-based remote positions. DEPT® offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees, with a particular emphasis on work-life balance and family support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Services, Technology, Marketing, Consulting, and Advertising. DEPT® operates at the intersection of these fields, creating integrated digital experiences for global brands.
Company Size: 2,500+ employees across 30+ locations globally. This size offers global reach and resources while maintaining a focus on boutique culture and individual impact.
Founded: DEPT® has a history rooted in digital innovation, growing into a significant global agency renowned for its pioneering work.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is part of a larger, cohesive department of over 40 individuals from diverse disciplines, indicating a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
• Reporting structure typically involves collaboration with Client Project Leads, and potentially a Design Lead, with opportunities for direct interaction with senior leadership and clients.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working alongside strategists, developers, marketers, and other specialists to deliver integrated digital solutions.

Methodology:

• DEPT® champions a "best-idea-wins" culture, fostering an environment where innovation and creativity are paramount.
• Data-driven decision-making is implicitly valued, as UX solutions are expected to align with business objectives and demonstrate measurable impact.
• Workflow optimization and efficiency are key, especially in a fast-paced agency setting, with an emphasis on agile methodologies and continuous improvement.

Company Website: http://www.deptagency.com

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT® positions itself as a digitally native, pioneering agency. Its culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a "small enough to care" approach despite its global scale. This translates to an environment where individual contributions are valued, and cross-functional teamwork is essential for success. The company's B Corp certification and focus on purpose-driven work suggest a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which may appeal to candidates seeking meaningful work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal UX Designer signifies a senior-level role, positioned as an expert and leader within the UX discipline. This level involves significant autonomy, strategic influence, and the expectation to mentor junior team members.
Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Design Director or Head of Experience, with direct collaboration with Project Leads and clients. The role involves guiding and influencing project teams.
Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is central to the success of digital products and campaigns, directly influencing user engagement, conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, client business outcomes. This role is crucial in translating client business objectives into effective and desirable user experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into Lead UX Designer, Design Director, or specialized roles focusing on UX strategy, design systems, or research leadership.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like AI-enhanced design, accessibility, or specific industry verticals relevant to DEPT®'s client base.
• Mentorship & Influence: The Principal level provides opportunities to mentor junior designers, shape team processes, and influence the agency's overall design philosophy and standards.
• Global Mobility: As a global agency, DEPT® may offer opportunities for international collaboration or relocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal UX Designer role offers a clear path for career progression within DEPT®, moving towards leadership and strategic influence. The focus on mentorship and shaping design standards is a key aspect of this senior position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This arrangement offers significant flexibility and autonomy for operations professionals, enabling them to structure their workday to optimize productivity.
Office Location(s): United States. While remote, the role is based within the United States, potentially influencing time zone alignment for team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• A fully remote environment fosters independent work but requires strong self-discipline and proactive communication to maintain team cohesion and collaboration.
• Access to digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Teams, Miro, Figma) will be essential for seamless interaction with colleagues and clients.
• Opportunities for virtual team-building and informal interactions are likely to be facilitated to foster a sense of community within the remote workforce.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour workweek is mentioned, the remote nature of the role implies a degree of flexibility in how those hours are structured, allowing for better integration of personal commitments and optimized work periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this position offers significant autonomy. Candidates should be comfortable with a self-directed work style and possess strong virtual communication and collaboration skills. The emphasis on flexibility within the 40-hour workweek is a key benefit for professionals seeking work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements and experience level.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your background, experience, and strategic approach to UX design, potentially including a portfolio walkthrough.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a detailed case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, process, and design execution.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Conversations with other designers, project leads, and potentially clients to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to articulate design value.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and end-to-end UX process. Prioritize projects that align with DEPT®'s client base (e.g., digital transformation, e-commerce, innovative digital products).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and approach, the design process, key challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your journey.
• Highlight Process & Rationale: Don't just show the final screens; explain why you made specific design decisions, backed by research and user insights. Detail your iterative process and how feedback shaped the final product.
• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).
• Address AI & Accessibility: If applicable, highlight any experience or insights into AI-enhanced design workflows or your commitment to accessibility standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, focus on understanding the problem statement thoroughly and clarifying any ambiguities.
• Structure your approach using design thinking principles and clearly articulate your assumptions.
• Be prepared to present your thought process and design rationale concisely, even if you don't arrive at a "perfect" solution within the given timeframe.
• Practice presenting your portfolio and design case studies under timed conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on your portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your strategic thinking, design process, and problem-solving methodologies in detail. The agency values candidates who can demonstrate impact and a forward-thinking approach to UX.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly likely given industry trends and collaborative nature), Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision. Candidates should be proficient in at least one primary tool.
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace.
• Whiteboarding & Ideation: Miro, Mural, FigJam.
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools to understand user behavior and measure design impact.
• Experience interpreting data from A/B testing platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX tools, an understanding of how UX interfaces with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for holistic digital strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools, particularly Figma, is essential. The role also requires strong virtual collaboration skills and an understanding of how UX integrates with analytics and overall business objectives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new possibilities, lean forward, and create what doesn't exist, reflecting the "pioneers at heart" ethos.
• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the absolute center of all design decisions and processes.
• Collaboration & Openness: A "best-idea-wins" culture that encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
• Excellence & Detail: A commitment to high-quality work, with an obsessive attention to detail, ensuring polished and effective user experiences.
• Impact & Purpose: A desire to create work that matters, contributing to purpose-driven projects and making a positive impact on the world, as evidenced by B Corp certification.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative and multidisciplinary, working closely with strategists, developers, project managers, and client teams.
• Emphasizes a feedback-rich environment where constructive criticism is shared and received openly to elevate the quality of work.
• Proactive communication is key in a remote setting to ensure alignment and shared understanding across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT® fosters a culture that values innovation, user advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates who thrive in dynamic, feedback-driven environments and are passionate about creating impactful digital experiences will find this a strong cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with User Best Practices: Navigating client demands and business objectives while ensuring the design remains user-centered and adheres to UX best practices and accessibility standards.
• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Agency: Adapting quickly to evolving project scopes, client feedback, and tight deadlines inherent in an agency environment.
• Driving Innovation: Continuously pushing creative boundaries and introducing innovative solutions in a competitive digital landscape.
• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining strong team cohesion, communication, and productivity in a fully remote setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Continuous Skill Enhancement: Access to training, workshops, and resources to stay current with emerging UX trends, tools, and methodologies, including AI in design.
• Industry Exposure: Working with a diverse portfolio of global brands provides exposure to various industries and complex design challenges.
• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders and to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.
• Conferences & Certifications: Potential support for attending industry conferences and pursuing relevant certifications to advance UX expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly in leadership and strategic influence. The challenges presented are typical of a senior agency role, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements with user needs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, communication, and negotiation skills.)
• "Walk me through a complex UX project from your portfolio. What was the strategic objective, your role, the challenges you faced, and how did your design solutions achieve the desired impact?" (Be ready to articulate your entire design process and the rationale behind your decisions.)
• "How do you ensure accessibility is integrated into your design process from the outset, not as an afterthought?" (Demonstrate your understanding of accessibility standards and practical implementation.)
• "What are your thoughts on AI's role in UX design? How might you leverage AI tools in your workflow at DEPT®?" (Showcase forward-thinking and adaptability to new technologies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DEPT® and our approach to digital experiences?" (Research DEPT®'s portfolio, B Corp status, and recent work.)
• "How do you approach collaboration within a multidisciplinary, remote team?" (Highlight your communication, teamwork, and remote work strategies.)
• "Describe a time you received difficult feedback on your design. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?" (Focus on your receptiveness to feedback and ability to grow.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically, typically following the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each project. Start with the business problem and user need, then detail your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes.
• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flow diagrams) to support your narrative. Avoid clutter; focus on clarity and impact.
• Articulate Your 'Why': For every design decision, be prepared to explain the rationale behind it, linking it back to user research, business goals, or established UX principles.
• Showcase Process & Iteration: Emphasize how you iterated based on feedback and testing. This demonstrates adaptability and a commitment to refining the user experience.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your strategic thinking, process, and the impact of your work in detail. The interview will assess not only your design skills but also your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and contribute to DEPT®'s innovative culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal, UX Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the DEPT® careers page.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful UX projects that showcase your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and end-to-end design process. Ensure these examples highlight your experience with design systems and accessibility.
• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience in digital strategy and UX design, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description, using keywords such as "user-centered design," "design systems," "prototyping," and "accessibility."
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice articulating your portfolio case studies, focusing on the problem, your strategic approach, design decisions, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI-enhanced design workflows.
• Research DEPT®: Familiarize yourself with DEPT®'s work, client roster, company culture, and B Corp certification to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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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