Product Design Director (FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Design Director (FTC)
Company: AKQA
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: Temporary/Contract (FTC)
Category: Product Design Leadership / Digital Experience Design
Date Posted: 2026-02-19
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and delivery of best-in-class digital products and integrated brand experiences.
• Drive the evolution of AI-native interfaces and adaptive design components through collaboration with UX, Creative Technology, and AI Engineering teams.
• Establish and scale sophisticated, brand-led design systems that operate seamlessly across screen, voice, gesture, and spatial interfaces.
• Champion inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring WCAG compliance and optimal usability for all user demographics.
• Pioneer experimentation in emerging interaction modalities, including voice/audio UX, wearable ecosystems, computer vision, and mixed reality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "FTC" designation indicates this is a Fixed-Term Contract role, implying a specific duration for the employment. The focus on AI-native interfaces, generative UI, and multi-modal experiences positions this role at the cutting edge of digital product design, requiring a strong blend of strategic vision, technical understanding, and leadership acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and oversee the delivery of world-class digital products and connected brand experiences, setting new benchmarks for creativity and usability.
• Partner closely with UX, Creative Technology, and AI Engineering teams to define and implement AI-native interfaces, generative UI systems, and adaptive design components.
• Develop and maintain robust, brand-led design systems that ensure consistency and efficacy across diverse platforms, including screen-based interfaces, voice assistants, gesture controls, and spatial computing.
• Integrate accessibility and inclusivity principles from the outset of the design process, ensuring adherence to WCAG standards and broad audience usability.
• Lead exploration and implementation of innovative designs across new interaction modalities such as voice and audio UX, wearable technology ecosystems, computer vision applications, and mixed reality environments.
• Mentor, develop, and inspire a diverse team of product designers, fostering an environment that promotes craftsmanship, critical thinking, and continuous innovation.
• Collaborate effectively with strategy and client teams to translate brand purpose and business objectives into practical, impactful digital products.
• Represent AKQA in new business pitches and client engagements, articulating the strategic value of design in addressing complex business and human-centered challenges.
• Contribute to AKQA's global knowledge-sharing culture by presenting insights on design ethics, AI co-creation, and emerging interaction paradigms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior leadership role focused on both strategic direction and hands-on design leadership. The emphasis on AI, generative UI, and new modalities suggests a forward-thinking approach to product design, requiring candidates to be not only skilled designers but also thought leaders in emerging technologies. The inclusion of new business responsibilities indicates a client-facing aspect to the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degrees are not mandated, candidates are expected to possess a comprehensive understanding of design principles, user experience, and technology, often acquired through formal education in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or related fields, or through equivalent professional experience.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in product design or interaction design is required, preferably gained within leading digital studios or innovative in-house design teams. This experience should demonstrate a track record of leading and delivering large-scale, multi-platform digital products from initial concept through to successful launch.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership in the concept, design, and delivery of exceptional digital products and connected experiences.
• Expertise in shaping AI-native interfaces, generative UI systems, and adaptive design components in collaboration with technical teams.
• Proficiency in establishing and evolving brand-led design systems adaptable across screen, voice, gesture, and spatial interfaces.
• Deep understanding and practical application of human-centered design methodologies.
• Mastery of accessibility principles and WCAG compliance standards.
• Advanced proficiency in Figma and contemporary design system workflows (e.g., tokens, auto-layout, component libraries).
• Experience in mentoring and growing mid- to senior-level designers.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design vision and strategy to senior clients and executives.
• Systems thinking capabilities with a keen sensitivity to brand identity and narrative.
• Calm, credible, and optimistic communication style for navigating complex challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AI design tools and experimentation across new modalities (voice, audio UX, wearables, computer vision, mixed reality).
• Experience with prototyping tools such as Framer, Principle, ProtoPie, or After Effects.
• Collaboration experience with machine-learning or data science teams.
• Demonstrable success in uniting brand identity with product through innovative interface design, including motion language, sound design, or spatial storytelling.
• Experience with code-based interaction design software or no-code web/app solutions.
• A strong advocate for inclusive design and accessible innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years’ experience (as a guide, not a restriction)" phrasing suggests that while a benchmark is set, exceptional candidates with slightly less experience but a proven track record of leadership and impact may still be considered. The emphasis on Figma and design systems, alongside emerging AI and multi-modal technologies, indicates a need for a designer who is both technically adept and strategically visionary.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing leadership in the design and delivery of complex, multi-platform digital products from concept to launch.
• Demonstrations of experience in shaping AI-native interfaces, generative UI systems, or adaptive design components.
• Examples of established and evolved brand-led design systems, illustrating their application across various interfaces (screen, voice, spatial).
• Case studies highlighting contributions to accessibility and inclusivity, detailing how WCAG compliance and broad usability were achieved.
• Evidence of experimentation and successful implementation in emerging modalities like voice UX, wearables, computer vision, or mixed reality.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies outlining the design process for key projects, emphasizing strategic thinking, problem-solving methodologies, and user-centered approaches.
• Documentation of how design systems were developed, implemented, and maintained, including their impact on efficiency and consistency.
• Examples of how accessibility standards were integrated into the design workflow and validated.
• Workflows demonstrating collaboration with UX, Creative Technology, AI Engineering, strategy, and client teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is explicitly stated as mandatory. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not only their visual design skills but also their strategic leadership, process rigor, and ability to drive innovation in cutting-edge areas like AI and multi-modal design. The portfolio should reflect a deep understanding of system design and accessibility.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Design Director (FTC) role in London with 10+ years of experience leading complex digital product design, particularly with AI and emerging technology focus, a competitive day rate or salary in the range of £600 - £900 per day (or an equivalent annualized salary of £125,000 - £187,000) is expected. This range reflects the seniority, specialized skills, and London market rates for such high-impact, temporary leadership positions.

Benefits:

• Access to AKQA's extensive range of benefits, as detailed on their London studio benefits page.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile digital products for globally influential organizations such as Nike, Rolls-Royce, Samsung, Airbnb, and Google.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI-powered product design and emerging interaction paradigms.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities within a globally connected studio network.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment fostering creativity and continuous learning.
• Potential for future opportunities within AKQA's network.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. While the company has adopted a hybrid approach, specific in-office days are required, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. Flexibility may be discussed with the hiring team during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a Fixed-Term Contract (FTC), compensation is often structured as a daily rate or a fixed salary for the contract duration. The provided range is an estimate based on industry standards for senior design leadership roles in London, considering the specific requirements and the caliber of clients AKQA serves. Specific benefits for FTC roles can vary, and candidates should inquire for details.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Transformation, Experience Design, Technology Consulting, Advertising & Marketing. AKQA operates at the intersection of creativity, technology, and strategy, helping leading global brands navigate and shape the future of digital engagement. Company Size: AKQA is a large, global organization with a significant presence across numerous studios worldwide, employing thousands of individuals. This scale allows for diverse project opportunities and access to a vast network of expertise. Founded: AKQA was founded in 1995, with a long history of innovation and a forward-thinking approach to digital experiences. This longevity signifies stability and a deep-rooted understanding of the evolving digital landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design Director will lead design efforts within AKQA's London studio, which is part of a global network.
• This role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, likely including UX designers, interaction designers, visual designers, and potentially creative technologists and AI specialists.
• Collaboration is expected across various departments, including strategy, data analytics, engineering, and client services, to ensure holistic product development.
• Reporting structure typically involves a senior leadership role within the design discipline, potentially reporting to a Studio Director or Head of Design.

Methodology:

• AKQA emphasizes a human-centered approach, grounded in deep understanding of user needs and behaviors.
• Design processes are iterative and data-informed, often leveraging insights from strategy and analytics teams.
• A strong focus is placed on craft, innovation, and the imaginative application of technology.
• Collaboration and co-creation are core tenets, encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork to solve complex problems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's reputation as a leading digital innovation agency suggests a culture that values creativity, ambition, and cutting-edge technology. The company's global reach and diverse client portfolio offer significant exposure to varied challenges and industries. The hybrid work model reflects a modern approach to workplace dynamics, balancing collaboration with flexibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the product design discipline. As a Director, the individual is expected to provide strategic vision, lead significant projects, manage and mentor teams, and contribute to the overall growth and direction of AKQA's design capabilities. The "FTC" designation means this is a fixed-term contract, offering intensive experience in a specific project or period rather than a permanent career path within the company, though it can lead to future opportunities.

Reporting Structure: The Product Design Director will likely report to a higher-level executive within the London studio, such as the Studio Director, Head of Design, or a Global Design Lead. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of product designers, influencing their development and project contributions.

Operations Impact: The impact is significant and direct. This role shapes the user interfaces, interaction models, and overall brand experience of digital products for some of the world's most influential organizations. Success in this role directly contributes to client satisfaction, brand perception, user engagement, and the adoption of new technologies, ultimately driving business outcomes for AKQA's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, generative UI, and emerging interaction modalities (voice, spatial, wearables).
• Leadership Development: Hone team leadership, client management, and strategic vision skills in a high-stakes environment.
• Portfolio Expansion: Gain hands-on experience with a diverse range of leading global brands and complex digital challenges.
• Industry Influence: Contribute to AKQA's thought leadership through sharing insights on design ethics, AI co-creation, and future interaction paradigms.
• Networking: Build strong relationships within AKQA's global network and with high-profile clients, potentially opening doors for future contract extensions or permanent roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the title "Director" signifies a high level of responsibility and strategic input. The growth opportunities are substantial for a temporary position, focusing on skill enhancement, leadership practice, and significant portfolio building through high-impact projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AKQA operates with a hybrid work model, meaning the role requires a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. The London studio is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection. Office Location(s): The role is based in AKQA's London studio. Specific location details for the London office should be confirmed, but it is likely situated in a well-connected area of the city, accessible via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to facilitate creative collaboration, with spaces for team brainstorming, client presentations, and focused individual work.
• Access to state-of-the-art tools and technology is a given, supporting advanced design and prototyping needs.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of designers, strategists, technologists, and engineers are abundant, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected. The hybrid model requires regular in-office presence on designated days to maximize collaborative benefits. Flexibility may be discussed with the hiring team, particularly concerning specific accommodations or unique circumstances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key characteristic of the work environment, emphasizing the importance of in-person interaction for fostering creativity and collaboration, a common trend among leading creative agencies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, with a strong emphasis on the provided portfolio, to assess relevance and quality of work.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you will present your portfolio, discussing key projects, your design process, leadership approach, and how you've tackled complex challenges. This is where your strategic thinking and ability to articulate design rationale will be evaluated.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with various team members, including other designers, strategists, technologists, and potentially client leads, to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and domain expertise.
• Leadership/Executive Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic alignment, vision, and overall suitability for the Director role and AKQA's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership in product design, AI/generative UI experience, design system development, and multi-modal design. Highlight projects with significant impact and complexity.
• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Detail your thought process, problem-solving approaches, user research integration, and how you navigated challenges. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success and ROI of your designs (e.g., improved engagement, conversion rates, user satisfaction).
• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored teams, influenced stakeholders, and driven design strategy.
• Address AI & Emerging Tech: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows experience or a strong understanding of AI-native interfaces, generative UI, and other advanced interaction paradigms.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach hypothetical design challenges related to brand integration, AI adoption, or creating multi-modal experiences.
• Design System Thinking: Be ready to discuss your philosophy and practical experience in building and scaling design systems.
• Client Communication: Practice articulating complex design concepts and their business value clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a senior client.
• Team Mentorship: Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring designers, fostering growth, and building high-performing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio review and discussion, highlighting the importance of tangible work and the ability to articulate its strategic and creative underpinnings. Candidates need to be prepared to present themselves as strategic leaders, not just designers.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a mastery requirement for design and design system workflows.
• Design System Tools: Proficiency with tokens, auto-layout, and component libraries within Figma or similar platforms.
• Prototyping Tools: Experience with Framer, Principle, ProtoPie, or After Effects for creating interactive prototypes and demonstrating motion/interaction design.
• AI Design Tools: Familiarity and experience are preferred, indicating a need to stay current with emerging AI-assisted design software.
• Code-Based Interaction Design Software: Experience is a plus, suggesting an understanding of how designs translate to development.
• No-Code Web/App Solutions: Familiarity can be beneficial for rapid prototyping or understanding platform constraints.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed as required tools, a strong understanding of how to leverage analytics for design decisions and measure the impact of designs (e.g., using tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) is implied by the role's focus on product performance and data-informed approaches.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this product design leadership role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and design systems is critical. The inclusion of prototyping tools and the preference for AI design tools and coding familiarity indicate a need for a designer who bridges the gap between creative vision and technical execution in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Imaginative Application of Art & Science: A core AKQA value, emphasizing innovation, creativity, and a blend of artistic sensibility with technological rigor.
• Human-Centered Design: A fundamental principle, prioritizing user needs, empathy, and creating intuitive, valuable experiences.
• Craftsmanship & Precision: High standards for the quality and detail of design work, from concept to execution.
• Collaboration & Connection: Fostering teamwork across disciplines and studios to achieve collective success.
• Continuous Learning & Evolution: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and fostering a culture of growth and adaptation.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Commitment to designing for everyone, ensuring equitable access and usability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with strategy, data, engineering, and client teams is essential for holistic product development.
• Mentorship & Growth: A culture where senior members actively mentor and develop junior talent, fostering growth across the team.
• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, honest, and optimistic communication to navigate complex projects and client relationships.
• Experimentation & Iteration: A willingness to explore new ideas, test hypotheses, and iterate based on feedback and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture appears to be a blend of high-performance creative agency standards with a strong emphasis on human-centric values, innovation, and collaborative development. The Director will need to embody these values and foster them within their team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Leading in Cutting-Edge Domains: Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven design, generative UI, and new interaction modalities requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Balancing Brand and Product: Effectively translating diverse brand identities into consistent, engaging, and functional digital product experiences across multiple platforms.
• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the vision and expectations of multiple internal teams (strategy, tech, engineering) and external clients with high-profile brands.
• Mentoring and Developing Diverse Talent: Guiding and inspiring a team of designers with varied skill sets and experience levels, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Delivering High-Impact Projects on Contract: Successfully driving significant design outcomes within a defined contract period, ensuring rapid integration and measurable results.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI & Generative Design: Hands-on experience and leadership in applying the latest AI tools and methodologies to product design.
• Mastery of Multi-Modal Design: Developing expertise in designing for voice, spatial computing, wearables, and other emerging interaction forms.
• Strategic Client Engagement: Refining skills in presenting design strategy, building client relationships, and influencing high-level decision-making for major global brands.
• Leadership in a Global Agency: Gaining experience within a world-renowned agency, understanding its processes, and contributing to its innovative culture.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with demonstrable impact on iconic brands, showcasing cutting-edge design leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a senior role operating at the forefront of digital innovation within a high-stakes agency environment. The growth opportunities are significant, providing a platform to expand expertise in critical future-facing domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing an AI-native interface for a luxury brand, ensuring it reflects their premium positioning while offering intuitive functionality?" (Focus on brand integration, AI application, and user experience.)
• "Describe your process for establishing a comprehensive design system that supports screen, voice, and spatial interfaces for a global brand like Rolls-Royce." (Focus on systems thinking, multi-modal design, and brand consistency.)
• "Imagine a scenario where AI-generated UI elements conflict with core brand guidelines. How would you resolve this conflict and maintain both brand integrity and design innovation?" (Focus on problem-solving, AI collaboration, and design ethics.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "AKQA believes in the 'imaginative application of art and science.' How does this philosophy influence your approach to product design leadership?" (Focus on understanding AKQA's core values and applying them.)
• "How would you foster a culture of continuous learning and experimentation around AI and emerging technologies within your design team?" (Focus on leadership in innovation and team development.)
• "Describe a time you had to champion an inclusive or accessible design solution to a client or team that was resistant. What was your strategy and the outcome?" (Focus on advocacy for accessibility and stakeholder management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around clear narratives for each key project, highlighting the challenge, your strategic approach, the design solutions, and the measurable impact.
• Leadership Emphasis: Clearly articulate your role as a Director – how you led teams, mentored designers, influenced strategy, and managed client relationships.
• AI & Multi-Modal Focus: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase any work or conceptual thinking related to AI, generative design, voice, spatial, or wearables.
• Design System Clarity: Present your design system work with clear examples of its components, application, and benefits for consistency and efficiency.
• Concise & Engaging: Practice delivering your presentation within a set timeframe, ensuring it is engaging, clear, and leaves ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to the seniority of the role and the specific technological and strategic demands of AKQA, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and client-facing capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on AKQA's career portal, ensuring your resume and portfolio are uploaded.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating leadership in product design, AI-native interfaces, design systems, and multi-modal experiences. Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that align directly with the role requirements.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly showcases your 10+ years of experience, leadership achievements, mastery of Figma and design systems, and any relevant experience with AI, generative UI, or emerging interaction modalities. Use keywords from the job description.
• Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio. Be ready to articulate your strategic thinking, design process, leadership contributions, and the impact of your work, focusing on how you would approach the challenges outlined in the job description.
• AKQA Research: Familiarize yourself with AKQA's work, values, and recent projects, particularly those in their London studio. Understand their approach to innovation, client partnerships, and their emphasis on the "imaginative application of art and science."

⚠️ 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.