Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: Public Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: September 10, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design of core user experiences for Public's long-term investing platform, focusing on AI-driven features and diverse asset classes.
• Drive the end-to-end product design process, from conceptualization and user research to high-fidelity prototyping and UI implementation.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and researchers to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.
• Contribute to the company's design system and uphold high standards of craft, thinking, and aesthetic quality across all product touchpoints.
• Utilize a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and modern design methodologies to create impactful investing experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's focus on AI and a broad range of asset classes, this role likely involves designing complex financial tools and interfaces. The emphasis on "craft, thinking, and eye" suggests a need for a designer who can not only execute but also contribute strategically to product vision and user empathy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceive and design user-centric features for Public's investing platform, encompassing stocks, bonds, crypto, options, and AI-driven tools.
• Develop wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and interaction models.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to identify user pain points and validate design solutions.
• Iterate on designs based on feedback from stakeholders, user testing, and performance metrics to continually improve the user experience.
• Maintain and contribute to the evolution of Public's design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Advocate for the user throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring that design decisions are grounded in user needs and business objectives.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs and provide support during the development process.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices in product design, and advancements in financial technology and AI to inform design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "lead the design of core experiences" implies significant ownership and a need for strategic thinking beyond just execution. This suggests the candidate will be expected to influence product direction and champion design best practices within the organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in product design, with a strong focus on digital products and user experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in user experience (UX) design, including user research, information architecture, and interaction design.
• Proficiency in user interface (UI) design, with a keen eye for visual aesthetics, typography, and layout.
• Mastery of design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to create compelling portfolio pieces showcasing a range of design projects, problem-solving approaches, and outcomes.
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, engineering, and marketing.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for financial services, fintech, or investment platforms.
• Familiarity with AI integration in user interfaces and user experiences.
• Knowledge of various asset classes (stocks, bonds, crypto, options) and their associated user interface needs.
• Experience contributing to or managing a design system.
• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate collaboration with engineers.
• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven design optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "craft, thinking, and eye" in the job description strongly suggests that candidates with a highly refined aesthetic sensibility and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving will be highly valued. The application instructions also prioritize a reflective component, indicating a desire for self-aware and growth-oriented individuals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of 3-5 of your strongest product design projects, demonstrating end-to-end design process from problem definition to shipped product.
• Projects should highlight your ability to tackle complex problems, particularly within digital platforms or financial services.
• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and contributions, the design process followed, key decisions made, and the impact/results achieved (quantifiable metrics are highly desirable).
• Showcase your proficiency in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity visual design.
• Include case studies that demonstrate your thinking process, problem-solving skills, and how you arrived at your final design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of your ability to document design processes, user flows, and system components clearly and effectively.
• Examples of how you have contributed to or utilized design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Demonstrations of your approach to user testing and incorporating feedback into design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application specifically asks candidates to reflect on what they excel at and what they want to improve. This implies that the portfolio review will likely delve into the "why" behind design choices and the candidate's self-awareness regarding their growth areas, rather than just showcasing final deliverables.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Copenhagen, Denmark, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between 45,000 DKK and 65,000 DKK per month, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
• Generous paid time off and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and workshops relevant to product design and fintech.
• Stock options or equity participation in a rapidly growing company.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment with a focus on employee well-being.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements or flexible hours, though the role is primarily on-site.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered to accommodate individual needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of mid-level Product Designer roles in Copenhagen, Denmark, considering the company's funding and industry. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for tech companies of this size and stage in major European hubs. Public's stated mission of being an "investing platform" for "affluent investors" suggests a commitment to competitive compensation and benefits to attract top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (Fintech), Investment Platform, AI-driven Services. Public operates in a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, blending finance with technology and artificial intelligence. Company Size: Public has raised over $400M and is trusted with billions in assets, indicating a significant and growing scale. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, the funding suggests a well-established startup or scale-up environment, likely with a few hundred employees, fostering a balance between agility and structure. Founded: Launched in 2019, Public is a relatively young company, suggesting a culture that values innovation, speed, and adaptability, while also building robust, long-term systems for its affluent user base.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a Product department, working closely with Product Managers and Engineering teams.
• Designers may specialize in different areas (e.g., core platform, AI features, growth) or work across multiple product surfaces.
• The structure is expected to be collaborative, with designers contributing to strategy and working in agile sprints.
• Reporting lines would typically be to a Head of Design or a Design Lead.

Methodology:

• Public's reliance on AI and a broad asset class strategy implies a data-driven approach to product development.
• Design processes will likely incorporate user research, A/B testing, and performance analytics to inform design decisions and optimize user experiences.
• Agile methodologies are expected, enabling iterative development and continuous improvement.

Company Website: public.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description highlights its focus on "long-term investing" and "affluent investors," suggesting a commitment to building trust, reliability, and sophisticated user experiences. This will likely translate into a design culture that values meticulousness, user empathy, and a deep understanding of financial concepts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It signifies a designer who can work independently on core product features, contribute to design strategy, and mentor junior designers over time. The expectation is to lead specific experience areas, indicating a step towards design leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design. They will work collaboratively with Product Managers and Engineering teams, forming a core triad for product development.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer at Public, your work will directly influence the user experience of a platform trusted with billions in assets. Your designs will shape how users interact with complex financial instruments and AI-powered tools, directly impacting user acquisition, retention, engagement, and overall platform success. You will play a critical role in translating Public's vision into tangible, user-friendly interfaces that drive business growth and user satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven product design, complex financial product interfaces, or mobile-first UX.
• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and influencing design strategy.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working across diverse teams (product, engineering, marketing, data science) and contribute to strategic product decisions.
• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in fintech, long-term investing, and AI applications in consumer finance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "lead the design of core experiences" phrasing suggests this role is a stepping stone to more senior positions. Candidates should look for opportunities to demonstrate leadership potential and strategic thinking in their portfolio and interviews.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public is headquartered in New York City, and while the job is listed in Copenhagen, it implies an established company culture. Given the listing is for Copenhagen, it's likely a satellite office or a new expansion. The environment is expected to be modern, tech-focused, and collaborative. Office Location(s): Copenhagen, Denmark. Specific details about office amenities or neighborhood advantages would be beneficial but are not provided.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will foster collaboration between design, product, and engineering teams, likely with open-plan areas and dedicated meeting rooms.
• Access to modern design tools and technology will be standard.
• Opportunities for informal and formal knowledge sharing sessions, design critiques, and cross-functional brainstorming will be integral to the workflow.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. While the core hours will be on-site in Copenhagen, the company's tech-forward nature may offer some flexibility within the workday.

📝 Enhancement Note: As the role is listed in Copenhagen, it's crucial for candidates to understand if this is a new office setup or an established team. The company's NYC headquarters suggests a potentially strong, established design culture that will be brought to the Copenhagen location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of portfolio link and a short paragraph reflecting on strengths and growth areas.
• Portfolio Presentation/Screening: A conversation with a hiring manager or senior designer to discuss portfolio projects, design philosophy, and suitability for the role. This stage will heavily assess craft, thinking, and problem-solving.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio that addresses a specific product challenge relevant to Public.
• Team Interviews: Interviews with cross-functional team members (Product Managers, Engineers) to assess collaboration skills, communication, and cultural fit.
• Final Round: Potential discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic alignment and overall candidacy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tailor Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the business context and user problems Public faces, and how your work addresses them.
• Highlight "Thinking": Showcase your thought process, iterations, and how you made trade-offs. Explain why you made certain design decisions.
• Address Growth Areas: Be genuine and insightful when discussing what you want to improve. Connect this to how you approach learning and development.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced support tickets, improved task completion time).
• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Public's Product: Thoroughly research Public's platform, its target audience, its competitors, and its unique value proposition (AI, asset classes).
• Focus on Core Experiences: Think about the key user journeys on a long-term investing platform.
• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Be prepared to walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining your rationale at each stage.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your design ideas concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application specifically requests reflection on strengths and growth areas. This is a key differentiator. Candidates should prepare to discuss these candidly during the interview process, demonstrating self-awareness and a proactive approach to development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly likely standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or internal methods for usability testing and feedback collection.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools such as Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for managing design tasks and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms to track user behavior and measure product performance.
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Looker, or internal dashboards for analyzing user data and presenting insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, familiarity with CRM concepts (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for understanding the broader customer lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, companies in the fintech space often leverage robust analytics platforms to understand user behavior and optimize conversion funnels. A designer who can interpret and utilize this data will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Public's users, particularly affluent investors.
• Craftsmanship & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and well-thought-out designs.
• Innovation & AI: Embracing new technologies, especially AI, to create cutting-edge financial experiences.
• Long-Term Vision: Aligning design decisions with the company's mission of enabling long-term, sustainable investing.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Working openly with cross-functional teams and valuing diverse perspectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers and engineers from ideation through launch.
• Design critiques and feedback sessions are likely to be regular occurrences, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Open communication channels and a willingness to share work-in-progress are key to success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "long-term investing" and "affluent investors" suggests a culture that values precision, trust, and sophistication. Designers should be prepared to demonstrate how their work supports these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Creating intuitive interfaces for a wide range of financial products (stocks, bonds, crypto, options) and AI-driven features requires careful information architecture and clear communication.
• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Ensuring designs meet user expectations while also driving business objectives like user acquisition, retention, and asset growth.
• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to a fast-paced, scaling company environment where priorities can shift quickly.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating and aligning design vision with product and engineering teams, ensuring successful implementation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fintech Specialization: Deepen expertise in the financial technology sector, understanding market trends and user behaviors specific to investing.
• AI in Design: Gain hands-on experience applying AI principles to product design, exploring how AI can enhance user experiences in financial services.
• Design System Expansion: Contribute to the growth and refinement of Public's design system, impacting product consistency and efficiency.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and product leaders within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of "balancing user needs and business goals" is a core aspect of product design. Candidates should be prepared to discuss strategies for navigating these trade-offs, demonstrating their ability to deliver both user value and business impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new AI-powered investment recommendation feature for Public?" (Focus on user research, data integration, ethical considerations, and UI presentation).
• "Describe a time you had to make a significant design trade-off. What was the situation, what were your options, and how did you decide?" (Assess problem-solving, prioritization, and decision-making process).
• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for a diverse user base, especially for financial products?" (Evaluate understanding of accessibility standards and empathy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Public's mission and product?" (Assess alignment with company vision).
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and advancements in fintech and AI?" (Gauge proactivity and continuous learning).
• "Describe your ideal collaborative relationship with Product Managers and Engineers." (Evaluate teamwork and communication style).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Story: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.
• Focus on "Thinking": Be ready to dive deep into your decision-making process, explaining the "why" behind your design choices, including explorations and rejected ideas.
• Highlight AI/Fintech Relevance: If possible, emphasize projects that showcase your experience with complex data, financial concepts, or AI integration.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, your tools, your challenges, and how you handle feedback.
• Address Reflection Prompt: Be ready to articulate your strengths and growth areas as requested in the application, linking them to your portfolio where appropriate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application's unique request for reflection on strengths and growth areas should be a central theme in preparation. Candidates should be ready to discuss these points thoughtfully and connect them to their portfolio and career aspirations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases 3-5 relevant projects, emphasizing your end-to-end design process and impact. Tailor project selection to highlight experience with complex digital products, financial concepts, or AI.
• Resume Optimization: Craft a resume that highlights your 2-5 years of experience, focusing on achievements in product design, UX/UI, and collaboration. Use keywords like "product design," "user experience," "UI design," "prototyping," and "fintech."
• Prepare Your Reflection: Write a concise, genuine paragraph detailing what you excel at in design and what you aim to improve. Be ready to elaborate on this during interviews.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Public's platform, mission, target audience, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process. Focus on their AI integration and diverse asset classes.

⚠️ 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.