プロダクトデザイナー / Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: SmartNews Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / UX/UI Date Posted: February 04, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver end-to-end product solutions that shape the daily news consumption experience for millions of users in Japan.
• Drive core UX excellence by optimizing the news feed, content discovery, readability, and navigation for the Japanese market.
• Contribute to AI-driven innovation by designing next-generation features, including AI-driven news summaries and personalized discovery tools.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and other cross-functional teams to translate user needs and business goals into intuitive and impactful product features.
• Act as the primary owner of design craft for assigned projects, ensuring sophisticated visual design and exceptional functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as "TELECOMMUTE" in the raw data, the detailed description specifies an on-site presence in Shibuya, Tokyo, and mentions "SmartNews Tokyo office support," indicating a predominantly on-site or hybrid work arrangement with a strong emphasis on office presence for collaboration. The derived remote status has been adjusted to reflect this nuance for clarity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from initial ideation and wireframing through to high-fidelity UI/interaction design and engineer handoff for Japanese product features.
• Create detailed user flows and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate, test, and validate design solutions.
• Maintain high standards in visual craft, delivering designs optimized for the nuances of Japanese mobile users.
• Plan and potentially conduct qualitative UX research to gain deep insights into Japanese user behavior and validate hypotheses.
• Integrate research findings and quantitative data into actionable design improvements.
• Ensure all features solve genuine user problems or provide clear value from a user-centric perspective.
• Contribute to the SmartNews design system, ensuring consistency across the global product while respecting local market requirements.
• Drive impactful design solutions that align with business KPIs and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been detailed to reflect the "end-to-end" nature of the Product Designer role, emphasizing ownership from discovery to delivery and the integration of user research and data into the design process, which are critical for a user-facing product like SmartNews.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a strong portfolio demonstrating design thinking and execution is paramount. Candidates are expected to have a deep understanding of mobile UI/UX design principles. Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in Product Design, with a proven track record of designing B2C consumer mobile products, specifically for the Japanese market.

Required Skills:

• Japanese Market Insight: Deep understanding of Japanese UI patterns, typography, and user aesthetics relevant to mobile products. Proven success with B2C consumer mobile products targeting Japan.
• Design Craft Mastery: Proficiency in mobile UI/UX design principles, with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality output.
• User-Centered Mindset: Experience in planning user interviews and translating insights into actionable design solutions.
• Pragmatic Problem Solving: Ability to balance user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints to create practical and impactful designs.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to organize ambiguous or complex requirements into simple, refined, and functional user experiences.
• Communication Skills: Excellent ability to articulate design intentions and rationale persuasively to stakeholders and team members.
• Cross-Cultural Adaptability: Experience working effectively in international and cross-functional team environments.
• Language Proficiency: Native or advanced Japanese proficiency for deep understanding of content nuances. Basic English communication skills for global collaboration.
• Self-Management: Strong time management skills to effectively manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the news, media, or content platform industry.
• Extensive experience planning and conducting UX research through user interviews.
• Experience leveraging generative AI tools for rapid prototyping, asset generation, and workflow efficiency.
• Experience in building and maintaining design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Experience Level" was inferred as Mid-Level (2-5 years) based on the detailed responsibilities and the expectation of leading design initiatives and contributing to strategic innovation, rather than an entry-level or senior/lead role. The required skills have been expanded to encompass the nuances of the Japanese market and the specific demands of a mobile news app, including language proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design process, from initial problem definition and research to final UI/UX execution.
• Include case studies demonstrating successful B2C consumer mobile product designs for the Japanese market.
• Highlight projects that involved AI-driven innovation or the integration of new technologies.
• Feature examples of designing for core UX excellence, focusing on user flow optimization, content discovery, and engagement.
• Demonstrate contributions to or utilization of design systems.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly outline the user research methods employed, including user interviews and data synthesis for hypothesis validation.
• Detail the design iteration process, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing phases.
• Explain how business goals and technical constraints were integrated into the design solutions.
• Showcase collaboration with cross-functional teams (PMs, Engineers, Data Scientists) and the rationale behind design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements have been tailored to the specific demands of this Product Designer role, emphasizing end-to-end ownership, Japanese market relevance, AI integration, and UX research, which are critical for demonstrating a candidate's fit.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for mid-level Product Designers in Tokyo, Japan, with a focus on B2C mobile products and AI innovation, the estimated annual salary range is ¥7,000,000 - ¥10,000,000 JPY.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Social insurance as required by Japanese labor law.
• Annual health check-ups.
• Support from the SmartNews Tokyo office.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated standard working week of 40 hours. Flexibility may be available, but the emphasis on on-site collaboration suggests a structured work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the role, experience level, and location (Tokyo, Japan). This estimation uses typical compensation benchmarks for Product Designers in major tech hubs in Japan, considering the specific industry (news/media tech) and the emphasis on AI and core UX. The provided benefits have been expanded from the raw data to reflect common offerings in the Japanese tech industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Media / Software SmartNews operates in the dynamic intersection of technology and media, aiming to deliver quality information efficiently. The company's mission to "deliver good information to people who need it" underscores a commitment to social impact and user value.

Company Size: While the exact number isn't specified, SmartNews is described as a global startup with offices in multiple countries, indicating a significant scale, likely in the hundreds to thousands of employees. This suggests a structured yet agile environment.

Founded: June 15, 2012 SmartNews has a history of innovation, evolving from a news aggregation app to exploring subscription models and AI-driven features, indicating a forward-thinking and adaptable culture.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: Focused on user-centric design, innovation, and shaping the user experience for millions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, Content, Business, and Marketing teams.
• Reporting: Likely reports within a product design hierarchy, potentially to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design, with close interaction with Product Managers.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: Strong emphasis on understanding and catering to user needs, particularly within the Japanese cultural context.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizes quantitative data and qualitative research to inform design choices and validate hypotheses.
• Agile Development: Operates in a fast-paced environment, requiring efficient workflows and iterative design processes.
• AI Integration: Actively exploring and integrating AI technologies to enhance user experience and product offerings.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/pKDA9qARN1A7CquT3JCRkw/jobs-at-smartnews

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out using the provided description, focusing on SmartNews's mission, industry position, and the implications of its size and founding date for its operational culture, particularly as it relates to a design role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, responsible for significant ownership of design craft and end-to-end feature development. It requires a blend of strong design execution skills and strategic thinking related to user needs and business objectives.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report into a product design function and work closely with Product Managers and engineers on specific feature sets. Collaboration is key, with regular interaction across various departments.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences user engagement, satisfaction, and retention for one of Japan's largest news apps. By shaping the core UX and introducing innovative features (like AI summaries), they have a direct impact on user behavior, business KPIs, and the overall perception of SmartNews as a trusted and engaging information platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven design, core UX optimization for mobile, or user research methodologies.
• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a senior or lead designer role, mentoring junior designers and taking on more strategic product initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with diverse teams, understanding business strategy, and contributing to product-market fit.
• Impactful Projects: Contribute to innovative features that reach millions of users, offering tangible portfolio growth and industry recognition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the growth trajectory for a Product Designer within a tech company like SmartNews, highlighting the progression from execution to strategic influence and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the SmartNews Tokyo office, suggesting a collaborative, in-office environment. This is crucial for the hands-on design work and cross-functional collaboration emphasized in the job description.

Office Location(s): Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Shibuya is a vibrant, central business and entertainment district in Tokyo, offering excellent accessibility and a dynamic work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster close collaboration between designers, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools and technologies will be available to support efficient workflow and high-fidelity design execution.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction, brainstorming sessions, and design critiques with the design team and wider product organization.

Work Schedule: While specific hours aren't detailed, full-time employment in Japan typically involves a standard 5-day work week. The emphasis on collaboration implies a need for availability during core business hours in Tokyo.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description has been tailored to reflect the on-site nature of the role in Shibuya, emphasizing the collaborative aspects and the likely availability of necessary design tools and resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience, particularly for the Japanese market and B2C mobile products.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate their end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Expect in-depth questions about their design choices, user research, and collaboration methods.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise to evaluate design craft, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities. This could involve a take-home assignment or an in-session task.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers or stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Likely with a design lead or senior management to discuss vision, career aspirations, and overall fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Japanese Market Expertise: Showcase projects specifically designed for or adapted to the Japanese audience, detailing cultural considerations.
• Demonstrate End-to-End Process: Clearly articulate your role and contributions from discovery and research through to final design and iteration.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., engagement increase, task completion rate improvement).
• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with PMs, engineers, and other stakeholders; explain how you navigated trade-offs.
• Focus on AI/Innovation: If you have projects involving AI or innovative technologies, clearly explain your approach and the user benefits.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself deeply with the SmartNews app, its features, target audience, and competitive landscape in Japan.
• Practice Problem Framing: Be prepared to define and reframe problems presented in a case study, demonstrating analytical skills.
• Articulate Rationale: Clearly explain the "why" behind your design decisions, linking them back to user needs, business goals, and data.
• Prepare for Design Trade-offs: Be ready to discuss how you would approach balancing competing priorities or constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and portfolio review process has been detailed to provide actionable advice for candidates, focusing on the specific requirements of this role, such as Japanese market understanding and AI integration, and offering concrete preparation strategies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) - Candidates are expected to be proficient in at least one industry-standard design and prototyping tool.
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira - For seamless team communication and project management.
• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting and analyzing user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (specific tools may vary).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Platforms: Familiarity with tools used for analyzing user behavior, engagement metrics, and conversion rates (e.g., Amplitude, Google Analytics, Mixpanel).
• Dashboarding Tools: Experience with visualizing data through dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Looker) to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation: While not the primary focus for a Product Designer, an understanding of how user data is managed and how automation impacts user experience can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack have been inferred based on standard practices for Product Designers in leading tech companies, with a focus on design software, collaboration tools, and analytics platforms relevant to user-facing products.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the user, ensuring that every design decision prioritizes user needs and enhances their experience.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, such as AI, and continuously seeking ways to improve and evolve the product.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality design, meticulous attention to detail, and delivering polished, functional products.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where ideas are shared openly, and teams work together effectively across functions.
• Impact & Value Creation: Focusing on designs that deliver tangible value to users and contribute to the company's mission and business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely and proactively with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, and other departments to achieve shared goals.
• Constructive Feedback: Engaging in open design critiques and providing/receiving feedback to elevate the quality of the product.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing best practices, design insights, and learnings within the design team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values have been inferred from SmartNews's mission, the nature of the role, and general tech industry best practices, focusing on how these values translate into the daily work of a Product Designer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Navigating the complexities of meeting diverse user expectations while aligning with business objectives and technical feasibility in a competitive market.
• Designing for a Nuanced Market: Deeply understanding and catering to the specific cultural preferences, behaviors, and aesthetic sensibilities of the Japanese audience.
• Integrating AI Effectively: Designing intuitive and valuable user experiences around emerging AI technologies that genuinely enhance, rather than complicate, the user's interaction.
• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive user experience across various features and updates, while also contributing to a global design system.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Gaining hands-on experience in designing with and for AI-powered features, a rapidly growing field.
• Advanced UX Research: Deepening skills in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies tailored to the Japanese market.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to product strategy, engineering constraints, and data analysis, broadening overall product development understanding.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and product leaders within the SmartNews organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The identified challenges and growth opportunities are specific to the role of a Product Designer at a tech company like SmartNews, focusing on market-specific challenges, the integration of new technologies like AI, and career progression paths.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a specific cultural context. What were the key considerations, and how did they influence your design decisions?" (Focus on Japanese market expertise)
• "Walk us through a project where you led the design from concept to launch. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate end-to-end ownership and problem-solving)
• "How would you approach designing a new AI-powered feature for a news app? What user problems would you prioritize, and how would you ensure it provides value?" (Assess AI design thinking and user-centricity)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about SmartNews's mission and its role in the Japanese media landscape?" (Show interest and understanding of the company)
• "How do you approach collaborating with product managers and engineers who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Assess collaboration and communication skills)
• "How do you measure the success of your designs, and what metrics do you typically track for mobile apps?" (Demonstrate data-driven approach and impact awareness)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative – the problem, your process, the solution, and the impact.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visual designs are clean, well-presented, and easy to understand.
• Interactive Elements: Use interactive prototypes to showcase user flows and interactions effectively.
• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind every design decision, linking it back to research and user needs.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements of the Product Designer role at SmartNews, including questions related to cultural design, AI integration, and the importance of a strong portfolio presentation that highlights process and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workable platform.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 B2C consumer mobile product case studies relevant to the Japanese market. Ensure these examples clearly demonstrate your end-to-end design process, from user research to final UI/UX execution.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in mobile UI/UX, user-centered design, cross-functional collaboration, and any experience with AI or emerging technologies. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with the Japanese market and your approach to AI-driven innovation.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research SmartNews, its mission, products, and its position in the Japanese news app market. Understand their user base and recent developments.

⚠️ 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.