Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: VicGov People Careers

Location: Footscray, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & User Experience (UX)

Date Posted: 2026-03-27

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of user-centered digital experiences for Victorian citizens through the Service Victoria app, focusing on intuition, accessibility, and inclusivity.

• Engage in the complete end-to-end design lifecycle, from initial discovery and user research to iterative prototyping, rigorous testing, and successful delivery of modern government services.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, Delivery Leads, and Policy Advisors, to ensure design solutions are aligned with user needs, policy objectives, and technical feasibility.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of scalable design systems, ensuring consistency and efficiency across digital products.

• Champion best practices in usability testing, accessibility standards, and inclusive design principles throughout the product development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data clearly indicates a "Product Designer" role, the context provided by "VicGov People Careers" and the "Service Victoria app" strongly suggests this role is within the government sector, specifically focused on public service digital transformation. This implies a need for designers who can balance user needs with complex policy and regulatory frameworks, and who are adept at working within a public sector environment. The "mid-level" experience inferred suggests a candidate expected to contribute independently to design projects while also being open to guidance and collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead user research initiatives to gather insights into citizen needs, pain points, and behaviors related to government services.

• Develop user personas, journey maps, and service blueprints to inform design decisions and ensure a holistic understanding of the user experience.

• Create wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Conduct and analyze usability testing sessions to validate design hypotheses and identify areas for improvement.

• Collaborate with product managers and engineers to translate user needs and business requirements into actionable design specifications.

• Contribute to the evolution of the Service Victoria app's user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) by implementing design system components and guidelines.

• Ensure all digital products adhere to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and other relevant accessibility standards.

• Present design solutions and research findings to diverse stakeholder groups, incorporating feedback to refine designs.

• Advocate for user-centric design principles and best practices within the product development team and broader organization.

• Support the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the Digital Victoria team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been fleshed out based on standard Product Designer duties, with specific emphasis on the context of government digital services. This includes research, prototyping, testing, design system contribution, and stakeholder communication, all crucial for a role impacting public services. The mention of "Service Victoria app" and "modern government services" guides the interpretation of responsibilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in product design, UX design, or a related role, with a demonstrated ability to manage the full design lifecycle.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in user research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, contextual inquiry) and translating findings into actionable design insights.

• Proficiency in creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Strong understanding of usability principles, accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or higher), and inclusive design practices.

• Experience with iterative design processes, including prototyping, user testing, and incorporating feedback.

• Excellent visual and interaction design skills, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Policy, Delivery).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on large-scale digital products or government services.

• Familiarity with design system development and maintenance.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better understand technical constraints.

• Experience with agile development methodologies.

• A portfolio showcasing a range of product design projects, demonstrating problem-solving abilities and design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are derived directly from the provided "ai_key_skills" and the general description of the role's activities. The "2-5 years" experience level is inferred from the "mid-level" designation. Preferred skills are added to provide a more complete picture of an ideal candidate, common in government roles where understanding technical constraints and agile processes is beneficial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 3-5 product design projects that demonstrate your end-to-end design process, from problem definition to final solution.

• For each project, clearly articulate the user problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process undertaken (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), and the outcomes or impact achieved.

• Showcase your ability to create intuitive user interfaces, solve complex user problems, and implement accessible design solutions.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, be prepared to discuss your specific design methodologies, research techniques, and testing approaches.

• Demonstrate how you have incorporated user feedback and data to iterate on designs and improve user experience.

• Be ready to explain how you collaborated with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to bring designs to life.

• Showcase your understanding of how design fits within a broader product development lifecycle, including discovery, delivery, and ongoing iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio and the ability to discuss process is standard for design roles. This section is enhanced by focusing on what a government digital design role would look for: clear articulation of the design process, user-centricity, accessibility, and cross-functional collaboration, all within the context of delivering public services.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Victorian Public Service (VPS) Grade 5 rates, the estimated salary range for this role is approximately AUD $85,000 - $100,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Generous leave provisions, including annual, personal, and long-service leave.

• Superannuation contributions (currently 11% for eligible employees).

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

• Access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Flexible working arrangements considered, subject to operational requirements.

• Opportunity to work on impactful projects that serve the Victorian community.

• Membership in a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexible working arrangements may be discussed.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a government role in Victoria, Australia, the salary range has been estimated based on typical VPS Grade 5 remuneration bands. Standard government benefits have also been included to provide a comprehensive overview. The "40 hours" input is interpreted as standard full-time working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, Digital Services

Company Size: Large (Likely 1,000+ employees, typical for a state government department)

Founded: The Department of Government Services (DGS) is part of the Victorian Government, which has a long history of public service. The specific establishment date of DGS is not provided, but it operates within a well-established public sector framework.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of a cross-functional product team, likely comprising a Product Manager, Engineers, Delivery Leads, and potentially Policy Advisors or User Researchers.

• This team will operate within the broader Digital Victoria initiative, which likely includes other design, product, engineering, and delivery professionals.

Methodology:

• Emphasizes a user-centered and agile approach to digital product development.

• Focuses on iterative design, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.

• Values collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to delivering high-quality public services.

• Strong emphasis on accessibility, inclusivity, and ethical design practices.

Company Website: https://www.vic.gov.au/department-government-services

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is inferred from "VicGov People Careers" and "Department of Government Services (DGS)". The industry is clearly government, and the size is assumed to be large given it's a state government department. The team structure and methodology are typical for modern digital teams within government, focusing on agile, user-centric, and collaborative approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level Product Designer position (VPS Grade 5). It requires independent contribution to design tasks, management of individual projects, and a growing ability to influence design direction within a team. The role is instrumental in shaping user experiences for critical public services.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will typically report to a Design Lead, UX Lead, or Product Manager within their specific product team. They will also collaborate closely with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders across various departments.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will directly impact the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital government services used by hundreds of thousands of Victorians. Their work influences citizen engagement with government, the efficiency of service delivery, and the overall perception of digital government capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, user research, accessibility, and design systems.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Senior Product Designer, Lead UX Designer, or Product Manager roles, with increased responsibility for strategy, team leadership, and project oversight.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like service design, interaction design, or user research within the digital government space.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with diverse teams and understanding the complexities of public sector policy and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the progression from a mid-level designer within a government context. It highlights the impact of design on public services and outlines typical growth paths available within a large government organization, emphasizing both technical skill development and potential leadership opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Footscray, VIC, within a government office environment. This typically includes shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas designed for team interaction.

Office Location(s): Footscray, VIC 3011, Australia. This location is accessible via public transport and offers a vibrant urban setting.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative and professional office environment where teamwork is encouraged.

• Access to modern design tools and technology required for product design.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with product teams, designers, and other government professionals.

• A focus on creating an inclusive and accessible workspace that supports diverse needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 38 hours per week), with a focus on delivering project milestones. While the role is on-site, the Victorian Public Service often supports flexible working arrangements where feasible and aligned with operational needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the "On-site" remote status and the location provided, this section describes a typical government office environment. The emphasis is on collaboration, access to resources, and the professional setting expected within a public sector department.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and cover letters to assess alignment with the key selection criteria and required skills.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and impact. This may be a dedicated interview session or integrated into a broader interview.

• Technical/Skills Interview: Further discussion on design methodologies, tools, accessibility, and experience with specific design challenges.

• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with public sector values.

• Final Interview/Panel: May involve meeting with senior stakeholders or a panel to discuss suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact, particularly those relevant to user-centric design and digital services.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes or lessons learned.

• Highlight Process: Focus on demonstrating how you arrived at your solutions, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing methods.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion time, increased engagement). If not quantifiable, describe the qualitative impact.

• Accessibility Focus: Ensure your portfolio includes examples demonstrating your commitment to and understanding of accessibility and inclusive design principles.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you collaborated with teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design exercise, either take-home or during an interview, that may involve solving a specific user problem or improving an existing digital service.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice articulating your thought process for handling common design challenges, such as conflicting stakeholder requirements or technical limitations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you have effectively communicated design ideas and rationale to non-design stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates applying for a Product Designer role, particularly within a government context. It outlines a typical interview process and offers specific tips for portfolio preparation and handling potential design challenges, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating process, impact, and collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one primary tool is essential.

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, Lookback, or similar platforms for conducting remote and in-person usability testing and gathering user feedback.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Trello, Asana, Miro, Mural for team communication, workflow tracking, and collaborative ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools to understand user behavior and track product performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary tool for product designers, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools integrate with user-facing applications can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for Product Designers. The emphasis is on core design and prototyping tools, along with research platforms and collaboration software commonly used in agile digital teams. Analytics tool familiarity is a plus for understanding product performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Victorian citizens.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A dedication to creating digital services that are usable by everyone, regardless of ability or background.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of diverse teams working together to achieve common goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality, reliable, and impactful digital solutions.

• Integrity: Upholding public trust through transparent and ethical design practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and Policy Advisors in agile, cross-functional teams.

• Open to constructive feedback and iterative design processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Emphasis on clear and proactive communication to ensure alignment across teams and stakeholders.

• Knowledge sharing through design critiques, documentation, and informal discussions is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the values and collaboration style based on the nature of a government digital service organization. The focus is on public service values like user-centricity, inclusivity, and integrity, coupled with a collaborative and agile team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Policy/Technical Constraints: Navigating complex government regulations and technical limitations while ensuring a positive user experience.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing expectations with a diverse range of stakeholders who may have varying levels of design understanding.

• Scalability and Consistency: Designing for a wide range of users and ensuring a consistent experience across multiple digital services and platforms.

• Adoption and Engagement: Designing services that are not only functional but also easy to adopt and engaging for citizens who may be less digitally native.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Access to workshops and courses on emerging design trends, tools, and methodologies.

• Accessibility Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications in accessibility to become a subject matter expert.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in mentorship programs to learn from experienced designers and leaders.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant design conferences and events to stay current with industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on common issues in government digital design, such as policy constraints and broad user bases. Growth opportunities are tailored to typical professional development paths for designers in large organizations, focusing on skill enhancement and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing stakeholder requirements with user needs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

• "Walk us through a complex design problem you solved. What was your process, what tools did you use, and what was the impact?"

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Can you provide an example?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Victorian Government and Digital Victoria specifically?"

• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional team? Describe your ideal team dynamic."

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in product design and accessibility?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with the problem statement and ending with the impact and learnings. Use a consistent format for each project.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each case study. Focus on your thought process and decision-making, not just the final visuals.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams. Ensure they are clear and easy to understand.

• Engagement: Be prepared for interactive questions. Engage with the interviewers and ask clarifying questions.

• Conciseness: Respect the allocated time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's within the time limit while covering all essential points.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, tailored interview questions and preparation strategies for a Product Designer role in a government context. It focuses on assessing design thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and alignment with public sector values, alongside portfolio presentation advice.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the careers.people.vic.gov.au website.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in product design, UX research, prototyping, usability testing, and accessibility, using keywords from the job description and common industry terms. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Address the key selection criteria explicitly in your cover letter (maximum three pages). Provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to shaping digital government services and working in cross-functional teams.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases 3-5 of your strongest product design projects, clearly demonstrating your end-to-end design process, user-centric approach, and impact. Be ready to present and discuss these projects in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Victorian Government's digital initiatives, the Department of Government Services, and the Service Victoria app. Understand the mission and values of public sector design.

⚠️ 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.