Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: WeMod Location: New York, New York, United States (Remote Eligible) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Date Posted: 2025-08-07 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Remote (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design end-to-end product experiences, from initial research and ideation through to shipping and iterative improvements, demonstrating a strong command of user-centered design principles.
• Develop intuitive and empowering user interfaces across WeMod's expanding product suite, including features like mod discovery, interactive game guides, and community-driven platforms, ensuring seamless player interactions.
• Collaborate closely with leadership and a cross-functional team of engineers to translate complex design concepts into high-performance, technically feasible gaming experiences.
• Drive product strategy through a design-led approach, contributing to the vision and evolution of WeMod's platform, and operate with a high degree of autonomy in a fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Product Designer" in the context of WeMod, a gaming technology company, implies a focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for consumer-facing applications. The responsibilities listed, such as designing for "enhanced mod discovery, interactive game guides, maps, and community-driven features," clearly indicate a need for a designer adept at creating engaging and functional digital products within the gaming ecosystem. The emphasis on "performance-sensitive gaming experiences" also suggests a need for design considerations that align with technical constraints and user expectations in gaming.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete design lifecycle for product features, from conducting user research and synthesizing insights to creating wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs.
• Design user flows, interaction models, and visual interfaces for a diverse range of product components, ensuring consistency and usability across the WeMod platform.
• Partner with product managers and engineers to define product requirements, technical feasibility, and design solutions that align with business objectives and user needs.
• Lead user research initiatives, including interviews, usability testing, and surveys, to gather qualitative and quantitative data that informs design decisions and product iterations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of WeMod's design system, ensuring brand consistency, scalability, and efficiency in design processes.
• Actively participate in design critiques and provide constructive feedback to peers, fostering a collaborative design culture and continuous improvement.
• Adapt design strategies and execution based on user feedback, performance data, and evolving market trends within the gaming technology space.
• Support the evolution of WeMod's brand identity and visual language through thoughtful and impactful design contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-stack product design role, requiring not just UI execution but also a strong understanding of user research, product strategy, and cross-functional collaboration. The mention of "performance-sensitive gaming experiences" suggests that designers will need to consider technical constraints and optimize designs for speed and responsiveness, which is critical in the gaming sector. The need to "design across our growing product suite" indicates a broad scope of work, potentially involving desktop applications, web interfaces, and possibly future mobile or in-game integrations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a related field is often preferred for foundational knowledge. Equivalent practical experience will be strongly considered. Experience: A minimum of 4 years of professional product design experience is required, with a proven track record in designing consumer-facing digital products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable expertise in end-to-end product design processes, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and usability testing.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools, with a specific emphasis on Figma, including leveraging AI-enabled design workflows and plugins.
• Strong visual design skills with a keen eye for aesthetics, typography, color theory, and layout, capable of creating polished and engaging user interfaces.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, insights, and solutions clearly to diverse stakeholders, including engineering, product management, and leadership.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams to ensure technical feasibility and seamless implementation of designs.
• Experience working autonomously, managing ambiguity, and taking ownership of design problems with minimal direction.
• A strong understanding of consumer product design principles, with a preference for experience in gaming, entertainment, or community-focused applications.
• A startup mindset, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• A genuine passion for gaming culture and a deep understanding of what constitutes a great gaming experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing products within the gaming industry or a strong familiarity with modding communities and gaming culture.
• Experience designing for performance-sensitive or real-time interactive applications where optimization is key.
• Proven ability to design for products at scale, managing complex user flows and catering to diverse user demographics.
• Cross-platform design experience, including web, desktop applications, and potentially mobile interfaces.
• Experience conducting user research efficiently and effectively within resource-constrained startup environments.
• Expertise in designing community-driven features, such as social interactions, user-generated content platforms, or creator tools.
• Experience contributing to the growth and evolution of a design system and brand identity.
• Demonstrated comfort and effectiveness in remote work environments, including asynchronous collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "AI-enabled design workflows" in Figma suggests the company values designers who are leveraging cutting-edge tools for efficiency and innovation. The emphasis on a "startup mindset" and "autonomy" indicates a need for proactive, self-directed individuals who can thrive in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities. The preference for gaming experience is a significant differentiator, suggesting candidates with this background will have a deeper understanding of the target audience and product context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4 years of product design experience, with a strong emphasis on end-to-end project ownership.
• Detailed case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, target audience, your design process, key decisions, and the impact of your solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces.
• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams, particularly engineers, highlighting how you ensured design fidelity and technical feasibility.
• Examples of user research methodologies employed and how the insights directly influenced design outcomes.
• Visual examples of design systems or style guides you have contributed to or developed, demonstrating an understanding of consistency and scalability.
• Prototypes that effectively communicate user flows and interaction design.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly document the iterative design process, including user feedback loops and design refinements.
• Showcase wireframes, user flows, and final high-fidelity mockups for at least 2-3 significant product features or projects.
• Include documentation of any design system components or UI patterns you have created or contributed to.
• Clearly articulate the problem-solving approach taken for each design challenge, emphasizing efficiency and user-centricity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, particularly at a company like WeMod, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's design thinking, process, and execution capabilities. The emphasis on "end-to-end ownership" and "impact of solutions" means candidates should select projects that demonstrate their ability to drive a product from concept to launch and show measurable results. Highlighting collaboration with engineering is crucial given the mention of "performance-sensitive gaming experiences."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (New York, NY), experience level (Mid-Level, 2-5 years), and the company's industry (Gaming Technology/Software), the estimated salary range for a Product Designer in this region is typically between $100,000 and $140,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific skills, portfolio strength, and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays, supporting work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences, training, and skill-building workshops relevant to product design and the gaming industry.
• Potential for equity or stock options in a rapidly growing startup.
• Access to cutting-edge design tools and technology.
• A remote-friendly work environment with support for home office setup.
• Employee assistance programs and potential wellness stipends.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, aligned with full-time employment. However, given the startup environment and the nature of product design, some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and collaborate effectively with global teams, particularly when working remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers in New York City, considering the mid-level experience requirement and the tech sector. Benefits are standard for full-time roles in tech companies, with a potential emphasis on professional growth opportunities relevant to the gaming industry. The mention of "fast-moving environments" and "shifting priorities" in the job description suggests that while 40 hours is standard, flexibility may be beneficial.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically focused on Gaming Software and Community Platforms. WeMod operates at the intersection of gaming enhancement, community building, and software development, aiming to redefine the gaming experience. Company Size: WeMod is described as a growing startup, implying a dynamic, agile, and potentially fast-paced work environment. This size often means more opportunities for direct impact and broader responsibilities. Founded: Founded with a community-first approach, WeMod has established itself as a key player in the gaming companion space, indicative of a culture valuing user engagement and organic growth.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely consists of a Lead Product Designer and other designers, working closely with Product Management, Engineering, and potentially Marketing.
• Designers are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, suggesting a flat or semi-flat organizational structure where individual contributions are highly valued.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, with designers partnering directly with skilled engineers to ensure seamless integration of designs into performance-sensitive gaming experiences.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging user research and analytics to inform product strategy and design iterations.
• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, allowing for rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration.
• A focus on user-centric design principles, ensuring that player experiences are intuitive, empowering, and enjoyable.
• Emphasis on continuous improvement and iteration, both in product features and design processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: WeMod's mission to "make gaming more fun" and build the "world's ultimate game companion" suggests a culture that is passionate about gaming, innovative, and user-focused. The mention of "community-first approach" and "community-driven features" highlights the importance of user engagement and building a strong user base. The company's growth trajectory and the hiring of experienced talent from companies like MetaLab, Discord, and Airbnb indicate a commitment to quality and professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers a significant opportunity to take ownership of design challenges and contribute directly to product strategy. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to the Lead Product Designer or a Head of Product/Design, working closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads. The emphasis on autonomy suggests a collaborative relationship rather than a strictly hierarchical one. Operations Impact: Product Designers at WeMod have a direct impact on the user experience, which is critical for a community-centric gaming platform. Their work influences player engagement, retention, and the overall perception of the WeMod brand. By crafting seamless and empowering experiences, they contribute directly to the company's mission and growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of product design, such as interaction design, user research, or design systems, within the gaming tech domain.
• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives for specific product areas, or transition into senior or lead design roles.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various product verticals and collaborating with diverse teams, broadening professional skill sets.
• Industry Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of the gaming industry, player psychology, and emerging trends in gaming technology.
• Strategic Influence: Contribute to high-level product strategy discussions, influencing the direction of a rapidly evolving platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a burgeoning gaming technology company. The "startup mindset" requirement suggests that individuals who are proactive and willing to take on new challenges will find ample opportunities for career advancement and skill development. The company's focus on building a new category in gaming technology also presents a unique opportunity for designers to shape industry standards and contribute to groundbreaking innovations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is listed as "TELECOMMUTE" and "Remote OK," indicating a remote-first or remote-friendly approach, the company's headquarters and the presence of experienced team members from established tech firms suggest a culture that values collaboration and professional interaction, albeit potentially asynchronously. Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is New York, New York, United States, indicating that while remote, the company may have a physical presence or a strong operational base in this region.

Workspace Context:

• A remote work environment that necessitates strong asynchronous communication skills and self-discipline.
• Access to modern design tools and technologies to facilitate efficient and effective design work.
• Opportunities for virtual collaboration with a talented and experienced team, fostering a learning environment.
• A culture that supports flexibility in work arrangements, allowing designers to optimize their productivity.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely aligned with a full-time commitment (approximately 40 hours per week). However, the remote nature and the demands of a fast-growing startup might allow for some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided core collaboration hours and project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "TELECOMMUTE" and "Remote OK" status, coupled with the US location requirement, points to a remote position. This means candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and self-management. The presence of experienced designers from top tech firms suggests a professional and collaborative atmosphere, even if virtual.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, discussing your design process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to articulate your approach to user research, problem-solving, and collaboration with engineers.
• Design Challenge/Exercise: Potentially a take-home design exercise or an in-person/virtual whiteboard session focused on a specific design problem relevant to WeMod's product suite. This assesses your problem-solving skills and design thinking under pressure.
• Team Interviews: Meetings with the Lead Product Designer, Product Managers, and Engineering leads to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Founder/Leadership Interview: A final discussion to gauge your strategic thinking, passion for the product, and alignment with WeMod's vision and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate end-to-end ownership, strong problem-solving, user research integration, and impactful outcomes. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your design solutions, and the measurable results. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with engineers and other stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to translate designs into reality and incorporate feedback.
• Showcase Figma Proficiency: If possible, include examples of your work within Figma, perhaps demonstrating component usage or advanced features, and be ready to discuss your experience with AI-enabled workflows.
• Tailor to WeMod: Research WeMod's products and target audience. Frame your case studies to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with their mission and product offerings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly research WeMod's platform, user base, and competitive landscape.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving. Outline your steps, assumptions, and how you'd gather information.
• Prioritize and Scope: Be realistic about what can be achieved within the given timeframe. Focus on core user flows and critical interactions.
• Communicate Clearly: Articulate your thought process, design decisions, and rationale. Be prepared to defend your choices and discuss trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's design skills, problem-solving abilities, collaborative approach, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that tells a compelling story about the design process and its impact is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific tools like Figma and their understanding of the gaming industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in leveraging its features, including AI-enabled design workflows, is a key requirement.
• Prototyping Tools: In addition to Figma's prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other tools like InVision, ProtoPie, or similar may be beneficial for more complex interactions.
• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting usability testing, surveys, and user interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Typeform).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and product performance, informing design decisions.
• Experience with data visualization tools or dashboards to interpret and present user data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's core tool, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact user journeys and data collection can provide valuable context for product design.
• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools such as Jira, Asana, Trello, or Slack is expected for team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a required tool, emphasizing its central role in the design workflow at WeMod. The mention of "AI-enabled design workflows" suggests that candidates who are exploring or utilizing AI tools within Figma for tasks like asset generation, design system management, or workflow optimization will be highly regarded. Understanding analytics is also important for data-informed design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the gaming community, prioritizing user needs and feedback.
• Innovation & Passion: A drive to push boundaries in gaming technology and a genuine passion for making gaming experiences better.
• Collaboration & Ownership: A culture of shared responsibility and mutual support, where individuals take ownership of their work and contribute broadly.
• User Empowerment: Designing experiences that put players in control and enable them to enjoy games in their preferred ways.
• Excellence & Iteration: A pursuit of high-quality design and a commitment to continuous improvement through feedback and iteration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work hand-in-hand with engineering and product management to bring ideas to life, fostering a collaborative and integrated approach to product development.
• Open Communication: Encourages direct and honest feedback through design critiques and team discussions, promoting a learning environment.
• Asynchronous Efficiency: For remote teams, effective asynchronous communication and documentation are key to seamless collaboration across different time zones and work schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: WeMod's culture appears to be built around a strong passion for gaming, a commitment to its community, and a collaborative, autonomous work environment. Designers are expected to be proactive, user-focused, and adept at working with technical teams to deliver high-quality experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Performance: Creating visually appealing and engaging user experiences that are also performance-sensitive within a gaming context requires careful optimization and technical consideration.
• Balancing Autonomy and Collaboration: Thriving in a role that demands significant autonomy while also requiring close collaboration with a distributed team.
• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to fast-paced changes, shifting priorities, and the inherent ambiguity of a rapidly growing startup.
• Evolving Product Landscape: Staying ahead of trends in gaming technology and user expectations to design for an expanding and innovative product suite.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Gaming Tech: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for the gaming industry, including PC gaming, modding communities, and interactive game companions.
• Advanced Design Skills: Develop expertise in areas like interaction design for real-time applications, community platform design, and leveraging AI in design workflows.
• Strategic Product Input: Contribute to product vision and strategy, gaining experience in shaping the direction of a company creating a new category in gaming technology.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to learn from experienced team members and potentially mentor junior designers as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a growing tech startup in an innovative sector like gaming. They offer significant opportunities for professional development, particularly for designers eager to specialize in gaming user experience and contribute to cutting-edge product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you owned a design problem from start to finish. What was the problem, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on end-to-end ownership, research, iteration, and impact.)
• "How do you approach designing for performance-sensitive applications, especially in a gaming context?" (Highlight considerations for load times, responsiveness, and technical constraints.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical feasibility in your designs?" (Showcase your ability to make trade-offs and find effective solutions.)
• "Describe your experience collaborating with engineers. How do you ensure your designs are implemented accurately and efficiently?" (Emphasize communication, documentation, and proactive problem-solving.)
• "Walk us through your process for conducting user research and how you translate insights into design decisions." (Detail methodologies and how research informs iteration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about WeMod's mission and the gaming industry?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the company's domain.)
• "How do you handle ambiguity and shifting priorities in a startup environment?" (Showcase adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture, especially in a remote setting?" (Highlight communication, empathy, and teamwork.)
• "What are your thoughts on the current state of gaming technology and player experience?" (Showcase your passion and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically with an introduction, problem statement, your role, process overview, key design decisions with rationale, challenges, and outcomes/impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (mockups, prototypes, flow diagrams) to support your narrative. Ensure clarity and conciseness.
• Storytelling: Frame each project as a story. Explain the "why" behind your design choices and how they addressed the problem.
• Metrics: Quantify impact whenever possible. Use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion, improved engagement, reduced errors).
• Figma Focus: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflow, including any use of AI-enabled features or design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the product design process, strong collaboration skills, and a genuine passion for gaming. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design rationale, showcase their portfolio with compelling case studies, and demonstrate how they align with WeMod's values and fast-paced culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase end-to-end product design experience, user research integration, and impactful outcomes. Tailor your case studies to highlight relevant skills for a gaming tech company like WeMod, emphasizing collaboration with engineers and your process in Figma.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 4+ years of product design experience, proficiency in Figma, experience with consumer products (ideally gaming or community-focused), and your ability to work autonomously and collaboratively. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design process, and demonstrating the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to user research and technical feasibility.
• Research WeMod: Familiarize yourself with WeMod's platform, mission, and target audience. Understand their position in the gaming technology landscape and be prepared to discuss what excites you about the company and the role.

⚠️ 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.