Product Designer (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (Contract)

Company: Uare.ai

Location: Los Altos, CA

Job Type: Contract

Category: Product Design / Front-End Design (with AI Focus)

Date Posted: March 09, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This contract role focuses on shaping the user experience and visual design of a novel personal AI marketplace, emphasizing emotional resonance and digital identity.

• The Product Designer will be instrumental in defining the aesthetic, interactive, and emotional qualities of a cutting-edge consumer-facing AI product.

• Key responsibilities include translating complex AI concepts into intuitive and engaging user interfaces across multiple platforms.

• The role requires a blend of strong interaction, motion, and visual design skills, coupled with an understanding of AI's potential to humanize technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's focus on "personal AI" and "living digital reflections," this role is highly specialized. It moves beyond typical UI/UX to encompass the design of emotional and interactive experiences with AI entities, requiring a unique blend of technical understanding and artistic expression. The "contract" nature suggests a project-based engagement, possibly with the opportunity for extension or conversion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute the visual identity, interaction patterns, and motion design for the Uare.ai platform across mobile, web, and other interactive surfaces.

• Design and prototype consumer-grade user experiences that seamlessly integrate AI capabilities, storytelling elements, and human emotional expression.

• Collaborate closely with product leadership, AI specialists, engineers, and marketing teams to refine the product's visual language and expand the design system.

• Innovate on novel ways to visualize user memory, knowledge repositories, and the dynamics of personal AI interactions.

• Contribute to shaping the nascent design culture at Uare.ai, influencing the perception of how AI products should feel and interact with users.

• Develop interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, Framer, or Webflow, demonstrating fluency in bringing designs to life.

• Ensure the design system is scalable, consistent, and applicable across diverse devices and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate at the intersection of creative design, user experience, and emerging AI technologies. The emphasis on "pushing boundaries" and "imagining new ways" suggests a role that requires significant creative problem-solving and a forward-thinking approach to product design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and practical experience are paramount. A background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related creative field is beneficial.

Experience: 4+ years of demonstrated experience in crafting beautifully designed consumer applications or digital products, with a preference for B2C environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven excellence in interaction design, visual design, and motion design, as evidenced by a strong portfolio.

• Proficiency in prototyping tools such as Figma, Framer, or Webflow.

• Ability to design and scale design systems across multiple platforms and devices.

• Deep curiosity and understanding of AI, digital identity, and the humanization of technology through design.

• Strong storytelling instincts and the ability to imbue products with emotional meaning.

• Experience in designing for consumer-facing applications (B2C).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working directly with front-end development frameworks or collaborating closely with front-end engineers.

• Familiarity with AI interaction paradigms and the unique design challenges they present.

• Experience in defining and evolving visual languages for new product categories.

• Ability to contribute to and influence design culture within a startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on a holistic design skillset that includes not just UI screens but also the dynamic and emotional aspects of user interaction. The preference for B2C experience and prototyping tool fluency points to a hands-on role focused on delivering tangible product interfaces.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of projects that demonstrate mastery in interaction design, motion design, and visual aesthetics.

• Projects should highlight the candidate's ability to translate complex concepts (like AI and digital identity) into intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Include case studies that detail the design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of design decisions on user engagement and product success.

• Showcase examples of interactive prototypes and demonstrate how they were used to test and iterate on design concepts.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate a structured design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for tackling design challenges, especially those involving novel technologies like personal AI.

• Examples of how design decisions were informed by user feedback and data would be highly valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role this specialized, the portfolio isn't just a collection of work; it's a demonstration of the candidate's ability to pioneer new design paradigms. The emphasis on motion and emotion suggests that static mockups alone will not suffice; interactive prototypes and detailed case studies explaining the "why" behind design choices will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract role, compensation will likely be determined based on experience, skill set, and market rates for contract Product Designers in the Los Altos, CA area. Based on industry benchmarks for experienced contract Product Designers in Silicon Valley with specialized skills in consumer apps and emerging tech, the estimated range could be between $70 - $120+ per hour.

Benefits: As a contract position, standard full-time employee benefits may not apply. However, benefits could include:

• Competitive hourly rate reflective of specialized skills and contract duration.

• Potential for flexible work arrangements (though this role is specified as on-site).

• Opportunity to work on a groundbreaking product at the forefront of AI innovation.

• Direct collaboration with experienced founders and a talented team.

• Potential for contract extension or conversion to a full-time role.

Working Hours: The role is described with an implied standard full-time workload.

• Expected working hours would typically be around 40 hours per week, aligning with the contract duration and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on contract rates for experienced Product Designers in a high-cost-of-living area like Silicon Valley, with an uplift for the specialized nature of AI and consumer product design. Official compensation details would need to be confirmed directly with Uare.ai.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Technology, Digital Identity, Personal AI. This is a nascent industry, with Uare.ai aiming to define a new category.

Company Size: Uare.ai appears to be an early-stage startup, likely with a lean, agile team. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: Founded by Robert LoCascio (former CEO of LivePerson), indicating experienced leadership with a history in scaling tech platforms.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely small and integrated closely with product and engineering leadership.

• Expect close collaboration with the founder, product managers, and AI/engineering teams.

Methodology:

• Agile development methodologies are probable, allowing for rapid iteration and adaptation.

• A strong emphasis on data-driven design decisions, user feedback, and iterative prototyping.

• A culture that encourages experimentation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in AI and user experience design.

Company Website: uare.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: As an early-stage startup founded by a seasoned entrepreneur, Uare.ai likely fosters a culture of innovation, ownership, and rapid execution. The "marketplace for personal AI" concept suggests a unique value proposition that will permeate the company's mission and culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level to Senior-level Product Design role, requiring significant experience (4+ years) and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy. The title "Product Designer" combined with the responsibilities suggests ownership over significant product areas.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report directly to a Head of Product, a Lead Designer, or potentially a founder, given the startup environment.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will have a direct and profound impact on the core product offering, shaping user perception, adoption, and the overall success of Uare.ai's novel personal AI marketplace. They will be instrumental in defining the "feel" and emotional connection users have with their digital selves.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to be a foundational member of a design team defining a new product category.

• Direct influence on product strategy and the future direction of personal AI experiences.

• Potential for significant creative ownership and impact on a product that could redefine human-AI interaction.

• Possibility of contract extension or conversion to a full-time role with increased responsibilities as the company scales.

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI technology and its application in consumer products.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, growth is often measured by the impact on the project and the potential for future opportunities. This position offers a unique chance to contribute to a pioneering product and gain specialized experience in the rapidly evolving field of personal AI design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Uare.ai is based in Los Altos, CA, suggesting an on-site work environment typical of Silicon Valley tech companies. This often includes collaborative office spaces designed to foster innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Los Altos, California. This location is in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing access to a rich ecosystem of tech talent and resources.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction between designers, engineers, and product managers.

• Access to modern design tools and technology will be essential for executing the role's responsibilities.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, with flexibility potentially available based on project needs and team agreements.

• The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and team synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Los Altos, CA, indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, which is common in early-stage startups where rapid communication and team cohesion are critical for product development and innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key projects that highlight your interaction, motion, and visual design expertise, particularly those involving consumer products or innovative tech.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study may be assigned to assess your problem-solving approach, design thinking, and ability to translate concepts into tangible design solutions relevant to personal AI.

• Team Interviews: Discussions with product leadership, engineering leads, and potentially other designers to evaluate technical skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Founder/Leadership Interview: A final conversation to discuss vision, strategic alignment, and overall fit with the company's mission and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your strengths in interaction, motion, and visual design, especially those involving consumer apps or complex user journeys.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges, and the outcomes/impact. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.

• Showcase Motion & Emotion: Highlight examples of microinteractions, animations, and transitions that contribute to the product's feel and emotional resonance.

• Demonstrate Prototyping: Include interactive prototypes and be prepared to discuss how you used them for testing and iteration.

• Address AI/Identity: If possible, include projects that touch upon AI, digital identity, or novel user experiences, explaining your approach to these unique design challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Vision: Thoroughly research Uare.ai's mission, product concept, and target audience.

• Think Holistically: Consider how to design for emotional connection, self-expression, and the unique aspects of "personal AI" and "living digital reflections."

• Focus on User Experience: Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure the product is intuitive, engaging, and meaningful for users interacting with AI versions of themselves.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your design rationale and process concisely and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the innovative nature of Uare.ai, interviewers will be looking for a designer who can not only execute high-quality design but also think creatively about new interaction paradigms and the emotional impact of AI. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating this capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (essential), Framer (highly preferred), Webflow (bonus). Proficiency in at least one of these is critical for rapid prototyping and iterative design.

• Collaboration: Tools like Slack, Google Workspace, or similar for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core design responsibilities of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, Framer, and Webflow indicates a need for a designer who can quickly build interactive prototypes that closely resemble the final product, facilitating rapid iteration and feedback loops. Fluency in these tools is a non-negotiable requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Vision: A drive to create new categories and push technological boundaries.

• Craftsmanship & Emotion: A deep commitment to high-quality design that evokes emotion and feels meaningful.

• Purpose-Driven: Believing in the potential of personal AI to redefine human interaction and self-expression.

• Collaboration & Ownership: Working closely with a small, dedicated team, taking ownership of design outcomes.

• Human-Centric AI: Focusing on how AI can augment and enhance human capabilities and identity.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with designers working hand-in-hand with product leadership, AI specialists, and engineers.

• Open communication and feedback loops are essential for iterating on a novel product.

• A culture that values diverse perspectives and collective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core mission of building "personal AI" that "feels alive" suggests a culture deeply invested in the intersection of technology, human psychology, and emotional design. Designers are expected to be thinkers and creators who can contribute to this unique vision.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining a New Category: Designing for "personal AI" and "living digital reflections" presents unprecedented design challenges, requiring innovative solutions beyond existing paradigms.

• Balancing AI Complexity with User Simplicity: Translating sophisticated AI capabilities into an intuitive and emotionally resonant user experience.

• Establishing a Unique Design Language: Creating a visual and interactive language that effectively communicates the essence of personal AI and digital identity.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup Environment: Adapting quickly to evolving product requirements and market feedback.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunity to become an expert in designing for emerging AI technologies and digital identity.

• Direct mentorship and collaboration with experienced founders and technologists.

• The chance to shape a product that has the potential for significant societal impact.

• Gaining experience in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are also excellent growth opportunities. The ability to navigate ambiguity and pioneer new design solutions in the AI space will be highly valuable for future career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you approach designing the emotional experience of interacting with an AI version of oneself?

• What are the key design considerations for visualizing memory and knowledge within a personal AI context?

• How would you ensure a consistent and compelling brand identity across different AI "personalities" or versions?

• Describe your process for designing a new interaction paradigm for AI-driven products.

Company & Culture Questions:

• What excites you most about Uare.ai's mission to create a marketplace for personal AI?

• How do you see your design philosophy contributing to Uare.ai's goal of humanizing AI?

• Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with a novel design concept.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contribution, the design process, and the measurable impact or learnings.

• Highlight Motion & Emotion: Be ready to demonstrate interactive prototypes and explain how motion and visual design contribute to the user's emotional connection with the product.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Explain your thought process for tackling complex design challenges, particularly those involving new technologies or abstract concepts.

• Tailor to Uare.ai: Connect your past experiences and design philosophy to the specific challenges and opportunities at Uare.ai.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss not just your design skills but also your forward-thinking approach to AI and human-computer interaction. Be ready to articulate your vision for the future of personal AI design and how your skills can help Uare.ai achieve it.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer (Contract) position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with consumer apps, interaction design, motion design, and prototyping tools (Figma, Framer, Webflow). Emphasize any experience with AI, digital identity, or innovative tech products.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your best work in interaction, motion, and visual design. Include detailed case studies explaining your process and impact for 1-2 relevant projects.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on your problem-solving approach, design rationale, and the emotional impact of your designs. Be ready to discuss your vision for personal AI design.

• Research Uare.ai: Understand their mission, the founders' background, and the unique concept of "personal AI." Be prepared to articulate why you are passionate about this specific opportunity.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding compensation and specific benefits for contract roles, should be verified directly with Uare.ai during the interview process. As this is a contract position, understanding the scope, duration, and payment terms is crucial.