Product Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer II Company: Microsoft Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Date Posted: October 10, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Shape the future of productivity experiences at a global scale, leveraging the transformative power of AI.
• Translate deep user insights into end-to-end product journeys that balance emotional resonance with functional clarity.
• Craft detailed design concepts, prototypes, and specifications for world-class user experiences within the Microsoft 365 suite.
• Drive innovation in the design process by building AI-powered tools and workflows for an AI-native organization.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product management, and research teams to ensure vision, execution, and impact alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on product design within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, with a significant emphasis on integrating AI into productivity tools. The "II" in the title suggests a mid-level position, requiring a blend of hands-on design execution and collaborative influence. The on-site requirement in Hyderabad indicates a strong preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on user interfaces and interaction models for next-generation productivity applications, with a focus on AI-enhanced features.
• Conduct user research, synthesize findings, and translate insights into actionable design strategies and tangible product improvements.
• Develop high-fidelity prototypes, detailed design specifications, and visual assets to guide engineering development.
• Advocate for user needs and design best practices throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring functional clarity and emotional resonance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, researchers, and marketing, to align on product vision and deliver exceptional user experiences.
• Contribute to the evolution of the design system and design processes, exploring and implementing AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency and creativity.
• Participate in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to elevate the quality of design output.
• Embody Microsoft's growth mindset and values, fostering an inclusive and collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to design, emphasizing user-centricity, AI integration, and cross-functional collaboration. The expectation to "transform the design process" with AI tools suggests a forward-thinking and innovative design team culture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in product design, UX design, or interaction design, with a portfolio showcasing end-to-end product experience.
• Proven experience designing for complex applications and consumer-facing products, ideally within the productivity or software-as-a-service (SaaS) space.

Required Skills:

• Product Design: Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, design, and deliver high-quality user experiences for digital products.
• User Insights: Strong skills in user research methodologies, data synthesis, and translating user needs into design solutions.
• Prototyping: Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or similar, to effectively communicate design concepts.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, building strong partnerships with engineering, product management, and research.
• AI & Emerging Technologies: Understanding of AI concepts and their application in user experiences, with a keen interest in shaping AI-powered products.
• Design Process: Experience in defining and optimizing design workflows, and an eagerness to explore new tools and methodologies.
• Visual & Interaction Design: Strong aesthetic sensibility and a deep understanding of usability principles, information architecture, and interaction design patterns.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design systems and component-based design.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 applications and their underlying design principles.
• Experience in designing for large-scale, global products with diverse user bases.
• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design decisions.
• Experience in transforming design processes with AI tools or automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 2-5 years positions this as a mid-level role. The emphasis on AI and transforming the design process with AI tools is a critical differentiator. A portfolio is implicitly required for a Product Designer role, and specific mention of end-to-end product experience is key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 significant product design projects, with a focus on end-to-end user journeys.
• Demonstrations of problem-solving through design, clearly articulating the challenge, your role, the design process, and the final outcome.
• Case studies that highlight your ability to gather and apply user insights to inform design decisions.
• Examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs.
• Evidence of collaboration with engineering and product teams, and how you navigated trade-offs.

Process Documentation:

• Within your portfolio, clearly outline the design process followed for each project, emphasizing iterative design and user feedback loops.
• Showcase how you documented design specifications, interaction details, and visual assets for development handoff.
• Include examples of how you measured the success of your designs, using qualitative and quantitative data where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on demonstrating the entire design lifecycle, user-centricity, and collaborative execution, with an implicit expectation to showcase how AI could have been or was integrated.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Product Designer II at a major tech company like Microsoft in Hyderabad, India, the estimated annual salary range is ₹1,500,000 to ₹2,500,000 (INR). This range accounts for the mid-level experience (2-5 years), the specific role responsibilities, and the high cost of living and talent demand in Hyderabad for specialized tech roles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including sick leave, vacation days, and public holidays.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., Provident Fund contributions).
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.
• Employee stock purchase programs (ESPP) or stock awards.
• Access to Microsoft's extensive internal learning resources and development platforms.
• On-site amenities (depending on the specific Hyderabad campus), which may include cafeterias, fitness centers, and recreational facilities.
• Parental leave policies.
• Employee assistance programs (EAP).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours, typically Monday through Friday.
• While core hours are expected for team collaboration, Microsoft often offers some flexibility in daily schedules to accommodate personal needs, provided business objectives and team commitments are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for Hyderabad, India, were researched using data from reputable job boards and salary aggregators that track compensation for Product Designers in Tier-1 Indian cities within multinational tech corporations. The provided range reflects a mid-level position at a company of Microsoft's caliber.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software Development & Technology, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Productivity Software. Company Size: Microsoft is a global enterprise with over 220,000 employees worldwide, indicating a vast and diverse organizational structure. Founded: 1975, with a long history of innovation and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is likely structured to support specific product areas within Microsoft 365, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, or broader platform initiatives.
• Designers often report into Design Managers or Group Leads, working within product teams that include Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and Program Managers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working closely with diverse disciplines to bring products to life.

Methodology:

• Microsoft champions a "growth mindset" culture, encouraging continuous learning, experimentation, and resilience in the face of challenges.
• Design processes often involve agile methodologies, with iterative cycles of research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and development.
• There's a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, using telemetry, A/B testing, and user feedback to refine product experiences.
• The company is actively driving towards becoming an "AI-native organization," embedding AI principles and tools across all functions, including design.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Microsoft's culture, particularly its "growth mindset" and recent push towards AI, is crucial for candidates. The scale of Microsoft means designers work on products that impact billions, requiring a focus on robust, scalable, and inclusive design solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Product Designer II, indicating a mid-level position. It signifies a designer who has moved beyond foundational skills and is capable of independently owning significant design challenges, contributing to product strategy, and mentoring junior designers. The responsibilities suggest a role that is integral to product development, requiring a balance of execution and strategic input.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer II will likely report to a Design Manager or a Lead Designer. They will be an integral part of product teams, collaborating daily with Product Managers, Engineers, and User Researchers. This structure fosters close working relationships and ensures design is integrated early and continuously in the product development lifecycle.

Operations Impact: Product Designers at Microsoft have a direct and profound impact on the productivity and success of billions of users worldwide. By creating intuitive, efficient, and engaging experiences within Microsoft 365, they enable individuals and organizations to achieve more. The integration of AI into these tools further amplifies this impact, potentially revolutionizing how work is done.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific product areas (e.g., AI-powered writing assistants, data visualization tools, collaborative platforms) or design disciplines (e.g., interaction design, motion design, design systems).
• Leadership: Progress to Senior Product Designer, Principal Designer, or into design management roles, leading teams and shaping design strategy.
• Skill Development: Access to extensive internal training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to hone technical skills, AI design principles, and leadership capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles within product management, user research, or program management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation implies a step up from an entry-level role, expecting more autonomy and strategic contribution. Growth paths at Microsoft are typically well-defined, offering clear trajectories for career advancement within design and beyond.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Microsoft's Hyderabad campus is a state-of-the-art facility designed for collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. It is an on-site environment that prioritizes in-person interaction and team synergy.

Office Location(s): The specific office is located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, a major technology hub. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and a large talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office will feature a variety of work settings, including open-plan areas, dedicated project rooms, meeting rooms equipped with advanced AV technology, and quiet zones for focused work.
• Tools & Technology: Designers will have access to high-performance workstations, the latest design software, and robust network infrastructure to support their work. Integration with Microsoft's suite of collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint, etc.) will be seamless.
• Team Interaction: The environment encourages frequent interaction with colleagues, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and facilitating rapid problem-solving through spontaneous discussions and planned meetings.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, aligning with the needs of global product development and collaboration across time zones. While core hours are expected, Microsoft often supports flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, provided team collaboration and project timelines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is a key aspect. The Hyderabad campus is known for its modern design and employee-centric amenities, reflecting Microsoft's investment in its global workforce and collaborative work culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Screening: Initial review of resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager.
• Portfolio Review & Interview: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their work, discusses their design process, and answers questions about their projects. This is often followed by a behavioral interview.
• Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a take-home design exercise or a live, timed design activity to assess their problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to articulate their solutions under pressure.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential team members, including engineers, product managers, and other designers, to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership or the hiring manager to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your unique contribution, the process, the challenges, and the impact.
• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate how you arrived at your solutions, not just the final output. Show your thinking, iterations, and rationale.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data (user metrics, conversion rates, efficiency gains) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.
• AI Integration: If possible, highlight projects where you considered or implemented AI-driven features, or how AI could have enhanced the experience.
• Tailor to Microsoft: Research Microsoft's design principles, products, and recent announcements (especially around AI) to tailor your presentation and responses.

Challenge Preparation:

• Deconstruct the Prompt: Understand the core problem, target users, and constraints of any design challenge.
• Time Management: Allocate time effectively for research (if permitted), ideation, sketching, and presentation preparation.
• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design decisions and trade-offs clearly and concisely.
• Consider AI: Think about how AI could be leveraged to solve the problem or enhance the user experience in the given context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Microsoft is typically rigorous, assessing a candidate's design craft, strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and cultural alignment. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is the gateway to further stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, Confluence.
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, internal Microsoft research tools.
• Design Systems: familiarity with atomic design principles and experience contributing to or utilizing design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding data from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or Microsoft's internal telemetry platforms is beneficial for data-informed design.

CRM & Automation:

• Generally not directly used by Product Designers, but an understanding of how CRM and automation platforms influence user journeys can be helpful context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is expected. Given the company, deep familiarity with Microsoft's own collaboration and productivity suite (Teams, etc.) is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep understanding and empathy for users, driving designs that solve real problems and delight customers.
• Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning, experimentation, and embracing challenges as opportunities for development.
• Inclusion: Designing products and fostering a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.
• Integrity & Accountability: Taking ownership of work, being transparent, and upholding ethical standards in all endeavors.
• Innovation: Actively seeking new ideas, challenging the status quo, and leveraging emerging technologies like AI to create groundbreaking experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Designers are expected to be proactive collaborators, working hand-in-hand with product managers, engineers, and researchers to ensure a shared vision and seamless execution.
• Constructive Feedback: A culture of open and honest feedback is encouraged, with designers expected to both give and receive constructive criticism to elevate the quality of their work and the team's output.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, learnings, and new techniques within the design team and across the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft's core values are deeply embedded in its culture. For a designer, this translates to a user-centric approach, a willingness to learn and adapt, and a commitment to building inclusive products and a collaborative work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale & Complexity: Designing for a global user base with diverse needs and technical proficiencies, within a complex and evolving product suite like Microsoft 365.
• AI Integration: Effectively integrating AI features into existing workflows and user interfaces without overwhelming users or compromising core functionality.
• Cross-Team Alignment: Navigating the complexities of a large organization to ensure design vision is understood and executed consistently across multiple product teams and disciplines.
• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI, and translating them into meaningful user experiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Courses and projects focused on designing with and for AI, understanding AI ethics, and leveraging AI tools in the design process.
• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas such as interaction design, animation, accessibility, or design systems.
• Leadership Development: Programs designed to cultivate leadership skills for those aspiring to manage teams or lead strategic design initiatives.
• Industry Exposure: Access to internal and external conferences, workshops, and guest speaker sessions from leading figures in design and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges reflect the opportunities inherent in working at a company like Microsoft. The growth path is strongly tied to embracing these challenges and leveraging the extensive learning resources available.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to balance user needs with business goals." Prepare a STAR method response highlighting a specific project where you navigated these competing priorities, emphasizing your process for finding an optimal solution.
• "How do you approach designing for a global audience with diverse cultural backgrounds and accessibility needs?" Discuss your methods for research, localization, and ensuring inclusivity in your design process. Mention specific accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) and how you apply them.
• "Describe your process for incorporating AI into a product's user experience." Be ready to discuss your understanding of AI capabilities, potential user benefits, ethical considerations, and how you'd integrate AI features seamlessly without disrupting core user flows.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Microsoft? What excites you about working on Microsoft 365 products?" Research Microsoft's mission, values, and recent product developments, especially in AI. Articulate how your passion aligns with their goals.
• "How do you embody a growth mindset in your work?" Share an example of a time you learned a new skill, overcame a failure, or adapted to a significant change.
• "How do you ensure inclusivity in your designs and collaborations?" Discuss your understanding of inclusive design principles and how you foster an inclusive environment within your teams.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business and user impact of your projects. Use metrics where possible.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Walk through your design process visually, explaining your rationale at each stage.
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with other disciplines and how you incorporated feedback.
• Address AI Potential: For any relevant project, discuss how AI could have been or was integrated to enhance the experience.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Have a clear narrative for each project and be prepared to dive deeper based on interviewer questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with Microsoft's culture and product vision, particularly concerning AI's role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the official Microsoft Careers portal, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and tailored to the role.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating end-to-end design processes, user insight application, and ideally, any experience or thoughtful consideration of AI in product design. Select 2-3 strong case studies that best align with Microsoft's productivity focus.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your years of experience, key skills in product design, UX research, prototyping, and collaboration, with specific keywords like "Product Design," "User Insights," "Prototyping," "AI," and "Microsoft 365." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, key project learnings, and how you approach challenges. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your thoughts on AI in productivity.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's mission, values, recent product announcements (especially related to AI and Microsoft 365), and the company's commitment to growth mindset and inclusion.

⚠️ 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.

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