Product Designer (New RnD)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (New RnD)

Company: Headway Inc

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / Research & Development

Date Posted: 2026-03-30

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with office presence in Kyiv)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead end-to-end product design for an innovative new mobile EdTech product within a stealth R&D initiative.

• Drive rapid prototyping and user research to validate hypotheses and inform design decisions for a 0→1 product development lifecycle.

• Leverage AI tools to enhance design workflows and contribute to growth design strategies, focusing on user acquisition and onboarding funnels.

• Own and manage personal workflow to align with team priorities, ensuring efficient execution in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to translate user needs and business objectives into compelling and effective user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "New RnD" designation strongly implies a 0→1 product development phase, requiring a candidate comfortable with ambiguity, rapid iteration, and hypothesis-driven design. The focus on "stealth mode" further emphasizes the need for discretion and a proactive, self-starting attitude.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• End-to-End Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and deliver user experiences for a new mobile EdTech product, from initial ideation through to public launch.

• Rapid Prototyping & Validation: Quickly create low-fidelity sketches, wireframes, and high-fidelity interactive prototypes to test and validate product hypotheses.

• User Research & Analysis: Conduct comprehensive user research, including discovery interviews, usability testing, and behavioral analysis, to gather actionable insights and inform design decisions.

• Iterative Design Refinement: Continuously refine and optimize designs based on real-time data analytics, user feedback, A/B testing results, and evolving market trends.

• AI-Assisted Design Workflow: Integrate and utilize AI tools to accelerate design processes, enhance feature development, and explore innovative design solutions.

• Growth Design & Onboarding: Contribute to the design of acquisition funnels and craft seamless, intuitive onboarding experiences to drive user conversion and retention.

• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure design solutions align with technical feasibility and business goals.

• Competitive Analysis: Analyze competitors from both design and business perspectives to identify market opportunities and differentiation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on a full product design lifecycle, from ideation to launch, with a significant focus on user research, rapid prototyping, and data-informed iteration. The explicit mention of "Growth Design" and "AI Integration" points to a modern product development approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles and methodologies is paramount.

Experience: 2+ years of dedicated experience in Product Design, with a significant portion focused on mobile application design.

Required Skills:

• Product Design Expertise: 2+ years of experience in product design, with a proven track record of delivering successful mobile applications.

• 0→1 Product Development: Demonstrated ability to build products from inception to launch, not just optimize existing features.

• UI/UX Design Mastery: Strong proficiency in UI/UX design principles, with a deep understanding of mobile-specific patterns and best practices.

• Rapid Prototyping: Skill in quickly creating interactive prototypes (low-fi to high-fi) to validate design concepts and user flows.

• User Research Methodologies: Experience conducting various forms of user research, including interviews, usability testing, and behavioral analysis.

• Hypothesis-Driven Development: Ability to work within a framework of testing and validating product hypotheses.

• Workflow Management: Capacity to plan, manage, and execute personal workflow effectively according to team priorities.

• English Proficiency: Intermediate level or higher, enabling effective communication in a global team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Subscription App Experience: Background in designing for subscription-based applications (e.g., EdTech, Health & Fitness, Productivity).

• Startup Environment Acumen: Experience thriving in fast-changing environments characterized by uncertainty, pivots, and rapid evolution.

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and balance business needs with user needs to find optimal product solutions.

• Product Thinking & Analytics: Understanding of product analytics tools and the ability to interpret data to inform design and business strategy.

• Growth Marketing Principles: Familiarity with user acquisition strategies and marketing principles to drive product growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0→1 Expertise" requirement is critical and suggests the company is looking for someone who can contribute from the ground up, not just iterate on existing products. The preference for "Startup DNA" indicates a need for adaptability and comfort with ambiguity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• 0→1 Product Case Study: Showcase at least one comprehensive case study detailing the design process for a product built from scratch, from initial concept to a defined launch stage.

• Mobile-First Design Examples: Include multiple examples of mobile application designs, highlighting UI/UX considerations specific to iOS and Android platforms.

• User Research Integration: Demonstrate how user research findings directly influenced design decisions and iterations within your case studies.

• Prototyping & Validation: Present examples of prototypes used for hypothesis testing and user validation, along with insights gained from these tests.

• Growth & Onboarding Flows: Include designs or case studies that specifically address user acquisition funnels or onboarding experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Documentation: Be prepared to articulate your typical design process, from concept to delivery, including how you manage research, ideation, prototyping, and handoff.

• Hypothesis Testing Framework: Explain your approach to defining, testing, and iterating on product hypotheses.

• AI Tool Integration: Describe how you have leveraged AI tools in your design workflow to enhance efficiency or explore new possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "New RnD" and "0→1" nature of the role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize the ability to initiate and build, rather than just optimize. Case studies demonstrating the entire product development lifecycle from problem identification to solution design and validation will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Kyiv, Ukraine, the estimated salary range is ₴35,000 - ₴70,000 per month. This estimate considers the company's global presence, the specific demands of a 0→1 R&D role, and the cost of living in Kyiv.

Benefits:

• Ambitious Product: Opportunity to work on a socially impactful education product within a high-growth tech company.

• Resilient Workspace: Access to an office equipped with reliable shelter, generators, and satellite internet, ensuring operational continuity.

• Knowledge & Community: Access to a corporate knowledge base and professional communities for continuous learning and networking.

• Personal Development: A structured personal development plan to guide career growth and skill enhancement.

• Learning & Training: Compensation for English language learning, external training programs, and relevant courses.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical insurance and full sick leave compensation.

• On-site Amenities: Access to a company doctor and massage services within the office.

• Active Lifestyle: Participation in sports activities such as running, yoga, and boxing.

• Work-Life Balance: Twice-yearly corporate holidays (week-long paid retreats) for rest and rejuvenation.

• Social Impact: Support for initiatives that contribute to Ukraine's recovery and development.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely aligning with a 40-hour work week. While specific flexibility is not detailed, the emphasis on workflow ownership suggests a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Kyiv and the specified experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, portfolio, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting Headway Inc.'s commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically EdTech (Education Technology), with a focus on lifelong learning and digital product development. Headway Inc. is recognized as a top EdTech company by TIME magazine.

Company Size: Headway Inc. operates globally, with a significant user base of over 150 million users. While the exact employee count isn't specified, its ranking and user reach suggest a medium-to-large, rapidly growing organization.

Founded: Headway Inc. has a history that allows it to be recognized by TIME magazine, indicating established operations and a track record in the EdTech space.

Team Structure:

• R&D Initiative: You will join a new, stealth R&D team focused on a groundbreaking EdTech idea. This implies a small, agile, and highly collaborative unit.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially Marketing/Growth teams.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, the role likely reports to a Product Lead or Head of R&D within this new initiative.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasis on using real-time data, user feedback, and analytics to inform design and product strategy.

• Iterative Development: A continuous cycle of design, test, learn, and refine is fundamental to the role.

• Agile Principles: The "rapid prototyping" and "iterative process" suggest an agile or lean approach to product development.

• AI Integration: Proactive adoption of AI tools to enhance efficiency and innovation within the design process.

Company Website: https://careers.headway.inc

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to "revolutionize lifelong learning" and its TIME magazine recognition provide strong context for its culture. The "New RnD" aspect suggests a dynamic, experimental, and potentially less structured environment than established product lines, requiring adaptable team members.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer with significant ownership and impact, particularly within the R&D context. It's an opportunity to be instrumental in shaping a new product from its inception.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a lead within the new R&D team, likely a Product Manager or Head of R&D. Close collaboration with engineering and product teams is expected.

Operations Impact: The designer will have a direct and significant impact on the success of a new product by shaping its user experience, driving user acquisition, and influencing its market fit. Success in this role, especially in the 0→1 phase, can lead to substantial career advancement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Leadership: Take on increasing responsibility for product strategy and design direction as the new product matures.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in mobile product design, user research, growth design, and AI integration.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to product management, engineering, and marketing through close collaboration.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers as the team grows and learn from experienced leaders within Headway Inc.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to a product that has the potential to be a significant player in the EdTech market, building a strong portfolio and professional reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "New RnD" context presents a unique growth trajectory. Success here could lead to opportunities for leadership within this new product line or other emerging initiatives within Headway Inc. The emphasis on "0→1" expertise is a significant differentiator for career growth in the product development field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job listing indicates an office-based role in Kyiv, Ukraine. The description specifically mentions an "office with a reliable shelter, generators, satellite internet, and other amenities," which is a critical detail given the current geopolitical context in Ukraine, ensuring a secure and functional workspace.

Office Location(s): Kyrylivska St, 40, Kyiv, 04080, Ukraine.

Workspace Context:

• Secure & Resilient: The physical workspace is designed to be operational under challenging circumstances, providing a stable environment for focused work.

• Collaborative Hub: The office setting facilitates in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and team synergy, essential for a new R&D initiative.

• Resourceful Environment: Access to amenities like a company doctor, massage services, and sports facilities supports employee well-being and productivity.

• Technology Enabled: While not explicitly detailed for the designer's workstation, the mention of satellite internet suggests a commitment to robust technological infrastructure.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time. While specific daily hours aren't defined, the emphasis on workflow ownership and project delivery implies a need for dedication and proactive schedule management. The hybrid nature suggests a balance between focused work at the office and potentially remote flexibility on certain days, though the primary location is the Kyiv office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed description of the office's resilience (shelter, generators, satellite internet) is a crucial differentiator and a strong indicator of the company's commitment to employee safety and operational continuity in Ukraine. This is a significant factor for candidates considering roles in this region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: Based on industry standards and the provided "Talent Guide" link, the interview process is likely multi-stage and comprehensive:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Oleksandr Doniev (Hiring Manager) to delve into experience, 0→1 product design capabilities, and cultural fit.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise or presentation of portfolio case studies to evaluate design skills, problem-solving approach, and communication abilities. This will likely focus on a hypothetical new product or a problem relevant to EdTech.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with potential team members (engineers, product managers) to assess collaboration style and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight 0→1 Process: Clearly articulate your role and contributions in building a product from scratch. Show the journey from problem definition to solution.

• Showcase Mobile Expertise: Ensure your portfolio prominently features mobile application designs, detailing UI/UX decisions specific to mobile platforms.

• Demonstrate Research Impact: For each case study, explain how user research informed your design decisions and led to tangible improvements or validated hypotheses.

• Prototype & Test: Include examples of prototypes and explain how they were used for testing and validation, sharing key learnings.

• Growth & Onboarding Focus: If applicable, include examples of designs that specifically address user acquisition or onboarding flows.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely, focusing on the problem, your process, your solution, and the outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the EdTech Landscape: Familiarize yourself with current trends, user needs, and competitive products in the EdTech and lifelong learning space.

• Prepare for 0→1 Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a completely new product with limited initial information.

• Articulate AI Integration: Think about how AI can genuinely enhance the user experience or design workflow in an EdTech context.

• Practice Explaining Your Process: Be ready to walk through your design process for specific case studies, emphasizing your decision-making rationale.

• Research Headway Inc.: Understand their mission, existing products, and values to articulate how your design philosophy aligns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Talent Guide" link provided in the original description is a crucial resource. Candidates should thoroughly review it for specific details on each interview stage and preparation advice tailored by Headway Inc. The emphasis on "0→1" and "Growth Design" will likely be central themes in any design challenge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar. Figma is often preferred for collaborative workflows.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like InVision, Principle, ProtoPie, or advanced prototyping features within Figma/Sketch for creating interactive models.

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting usability testing, surveys, and interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Typeform, Zoom/Google Meet for remote sessions).

• AI Design Tools: Experience or willingness to learn and integrate AI-powered design assistants and tools (e.g., Midjourney for ideation, AI-assisted content generation, workflow automation tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Understanding of how to use data from platforms like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar to inform design decisions and track user behavior.

• A/B Testing Tools: Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and tools to validate design hypotheses and optimize conversion rates.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is managed in CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for context.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Notion for managing tasks, workflows, and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI Integration" suggests a forward-thinking approach. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AI tools in design or their enthusiasm and learning aptitude for incorporating them. Figma is a strong candidate for the primary design tool given its prevalence in collaborative, modern design teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning, personal development, and embracing new challenges, particularly within the dynamic EdTech landscape.

• Impact-Driven: Focus on creating products that have a real, positive impact on users' lives through lifelong learning.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together effectively across functions to achieve shared goals, especially crucial in a new R&D initiative.

• Data-Informed & User-Centric: Decisions are guided by data and a deep understanding of user needs, ensuring products are both effective and desirable.

• Agility & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to change, and pivot when necessary, especially in a stealth R&D setting.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's work, driving projects forward, and delivering high-quality results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with product managers and engineers to ensure designs are technically feasible and strategically aligned.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open feedback, constructive critique, and transparent communication to foster innovation.

• Proactive Engagement: A culture where team members proactively contribute ideas, identify opportunities, and help shape the product direction.

• Shared Learning: Encouragement to share knowledge, best practices, and insights gained from research and experimentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "SELECT" values mentioned in the company description (though not detailed here) are likely key to understanding Headway Inc.'s core principles. The emphasis on growth, impact, and collaboration aligns well with a dynamic tech company, especially one launching a new initiative.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity in Stealth Mode: Navigating the inherent uncertainty and lack of established processes in a new, stealth R&D initiative.

• 0→1 Product Creation: The significant challenge of building a product from scratch, requiring rapid hypothesis generation, validation, and iteration with limited initial data.

• Balancing Innovation and Viability: Striking the right balance between groundbreaking design ideas and technical/business feasibility within a startup-like R&D environment.

• User Acquisition & Onboarding: Designing effective strategies to attract and onboard new users for a novel product in a competitive EdTech market.

• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Finding meaningful and valuable applications for AI that enhance the user experience without being gimmicky or overly complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Pioneering New Products: Gain invaluable experience in the entire lifecycle of bringing a new product to market.

• Deep Dive into EdTech: Become an expert in the unique challenges and opportunities within the lifelong learning and EdTech sectors.

• AI in Design Mastery: Develop advanced skills in leveraging AI tools and methodologies for creative problem-solving and workflow optimization.

• Growth Design Expertise: Hone skills in user acquisition, conversion optimization, and retention strategies.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to grow into a design leadership role as the R&D initiative matures and scales.

• Professional Development Support: Access to compensation for English learning, external training, and courses, fostering continuous skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the nature of the role – building something new in stealth. This presents significant learning opportunities for ambitious designers looking to expand their capabilities in product innovation and strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a completely new mobile product from scratch. How would you approach the initial 0→1 phase?" (Focus on hypothesis generation, research, and early validation).

• "How have you used user research to inform critical design decisions, especially in situations with limited initial data?" (Prepare a specific case study).

• "Imagine we're building a new AI-powered learning tool. How would you leverage AI to enhance the user experience and design workflow?" (Discuss practical AI applications).

• "Walk us through a time you had to balance conflicting user needs with business objectives. How did you resolve it?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and compromise).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Headway Inc.'s mission to revolutionize lifelong learning?" (Show genuine interest).

• "How do you handle working in an ambiguous or 'stealth mode' environment?" (Highlight adaptability and proactivity).

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product managers and engineers." (Emphasize communication and teamwork).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story: the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solution, and the impact/outcomes.

• Emphasize the 'Why': Clearly articulate the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them back to user needs or business goals.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively to showcase your designs, prototypes, and research findings.

• Highlight 0→1 Experience: If you have a relevant case study, make it the centerpiece, demonstrating your ability to build from the ground up.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rates, engagement metrics, user satisfaction scores).

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Reviewing Headway Inc.'s "Talent Guide" is paramount. Candidates should also prepare to discuss their use of AI in design and their understanding of the EdTech market, as these are key differentiators for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit Your CV: Apply through the official careers portal at https://careers.headway.inc/jobs/7485455-product-designer-new-rnd.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your 0→1 product development experience and mobile design work. Tailor your case studies to highlight user research integration and rapid prototyping.

• Review the Talent Guide: Thoroughly read the Headway Inc. Talent Guide to understand the interview process, expectations, and what they look for at each stage.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to ambiguity, and your experience with mobile and growth-focused design. Be ready to discuss your perspective on AI in product design.

• Research Headway Inc.: Understand their mission, values, and existing products to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during interviews.

⚠️ 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.