Senior Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Researcher Company: Thoughtworks Location: Quito, Ecuador Job Type: Full-time Category: Design & User Experience Operations Date Posted: August 01, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Remote OK (with potential for US-based remote work)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on leveraging deep user research methodologies to uncover user needs and identify critical problems and opportunities within the product development lifecycle.
• You will be instrumental in the design and delivery of transformative technology projects, contributing to the creation of new digital products and services.
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams to produce a comprehensive suite of experience design deliverables, including journey maps, service blueprints, roadmaps, and prototypes, is a key aspect.
• The position requires facilitating workshops, developing innovative design strategies for products, and actively participating in strategic decision-making processes at a portfolio level.
• You will be responsible for setting inspiring design hypotheses for delivery teams, ensuring alignment between Thoughtworks professionals and client stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary location is Quito, Ecuador, the AI-derived remote location suggests potential for remote work within the United States. This indicates a flexible approach to talent acquisition, allowing for candidates outside of Ecuador to be considered if they meet the remote work criteria. The role is categorized under Design & User Experience Operations due to its emphasis on research, strategy, and the operationalization of design principles within technology projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., contextual inquiry, moderated interviews, experiments, user testing) to investigate customer and user needs, building a robust foundation for problem identification and opportunity discovery.
• Actively contribute to the delivery and design of technology projects, focusing on transforming client operations and developing innovative digital products and services.
• Collaborate within small, cross-functional teams to produce a wide array of experience design deliverables, such as journey maps, service blueprints, roadmaps, prototypes, and design systems.
• Facilitate workshops with clients and internal teams, develop unique design strategies for products, and participate in strategic decisions at the portfolio level.
• Establish clear and actionable design hypotheses for delivery teams, comprising both Thoughtworks personnel and client representatives.
• Proactively assess and communicate project scope, risks, and updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Effectively manage client and Thoughtworker expectations by clearly articulating experience design deliverables and project progress.
• Mentor and support less-experienced designers, extending expertise to teammates and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Advocate for experience design expertise within the broader community through speaking engagements at conferences, webinars, and meetups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research, strategic thinking, and team leadership, typical of a senior-level design researcher role. The emphasis on "transforming how our clients work" and "developing new digital products and services" points to a strong focus on business impact and client-facing solutions. The responsibility of advocating for design expertise beyond the company suggests a role that contributes to Thoughtworks' thought leadership in the design community.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background in a design-related field (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Psychology, Sociology) or equivalent practical experience is expected. Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in experience design, with a significant portion focused on user research and product strategy. Experience in Enterprise / SaaS environments is essential.

Required Skills:

• Extensive expertise in experience design principles and practices.
• Specialization in at least three additional design-related areas such as user research, service design, digital product design, interface design, or visual design.
• Proficiency in leading and advising on research activities using diverse methods like contextual inquiry, moderated interviews, experiments, and user testing.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly present research methods and findings to stakeholders through effective storytelling.
• Strong facilitation skills for client brainstorms and internal team sessions.
• Proven experience in stakeholder management, liaising effectively between clients and other key stakeholders to ensure buy-in and build trust.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to define project roles and build confidence in design teammates.
• A passion for contributing to the experience design community through peer reviews and knowledge sharing.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the banking or financial sectors.
• Experience in designing for both Web and Mobile digital products.
• Experience with prototyping tools and design systems.
• Familiarity with agile software development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for expertise in at least three additional design-related areas emphasizes the need for a T-shaped or even Pi-shaped professional profile, indicating a desire for versatility and depth. The mention of "Enterprise / SaaS Experience" is crucial for candidates, signaling the type of business context they'll be operating within. The preference for banking/financial sector experience suggests potential project pipelines or a focus on clients within this industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio link must be provided upon application, showcasing expertise in Digital Products (Web and Mobile).
• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate experience in Enterprise / SaaS environments.
• Evidence of applying various research methodologies and translating insights into actionable design strategies and deliverables.
• Case studies that highlight problem-solving approaches, design decision-making processes, and measurable outcomes.
• Examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams and effective stakeholder management.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in documenting user research processes, including methodology selection, participant recruitment, data synthesis, and reporting.
• Demonstrate the ability to create process flows, journey maps, service blueprints, and other artifacts that visualize complex user journeys and service interactions.
• Evidence of contribution to design systems or style guides that ensure consistency and scalability in product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio link, specifically highlighting digital products and enterprise/SaaS experience, means candidates must curate their application to showcase relevant work. This portfolio is a critical component for demonstrating practical application of skills and is likely a primary screening tool for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not explicitly stated, for a Senior Design Researcher role in Quito, Ecuador, with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range would typically fall between USD $40,000 - $70,000 annually, depending on specific experience, skills, and negotiation. This estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in Latin America and considering the international consultancy nature of Thoughtworks.

Benefits:

• Development Programs: Access to numerous development programs, interactive tools, and cultivation culture to support career growth.
• Autonomy with Support: Balancing independent career development with the structured support of teammates and leadership.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Opportunity to work with diverse, multi-disciplinary teams on challenging projects.
• Impactful Work: Contribution to projects that revolutionize tech and solve complex business problems for clients.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to engage with and contribute to the broader experience design community.

Working Hours: The role is listed with an AI-derived 40 hours per week, which is standard for a full-time position. However, given the consultancy nature, flexibility may be required to meet client demands and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the international nature of Thoughtworks and the potential for remote work in the US, the salary range provided is a broad estimate for the Ecuadorian market. Candidates should be aware that salary expectations might differ based on their specific location if working remotely in a different country, and this should be researched independently. The benefits emphasize professional growth and learning, aligning with Thoughtworks' culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Software Development, Digital Transformation. Thoughtworks operates at the forefront of technology, helping clients navigate complex business challenges through innovative software solutions and digital strategies. Company Size: Thoughtworks is a global company with a significant employee base, likely in the thousands. This size offers opportunities for diverse projects and career mobility. Founded: Thoughtworks was founded in 1997. Its long history in agile software development and consulting signifies a mature yet innovative organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• Designers at Thoughtworks are integrated into small, cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams that include developers, strategists, and other specialists.
• These teams typically report to project leads or program managers, with designers also having connections to the broader experience design community within Thoughtworks for mentorship and knowledge sharing.
• Collaboration is highly emphasized, with designers working closely with clients and client teams to ensure successful project outcomes and knowledge transfer.

Methodology:

• Agile & Lean Principles: Thoughtworks is a strong proponent of agile software development and lean methodologies, influencing how teams approach problem-solving and project delivery.
• User-Centric Design: The core of their design practice is understanding user needs and translating them into effective digital solutions.
• Iterative Development: Design research and delivery often occur in iterative cycles, allowing for continuous feedback and refinement.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While qualitative research is key, quantitative data and hypothesis testing are used to validate design decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks' reputation as a leader in agile and design thinking is a significant cultural indicator. The emphasis on "revolutionizing tech" and "purposeful and impactful work" suggests an environment that values innovation, continuous learning, and making a tangible difference for clients. The integration into cross-functional teams means designers must be comfortable collaborating with technical experts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior Design Researcher" position, indicating a role that requires seasoned expertise, leadership potential, and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy. It sits above junior or mid-level designer roles. Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Researcher will likely report to a Design Lead, Practice Lead, or a Project/Program Manager, depending on the project structure. They will also be part of the broader Thoughtworks Experience Design community, benefiting from peer mentorship and leadership within that practice area. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts business operations by ensuring that digital products and services are designed with a deep understanding of user needs, leading to higher adoption rates, improved user satisfaction, and ultimately, better business outcomes for clients. The research findings and design strategies developed will influence product roadmaps and strategic decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead research initiatives, mentor junior designers, and potentially take on practice leadership roles within the experience design community.
• Skill Specialization & Expansion: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or expand into related areas like service design, product strategy, or design leadership.
• Industry Exposure: Work with a diverse range of clients across various industries, gaining broad exposure to different business challenges and technological landscapes.
• Thought Leadership: Contribute to the company's knowledge base, speak at industry events, and influence the broader design community.
• Career Mobility: Thoughtworks' global presence and diverse project portfolio offer opportunities for internal mobility and career path diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a responsibility beyond individual contribution, including mentorship and strategic input. The emphasis on "no one-size-fits-all career path" suggests a flexible environment where individuals can shape their growth, but it also means they need to be proactive in seeking opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Thoughtworks typically operates with a blend of client-site work and potentially their own office spaces. Given the "Remote OK" status, the work environment is largely adaptable, with remote collaboration being a key aspect. Office Location(s): While the primary location is Quito, Ecuador, the "Remote OK" and "AI_remote_location: United States" suggest flexibility. Candidates should clarify the specific remote work policies and any potential requirements for occasional travel to client sites or Thoughtworks offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work in highly collaborative, cross-functional teams, often in agile "squads" or project-specific teams.
• Technology-Enabled: Access to modern collaboration tools and technologies to facilitate remote and in-person teamwork.
• Client Interaction: Regular interaction with clients and stakeholders will be a part of the daily routine, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, but the nature of consulting can involve flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs. This might include occasional work outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility indicated by "Remote OK" and potential US remote work is a key differentiator. Candidates should inquire about the specific expectations regarding location, time zone alignment, and any potential travel requirements as part of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.
• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Call: An initial conversation to understand your background, motivations, and alignment with the role and company culture.
• Technical/Design Interview: This will likely involve discussing your portfolio in detail, presenting case studies, and potentially answering scenario-based questions related to user research, design strategy, and problem-solving. Expect to delve into your process and decision-making.
• Cross-functional Team Interview: You may meet with potential team members (developers, project leads) to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or practice lead to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 2-3 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in user research, digital product design (web/mobile), and enterprise/SaaS environments.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodologies used, your design process, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, increased satisfaction scores).
• Demonstrate Process: Explain your research methodology, synthesis process, and how you translated insights into design decisions.
• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams and managed stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Thoughtworks: Understand their values, methodologies (agile, design thinking), and recent work.
• Prepare for "Why Thoughtworks?": Be ready to articulate your motivations for joining the company and this specific role.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would approach a specific user research problem, handle conflicting stakeholder feedback, or facilitate a complex workshop.
• Design Hypothesis Examples: Be prepared to discuss how you form and test design hypotheses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical. Candidates must be ready to articulate their process and impact clearly and concisely. Expect questions that probe not just what you did, but why you did it and how it led to positive outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for user interviews, surveys, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).
• Design & Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard tools for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision).
• Collaboration Tools: Experience with tools like Miro, Mural for virtual whiteboarding and workshop facilitation; Jira for task management; Confluence for documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform research findings.
• Reporting & Presentation Tools: Proficiency in creating clear and compelling reports and presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

CRM & Automation: While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data feeds into CRM systems and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned are common in design research and product development. A strong candidate will be proficient in a range of these, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to leveraging technology effectively in their research and design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purposeful Impact: A commitment to delivering meaningful results for clients and contributing positively to the tech industry.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is paramount.
• Continuous Learning: Encouraging curiosity, knowledge sharing, and personal/professional development.
• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change, iterating quickly, and responding effectively to evolving client needs.
• Excellence: A dedication to high-quality work and delivering exceptional outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with developers, strategists, product managers, and business stakeholders.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and honest feedback within teams and with clients.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in internal communities of practice, sharing insights, and mentoring peers.
• Client Partnership: Building strong, trusting relationships with clients to co-create solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks' culture is heavily influenced by its agile roots and its global, diverse workforce. Expect an environment that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with User Insights: Navigating client expectations and business requirements while advocating for user-centric design principles.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research findings and design recommendations to stakeholders with varying levels of understanding and influence.
• Working in Fast-Paced Environments: Adapting to the dynamic nature of consulting projects and tight deadlines.
• Global Remote Collaboration: Ensuring effective communication and collaboration across different time zones and cultural nuances if working remotely internationally.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Design Strategy and Leadership: Developing skills in strategic planning, product visioning, and leading design initiatives.
• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in UX design, technology, and specific industry verticals.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced design leaders and peers for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a senior role in a consulting environment. Thoughtworks' emphasis on learning and development provides a strong framework for addressing these challenges and fostering professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user problem you uncovered. What research methods did you use, and how did your findings lead to a significant product improvement?" (Focus on process, impact, and methodology)
• "How do you approach building consensus and managing stakeholder expectations when their needs conflict with user insights?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to rapidly iterate on a design based on user feedback. What was your process, and what did you learn?" (Focus on agility, learning, and iterative design)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Thoughtworks specifically, and how do your values align with ours?" (Research their values, agile approach, and community focus)
• "How do you contribute to a team's collaborative dynamic and foster a positive team culture?" (Provide examples of your collaborative style and how you support teammates)
• "How do you measure the success and impact of your design research work?" (Discuss metrics, ROI, and how you demonstrate value)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a clear narrative for each case study: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.
• Visuals: Use mockups, user flows, journey maps, and key research artifacts to illustrate your points.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present each project within a specific timeframe (e.g., 5-10 minutes).
• Interaction: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your decisions, challenges, and learnings. Engage the interviewer by asking clarifying questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a deep understanding of your process, your ability to articulate the "why" behind your decisions, and how you drive measurable impact. Demonstrating a proactive, collaborative, and learning-oriented mindset is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Researcher position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your portfolio through the provided application channel.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 high-impact projects that showcase your expertise in user research, digital product design (web/mobile), and enterprise/SaaS contexts. Tailor your project descriptions to highlight your specific contributions and the outcomes achieved.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, key responsibilities, and achievements using keywords from the job description (e.g., user research, experience design, stakeholder management, digital product design). Quantify your accomplishments where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, research methodologies, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for common behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your experience with cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Thoughtworks' company culture, values, and their approach to agile and design thinking. Understand their client-centric model and how design research contributes to their overall strategy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding salary ranges, specific remote work policies, and exact interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.