Senior Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

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

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute user research initiatives, utilizing a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover critical user needs and identify actionable opportunities for product and service innovation.
• Drive the design and delivery of impactful technology projects, transforming client operations and developing cutting-edge digital products and services through a user-centered approach.
• Collaborate within agile, cross-functional teams to produce a comprehensive suite of experience design deliverables, including journey maps, service blueprints, roadmaps, and prototypes, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Facilitate strategic workshops and client brainstorming sessions, translating research insights into clear design hypotheses and influencing strategic decisions at the portfolio level.
• Act as an advocate for experience design, sharing expertise internally and externally through speaking engagements, webinars, and community contributions to elevate the practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is based in Quito, the "Remote OK" and "AI_remote_location: United States" indicate a potential for remote work, possibly within specific regions or with requirements for periodic on-site collaboration. The focus on "transforming client operations" and "digital products and services" suggests a strong connection to business outcomes, aligning this role with a GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement function through user-centric product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., contextual inquiry, moderated interviews, experiments, user testing) to investigate customer and user needs throughout various product lifecycle phases, from discovery to delivery.
• Actively participate in the design and delivery of technology projects, ensuring user needs are central to transforming client operations and developing new digital products and services.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, strategists, and product managers, to create comprehensive experience design deliverables such as journey maps, service blueprints, roadmaps, prototypes, and design systems.
• Facilitate workshops, design sprints, and brainstorming sessions with clients and internal teams to generate innovative solutions and establish clear design hypotheses for delivery teams.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making at the portfolio level by providing well-researched insights and actionable recommendations based on user data and market analysis.
• Proactively manage project scope, identify potential risks, and communicate regular updates to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout project lifecycles.
• Clearly communicate experience design deliverables and project progress to both clients and internal Thoughtworks teams, managing expectations and fostering strong relationships.
• Mentor and support less-experienced designers, sharing expertise and promoting best practices within the design community at Thoughtworks.
• Represent Thoughtworks externally by sharing experience design expertise at conferences, webinars, and meetups, contributing to the company's thought leadership and community engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of deep user advocacy and practical project execution, typical of a Senior Design Researcher in a consultancy setting. The facilitation and strategic decision-making aspects indicate a need for strong leadership in driving user-centricity within client engagements, directly impacting the success and adoption of delivered technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in user research, experience design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of leading research initiatives and delivering impactful design solutions. Experience in enterprise/SaaS product design is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a broad spectrum of experience design principles and methodologies.
• Proficient in at least three specialized areas such as user research, service design, digital product design, interface design, or visual design.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and advise on research activities, employing diverse methods like contextual inquiry, moderated interviews, experiments, and user testing.
• Strong storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate research methods, findings, and their implications to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven experience in stakeholder management, effectively liaising between clients and internal teams to build trust, gain buy-in, and ensure project success.
• Experience in facilitating client brainstorming sessions and internal team workshops to drive collaborative innovation.
• Ability to design effectively both independently and collaboratively with designers and developers.
• Aptitude for communicating project roles and building confidence within design teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the banking or financial sectors.
• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.
• Experience with prototyping tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of agile development methodologies and their integration with design processes.
• A passion for contributing to a design community through peer reviews and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for expertise in "at least three additional areas" beyond general experience design highlights the need for a T-shaped skill set, common in senior roles. The preference for financial sector experience and the emphasis on enterprise/SaaS product design suggest the company often works with clients in these domains.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing expertise in digital products, specifically focusing on Web and Mobile applications.
• Demonstrations of enterprise or SaaS product experience, highlighting complex problem-solving and user-centered design within business contexts.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the research process, from problem discovery and user needs identification through to solution design and validation.
• Evidence of applying diverse research methods (qualitative and quantitative) and explaining the rationale for method selection.
• Examples of how research insights directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, and business outcomes.
• Prototypes, journey maps, service blueprints, or other design deliverables that illustrate the end-to-end design process.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate research methodologies, design processes, and decision-making frameworks clearly and concisely.
• Experience in creating process flows and documentation that facilitate collaboration and knowledge transfer within cross-functional teams.
• Examples of how to measure the impact and effectiveness of design interventions and research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a portfolio link is critical. For this role, the portfolio should not just showcase final designs but also the process and impact of research. Applicants should be prepared to discuss how their research influenced strategic decisions and led to measurable improvements for clients.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a Senior Design Researcher role in Quito, Ecuador, a competitive salary commensurate with experience and the local market is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/Design roles in Latin America, a typical range could be between $3,000 - $6,000 USD per month, potentially higher depending on specific expertise and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training programs, workshops, and access to learning resources.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values innovation and continuous learning.
• Participation in a global community of experienced professionals.
• Potential for flexible working arrangements and remote work opportunities.
• Retirement savings plan contributions.
• Paid time off and holidays.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is based in Quito, the "Remote OK" designation suggests flexibility in how these hours are managed, with potential for remote work arrangements. Specific project demands may occasionally require extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for Ecuador are typically provided in USD. The estimated range is based on general market data for senior design professionals in major South American cities and the reputation of a global consultancy like Thoughtworks. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting Services, Software Development, Digital Transformation. Thoughtworks operates in a dynamic and rapidly evolving technology landscape, advising clients across various sectors on digital innovation and strategy. Company Size: Thoughtworks is a large, global organization with a significant employee base (likely in the thousands worldwide). This means opportunities for diverse projects and career paths, but also a structured approach to operations and HR. Founded: Thoughtworks was founded in 1993. This long history suggests a stable company with deep roots in agile methodologies and software delivery, providing a strong foundation for its design practice.

Team Structure:

• Designers at Thoughtworks are typically embedded within multi-disciplinary, agile teams alongside developers, testers, business analysts, and project managers.
• They report into a design or experience design leadership structure, which may be centralized or distributed across regions.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with designers working closely with client counterparts and internal technical experts.

Methodology:

• Thoughtworks champions agile and lean principles, emphasizing iterative development, continuous delivery, and rapid feedback loops.
• Design processes are integrated within these agile frameworks, often involving Design Thinking, Lean UX, and a strong focus on user research and validation at each stage.
• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with an emphasis on measuring the impact of design interventions and iterating based on user feedback and performance metrics.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks' culture is known for its strong emphasis on technical excellence, social impact, and continuous learning. The design practice is deeply integrated with software delivery, meaning designers are not siloed but are integral to the entire product lifecycle, influencing strategy and execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Design Researcher role, indicating a level of mastery in user research and design practices, with an expectation of leadership and mentorship. It sits above mid-level researchers and below lead or principal designer roles.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Researcher will likely report to a Design Lead, Principal Designer, or a Head of Experience Design within Thoughtworks' structure. They will also work directly with Project Leads and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly influencing product strategy, user adoption, and client satisfaction by ensuring that technology solutions are user-centered and solve real business problems. This user-centricity is key to the success of Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, as it ensures products resonate with target audiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, service design, or specialized areas like AI/ML user experience.
• Leadership Development: Progress to Lead Designer or Principal Designer roles, managing larger projects, teams, and client relationships.
• Specialization: Focus on specific industries (e.g., financial services) or design domains (e.g., design systems, research operations).
• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other Thoughtworks offices.
• Thought Leadership: Contribute to external publications, speak at industry events, and shape the design practice within Thoughtworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a trajectory towards leadership. Growth within Thoughtworks is often tied to developing expertise, leading initiatives, and mentoring others, aligning well with a consultancy model where continuous learning and skill enhancement are paramount.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Thoughtworks typically operates out of modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation. While the role may be remote, collaboration with local or regional teams might occur in these offices.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is Quito, Ecuador. Thoughtworks has offices in numerous major cities globally, which might be relevant for hybrid or collaborative work, even if the role is designated as remote.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is highly collaborative, with an emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and open communication.
• Designers are provided with the necessary tools and technology to perform their roles effectively, including access to design software, research platforms, and collaboration tools.
• There are ample opportunities for interaction with diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering a rich learning environment.

Work Schedule: While standard working hours apply, Thoughtworks often promotes a culture of flexibility, especially for remote employees, focusing on output and impact rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule. This flexibility is beneficial for managing research activities that might require non-traditional hours or for balancing work with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of potential remote work with the existence of physical offices suggests a hybrid model might be encouraged for team cohesion and client engagement, even if not strictly mandated. The emphasis on collaboration means that even remote workers are expected to be highly engaged with their teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application, focusing on your resume and portfolio link.
• Technical/Portfolio Review: A portfolio presentation and discussion with senior designers or design leads, focusing on your approach, methodologies, and impact. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key case studies.
• Cross-functional Interview: An interview with a project lead or team members from different disciplines (e.g., development, business analysis) to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader project context.
• Leadership/Cultural Fit Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess your strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Thoughtworks' values and culture.
• Final Round: Potentially a final discussion with a senior executive or client representative.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives, highlighting the problem, your process, your role, the challenges, and the outcomes.
• Process Focus: Emphasize how you conducted research and made design decisions, not just the final output. Explain your rationale for choosing specific methods.
• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your work wherever possible. Use data to demonstrate how your research led to improvements in user satisfaction, conversion rates, or business goals.
• Client Context: If possible, tailor your portfolio examples to types of clients or industries Thoughtworks serves (e.g., enterprise, digital transformation, finance).
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe, focusing on the most relevant and impactful projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design or research challenge, which might involve analyzing a problem, proposing a research plan, or critiquing an existing design.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.
• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a new project, from understanding client needs to defining research questions.
• Understand Thoughtworks' approach to agile and design thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Applicants should prepare to discuss their work in detail, demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to drive impact. Focusing on the "why" behind their decisions is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for remote usability testing and participant recruitment.
• Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or Axure RP for creating interactive prototypes and wireframes.
• Design Systems: Familiarity with creating, maintaining, or utilizing design systems for consistency and scalability.
• Collaboration Tools: Miro, Mural, Confluence, Jira, Slack for team collaboration, workshop facilitation, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude for understanding user behavior on live products.
• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker for creating dashboards and reports to communicate research findings and product performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data flows from CRM systems (like Salesforce) into product development and research can be beneficial.
• Familiarity with project management and workflow automation tools used in agile development environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a range of design and research tools is expected. The ability to integrate research insights with analytics data is crucial for demonstrating the impact of design work on business objectives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purposeful Impact: A commitment to delivering meaningful change for clients and society through technology.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and mutual support within diverse, cross-functional teams.
• Continuous Learning: A culture that encourages curiosity, skill development, and staying abreast of industry trends.
• Excellence: A drive for high-quality work, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with technology.
• Inclusion & Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds to foster a rich and equitable work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Thoughtworks fosters a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with developers, testers, product managers, and business analysts.
• Open communication, active listening, and constructive feedback are encouraged to ensure alignment and drive project success.
• Designers are expected to be proactive in sharing their expertise and insights, contributing to the collective knowledge of the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks' values are deeply embedded in its culture, and candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these principles in their work and interactions. The emphasis on collaboration extends beyond design teams to all project members.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with User Needs: Navigating potentially conflicting priorities between client business objectives and user requirements.
• Complex Problem Spaces: Tackling intricate business challenges that require deep understanding and innovative solutions.
• Agile Integration: Seamlessly integrating research and design processes within fast-paced, agile development cycles.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication across distributed teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Global Training Programs: Access to Thoughtworks' extensive internal training catalog covering design, technology, and leadership.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by experienced design leaders and to mentor junior team members.
• Industry Conferences: Support for attending and speaking at leading design and technology conferences.
• Specialized Certifications: Encouragement and support for obtaining relevant professional certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in a consultancy, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are robust, reflecting Thoughtworks' commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach understanding the core user needs for a new digital product in the financial services sector?"
• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt a user-centered design recommendation that was initially met with resistance. What was your strategy?"
• "How do you balance the need for thorough user research with tight project deadlines in an agile environment?"
• "Walk me through your process for translating raw user feedback into actionable design hypotheses."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Thoughtworks and our approach to design and technology?"
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, and how do you handle disagreements within a cross-functional team?"
• "Describe a project where you felt you made a significant impact. What made it impactful?"
• "How do you stay current with emerging trends in user research and experience design?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a consistent structure for each case study: Problem, Your Role, Research Process, Key Findings, Design Solutions, Impact/Outcomes, Learnings.
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, mockups, and data visualizations to illustrate your points.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions throughout your presentation and engage in a dialogue about your work.
• Conciseness: Focus on the most critical aspects of each project. Aim for clear, impactful communication over exhaustive detail.
• Tailoring: Highlight how your experience aligns with Thoughtworks' focus on digital transformation and complex problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Anticipate questions that probe your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how you integrate research into the broader product development lifecycle. Demonstrating an understanding of Thoughtworks' values and client-focused approach will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Thoughtworks careers page.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your best work in digital product design and user research, emphasizing process, impact, and your role in driving user-centered outcomes. Include case studies relevant to enterprise or SaaS environments.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5-10 years of experience, specific research methodologies used, leadership in design initiatives, and any relevant industry experience (e.g., financial services). Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, research methods, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Thoughtworks' mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their approach to agile development and design thinking to better align your responses with their culture.

⚠️ 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.