Senior Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Researcher Company: Thoughtworks Location: Lima, Peru Job Type: Full-time Category: Design / User Experience Operations Date Posted: August 1, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Remote OK (with potential for hybrid/on-site depending on project needs and team structure)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute comprehensive user research initiatives applying both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to uncover user needs and identify critical product/service opportunities.
• Drive the design and delivery of transformative technology projects by integrating user-centric insights into agile software development lifecycles.
• Foster collaboration within cross-functional teams to produce a range of experience design deliverables, including journey maps, service blueprints, roadmaps, prototypes, and design systems.
• Facilitate impactful workshops, develop innovative design strategies, and contribute to strategic decision-making at the portfolio level, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.
• Actively contribute to the growth of the experience design community at Thoughtworks through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and external advocacy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary location is Lima, Peru, the "Remote OK" designation suggests flexibility. Candidates should clarify the specific remote work policy or any potential on-site expectations for client engagements or team collaboration. The role emphasizes a blend of deep research expertise and strategic influence within technology projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research using a variety of methods such as contextual inquiry, moderated interviews, usability testing, surveys, and A/B testing to thoroughly investigate customer and user needs across different product lifecycle phases.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights, presenting them through compelling narratives, design hypotheses, and strategic recommendations to inform product strategy and development roadmaps.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and business analysts, to co-create user-centric solutions and experience design deliverables.
• Facilitate and lead workshops with clients and internal teams to drive ideation, problem-solving, and strategic alignment around user needs and business goals.
• Develop and articulate design strategies for digital products and services, ensuring alignment with client objectives and Thoughtworks' delivery excellence standards.
• Manage project scope, identify and mitigate research-related risks, and communicate progress and updates effectively to stakeholders.
• Balance client expectations and Thoughtworks' delivery capabilities by clearly defining and communicating experience design deliverables and their impact.
• Mentor and support less experienced designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the design team.
• Represent Thoughtworks externally by advocating for experience design expertise at conferences, webinars, and community meetups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role requiring not only strong research execution but also strategic leadership, client management, and community contribution. The emphasis on "transforming how our clients work" and "developing new digital products and services" indicates a focus on driving tangible business outcomes through design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) design, User Research, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of delivering impactful digital products and services.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and advising on research activities for complex experience design projects.
• Experience in the banking or financial sectors is highly desirable but not mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Experience Design Mastery: Deep expertise across multiple facets of experience design, including user research, service design, digital product design, interface design, and visual design.
• User Research Proficiency: Expertise in applying a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., contextual inquiry, usability testing, interviews, surveys, heuristic evaluations) to uncover user needs and validate design solutions.
• Storytelling & Communication: Exceptional ability to articulate research methods, findings, and design recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build trust, manage expectations, and liaise effectively with clients and internal stakeholders throughout project lifecycles.
• Workshop Facilitation: Skill in designing and facilitating engaging workshops for brainstorming, strategy development, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Prototyping & Iteration: Experience creating and testing prototypes at various fidelities to validate design concepts and user flows.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within small, cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and productive design process.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Systems: Experience contributing to or utilizing design systems.
• Service Design: Proficiency in service design methodologies and tools.
• Enterprise/SaaS Experience: Demonstrated experience working on complex enterprise or SaaS platforms.
• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with agile software development processes.
• Mentorship: Experience guiding and mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "specialities in at least three additional areas" suggests a well-rounded designer who can contribute across the UX spectrum. The "Enterprise / SaaS Experience" requirement is crucial for candidates to highlight, as it indicates a preference for complex B2B environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Digital Product Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating expertise in the design and research of digital products, specifically highlighting Web and Mobile applications.
• Enterprise/SaaS Case Studies: Detailed case studies showcasing experience with complex Enterprise or SaaS platforms, illustrating problem definition, research methodology, solution design, and impact.
• Research Methodology: Evidence of applying a variety of research methods (qualitative and quantitative) and explaining the rationale behind method selection for specific project challenges.
• Design Process Documentation: Clear documentation of your design process, including user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration cycles.
• Collaboration & Impact: Examples demonstrating effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and showcasing the measurable impact of your design contributions on business outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and communicate user research plans, findings, and design recommendations in a clear, structured manner for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in creating and maintaining design artifacts such as personas, journey maps, service blueprints, and user flow diagrams.
• Proficiency in articulating the rationale behind design decisions, linking them to user needs and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare case studies that not only showcase design output but also the strategic thinking, research rigor, and collaborative process behind achieving tangible user and business outcomes. Focus on demonstrating the "why" behind your design choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Researchers in Lima, Peru, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is between PEN 80,000 and PEN 140,000. This range can vary based on specific skills, experience depth, and the exact nature of client projects.

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Access to extensive learning and development programs, interactive tools, and mentorship opportunities to support career growth.
• Collaborative Culture: Work within a supportive and inclusive community of colleagues dedicated to mutual growth and learning.
• Impactful Projects: Opportunity to work on challenging technology projects that drive significant client impact and digital transformation.
• Global Network: Be part of a global organization with opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration across diverse teams and geographies.
• Competitive Compensation: A competitive salary package commensurate with experience and skills.
• Healthcare & Wellness: Comprehensive health and wellness benefits (specifics to be confirmed by the employer).
• Work-Life Balance: While demanding, Thoughtworks generally supports a culture that values work-life balance, with flexibility where project demands allow.

Working Hours:

• The standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, project demands may occasionally require flexibility. Remote work arrangements can offer additional flexibility in managing working hours, provided project timelines and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry standards for a senior-level UX/Design Research role in Peru. Benefits are inferred from Thoughtworks' general employer branding and common practices in the tech consultancy sector. Candidates should confirm all benefit details during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting / Software Development Company Size: 10,000+ Employees (Global) Founded: 1991 Company Description: Thoughtworks is a global technology consultancy that empowers businesses to reimagine their industries through the power of software. They are known for their expertise in agile software delivery, experience design, and digital transformation, partnering with clients to solve complex business challenges and build innovative products and services.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Teams: Designers work as integral members of small, multi-disciplinary teams comprising developers, product managers, testers, and business analysts.
• Reporting: Designers typically report into a Design or Experience Design leadership structure within Thoughtworks, while also being directly aligned with project teams for client engagements.
• Collaboration: Collaboration is central, with designers working closely with both internal Thoughtworks colleagues and client teams to ensure user-centricity and successful project outcomes.

Methodology:

• Agile & Lean Principles: Thoughtworks deeply integrates agile and lean methodologies into its project delivery, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptability.
• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and addressing user needs is embedded in their design and development processes.
• Design Thinking: Design thinking principles are applied throughout the project lifecycle, from discovery and ideation to delivery and optimization.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Research and analytics are used to inform design hypotheses, validate solutions, and measure impact.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks is recognized for its strong culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and social impact. The company values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions. The emphasis on experience design integration signifies a mature approach to product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Lead Designer. This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor who is expected to lead research efforts, mentor others, and influence project strategy. Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Design Lead or Principal within Thoughtworks, while also working closely with Project Leads and client stakeholders on a day-to-day basis. The structure emphasizes project-based collaboration and functional mentorship. Operations Impact: As a Senior Design Researcher, your impact will be directly tied to shaping product strategy, improving user experience, and driving successful digital transformations for clients. Your insights will influence critical decisions, leading to more effective and user-loved products, which in turn drives client satisfaction and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior team members, and potentially move into Principal or Managerial roles within the design practice.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX research, service design, or strategic design through project work and internal training programs.
• Industry Exposure: Gain diverse experience across various industries and client types, broadening your understanding of market challenges and user behaviors.
• Thought Leadership: Contribute to Thoughtworks' reputation by sharing insights through articles, conference presentations, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Client Relationship Management: Develop skills in managing client relationships and influencing strategic decisions at senior levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks promotes a "no one-size-fits-all" career path, encouraging employees to define their own growth trajectory. The company's cultivation culture and investment in development programs provide a strong foundation for continuous learning and advancement within the design field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is listed as "Remote OK," Thoughtworks operates with a hybrid model where teams may collaborate in client offices, dedicated Thoughtworks office spaces, or fully remote settings depending on project needs and client agreements. Office Location(s): The primary listed location is Lima, Peru. Thoughtworks has a global presence, and specific project assignments might involve local or regional client sites. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: When on-site or in client offices, expect environments designed for collaboration, often featuring open-plan spaces, meeting rooms, and whiteboarding areas conducive to design thinking and agile ceremonies.
• Technology-Rich: Access to modern technology and tools necessary for design research, prototyping, and collaboration, including high-speed internet and relevant software.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with diverse teams, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the remote-friendly nature and project-based work may offer some flexibility. However, adherence to project deadlines and client availability remains paramount. This role requires proactive time management and clear communication regarding availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status is key. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding any required travel to client sites or occasional team meetups in physical locations, even if the role is largely remote.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit your resume and a link to your portfolio.
• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and portfolio for suitability.
• Technical/Design Interview: Expect interviews with senior designers or design leads to assess your research methodologies, design thinking, problem-solving skills, and portfolio work. This may include a portfolio presentation.
• Cross-functional Team Interview: You might meet with members of potential project teams (developers, product managers) to evaluate your collaboration style and ability to integrate into multi-disciplinary teams.
• Client-Facing Interview (Potentially): Depending on the role's client engagement level, there might be an interview with a client stakeholder.
• Final Interview: A conversation with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall alignment with Thoughtworks' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio case studies to clearly outline the problem, your process (research, ideation, iteration), your specific contributions, the solution, and the impact achieved.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your research methodologies, how you translated insights into design decisions, and how you iterated based on feedback. Show your thinking, not just the final output.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, improved user satisfaction scores).
• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to bring designs to life.
• Tailor to Thoughtworks: Understand Thoughtworks' focus on agile, user-centricity, and digital transformation, and ensure your portfolio reflects these values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios or a take-home exercise that might involve analyzing a problem, outlining a research plan, or critiquing an existing design.
• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making clearly and concisely.
• Be ready to discuss your experience with different research tools and techniques, and how you choose the right methods for specific contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Prepare detailed case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end design research process and its impact. Be ready to clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for surveys, user testing, and analytics (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Maze, Lookback).
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Software for creating interactive prototypes and wireframes (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision).
• Design Systems: Familiarity with design system principles and tools for consistency.
• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics to understand user behavior on live products.
• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau or Power BI for presenting research data and insights.
• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed within CRM systems (like Salesforce) or customer data platforms (CDPs) can be beneficial for context.
• Familiarity with automation tools used in user feedback collection or research participant management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and research tools is expected. The ability to leverage data analytics to inform design decisions is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purposeful Impact: A drive to create meaningful change for clients and users through technology and design.
• Collaboration & Community: Valuing teamwork, knowledge sharing, and mutual support to foster collective growth.
• Continuous Learning: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to stay at the forefront of the industry.
• Client Partnership: Building strong, trust-based relationships with clients to achieve shared goals.
• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, well-crafted solutions that meet user needs and business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with developers, product managers, and business stakeholders, acting as a bridge between user needs and technical execution.
• Open Communication: Encouraging honest feedback, constructive criticism, and transparent dialogue within teams.
• Iterative Improvement: Embracing an iterative design process, constantly seeking feedback and refining solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design critiques, sharing learnings, and contributing to the internal knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks places a high value on its internal community and collaborative spirit. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to integrate well into diverse teams and contribute positively to the company culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including clients and internal teams, in fast-paced project environments.
• Driving Design Adoption: Advocating for user-centric design principles and ensuring their consistent application throughout the software development lifecycle, especially in organizations less mature in design practices.
• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration with distributed teams and clients to ensure research and design efforts remain aligned and impactful.
• Adapting to Diverse Industries: Quickly understanding the nuances of different client industries and user bases to conduct relevant and insightful research.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and master emerging research methodologies and tools.
• Strategic Design Leadership: Developing skills in influencing product strategy and leading design initiatives at a higher level.
• Mentorship Programs: Participating in formal or informal mentorship programs to guide career development.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events and training to stay updated on the latest trends in design and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in consulting, requiring adaptability, strong communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The growth opportunities are significant for those looking to advance their career in design leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a skeptical stakeholder to adopt a user-centered approach. How did you do it?" (Focus on your communication, data-driven arguments, and stakeholder management.)
• "Walk me through your process for defining a research plan for a new digital product discovery phase." (Detail your methodology, chosen tools, and how you'd define success metrics.)
• "How do you balance the need for thorough user research with tight project deadlines?" (Highlight your prioritization skills, iterative approach, and ability to deliver insights efficiently.)
• "Tell me about a project where your research findings led to a significant change in product direction or design." (Focus on the impact and your role in driving that change.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Thoughtworks' approach to technology consulting and experience design?" (Research their values, client work, and design philosophy.)
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working remotely?" (Provide examples of your communication and team-building efforts.)
• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in UX design and research?" (Mention specific resources, communities, or practices you follow.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by case study. For each case study, clearly state the problem, your role, the process, your contributions, the solution, and the outcomes/impact.
• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design decisions and research choices. Why did you choose specific methods? Why did you design a feature in a particular way?
• Visuals: Use clear visuals (screenshots, mockups, data charts) to support your narrative.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and fits within the allotted time.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges faced, and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to go deep into your portfolio projects, detailing not just the deliverables but the strategic thinking and research process behind them. Emphasize how you translate user needs into actionable business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Researcher position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your comprehensive portfolio through the provided application portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies showcasing your experience in digital product design (Web/Mobile) and enterprise/SaaS environments, highlighting your research methodologies and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords related to user research, experience design, service design, stakeholder management, and agile methodologies. Clearly articulate achievements and responsibilities relevant to a senior-level role.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, research rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and influencing stakeholders.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Thoughtworks' values, culture, and recent projects. Understand their approach to client work and digital transformation to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.