Senior Product Designer - London, United Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Speechify

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-02-08

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation by pitching, prototyping, testing, building, and shipping new features for Speechify's suite of text-to-speech applications.

• Elevate the user experience by refining UX/UI patterns and core user flows across iOS, Android, Mac, Chrome Extension, and Web platforms.

• Contribute significantly to the product roadmap, leveraging data analytics and customer insights to identify key opportunities and shape future development.

• Foster a high-performing design culture by refining design processes and actively participating in the growth of the design organization.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and executives in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment, ensuring alignment and driving consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for significant experience in end-to-end product design, from research and discovery to delivery and iteration. The emphasis on influencing the product roadmap and shaping the design organization suggests a leadership potential and a strategic contribution beyond individual design tasks. The company's mission and focus on accessibility (dyslexia, ADD) imply a need for a user-centric approach with a strong emphasis on inclusive design principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and deliver innovative features that enhance the reading experience for millions of users across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Chrome Extension, Web App).

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and identify opportunities for UX/UI pattern refinement and core user flow optimization.

• Develop high-fidelity prototypes and design specifications for new features and improvements, ensuring seamless implementation by engineering teams.

• Translate complex product strategies and user needs into intuitive and engaging user interfaces, with a particular focus on audio technology and accessibility.

• Actively participate in product strategy discussions, providing design-led insights and influencing the product roadmap to align with user needs and business objectives.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing, to ensure successful product launches and iterative improvements.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and methodologies within the organization, mentoring junior designers where appropriate.

• Champion customer-centricity by actively engaging with user feedback channels and incorporating insights into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product input and hands-on design execution. The mention of "pitch, prototype, test, build, ship, and refine" indicates an agile and iterative design process. The emphasis on "audio technology" and "accessibility" for users with learning differences is a critical differentiator for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in product design, with a proven track record of designing and shipping consumer-facing digital products across multiple platforms (mobile, web, desktop).

Required Skills:

• Product Thinking: Ability to understand business strategy, articulate the "what" and "why" behind design decisions, and leverage analytics to identify product opportunities.

• UX/UI Design: Expertise in creating intuitive, engaging, and accessible user interfaces and experiences for mobile (iOS, Android) and web platforms.

• Prototyping & Iteration: Proficiency in rapid prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to quickly test concepts and iterate on designs based on feedback.

• User Research & Customer-Centricity: Experience conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability tests; a strong ability to translate customer feedback into actionable design improvements.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale clearly to diverse stakeholders (PMs, Engineers, Executives) and effectively negotiate design solutions.

• Craftsmanship: Strong command of typography, information design, visual hierarchy, and micro-interactions. Understanding of platform-specific design guidelines (iOS Human Interface Guidelines, Material Design).

• Technical Aptitude: Understanding of technical constraints and possibilities within iOS, Android, and browser environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with audio technology and its application in digital products.

• Familiarity with accessibility best practices and designing for users with learning differences (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD).

• Experience working in high-growth, remote-first startup environments.

• Familiarity with AI-driven product features and their design implications.

• Experience in shaping and improving design organizational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level for a "Senior" title is a common benchmark. The emphasis on both technical craft and strategic product thinking is crucial for senior roles. The preferred skills strongly indicate the company's focus on its core technology and user base.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 significant product design projects, demonstrating end-to-end ownership from conception to launch.

• Projects should highlight your ability to solve complex user problems and achieve measurable business outcomes.

• Include case studies that detail your design process, including research methodologies, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and final design solutions.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project, especially in collaborative environments.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, provide clear documentation of your design process:

  • Research & Discovery: Outline user research methods used, key insights derived, and how they informed the design direction.
  • Ideation & Prototyping: Show the evolution of concepts through sketches, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
  • User Testing & Iteration: Detail how user feedback was gathered and incorporated to refine designs.
  • Delivery & Impact: Explain the final design specifications and, where possible, provide data or insights on the product's impact.

• Demonstrate an understanding of agile development methodologies and how design integrates within sprint cycles.

• Showcase proficiency in using design systems and contributing to their development where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but strategic thinking, process rigor, and the ability to drive product outcomes. The inclusion of "impact" and "business outcomes" is critical for senior-level evaluations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: Including base salary, potential for stock options or bonuses.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, potentially including mental health support.

• Flexible Work Environment: Fully remote setup with asynchronous work culture, promoting work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, conferences, and skill enhancement relevant to AI, audio technology, and product design.

• Impactful Work: The chance to work on a product that profoundly impacts users' lives, particularly those with learning differences.

• Dynamic Team: Collaboration with a high-caliber, globally distributed team of engineers and product professionals.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Standard holiday allowance plus potential for additional days.

Working Hours:

• Speechify operates on a 100% distributed and asynchronous work model, meaning there are no fixed working hours. The role requires approximately 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to manage your schedule to meet responsibilities and collaborate effectively with a global team. Emphasis is placed on output and results rather than strict adherence to a daily schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for London are based on current market data for senior design roles in tech. The emphasis on asynchronous work and the specific nature of the product (accessibility, AI, audio) are key differentiators for benefits and work style.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software, AI, EdTech (Education Technology), Accessibility Solutions. Speechify operates at the intersection of these dynamic sectors, leveraging AI to enhance reading accessibility and learning.

Company Size: Approximately 200 employees. This indicates a growing startup environment where individual contributions have a significant impact, and processes are often still being defined and optimized.

Founded: Speechify was founded with a mission to remove reading barriers, driven by personal experiences and a vision to democratize access to information through technology.

Team Structure:

• The company is 100% distributed, meaning there are no physical offices.

• The design team is likely integrated within product squads, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

• The global nature of the team necessitates strong asynchronous communication and collaboration skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Emphasis on analytics and user feedback to guide product decisions and feature prioritization.

• Agile & Iterative Design: Pitching, prototyping, testing, building, shipping, and refining new features in a continuous cycle.

• Asynchronous Communication: Reliance on tools and practices that support effective communication across different time zones and working schedules.

• Customer-Centric Innovation: Deep focus on understanding and serving the needs of users, especially those with learning differences.

Company Website: speechify.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's distributed nature and focus on AI/accessibility are key cultural elements. The "200 employees" size suggests a balance between the agility of a startup and the structure needed for growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This level signifies a highly skilled individual contributor responsible for leading design initiatives, influencing product strategy, and potentially mentoring others. The role demands a blend of strategic thinking, deep design expertise, and strong execution capabilities.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, Design Lead, or a senior Product Manager, depending on the specific organizational structure.

Operations Impact:

• The Senior Product Designer's work directly impacts user engagement, retention, and satisfaction by improving the core reading experience.

• By influencing the product roadmap and championing user needs, they play a crucial role in Speechify's mission to make reading accessible, thereby driving user acquisition and growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team of designers and shaping design strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven design, accessibility, or audio UX.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management or other strategic roles within the company due to a strong understanding of product strategy and user needs.

• Impactful Project Ownership: Lead significant design projects that have a direct and measurable impact on millions of users.

• Continuous Learning: Access to resources and a culture that encourages staying at the forefront of design trends, AI, and accessibility technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role in a growing company, growth opportunities often involve increased leadership, strategic influence, or specialization. The remote nature also implies a focus on self-directed growth and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Speechify operates as a fully distributed company with no physical offices. This means the work environment is entirely remote.

Office Location(s): Not applicable, as the company is 100% remote.

Workspace Context:

• Asynchronous Collaboration: The primary mode of interaction is asynchronous, leveraging tools like Slack, email, and project management software. This requires strong written communication skills and discipline in managing one's workflow.

• Autonomy & Focus: The remote, distributed model fosters autonomy, allowing designers to create their optimal work environment and focus deeply on their tasks.

• Global Team Interaction: Opportunities to collaborate with a diverse, international team, bringing varied perspectives to problem-solving.

• Technology Stack: Access to modern design and collaboration tools necessary for remote work and product development.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible working hours are inherent to the asynchronous model, with an expectation of around 40 hours per week. The focus is on delivering results and being available for critical collaborations rather than adhering to a rigid 9-to-5 schedule. This flexibility allows individuals to manage their time effectively around personal needs and global team interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The completely remote and asynchronous nature is a defining characteristic of the work environment and will heavily influence the candidate's daily experience and required skill set (e.g., self-discipline, written communication).

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and a link to your portfolio. This is the initial screening stage.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated review of your portfolio by the design team to assess your skills, experience, and fit with Speechify's product and mission.

• Initial Screening Call: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss your background, experience, and interest in the role, and to answer initial questions.

• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to complete a take-home design challenge or present a deep dive into one of your portfolio projects. This will assess your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to articulate your work.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with potential peers (other designers) and cross-functional partners (Product Managers, Engineers) to evaluate collaboration style, technical acumen, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A conversation with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CEO) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience with consumer-facing products, mobile (iOS/Android) and web design, and ideally, projects involving AI, accessibility, or complex user flows.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the challenges faced, the solutions developed, and the impact achieved. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your journey.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Emphasize why you made certain design decisions, backed by research, data, or user feedback. Show your thinking, not just the final output.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rate improvements, engagement increases, user satisfaction scores).

• Tailor to Speechify: Briefly explain why you are interested in Speechify's mission and how your skills align with their product and user base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail and defend your decisions.

• If given a take-home challenge, allocate sufficient time for thorough research, ideation, and refinement.

• Practice presenting your work clearly, concisely, and engagingly, anticipating questions about your approach and outcomes.

• Understand Speechify's product, target audience, and mission to contextualize your thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for senior design roles typically involves rigorous portfolio review and a deeper dive into design methodology and strategic thinking. The emphasis on a "design challenge or case study presentation" is common for assessing practical skills and communication.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma is the industry standard and likely primary tool for most design tasks, including wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Sketch and Adobe XD are also common alternatives.

• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or internal methods for gathering qualitative and quantitative user feedback.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Slack for real-time communication, Jira or Asana for task management and workflow tracking, Confluence for documentation.

• Version Control (if applicable): For design system components or assets, tools like Abstract or Git might be used.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics to track user behavior, feature adoption, and identify key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau or Looker Studio for creating dashboards and reports to communicate insights to stakeholders.

• A/B Testing Platforms: For experimental design and validation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, awareness of CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms may be beneficial for understanding the broader user journey and data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma is essential. Understanding product analytics tools is increasingly important for designers to be data-informed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Speechify's mission of making reading accessible for everyone, particularly those with learning differences. This value drives innovation and purpose.

• Customer-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and serving user needs. Feedback and insights from users are highly valued and integrated into the product development process.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouragement to explore new ideas, technologies (like AI), and approaches to solve problems in novel ways.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and collaboration across a distributed team, with an emphasis on sharing information and working together effectively.

• Autonomy & Ownership: Employees are trusted to manage their work and take ownership of their contributions, fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment.

• Efficiency & Impact: A focus on delivering high-impact results and optimizing processes to achieve company goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Asynchronous First: Communication and collaboration are primarily asynchronous, requiring clear, concise written communication and proactive engagement.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Managers and Engineers, operating as integrated members of product teams.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to drive continuous improvement.

• Remote-First Mindset: Practices and tools are designed to support effective collaboration among a globally dispersed workforce.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and its fully remote, asynchronous nature heavily shape its culture and collaboration style. Emphasizing these aspects will resonate with potential candidates.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Processes: As a growing startup, evolving and scaling design processes to accommodate rapid growth while maintaining quality and efficiency.

• Balancing Innovation with Execution: Juggling the need for innovative new features with the demands of refining existing user flows and ensuring product stability.

• Asynchronous Communication Complexity: Effectively collaborating and maintaining alignment across a fully distributed team with varying time zones and communication preferences.

• Designing for Diverse Needs: Catering to a broad user base with varying technical proficiencies and specific needs, especially those with learning disabilities.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of advancements in AI, audio technology, and design tools to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & Audio Technology Deep Dive: Opportunities to specialize in cutting-edge fields that are central to Speechify's product.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and grow into leadership roles within the design organization.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining exposure to product strategy, business operations, and engineering challenges through close collaboration.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to relevant design conferences, workshops, and online courses to continuously enhance skills.

• Impactful Project Ownership: Taking the lead on high-visibility projects that directly contribute to the company's success and user impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting challenges provides realism, while framing them as growth opportunities makes the role more appealing. The specific technical areas (AI, audio) offer unique development paths.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach understanding Speechify's user base, particularly users with learning differences, and how that understanding would inform your design strategy.

• How do you balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints when designing new features? Provide examples.

• Discuss your process for influencing a product roadmap and how you collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers to prioritize design initiatives.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in Speechify's mission, and how do you see your skills contributing to our goal of making reading accessible?

• How do you adapt to and thrive in a fully remote, asynchronous work environment? What strategies do you use to stay organized and collaborate effectively?

• Describe your ideal collaboration style with PMs and Engineers. How do you handle disagreements or differing opinions?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity is Key: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and impact relevant to Speechify.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the user research conducted, your design process (ideation, iteration, testing), the final solution, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Focus on Rationale: Explain the "why" behind your design decisions. What user problems were you solving? What data or research supported your choices?

• Highlight Collaboration: If working in a team, clearly define your specific contributions and how you collaborated with others.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your portfolio projects, from early-stage research to final implementation details.

• Showcase Adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to adapt your process to different project needs and constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview prep for senior roles emphasizes strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to articulate one's value proposition clearly, backed by concrete examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating end-to-end product design, user research, and successful product launches for consumer-facing applications, ideally with mobile (iOS/Android) and web components. Highlight any relevant experience with AI, audio technology, or accessibility.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5-10 years of experience, key skills in UX/UI design, prototyping, and product thinking, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, your contributions to past projects, and your passion for Speechify's mission. Be ready to present a detailed case study from your portfolio.

• Research Speechify: Thoroughly understand Speechify's product, its mission, its user base (especially those with learning differences), and its asynchronous work culture. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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