Senior UI/ UX Designer (Mumbai)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI/UX Designer

Company: AKQA

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-05-12

Experience Level: 6-8 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for client digital channels, ensuring intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Translate complex product strategies and user research into polished, pixel-perfect interface designs.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including creative, product, engineering, and content, to deliver high-quality digital products.

• Champion user-centered design principles and advocate for user needs throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and methodologies within the AKQA team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within AKQA, a prominent digital agency known for its innovative approach to design and technology. The Senior UI/UX Designer will be instrumental in shaping client-facing digital products, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and strong collaboration skills. The hybrid work model suggests a need for adaptability and effective remote and in-office communication.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs for web and mobile applications.

• Design and iterate on multi-platform responsive and adaptive interfaces, ensuring a consistent and exceptional user experience across devices.

• Develop and maintain design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency in design output.

• Conduct and leverage user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and validate user experience strategies.

• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and content strategists to ensure design feasibility, technical accuracy, and alignment with business objectives.

• Integrate accessibility, localization, and inclusive design principles into the design process.

• Present design concepts and rationale clearly and persuasively to internal stakeholders and clients, effectively advocating for user needs and design integrity.

• Contribute to the refinement of design processes, including rapid prototyping and iterative design methodologies.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and interaction patterns to drive innovation and maintain design excellence.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior designers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level contribution, requiring leadership in design execution, strategic input, and cross-functional collaboration. The mention of "end-to-end digital design" implies ownership from initial concept through to final implementation, with a strong focus on portfolio demonstration of this process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Interaction Design, Visual Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 6–8 years of progressive experience in UI/UX design, interaction design, or digital product design, preferably within agency, product development, or studio environments.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong, comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end digital design projects, including wireframes, prototypes, user flows, visual design, and motion/interaction design examples.

• Design Tools: Expert proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Framer, and Principle.

• Core Design Skills: Solid expertise in interaction design, micro-interactions, motion design principles, information architecture (IA), user flows, and wireframing.

• Platform Design: Proven experience designing multi-platform responsive and adaptive interfaces for web, iOS, iPad, and other digital channels.

• Design Systems: Experience with or understanding of design systems, style guides, modular UI, and component library development and application.

• User-Centricity: Demonstrated ability to think from the user's perspective, empathize with user needs, and challenge assumptions to drive user-centered solutions.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate effectively across product, engineering, content, creative, and QA teams.

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design decisions and user-centered rationale.

• Problem-Solving: A high degree of ownership, a proactive problem-solving mindset, and the ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with current web and app development technologies and their implications for design.

• Experience with accessibility standards, localization best practices, and inclusive design principles.

• Skilled in conducting usability testing, rapid prototyping, and implementing iterative design methodologies.

• Understanding of content strategy, system design, analytics, user testing, information architecture, and marketing principles as they relate to UX/UI.

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team setting and at client locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly indicate a senior role demanding not just execution but also strategic thinking and leadership. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end digital design" is critical for demonstrating a candidate's ability to manage projects from ideation to delivery. The requirement for multiple design tools suggests flexibility and adaptability to different project needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: Detailed case studies that walk through the entire design process for at least 2-3 significant projects, illustrating problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and final outcomes.

• Process Documentation: Clear documentation of design methodologies employed, including user research techniques, testing frameworks, and iterative design loops.

• Visual Design Craftsmanship: High-quality visual design examples demonstrating strong aesthetic sensibility, attention to detail, and brand consistency.

• Interaction & Motion Design: Demonstrations of dynamic interactions, micro-interactions, and transitions that enhance user experience and product engagement.

• System Thinking: Examples of contributions to or utilization of design systems, style guides, or component libraries, showcasing an understanding of scalability and consistency.

Process Documentation:

• User-Centric Workflow: Showcase a structured approach to understanding user needs, conducting research (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability tests), and translating insights into design solutions.

• Iterative Design & Prototyping: Evidence of iterative design cycles, including the use of rapid prototyping tools to test concepts and gather feedback before final development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Examples of how design processes integrate with product management, engineering, and content development, highlighting communication strategies and artifact sharing.

• Outcome Measurement: Demonstration of how design decisions are informed by or contribute to measurable outcomes, such as conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, or task completion times.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI/UX Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only display aesthetic talent but also a deep understanding of the design process, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate the impact of design decisions. Emphasis on "end-to-end" implies a need to showcase ownership and strategic thinking rather than just isolated design skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UI/UX Designer in Mumbai with 6-8 years of experience, the estimated salary range is ₹12,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 per annum. This range accounts for the experience level, the senior nature of the role, and the competitive market for design talent in a major metropolitan area like Mumbai. Factors such as specific project scope, additional skills, and the candidate's negotiation ability can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, in line with Indian labor laws and company policy.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a Provident Fund (PF) or similar retirement savings scheme.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and access to online learning resources to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance remote work with in-office collaboration, promoting work-life integration.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company success.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often provided. Given the hybrid model and agency environment, there may be an expectation of occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, with compensatory time off or overtime pay as per company policy and local regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for Senior UI/UX Designer roles in Mumbai, considering typical compensation for agency environments and the specified experience level. Benefits are standard for professional roles in India, with a focus on health, well-being, and professional growth, aligning with AKQA's positioning as a leading agency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Services / Advertising / Technology Consulting. AKQA operates within the dynamic digital services sector, part of the larger WPP network, which is a global leader in advertising and marketing. This context means the company is at the forefront of digital innovation, client-facing solutions, and creative technology.

Company Size: AKQA is a large global company with a significant number of employees worldwide, and WPP itself is a massive multinational corporation. Within Mumbai, the team is likely substantial enough to support diverse client projects but small enough to foster a connected, collaborative atmosphere. This size offers stability and resources while aiming to maintain an agile, studio-like feel.

Founded: AKQA was founded in 2001, evolving from a merger of several digital agencies. Its history is rooted in pioneering digital experiences, which informs its current culture of innovation, creativity, and client-centricity.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The Senior UI/UX Designer will be part of a dedicated design team, likely comprising other designers (UI, UX, Interaction, Visual), art directors, and potentially content strategists.

• Reporting: The role will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or Creative Director within the AKQA Mumbai office.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect to work closely with project managers, account managers, business analysts, front-end and back-end developers, QA testers, and client teams on a daily basis. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate diverse perspectives.

Methodology:

• Agile and Iterative: AKQA likely employs agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative design, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops to adapt to client needs and market changes.

• Data-Informed Design: Design decisions are expected to be informed by user research, analytics, and usability testing, moving beyond purely aesthetic considerations to measurable impact.

• Client-Centric: The agency model means a strong focus on client objectives, requiring designers to understand business goals and translate them into effective digital solutions.

Company Website: AKQA Website

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's positioning within WPP suggests a robust infrastructure and a global reach, while its own brand emphasizes creativity and innovation. The Mumbai office likely serves as a key hub, requiring designers to be adaptable to client demands and integrate within a multidisciplinary agency environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior," indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond junior or mid-level positions. A Senior UI/UX Designer is expected to lead design efforts on complex projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute to strategic design thinking. They are key contributors who can independently manage their work and influence project direction.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI/UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or similar leadership role within the AKQA Mumbai office. They will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary project team, reporting to project leads or managers for specific client engagements.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the success of client digital products and brand experiences. By creating intuitive, engaging, and effective user interfaces, the Senior UI/UX Designer contributes to:

• Increased user engagement and satisfaction.

• Improved conversion rates and achievement of business objectives for clients.

• Enhanced brand perception and loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into roles such as Design Lead, Creative Director, or Head of UX, managing teams and overseeing larger design initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like interaction design, motion graphics, accessibility, or user research.

• Client Strategy: Grow into a more strategic advisory role, influencing client product roadmaps and digital transformation strategies.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the growth of the design practice.

• Global Mobility: As part of a global agency, there may be opportunities for international assignments or collaboration with AKQA offices worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant level of responsibility and potential for career advancement within AKQA and the broader WPP network. The role is positioned to have a direct impact on client success and offers pathways for both leadership and specialized growth within the design discipline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AKQA operates on a hybrid work model, meaning the Mumbai office will serve as a central hub for collaboration, team meetings, client presentations, and focused work. The office environment is likely designed to foster creativity and collaboration, with modern workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially breakout areas.

Office Location(s): The specific office location in Mumbai would need to be confirmed, but generally, agencies in major cities are located in accessible business districts. This would facilitate commuting for employees and client visits.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office will likely feature open-plan areas, collaborative zones, and dedicated meeting rooms to support team interaction and brainstorming sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, high-performance workstations, and potentially specialized hardware for prototyping or VR/AR experiences. Reliable internet connectivity is a given.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for informal and formal interactions with colleagues across design, strategy, technology, and client services teams, fostering a dynamic and synergistic work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. While a hybrid model offers flexibility, the agency environment and client demands may necessitate adaptable working hours, including potential for occasional evening or weekend work to meet critical project deadlines. This is often balanced with compensatory time off or flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a need for self-discipline and effective time management, whether working from home or in the office. The office environment is expected to be conducive to creative collaboration, a hallmark of successful design agencies like AKQA.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

2. Recruiter/HR Screen: Initial conversation to gauge cultural fit, basic qualifications, and interest in the role and AKQA.

3. Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Design Lead, Creative Director) focusing on experience, design philosophy, problem-solving skills, and project examples. This stage often involves a preliminary portfolio review.

4. Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: A practical exercise or a detailed presentation of selected portfolio case studies. This is a critical stage to evaluate design thinking, process, craft, and communication skills. Candidates will be expected to articulate their design choices, rationale, and the impact of their work.

5. Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with other team members (designers, developers, strategists) to assess collaboration style and fit within the broader team dynamic.

6. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or client stakeholder, focusing on strategic thinking, client management, and overall fit for AKQA's culture and client delivery.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate end-to-end design capabilities.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process, key challenges, solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, interactive prototypes, and concise descriptions to illustrate your design thinking and execution.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iterative design.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, highlight how you collaborated with other teams and stakeholders.

• Tailor to AKQA: Understand AKQA's work and clients, and subtly tailor your presentation to align with their innovative and client-focused approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly understand the objectives, constraints, and deliverables.

• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, demonstrate your thought process, decision-making, and how you would approach the problem.

• Be Realistic: Aim for a well-reasoned solution rather than an overly polished, incomplete one.

• Prepare to Present: Be ready to articulate your approach, rationale, and potential next steps for the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess a candidate's design skills, strategic thinking, collaboration abilities, and cultural fit. The portfolio review and potential design challenge are key components, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just talent but a structured, user-centered approach to problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (expert proficiency required), Framer, Principle (strong familiarity expected).

• Wireframing & Flow: Tools like Balsamiq, Miro, or even basic shapes within Figma/Sketch.

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Asana, Trello for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (familiarity with understanding user behavior data).

• User Feedback Tools: Hotjar, UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey (for qualitative insights).

• Performance Dashboards: Tools like Tableau or Looker (for understanding key performance indicators, though direct creation may not be required).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, HubSpot (understanding how design impacts user journeys within these systems).

• Integration Tools: Familiarity with how design integrates with front-end development frameworks and content management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in core design and prototyping tools like Figma and Sketch is non-negotiable. Familiarity with collaboration tools and an understanding of how design impacts data and CRM systems are also crucial for effective cross-functional work in an agency setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, push boundaries, and create innovative digital solutions that captivate users.

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, meticulous attention to detail, and delivering polished, well-executed work.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared openly, and cross-functional collaboration is seamless, both internally and with clients.

• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of all design decisions, ensuring empathy, understanding, and advocacy for user needs.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for projects from inception to delivery, demonstrating proactivity and a commitment to achieving results.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: AKQA emphasizes forming integrated teams where designers work closely with strategists, technologists, and creative leads, fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of ideas across disciplines.

• Client-Facing Engagement: A willingness and ability to engage directly with clients, understand their business, and present design solutions persuasively.

• Mentorship and Learning: A culture that supports continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and mutual growth through mentorship and collaborative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture is built around creativity, client success, and a collaborative spirit. The values emphasize high standards of work and a user-focused approach, which are critical for success in a leading digital agency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with User Experience: Navigating client demands, business objectives, and technical constraints while ensuring an optimal user experience can be a significant challenge.

• Managing Multiple Projects & Deadlines: As a Senior Designer in an agency, you will likely manage multiple projects simultaneously, each with its own deadlines and stakeholders, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies & Trends: The digital landscape is constantly changing, requiring continuous learning to stay ahead of new technologies, design patterns, and user expectations.

• Driving Design Vision in Complex Organizations: Influencing stakeholders and championing design best practices within diverse client organizations and internal teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Access to workshops, masterclasses, and online courses to deepen expertise in areas like advanced interaction design, animation, AR/VR design, or specialized UX research methodologies.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend leading design and technology conferences to gain insights into industry trends and network with peers.

• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on project leadership, team management, client relationship building, and strategic thinking for career advancement into leadership roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning from experts in strategy, technology, data analytics, and creative direction to gain a broader understanding of digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in fast-paced agency environments. The growth opportunities highlight AKQA's commitment to employee development, offering clear pathways for skill enhancement and career progression within the design field and beyond.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex digital product you designed from concept to launch. What were the key challenges, your strategic approach, and the impact of your design?" (Prepare a detailed case study focusing on problem-solving and outcomes.)

• "How do you balance client business objectives with user needs and ethical design considerations?" (Be ready to discuss trade-offs and user advocacy.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AKQA and our work? How do you see yourself contributing to our culture?" (Research AKQA's portfolio, values, and recent projects.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with diverse stakeholders." (Highlight your teamwork, communication, and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, process, solutions, and results. Use a consistent structure.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work clearly and enthusiastically, allowing time for questions and discussion. Avoid jargon where possible, or explain it clearly.

• Showcase Your Process: Emphasize your thinking, your iterative approach, and how you arrived at your final designs. This is as important as the final visuals.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss the technical feasibility of your designs and how they integrate with development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate effectively. Preparing detailed case studies and understanding AKQA's culture are crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI/UX Designer position at AKQA:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AKQA careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 6-8 years of relevant experience, specific design skills (Figma, Sketch, etc.), and achievements in UI/UX, interaction, and product design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Select and Refine Your Portfolio: Choose 2-3 of your strongest end-to-end digital design projects. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, solutions, and measurable outcomes. Prepare to present these compellingly.

• Research AKQA: Familiarize yourself with AKQA's client work, company values, and recent projects. Understand their approach to digital innovation and design excellence.

• Prepare for a Hybrid Environment: Be ready to discuss your experience and comfort with hybrid work models and your approach to collaboration both remotely and in-office.

⚠️ 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.