Senior UX Designer - Interaction & Visual Design (m/f/d) (German speaking C1 / C2)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer - Interaction & Visual Design (m/f/d) Company: FLUID Design GmbH Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Design & Innovation Operations Date Posted: August 20, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (6+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and contribute across the full design lifecycle, from discovery and research to strategy, concept development, visual design, and final delivery.
• Frame complex problems, identify user needs, and translate them into compelling interaction models and visual narratives through strong storytelling.
• Foster collaborative relationships within cross-functional teams, including product managers, UX designers, strategists, industrial designers, and external development teams.
• Manage client communications, organize, and lead workshops and presentations to effectively convey design decisions and strategies.
• Leverage AI tools and modern design processes to enhance ideation, prototyping, and content generation within the design workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are design-focused, the emphasis on leading the full design process, managing client communication, and collaborating with cross-functional teams signifies an operational aspect to this role. The successful candidate will be responsible for the efficient and effective execution of design projects, acting as a key operational driver within the design and innovation agency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research and analysis to identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities, informing strategic design directions and framing problems effectively.
• Develop comprehensive user journeys, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final visual UIs that align with user needs, business goals, and brand identity.
• Translate strategic insights into compelling interaction models and visual narratives, ensuring a cohesive and engaging user experience across digital and physical touchpoints.
• Present and articulate design decisions, rationale, and aesthetics clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including clients, product managers, and development teams.
• Collaborate proactively with cross-functional teams, including strategists, industrial designers, and software developers, to ensure seamless integration of UX/UI design into the overall product development process.
• Manage client relationships and communications, ensuring alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables through effective workshop facilitation and presentations.
• Champion the use of AI tools within the design process for ideation, prototyping, and content generation, driving efficiency and innovation.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems, ensuring consistency in visual design, layout, typography, and brand expression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management. The emphasis on "framing problems," "translating strategy," "managing client communication," and "collaborating in cross-functional teams" points to a need for strong operational execution and stakeholder management skills, crucial for a senior role within a fast-paced agency environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is beneficial, but a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and expertise is paramount.

Experience: Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in UX, interaction design, or visual design, with a proven track record of leading end-to-end design projects.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end design thinking, demonstrating a strong grasp of user research, problem framing, concept development, interaction design, visual design, and final execution.
• Visual Design Proficiency: Exceptional skills in visual design principles, layout composition, typography, color theory, and brand expression, ensuring aesthetically pleasing and effective user interfaces.
• Interaction Design Expertise: Deep understanding of UX principles, interaction design patterns, user-centered design methodologies, and responsive design techniques.
• Prototyping & Design Tools: Mastery of Figma and fluency in modern design tools, including a strong experience with AI tools integrated into the design process (e.g., for ideation, prototyping, content generation).
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills in both German (C1/C2 proficiency) and English, with the ability to articulate design rationale and collaborate effectively in agile, cross-functional environments.
• Problem Framing & Strategy: Ability to critically analyze problems, identify user needs, and translate strategic objectives into tangible design solutions.
• Design Systems: Experience in developing and utilizing design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Prototyping experience with physical computing platforms like Arduino or microcontrollers.
• Familiarity with AR/VR technologies, spatial UX, or immersive environments.
• Proficiency in 3D design or motion graphics software such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or Adobe After Effects.
• Experience designing for multi-sensory interfaces, including sound, haptics, and physical interactions.
• Proven experience in workshop facilitation and co-creation sessions with users and stakeholders.
• Advanced motion design or prototyping skills using tools like Framer, Principle, or ProtoPie.
• Basic coding knowledge to facilitate closer collaboration with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to have" section indicates a company that values innovation at the intersection of digital and physical. For operations professionals, this suggests an environment where adaptability, continuous learning, and exploration of new technologies are encouraged. The emphasis on AI tools is particularly relevant, highlighting a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Design Process: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating the full design lifecycle, from initial problem definition and user research through to high-fidelity visual design and final delivery.
• Problem Framing & User-Centricity: Clearly articulate how user needs and business objectives were identified and prioritized, and how these insights drove the design strategy and solutions.
• Interaction & Visual Design Excellence: Present detailed examples of user journeys, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final visual UIs, highlighting your interaction design principles and visual design aesthetic.
• Tool Proficiency & Innovation: Include examples of work created using Figma and demonstrate the application of AI tools in your design process, showcasing efficiency gains or novel approaches.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Provide evidence of client presentations, workshop facilitation, and effective communication of design decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate a structured approach to designing and optimizing design workflows, including how research findings were synthesized and translated into actionable design steps.
• Implementation & Automation: Showcase how designs were implemented and delivered, potentially including collaboration with developers or the use of design systems for efficient production.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: While this is a design role, ideally, the portfolio would hint at how design decisions or user experiences were measured for effectiveness, even if through qualitative feedback or user testing summaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer role in an agency, the portfolio is critical. It's not just about showcasing pretty screens, but about demonstrating a robust, repeatable, and effective design process. The agency environment implies a need for efficiency and client satisfaction, making the ability to document and communicate this process crucial. The mention of AI tools suggests a need to highlight how technology is leveraged for process improvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for Senior UX Designers in Munich, Germany, with 6+ years of experience, and considering the agency environment, the estimated annual gross salary range is likely between €70,000 and €90,000. This estimate accounts for the high cost of living in Munich, the specialized skills required (including AI tools and German language proficiency), and the agency's award-winning status.

Benefits:

• Mobility Support: JobRad (company bicycle leasing program) and Deutschlandticket (nationwide public transport pass) to promote sustainable and flexible commuting.
• Wellness & Recreation: Urban Sports membership provides access to a wide range of fitness and recreational activities, supporting employee well-being.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning opportunities, access to industry conferences, workshops, and potentially training in new design tools and methodologies.
• Collaborative Work Environment: Access to a creative studio space in a historic building, fostering a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
• Team Activities: Regular team events and activities designed to build camaraderie and a strong team culture.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: Commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a fair and equitable workplace for all.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week, typical for full-time positions in Germany. FLUID Design GmbH's emphasis on a positive atmosphere and personal growth suggests potential flexibility where feasible, though client project demands will be a primary driver.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are specific and geared towards employee well-being and mobility, aligning with common German employment practices. The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior design roles in a major German city like Munich, factoring in the agency's reputation and the specific skill requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design and Innovation Consulting. FLUID Design GmbH operates within the creative services sector, specializing in crafting digital, physical, and service products. Their work bridges the gap between user needs, business goals, and cutting-edge technology. Company Size: FLUID Design GmbH is part of the "61-200 employees" category, indicating a medium-sized agency. This size typically allows for a balance between structured processes and a close-knit, collaborative team dynamic. Founded: The founding date isn't explicitly provided, but the company's award-winning status and description suggest a mature and established agency with a significant track record in design and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Cross-functional Hybrid Teams: FLUID emphasizes working in "cross-functional hybrid teams," meaning designers collaborate closely with strategists, product managers, industrial designers, and external software development teams. This structure necessitates strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior UX Designer would likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or a Project Lead, depending on the project structure. They are expected to lead specific design streams within these teams.
• Collaboration Patterns: The culture thrives on a "collaborative spirit and international culture," suggesting an open environment where ideas are shared freely, and team members support each other across disciplines.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: The agency's core approach is rooted in "real user needs," indicating a strong commitment to user research and human-centered design principles throughout the entire product development lifecycle.
• Holistic Solutions: FLUID designs "holistic solutions," implying an integrated approach that considers digital interfaces, physical products, and service touchpoints to create comprehensive experiences.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While creativity is paramount, the mention of "data" in framing problems suggests that design decisions are informed by research and analytics, not solely intuition.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as collaborative, international, and focused on personal growth and fresh ideas. For an operations-minded candidate, this implies an environment that values proactive contribution, efficient project execution, and continuous learning. The agency setting means project-based work with varying client needs, requiring adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Designer. This role is positioned as a leadership contributor within design projects. It requires not only strong individual design skills but also the ability to guide the design process, manage client relationships, and mentor junior team members. The role is responsible for the operational success of design deliverables within projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Design Director or a Senior Project Manager. They will work within cross-functional teams, collaborating with peers from strategy, product management, and development. They are expected to lead design efforts within these teams and potentially mentor junior designers.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's impact is critical to the agency's success. By delivering exceptional user experiences, they directly contribute to client satisfaction, project success, and the agency's reputation. Their ability to manage the design process efficiently, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and integrate AI tools impacts project timelines, budgets, and overall quality, which are key operational metrics for an agency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression into roles such as Design Lead, Creative Director, or Head of Design, managing design teams and strategic client accounts.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like AI-driven design, physical computing, AR/VR, or advanced prototyping.
• Project Management: Developing skills in managing larger, more complex projects and client portfolios.
• Client Relationship Management: Growing into roles that focus more on strategic client consulting and business development.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor and develop junior designers, honing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a design and innovation agency. The emphasis on leading processes and client interaction provides a strong foundation for developing operational leadership skills, moving beyond pure design execution to strategic project and client management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: FLUID Design GmbH operates from a studio located in a "historic industrial building at Munich’s vibrant Gärtnerplatz." This suggests a creative, inspiring, and potentially open-plan office environment that encourages collaboration and a positive "feel-good atmosphere." Office Location(s): The primary office is in Munich, Germany, specifically near the Gärtnerplatz area, known for its lively atmosphere. This location offers good accessibility within the city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The studio is designed as a place where "creativity thrives," implying an environment that supports open communication, idea sharing, and team interaction.
• Modern Tools & Technology: While the building is historic, the agency works at the "intersection of digital and physical" and highlights proficiency in "modern and AI design tools," indicating that the workspace is equipped with the necessary technology to support cutting-edge design work.
• Team Interaction: The emphasis on a "collaborative spirit" and "team activities" suggests ample opportunities for interaction with colleagues from various disciplines, fostering cross-pollination of ideas and a strong sense of community.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with likely standard office hours, but the agency environment may offer some flexibility depending on project needs and client demands. The benefits like Deutschlandticket and JobRad suggest an understanding of and support for flexible work arrangements and commuting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description paints a picture of a dynamic, creative, and well-equipped workspace conducive to collaboration. For an operations-focused candidate, this environment suggests a need for adaptability and strong interpersonal skills to navigate diverse project teams and client interactions effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your CV and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and fit.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio, discussing your design process, methodologies, and how you've leveraged tools (including AI) and managed projects. Be prepared to articulate your problem-solving approach and client interaction experience.
• Cross-functional Team Interview: You may meet with team members from strategy, product, or development to assess collaboration skills and how you integrate into a hybrid team environment.
• Client/Workshop Simulation (Potential): Given the client-facing nature of the role, there might be a scenario-based interview or a simulated workshop facilitation to gauge your client management and presentation abilities.
• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term aspirations, and overall suitability for the agency.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 diverse case studies that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, visual design execution, and experience with AI tools.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work. Focus on the "why" behind your decisions.
• Highlight AI Integration: Specifically call out instances where AI tools were used to enhance ideation, prototyping, or efficiency, explaining the benefits and outcomes.
• Showcase Visual Design & Interaction: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your skills in visual design, layout, typography, and interaction design through high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, or video walkthroughs.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs, such as improved user satisfaction, conversion rates, or efficiency gains.
• Tailor to FLUID: Research FLUID's work and clients. If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to align with their known style or project types.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready for hypothetical design challenges presented during the interview. Practice breaking down problems, outlining your approach, and justifying your design choices.
• Process Articulation: Prepare to articulate your design process clearly and concisely, explaining how you handle user research, concept development, iteration, and delivery.
• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining complex design concepts and decisions in simple, clear language suitable for various audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior agency role will heavily emphasize not just design skill but also process management, client handling, and collaborative capabilities. A strong portfolio that clearly illustrates these aspects, particularly the integration of AI tools and the ability to manage projects from start to finish, will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and design system management. Fluency in Figma is a core requirement.
• AI Design Tools: Experience with a range of AI tools for ideation, content generation, prototyping, or enhancing the design workflow. Specific tools are not listed, but familiarity with current AI applications in design is expected.
• Prototyping Tools (Advanced): Proficiency in tools like Framer, Principle, or ProtoPie for creating high-fidelity, interactive prototypes is preferred.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools used for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Jira, Asana) is implied by the collaborative environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a UX Designer, understanding how to interpret user analytics (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions would be beneficial.
• Experience with user testing platforms or feedback tools.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design outputs integrate with CRM or marketing automation platforms used by clients may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and "AI tools in the design process" highlights the technological expectations. For operations professionals, understanding how these tools contribute to efficiency, workflow optimization, and the quality of deliverables is key. The preference for advanced prototyping tools suggests a commitment to high-quality, interactive design outputs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs as the foundation for all design and innovation efforts.
• Collaboration & Openness: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the sharing of ideas across disciplines and with clients.
• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging exploration of new technologies (like AI), methodologies, and creative approaches to solve complex problems.
• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, project success, and client satisfaction.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: Striving for high quality in all aspects of design, from strategic thinking to visual execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly within hybrid teams, fostering strong partnerships with strategists, product managers, industrial designers, and developers.
• Client Partnership: Engaging clients as collaborators, actively involving them in workshops and presentations to ensure alignment and co-create solutions.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to continuously improve designs and processes.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing agile methodologies and an iterative approach to design, allowing for flexibility and adaptation based on learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a user-first approach. For an operations professional, this means understanding how to facilitate these values through efficient processes, clear communication, and a supportive team dynamic. The focus on "ownership" and "accountability" aligns well with operational responsibilities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Client Demands: Effectively translating client requirements and business goals into innovative yet practical design solutions.
• Navigating Complex Projects: Managing the full design lifecycle for diverse projects, potentially with tight deadlines and evolving scopes.
• Integrating New Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve with emerging design tools, AI applications, and innovative interaction methods.
• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication across various specialized teams (strategy, industrial design, development) to achieve holistic solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of clients and industries allows for continuous learning and skill expansion.
• AI Tool Exploration: Opportunities to experiment with and integrate cutting-edge AI tools into the design workflow.
• Advanced Prototyping & Immersive Tech: Potential to develop skills in AR/VR, physical computing, and advanced motion design.
• Client Management & Facilitation: Opportunities to hone skills in client communication, workshop facilitation, and strategic presentation.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership and coaching capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a dynamic agency. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for an operations-minded individual looking to develop leadership skills in client management, project execution, and technological integration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Problem Framing & Process: "Describe a complex design problem you faced and how you framed it. Walk us through your end-to-end design process for that project, highlighting your role in discovery, strategy, and delivery." Focus on how you structured your work and made decisions.
• Client Collaboration & Communication: "Tell me about a time you had to present challenging design feedback or decisions to a client. How did you manage the conversation, ensure buy-in, and maintain a positive client relationship?" Emphasize your communication strategy and stakeholder management.
• AI Tool Application: "How have you leveraged AI tools in your design process? Provide a specific example of how AI improved efficiency, generated novel ideas, or enhanced a particular design outcome." Be ready to discuss the practical benefits and your workflow integration.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Fit with FLUID: "What attracts you to FLUID Design GmbH, and how do you see your skills and approach contributing to our collaborative and innovative culture?" Research the company's portfolio and values.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: "Describe your experience working in cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with diverse team members, such as strategists or developers?" Prepare examples of successful cross-disciplinary work.
• Measuring Design Impact: "How do you approach measuring the success of your designs? Can you share an example where you used data or feedback to iterate on a design and improve its performance?" Focus on how you connect design to outcomes.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each case study, structure your presentation with a clear beginning (problem), middle (process, solutions, challenges), and end (outcome, learnings).
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals, interactive prototypes (if possible), and clear annotations to showcase your design work effectively.
• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design decisions and the methodologies you employed. Demonstrate a systematic approach.
• Highlight AI Integration: Seamlessly weave in your experience with AI tools, explaining their specific role and benefit within each project.
• Conciseness & Engagement: Be mindful of time, delivering key insights efficiently while remaining engaging and open to questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent, but also a mature, process-oriented approach to design execution, client management, and technological integration, especially with AI tools. Your ability to articulate your process and impact will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on join.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and clearly showcases end-to-end design processes, client interaction examples, and the application of AI tools in your workflow. Select case studies that best align with FLUID's work in digital, physical, and service design.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of experience, specific UX/UI skills, proficiency in Figma and AI design tools, and strong German language capabilities (C1/C2). Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and discussing your experience with AI tools and client management. Prepare for behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with FLUID Design GmbH's projects, clients, and company culture. Understand their approach to innovation and design.

⚠️ 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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