Senior UX Designer (Qiddiya)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer (Qiddiya) Company: Journey Location: London, England, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Date Posted: 2026-02-20 Experience Level: 7+ years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives, from initial discovery and planning through to design validation and iterative testing, ensuring a user-centric approach to product development.
• Translate complex qualitative and quantitative research findings into clear, compelling narratives and actionable insights for diverse audiences, including senior leadership, to drive strategic product decisions and feature prioritization.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Technology Leads, to inform product strategy, define future functionality, and ensure seamless integration of user needs into the development lifecycle.
• Champion a robust research practice within the Experience Design team, establishing and maintaining best practices, repositories, and frameworks to elevate the quality and impact of user-centered design across digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within an "Experience Design Team" at a "design studio" that blends "media production, digital technology and design." This suggests a strong emphasis on translating user insights into tangible, often visually rich, digital experiences, potentially for clients in architecture, museums, or urban planning. The "Senior" title implies a leadership component, not just execution, in shaping research direction and methodologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Experience Director to strategize, plan, and execute comprehensive user research studies, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies for discovery and usability testing of prototypes.
• Synthesize complex research data from various sources (user interviews, surveys, analytics, usability tests) into actionable insights, compelling narratives, and clear documentation tailored for product teams, designers, and senior stakeholders.
• Lead the development and refinement of the research and requirement gathering framework, ensuring a structured and effective approach to understanding user needs and product opportunities.
• Partner closely with Product Leads to define and scope future product functionality, ensuring alignment with user needs, business objectives, and technological feasibility.
• Validate design concepts and iterative prototypes through rigorous user testing, providing feedback to designers and product managers to refine user flows, interfaces, and overall user experience.
• Maintain organized research repositories, documentation, and best practice guidelines to facilitate knowledge sharing and consistency across the Experience Design team.
• Translate research findings and user requirements into detailed wireframes, user flows, and functional prototypes in close partnership with UX and UI designers.
• Contribute to the growth and evolution of digital products across multiple tech platforms by applying user-centered design principles and research-backed insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic research leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "transforming and communicating insights" and "turning insight into clear direction" indicates a need for strong analytical and storytelling abilities. The involvement in "product choice and prioritization of features" signifies a key influence on the product roadmap.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior-level UX roles. Relevant certifications in UX research or design are also advantageous.

Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) research and design within a product-led organization, with a proven track record of shaping research strategy and leading initiatives from inception to completion.

Required Skills:

• User Research Leadership: 7+ years of experience leading user research initiatives, with demonstrated ability to shape research direction, manage priorities, and influence product strategy.
• Mixed-Methods Research Expertise: Strong command of both qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability testing, ethnography) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics, A/B testing) research methods, with sound judgment on selecting appropriate techniques.
• Insight Synthesis & Storytelling: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex data into clear, compelling narratives and actionable insights, effectively communicating findings to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven experience partnering effectively with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, Developers, and other stakeholders to drive product decisions and ensure user needs are met.
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in translating research findings into tangible design artifacts such as wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• Requirement Gathering: Skill in eliciting, documenting, and prioritizing user and business requirements.
• Product Mindset: Understanding of product development lifecycle and ability to contribute to product strategy and feature prioritization.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present research findings and design recommendations persuasively.
• Problem-Solving: Creative and analytical approach to identifying and solving complex user experience challenges.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in research planning, execution, and documentation.
• Curiosity & User-Obsession: A genuine interest in understanding user behaviors, motivations, and needs.
• Comfort with Ambiguity: Ability to navigate and derive insights from complex or ill-defined problems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with architectural projects and related digital products.
• Experience researching and designing for digital twins.
• Experience researching both physical and digital products.
• Experience researching computer games and/or 3D digital environments.
• Strong understanding of web technologies and 3D game engine technology (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine).
• Familiarity with MDX (Multidimensional Experience) concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (7+ years) and the emphasis on "shaping research direction, not just executing studies" indicate that this role is for a seasoned researcher who can operate autonomously and strategically. The "desirable" skills point towards a niche in highly immersive or spatial digital experiences.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Demonstrations of end-to-end user research projects, detailing the research questions, methodologies employed (qualitative/quantitative), participant recruitment, data synthesis, key findings, and how insights directly influenced product decisions and outcomes.
• Impact & Metrics: Evidence of how research contributions led to measurable improvements in user experience, product performance, or business objectives (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion times, improved user satisfaction scores).
• Process Documentation: Examples of research plans, user journey maps, personas, and other documentation created to communicate user insights and inform design.
• Iterative Design & Testing: Portfolios showcasing how research was integrated into iterative design cycles, including evidence of usability testing and subsequent design refinements.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Examples of detailed research plans outlining objectives, methodology, timelines, and recruitment strategies for various research initiatives.
• Insight Synthesis Frameworks: Documentation illustrating how complex qualitative and quantitative data was synthesized into actionable insights, potentially including frameworks for thematic analysis or statistical interpretation.
• User-Centric Design Integration: Evidence of how research findings were translated into design requirements, wireframes, prototypes, and ultimately, implemented product features.
• Best Practices & Repositories: Demonstrations of how research best practices were established, documented, and maintained within a team or organization, including examples of research repositories.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "transforming and communicating insights" and "leading research processes," a portfolio should strongly highlight strategic thinking, research planning, and the ability to translate findings into tangible product improvements. Case studies demonstrating the impact of research on product decisions and metrics will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £65,000 - £80,000 GBP per annum.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.
• Pension scheme contributions.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or equity.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
• Collaborative and creative work environment.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration. The role is primarily on-site in London.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of £65,000 - £80,000 GBP per year is competitive for a Senior UX Designer role in London, reflecting the specified 7+ years of experience and the specialized nature of the work. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced design professionals in a major metropolitan area. Benefits are typical for a full-time role at a design studio.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design Studio / Technology / Media Production / Innovation Agency. Journey operates at the intersection of creative design, digital technology, and media production, serving a diverse international clientele. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the presence of studios in London and New York, an international client portfolio, and a dedicated Experience Design Team suggests a mid-to-large size organization, likely between 50-250 employees, or potentially larger if considering a global footprint. Founded: The company mentions a "legacy of pioneering studios," implying a history and established reputation in the design and media space, rather than a recent startup.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the "Experience Design Team," which supports various projects within the Journey umbrella, focusing on digital experiences for museums, architecture, and visualization tools.
• This team likely works closely with other departments such as Media Production, Digital Technology, and Client Services.
• The Senior UX Designer will collaborate with the Experience Director, Product Leads, UX/UI Designers, and Tech Teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes transforming "insights from discovery phases into documentation and actionable decisions."
• User-Centric Approach: Research is central to defining and designing digital experiences, with a focus on understanding user needs.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Encourages "collaborative work" and working "across disciplines."
• Iterative Development: Utilizes "iterative testing" to validate and refine prototypes.
• MDX (Multidimensional Experience): The company's core approach, crafting "story-driven, sensory-rich engagement across physical, immersive, digital, and virtual spaces."

Company Website: www.journey.world

📝 Enhancement Note: Journey positions itself as an "Innovation Agency" focused on "Multidimensional Experiences (MDX)," indicating a forward-thinking, technology-integrated approach to design. The client list (BIG, UNStudio, Empire State Building, Heatherwick Studio, V&A) points to high-profile, complex projects, suggesting a demanding yet rewarding environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the design and product development hierarchy. It requires not only strong execution skills but also strategic thinking, leadership in research methodology, and the ability to influence product direction. The role is positioned to lead research efforts, not just participate.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will collaborate with the Experience Director and work closely with Product Leads and other designers. This suggests a reporting line likely to the Experience Director or a Head of Design/Product.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer will have a significant impact on product success by ensuring that digital experiences are deeply rooted in user needs and validated through rigorous research. Their insights will directly influence product strategy, feature prioritization, and the overall quality and effectiveness of digital products, ultimately contributing to client satisfaction and business growth for Journey.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Researcher or Experience Design Lead role, managing a team and setting the strategic direction for research.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like architectural visualization, digital twins, or immersive/3D environments, aligning with Journey's MDX focus.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining broader experience in product management, technology, and media production within the agency context.
• Client Engagement: Increased involvement in client-facing activities, presenting research findings and design recommendations to high-profile clients.
• Industry Influence: Contributing to the advancement of MDX and user research methodologies within the design industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the responsibilities suggest a clear path for growth into leadership roles, either within UX research or broader design/product management functions. The company's focus on MDX also offers a unique specialization opportunity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," implying a traditional office or studio environment. Given the nature of a "design studio," this is likely a collaborative and creative workspace. Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Expect a dynamic studio environment where close collaboration with designers, product managers, and technologists is the norm. This fosters spontaneous idea-sharing and problem-solving.
• Technology-Rich: As a digital technology and design firm, the workspace will be equipped with industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially advanced visualization or prototyping tools.
• Cross-Disciplinary Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with diverse teams involved in media production, digital technology, and client strategy, enriching the understanding of project complexities. Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, typical for full-time roles. While on-site, there might be an expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines, common in agency environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement for a "design studio" suggests an environment that thrives on in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and a hands-on approach to creative and technical work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience, research methodologies, and communication skills.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion focused on your experience leading research, specific methodologies, handling complex projects, and articulating insights. This may include behavioral questions.
• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A critical stage where you'll present 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio, showcasing your research process, problem-solving approach, impact, and collaboration style. Be prepared to discuss your role and decision-making.
• Skills Assessment/Exercise: Potentially a small take-home assignment or a live exercise simulating a research or problem-solving scenario, evaluating your approach to a given challenge.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the insights derived, and the tangible outcomes or impact of your research on the product or business. Quantify results where possible.
• Showcase Methodology: Detail why you chose specific research methods and how they addressed the project's goals. Demonstrate expertise in both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Highlight Leadership: For this senior role, emphasize instances where you shaped research direction, mentored others, managed stakeholders, and influenced strategic decisions.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives with a clear beginning (problem), middle (process/solution), and end (outcome/impact).
• Tailor to Journey: If possible, subtly align your examples with the types of projects Journey undertakes (e.g., complex digital experiences, architectural applications, immersive environments).
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Scenarios: Be prepared for challenges involving synthesizing ambiguous data, defining research plans for novel product ideas, or presenting research findings to a skeptical audience.
• Think Strategically: Demonstrate how you would approach a research problem from a strategic level, considering business goals, user needs, and available resources.
• Communicate Your Thought Process: Clearly articulate your reasoning and decision-making at each step, especially if given a problem-solving exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "transforming and communicating insights" and "leading research processes" means the interview and portfolio review will likely scrutinize your ability to not just conduct research, but to strategically apply it and influence outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for participant recruitment, survey deployment, and remote usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).
• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools: Software for creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure).
• Data Analysis Tools: Software for analyzing quantitative data (e.g., SPSS, R, Python libraries like Pandas, Excel/Google Sheets for advanced analysis) and qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, Miro for affinity mapping).
• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Tools for understanding user behavior on digital platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics).
• Data Visualization Tools: Software for creating dashboards and reports to communicate insights (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker Studio).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how insights can inform CRM strategies or automated customer journeys may be beneficial. Familiarity with platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific tools, a Senior UX Designer is expected to be proficient in a range of UX and research software. Proficiency in Figma or Sketch for design, UserTesting.com or Maze for research, and tools like Dovetail for qualitative analysis would be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design and product decisions.
• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork and cross-functional partnership to achieve the best outcomes.
• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to create groundbreaking experiences.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing research and data as the foundation for strategic choices.
• Craftsmanship & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, well-executed design and research outputs.
• Curiosity & Continuous Learning: An inquisitive mindset that embraces ambiguity and seeks to expand knowledge and skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated: Works closely with Product, Design, and Tech teams, fostering a seamless flow of information and iterative feedback.
• Enablement-Focused: Aims to empower other team members with user insights and research best practices.
• Transparent: Shares findings and processes openly to ensure alignment and understanding across disciplines.
• Agile: Adapts research and design approaches to meet evolving project needs and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description emphasizes "pioneering attitudes, collaborative work and dedicated, generous individuals," suggesting a culture that values proactivity, teamwork, and a commitment to quality and mutual support.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of MDX: Navigating the intricacies of designing and researching multidimensional experiences that span physical, digital, and virtual realms requires a sophisticated understanding of user interaction across diverse contexts.
• Balancing Ambiguity: Comfortably operating in ambiguous project spaces, defining research questions, and creating structure where none exists.
• Translating Insights: The challenge of effectively communicating complex research findings to diverse stakeholders and ensuring they translate into meaningful product changes.
• High-Profile Clients: Working with prestigious clients means high expectations for quality, innovation, and impact.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies in areas like 3D engines, AR/VR, and digital twins, relevant to Journey's offerings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into MDX: Opportunity to become a specialist in Multidimensional Experiences, a cutting-edge field.
• Advanced Research Techniques: Exposure to and application of advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods in complex digital environments.
• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Building: Learning from experts in media production, technology, and strategic design.
• Client-Facing Experience: Developing skills in presenting to and advising high-profile clients.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Potential support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the innovative and complex nature of Journey's work, offering significant growth potential for individuals eager to push the boundaries of experience design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence product strategy based on user research. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your ability to translate insights into action and stakeholder management.)
• "How do you approach research when faced with significant ambiguity or limited resources?" (Demonstrate your strategic thinking, prioritization skills, and resourcefulness.)
• "Walk us through your process for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data to form a cohesive narrative." (Showcase your analytical rigor and storytelling ability.)
• "How would you plan and execute research for a new digital product in the architectural visualization space?" (Apply your knowledge to a relevant context for Journey.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Journey's MDX approach and our client portfolio?" (Show you've researched the company and understand their unique value proposition.)
• "How do you foster collaboration within a cross-functional team?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)
• "Describe a time you had to handle conflicting priorities or stakeholder expectations. How did you manage it?" (Assess your problem-solving and interpersonal skills.)
• "What are your thoughts on the ethical considerations of user research, particularly in data-rich or immersive environments?" (Demonstrate your mature approach to research.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Approach -> Research Process & Findings -> Impact & Outcomes -> Learnings.
• Depth over Breadth: Select 1-2 complex projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities in research leadership, strategic thinking, and impact.
• Visual Aids: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, anonymized data charts) to illustrate your process and findings effectively.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your research (e.g., "Increased user task success rate by 20%," "Reduced customer support inquiries by 15%").
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, decisions, and the rationale behind them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not just research execution, but research leadership and strategic impact, aligning your experience with Journey's innovative MDX focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 1-2 detailed case studies showcasing your leadership in user research, mixed-methods expertise, and demonstrable impact on product strategy and outcomes. Tailor your presentation to highlight experience relevant to digital products, immersive environments, or architectural applications if possible.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 7+ years of experience, emphasizing your role in shaping research direction, not just executing studies. Use keywords from the job description, such as "user research," "qualitative," "quantitative," "insight synthesis," "stakeholder management," and "product prioritization."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, strategic decision-making, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio case studies confidently. Research Journey's MDX approach and recent projects.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review Journey's website (www.journey.world), understand their MDX philosophy, examine their client portfolio, and familiarize yourself with their values and culture to articulate your interest and fit during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.