Senior UX/UI Designer (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer (Contract)

Company: Hiflylabs

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Job Type: Contract

Category: Design Operations / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-27

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This contract role focuses on the end-to-end user experience and interface design for AI-driven web and mobile applications, emphasizing a user-centered design methodology.

• Responsibilities include translating complex business goals and user needs into intuitive, visually appealing, and functional interfaces, leveraging advanced design tools and agile development processes.

• The role requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and stakeholders, to ensure seamless design implementation and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Candidates will be expected to drive design innovation, conduct thorough user research and testing, and contribute to the evolution of the design department through autonomous leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is UX/UI design, the "AI Adaptation capability" and "AI-First Culture" strongly suggest an integration of AI principles into the design process and product development. This role is not just about aesthetic design but about designing for and with AI technologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop user-centered interfaces for AI-powered web and mobile applications, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, competitive analysis, and usability testing to gather insights that inform and validate design decisions.

• Create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows to stakeholders and development teams.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders in an agile environment to iterate on designs, incorporate feedback, and ensure successful implementation.

• Maintain design consistency across all product touchpoints by adhering to and evolving brand guidelines, while actively seeking out and integrating current design trends and emerging technologies.

• Work in partnership with developers to ensure accurate translation of design specifications into functional, high-quality user experiences.

• Proactively identify opportunities for design innovation and process improvement within the product development lifecycle.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the design department, leveraging autonomy and leadership to shape design methodologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI Adaptation capability" and "AI-First Culture" suggests that responsibilities will extend beyond traditional UX/UI to include understanding and designing for AI-driven features, data interactions, and potentially ethical AI considerations within user interfaces.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is highly recommended for a Senior role.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a proven track record of successfully delivering web and mobile application designs. This should include substantial experience in an agile development environment and a strong understanding of design principles.

Required Skills:

• Extensive proficiency and hands-on experience with Figma, including advanced features for complex design systems, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Proven ability to conduct user research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, persona development) and usability testing to gather actionable insights.

• Expertise in creating detailed wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Solid understanding of user-centered design (UCD) principles, interaction design (IxD), and visual design best practices.

• Demonstrated experience working within agile development frameworks, adapting to iterative feedback and changing requirements.

• Strong negotiation-level English communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling effective collaboration with international teams.

• Highly creative and analytical with a robust problem-solving mindset and meticulous attention to detail.

• Proficient in time management, project prioritization, and meeting deadlines for multiple concurrent projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI, 3D, Augmented Reality (AR), or Virtual Reality (VR) design.

• Proficiency with collaborative design tools such as Figjam and Miro for ideation and workshop facilitation.

• Experience in branding, including the development and application of brand identity systems.

• Familiarity with design considerations within the financial and healthcare sectors.

• Experience with other design or prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Exposure to front-end development concepts or collaboration with developers on Swift projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI Adaptation capability" requirement is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach designing for AI, whether it's understanding AI-generated outputs, designing interfaces for AI tools, or incorporating AI-driven personalization. The preference for AI, 3D, AR, VR suggests a forward-thinking company keen on exploring emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of UX/UI design work, with a strong emphasis on web and mobile applications.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (including research and iteration), and the final solution with measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Figma, featuring complex design systems, interactive prototypes, and collaborative workflows.

• Examples of user research and usability testing insights and how they directly influenced design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should detail the user research process, including methodologies used and the insights derived.

• Document the iterative design process, highlighting how feedback from user testing and stakeholders was incorporated.

• Showcase the creation of wireframes, user flows, and prototypes, explaining the rationale behind design choices.

• Illustrate the collaboration process with development teams and other cross-functional partners.

• Explicitly mention how AI concepts or technologies were considered or integrated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "AI-First Culture," portfolios should ideally include at least one case study that highlights experience or a strong understanding of designing for AI-driven products or features. The emphasis on Figma suggests that its advanced capabilities should be showcased.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX/UI Designer (Contract) in Budapest, Hungary, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated gross hourly rate can range from €30 to €55 per hour, or approximately €5,200 to €9,700 per month. This estimate is based on a standard 40-hour work week.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI-driven projects, gaining exposure to advanced technologies.

• Diverse domain exposure across Finance, Healthcare, and other sectors, offering varied professional challenges.

• A seat at the table in shaping the evolution of the design department, providing significant autonomy and influence.

• Potential for contract extension and further project opportunities within Hiflylabs.

• Experience within an "AI-First Culture" that actively integrates AI into its delivery processes.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available, but on-site presence in Budapest is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on market research for senior-level contract UX/UI designers in Budapest, considering the tech industry and the specialized nature of AI integration. Benefits are derived from the "Additional Information" section of the job description, highlighting the unique aspects of working at Appic/Hiflylabs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software Development, AI Solutions, Mobile & Web Applications. Hiflylabs operates in a dynamic and competitive tech landscape, with a strong focus on data engineering, data science, and AI.

Company Size: 250+ employees. This size indicates a well-established company with multiple teams and projects, offering stability while maintaining a culture that is still adaptable and allows for individual impact.

Founded: Over a decade ago (12 years). This longevity signifies experience, a proven business model, and a deep understanding of the market, particularly in Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, and Data Analytics.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely part of a larger product development or engineering department.

• Collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams including developers, product managers, and business analysts.

• As a senior hire, there's an expectation of leadership and influencing the direction of the design department.

Methodology:

• AI-First Culture: Actively integrating AI into delivery processes and product development.

• Agile Environment: Iterative development cycles, rapid feedback loops, and adaptability.

• Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing data to inform design decisions and product strategy.

• User-Centric Approach: Prioritizing user needs and experience in all design outputs.

• Mentoring System: Commitment to nurturing personal and professional development of employees.

Company Website: https://hiflylabs.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on technology, particularly AI, and a commitment to employee growth. The "AI-First Culture" is a key differentiator and suggests that candidates should be comfortable working with and thinking about AI's impact on products and user experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX/UI Designer role, indicating a high level of autonomy and responsibility. It suggests an individual contributor role with potential for leadership within the design function, rather than a management track. The contract nature implies a focus on delivering specific project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Designer typically reports to a Head of Design, Design Lead, Product Manager, or CTO. The role emphasizes having a "seat at the table" and influencing the design department's evolution, suggesting a direct line of communication with decision-makers.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is centered on creating user-centered designs that meet business goals and user needs for AI-driven applications. This directly influences user adoption, engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, the success of the applications developed by Hiflylabs. Effective UX/UI design is critical for translating complex AI technologies into accessible and valuable user experiences, driving product-market fit and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, AR/VR, 3D design, or branding through specialized projects.

• Leadership Influence: Contribute to the strategic evolution of the design department, setting standards and mentoring junior designers (even if not directly managing).

• Cross-Domain Experience: Gain extensive experience across diverse sectors like Finance and Healthcare, enhancing versatility and marketability.

• Technology Advancement: Stay at the forefront of technological trends by working with AI, Swift, and other cutting-edge technologies.

• Project Variety: Work on a wide range of global projects, providing continuous learning and exposure to different challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "contract" nature of the role means growth is primarily project-based and skill-enhancement focused, rather than traditional long-term career progression within the company. However, the company's emphasis on autonomy and shaping the design department offers significant professional development opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "On-site" in Budapest, Hungary. This implies a traditional office setting where collaboration and in-person interaction are expected. Hiflylabs is described as a "vibrant team," suggesting an energetic and collaborative physical workspace.

Office Location(s): Budapest, Bartók Béla út, Hungary. This specific location in Budapest suggests proximity to potential talent pools and business hubs within the city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature and the company's description of a "vibrant team" indicate a workplace that encourages interaction, brainstorming, and team-based problem-solving.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools, particularly Figma, is fundamental. The company's focus on AI and advanced technologies suggests a modern tech stack will be available.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with developers, product managers, and stakeholders are inherent to the on-site setup, facilitating efficient communication and design iteration.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical for contract roles, with an on-site presence required in Budapest. While the company fosters autonomy, adherence to core working hours for team collaboration is likely expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Budapest is a key factor. Candidates must be willing and able to work from the specified office location. The workspace context suggests an environment conducive to the collaborative and iterative design processes expected for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly Figma proficiency and AI adaptation.

• Technical Interview: Likely a deep dive into your UX/UI design process, methodologies, and problem-solving approach. This may include discussing specific case studies from your portfolio and your experience with user research and usability testing.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present your portfolio. Expect to walk through 1-2 key projects, detailing your role, process, challenges, and outcomes. Be prepared for questions on how you'd approach specific design problems or integrate AI.

• Cross-functional Team Interaction: Interviews with product managers or developers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work effectively in an agile, cross-functional team.

• Cultural Fit & AI Focus: Discussions on your understanding of AI's impact on UX/UI, your adaptability to an "AI-First Culture," and your ability to work autonomously.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level UX/UI skills, especially those involving web and mobile applications, and ideally, AI integration or complex problem-solving.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), the tools used (especially Figma), and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight AI Adaptability: If you have projects involving AI, explicitly showcase them. If not, be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for AI-driven features or challenges presented by AI.

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Demonstrate advanced Figma usage, including complex prototyping, design system components, and collaborative features.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work logically, using visuals effectively. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Hiflylabs, Appic, their products, and their "AI-First Culture."

• Practice AI-Related Design Scenarios: Think about how you would design interfaces for AI assistants, data visualization for AI insights, or user onboarding for AI-powered features.

• Refine Your Figma Skills: Be ready to demonstrate Figma's capabilities under pressure if a live design exercise is part of the process.

• Prepare for Agile Discussions: Be ready to discuss how you adapt designs in an agile workflow and handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "AI-First Culture" and "strong AI adaptation capability" means candidates must be ready to discuss AI from a design perspective. The portfolio review is a critical stage, and candidates should prepare to deeply articulate their design process and rationale, particularly concerning AI and Figma.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool. Expect to use it extensively for wireframing, prototyping, high-fidelity mockups, and potentially design system management. Proficiency in its advanced features, collaboration tools, and plugins is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's built-in capabilities, experience with other prototyping tools might be beneficial, though Figma is the primary requirement.

• User Research & Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

AI & Emerging Technologies:

• Exposure to AI/ML concepts and potentially tools related to AI development or integration, given the company's "AI-First Culture."

• Preferred skills include experience with 3D, AR, and VR design tools, indicating a forward-looking technology stack.

• Developers use Swift, Kotlin, Angular, React, Python, Node.js, Java, suggesting that designers may need to understand how their designs translate to these technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and preferred skills in AI, 3D, AR, VR, Figjam, and Miro indicates the company's technology focus. Designers should be prepared to work with and potentially explore these advanced tools and technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• AI Integration: A core value is the practical application and integration of AI in development and delivery. Expect discussions and decisions to revolve around how AI can enhance products and processes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Value placed on using data and insights to guide design choices and product strategy, rather than relying solely on intuition.

• User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and serving user needs through intuitive and effective design.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to stay at the cutting edge of the industry.

• Collaboration & Autonomy: Fostering an environment where individuals can work independently and lead within their domain, while also collaborating effectively with others.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Strong emphasis on working closely with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Agile Iteration: A dynamic and iterative approach to design, where feedback is actively sought and incorporated, leading to continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: The company's mentoring system suggests a culture that encourages the sharing of expertise and best practices.

• Proactive Communication: Essential for ensuring alignment across diverse teams and projects, especially in a global context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI-First Culture" is not just a buzzword; it's a core value that will permeate the work and decision-making processes. Candidates should be prepared to engage with this aspect of the company culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating AI into UX/UI: Designing intuitive and ethical user experiences for AI-powered features, which can be complex and rapidly evolving. This requires understanding AI capabilities and limitations.

• Balancing Innovation with User Needs: Staying ahead with cutting-edge technologies (AI, AR/VR) while ensuring designs are accessible, user-friendly, and meet core user needs.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Working effectively with a diverse, international team, which requires strong communication skills and cultural sensitivity.

• Fast-Paced Agile Environment: Adapting quickly to changing requirements and feedback loops in a contract role.

• Driving Design Evolution: As a senior member, influencing and shaping the design department's practices and standards requires strategic thinking and effective advocacy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Gain hands-on experience designing for AI-driven products, a highly sought-after skill.

• Exposure to Emerging Tech: Work with 3D, AR, VR, and other advanced technologies if projects align.

• Cross-Industry Expertise: Develop a portfolio with projects spanning Finance and Healthcare, broadening professional domain knowledge.

• Leadership and Influence: Opportunity to shape design processes and contribute to strategic decisions within the design department.

• Mentorship: Benefit from Hiflylabs' unique mentoring system for continuous professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lie in navigating the complexities of AI in design. Candidates who can demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and applying AI principles in UX/UI will find significant development potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex web or mobile application you designed. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them, especially regarding user adoption or engagement?" (Focus on UCD, problem-solving, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach designing for AI-driven features? Can you walk us through a hypothetical scenario or a past project where you considered AI's impact on user experience?" (Assess AI adaptation capability and design thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Hiflylabs' AI-First Culture and our work in AI-driven applications?" (Gauge genuine interest and understanding.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, especially in emerging technologies like AI, AR/VR?" (Assess proactivity and learning mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, outline the problem, your role, the target users, the design process (research, wireframes, prototypes, testing), the final solution, and the impact/results.

• Highlight Figma: Demonstrate specific Figma features used, such as complex prototyping, component libraries, or collaborative workflows.

• Emphasize AI: If applicable, clearly articulate how AI was a factor in the design. If not, discuss how you would approach AI integration in a similar project.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that showcase your problem-solving skills and design thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your Figma skills, your approach to user research, and your ability to adapt to and design for AI. Be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly and provide concrete examples from your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer (Contract) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, focusing on web and mobile applications, and explicitly mention your proficiency in Figma and any experience or understanding of AI in design.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features your best web and mobile design projects, showcases your Figma mastery, and includes case studies detailing your process and outcomes. If possible, include a project or a discussion point related to AI design.

• Prepare for interview: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you collaborate in agile, cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss your thoughts on AI in UX/UI design.

• Research Hiflylabs: Familiarize yourself with Appic by Hiflylabs, their services, and their "AI-First Culture" to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment 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.