Senior UX/UI Designer – Freelance 60-80% (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer – Freelance 60-80% (m/f/d) Company: Information Factory Location: Porto, Portugal Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Design Operations / Product Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-02 Experience Level: Senior (5+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing the user experience and interface design of digital platforms, emphasizing user-centered design principles and a hybrid work model.
• The Senior UX/UI Designer will be instrumental in evolving user journeys, interface structure, and visual consistency across web-based platforms and tools.
• A key aspect involves maintaining and advancing the company's design system, including components, tokens, and overall structure, to ensure scalability and responsiveness.
• Collaboration with development teams, product owners, and delivery teams is crucial for translating design concepts into functional, user-friendly solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is UX/UI Design, the emphasis on design systems, component-based design, and collaboration with development teams positions this as a "Design Operations" focused role. This involves the operationalization of design practices to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability across product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end UX/UI design process for web-based platforms and digital tools, ensuring a user-centered approach from conception to implementation.
• Develop detailed wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma to effectively communicate design solutions and user flows.
• Actively maintain, evolve, and document the company's design system, including UI components, design tokens, and structural guidelines, to promote consistency and efficiency.
• Foster close collaboration with frontend developers and cross-functional delivery teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs and to provide necessary design support.
• Plan and support usability testing sessions, analyze feedback, and implement iterative improvements based on user insights and performance data.
• Contribute to the optimization of user journeys, interface architecture, and overall visual consistency across all digital touchpoints.
• Create and refine visual assets for internal and external communications, including presentations, slide decks, and marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to design system management and a strong collaborative element with development, indicating a need for operational excellence in design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree is mandated, but a strong foundation in design principles, user experience, and visual communication is expected, typically gained through formal education or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in UX/UI design or digital product design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in UX/UI design or digital product design.
• Strong portfolio showcasing responsive, component-based design and user-centered solutions.
• Hands-on expertise with Figma for wireframing, mockups, prototyping, and design system management.
• Solid understanding of UX principles, user journey mapping, and interaction design.
• Excellent visual design skills with a keen eye for detail, typography, and aesthetics.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers and product owners.
• Self-directed work style with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a freelance capacity.
• Fluent English proficiency (written and spoken) for clear communication in an international team.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience designing for regulated sectors such as finance, legal, or insurance, demonstrating an understanding of complex compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with additional design tools like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator for advanced visual and corporate design tasks.
• Familiarity with design principles and best practices for AI-integrated tools and platforms.
• Experience in creating and managing design systems, including component libraries and style guides.
• Ability to support visual asset creation for communication and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio demonstrating component-based design and proficiency in Figma points towards an expectation of operationalizing design through reusable elements and a robust design system.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a minimum of 5 years of professional UX/UI design experience.
• Showcase of responsive, component-based design projects, highlighting the ability to create scalable and consistent user interfaces.
• Detailed case studies illustrating the entire design process, from user research and wireframing to prototyping, usability testing, and final UI implementation.
• Examples of work within a design system, including contributions to component libraries, style guides, or design token management.
• Projects that highlight problem-solving skills, user journey optimization, and iterative design improvements based on feedback.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, including user flows, interaction specifications, and the rationale behind design decisions.
• Evidence of contributing to or maintaining design system documentation, style guides, or component libraries.
• Examples of how user feedback and usability testing results were incorporated into design iterations and process improvements.
• Show an understanding of collaborative design workflows and how to effectively hand off design assets and specifications to development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that showcases component-based design and design system management indicates a need for candidates who can demonstrate an operational understanding of design scalability and consistency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a freelance role with a specified capacity of 60-80%, compensation will likely be project-based or hourly. Based on industry standards for Senior UX/UI Designers in Porto, Portugal, with 5+ years of experience and specialized skills in Figma and design systems, a freelance hourly rate could range from €35 to €60 per hour. This estimate considers the hybrid nature, the duration of the contract, and the company's international presence.

Benefits:

• Freelance Flexibility: Opportunity to work on a contract basis with a flexible capacity of 60-80%, allowing for a balanced work-life integration.
• Potential for Extension/Conversion: The initial 6-month engagement offers the possibility of extension or a transition to a permanent role, providing career stability.
• Creative Ownership: Gain significant creative input and ownership over the user experience and design direction of real-world digital products.
• International Team Collaboration: Work within a diverse, international, and cross-functional team, contributing to impactful projects with global reach.
• Impact on Design Maturity: Play a key role in shaping the company's design systems and advancing overall UX maturity within the organization.

Working Hours: The role requires a commitment of 60-80% of a standard full-time workweek, translating to approximately 24-32 hours per week. The hybrid setup in Porto allows for flexibility in scheduling, with collaboration expected during core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical freelance rates for senior design roles in Portugal, factoring in the specified workload and the niche skillset required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Factory operates at the intersection of technology consulting, software delivery, and design thinking, with a specific focus on AI-ready, user-focused platforms. They serve public and private institutions, indicating a professional and often regulated client base.

Company Size: Information Factory has teams in multiple locations (Zürich, Nürnberg, and Porto), suggesting a mid-sized to growing organization with established operations and a distributed workforce. This size often allows for a balance between structured processes and agile, team-oriented collaboration.

Founded: Information Factory was founded to combine design thinking, software delivery, and consulting expertise, indicating a strategic approach to client solutions and a commitment to innovation in digital platforms.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a product development team, working closely with Product Owners, Frontend Developers, and potentially other designers or researchers.
• Reporting lines would typically be to a Design Lead, Product Manager, or a Project Manager within the delivery team.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with regular interaction expected between design, development, and client stakeholders.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "design thinking" and "data-driven, human-centered tools," suggesting a methodology that prioritizes user research, empathy, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed in software delivery, requiring iterative design processes and close collaboration with development sprints.
• Focus on "AI-ready" platforms implies an understanding of emerging technologies and their integration into user experiences.

Company Website: http://information-factory.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI-ready platforms and user-centric design suggests a forward-thinking culture that values innovation and user experience as key drivers of success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior UX/UI Designer role is positioned at an experienced individual contributor level. It demands leadership in design execution, ownership of specific product areas, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers if a permanent role evolves. The focus on design systems and process improvement aligns with a growing operational maturity within design functions.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Product Owner or a Project Manager within a specific project team. They will also likely liaigently with a Design Lead or Head of Design if one exists within the company's structure.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the usability, efficiency, and adoption of Information Factory's digital platforms. By improving user journeys and interface structure, the designer contributes to client satisfaction, reduced support needs, and enhanced productivity for users of the AI-ready tools. This operational excellence in design directly supports the company’s value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Extension/Permanent Role: The primary growth opportunity is the potential to extend the freelance contract or transition to a full-time employee, offering increased stability and benefits.
• Design System Leadership: As the company grows and refines its design operations, there's a path to take on more ownership or leadership of the design system, becoming a key advocate for design standards and best practices.
• Specialization: Opportunities may arise to specialize further in areas like UX research, interaction design for complex systems, or design for AI interfaces.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Working on diverse projects for public and private institutions offers exposure to various industry challenges and client needs, broadening professional experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The potential for growth into leadership roles within design operations or specialization in emerging tech design is a key selling point for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as a "Hybrid Work" setup in Porto. This implies a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work, offering flexibility while maintaining opportunities for face-to-face interaction. The company has physical offices in Zürich, Nürnberg, and Porto, suggesting a well-established, professional office environment in Porto.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Porto, Portugal, though specific office address details are not provided. Candidates should expect a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate team interaction and project work.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be conducive to design activities, equipped with necessary technology and tools for collaboration and prototyping.
• Expect a professional, international environment where cross-functional teams work closely on client-facing projects.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with developers and product owners will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and communicative work culture.

Work Schedule: The role requires 60-80% of a standard workweek (approximately 24-32 hours/week). While the exact daily schedule is flexible, collaboration with international teams may necessitate some alignment with core business hours or specific meeting times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Porto offers a blend of flexibility and collaborative interaction, typical of modern tech companies that value both individual focus and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Review: The hiring team will review submitted applications and portfolios to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements. A strong, curated portfolio is critical.
• Screening Call: A brief call with HR or a hiring manager to discuss your background, interest in the role, salary expectations, and availability.
• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: Candidates may be asked to complete a small design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio that demonstrates their problem-solving process, design thinking, and proficiency in Figma.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key team members (e.g., Product Owner, Lead Developer) to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to discuss the role in more depth and confirm suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-4 projects that best demonstrate your skills in responsive, component-based design, and your experience with Figma and design systems.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), and the final outcome/impact.
• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Include examples of complex prototypes, well-organized Figma files, and your contributions to design systems.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or metrics to show the impact of your design decisions on user behavior or business goals.
• Tailor to Information Factory: Consider how your work aligns with Information Factory's focus on AI-ready, user-focused platforms and their client base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Design Systems: Be prepared to discuss your experience with creating, maintaining, or contributing to design systems.
• Figma Mastery: Review advanced Figma features and best practices, as you may be asked to demonstrate your proficiency.
• User-Centered Approach: Be ready to articulate how you incorporate user feedback and usability testing into your design process.
• Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated effectively with developers and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that explicitly showcases design system contributions and Figma expertise is paramount for this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process and decision-making rationale.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design and prototyping tool. Proficiency in creating wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and managing design system components within Figma is essential.
• Design Systems: Experience with building, maintaining, or contributing to design systems is a key requirement. This includes understanding component libraries, design tokens, and style guides.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary responsibility, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions would be beneficial.
• Experience with data visualization tools for reporting on user engagement or design performance could also be an asset.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX/UI design role, but understanding how design integrates with customer-facing platforms (which may be CRM-related) could provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency and direct experience with design systems are the most critical technical requirements for this role, indicating a strong focus on operationalizing design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value is designing for the user, ensuring that platforms are intuitive, efficient, and solve real problems.
• Clarity and Structure: The company seeks designers who can bring clarity and structure to complex interfaces, reflecting a value for organized and well-thought-out design solutions.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional teams is essential, fostering an environment of shared responsibility and mutual respect.
• Innovation: A commitment to developing "AI-ready" and user-focused platforms suggests a value for innovation and staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Quality and Polish: The emphasis on bringing "polish" to interfaces indicates that attention to detail and a high standard of visual and interaction design are highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with developers, product owners, and potentially clients.
• Open communication and constructive feedback are likely encouraged to ensure design solutions are practical and meet project goals.
• The hybrid work model necessitates proactive communication and the use of digital collaboration tools to maintain team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user advocacy, technical execution, and collaborative teamwork, crucial for successful design operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Freelance Capacity with Project Demands: Managing workload effectively to deliver high-quality work within the 60-80% capacity constraint.
• Evolving Design Systems: Continuously updating and maintaining a design system in a dynamic product environment requires discipline and foresight.
• Cross-functional Alignment on Design: Ensuring that design vision and execution are consistently understood and supported by development and product teams.
• Designing for AI-Integrated Tools: Adapting design principles to the complexities and emerging best practices of AI-driven user experiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Figma and Design System Expertise: Opportunities to become a go-to expert in Figma and lead the evolution of the company's design system.
• Exposure to AI Design: Gain practical experience in designing user interfaces for AI-powered applications, a highly sought-after skill.
• Client-facing Project Experience: Work on diverse projects for various institutions, expanding understanding of different industry needs and user contexts.
• Potential for Leadership: If the role transitions to permanent, there may be opportunities for leadership within the design team or product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a unique opportunity to shape design operations for AI-ready platforms, offering significant growth in a cutting-edge field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new component for a design system. What factors do you consider, and how do you ensure its reusability and scalability?" (Focus on process, system thinking, and Figma usage).
• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you significantly improved a user journey. What was the problem, your approach, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, user-centricity, and impact).
• "How do you collaborate with frontend developers to ensure your designs are implemented accurately? Can you provide an example of a time you had to work through a technical constraint with a developer?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and technical understanding).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What are your thoughts on designing for AI-integrated tools, and how would you approach ensuring a positive user experience in that context?" (Assess interest and understanding of AI design).
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI design trends and best practices, particularly concerning design systems and responsive design?" (Gauge continuous learning and industry awareness).
• "Given our hybrid work model and international teams, how do you ensure effective communication and collaboration?" (Evaluate remote/hybrid work readiness and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact. Use visuals effectively to guide the audience.
• Emphasize Figma & Design Systems: Explicitly point out your contributions to design systems, showcase your Figma file organization, and demonstrate interactive prototypes.
• Highlight Collaboration: Mention how you worked with developers and other stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical constraints, and how you handled challenges.
• Showcase Iteration: Demonstrate how you incorporated feedback from usability testing or stakeholders to refine your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, demonstrate deep Figma proficiency, and showcase their experience with design systems through their portfolio and interview responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and readily accessible.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine 2-3 key projects that best showcase your expertise in responsive, component-based design, your proficiency with Figma, and any experience with design systems or complex interfaces. Prepare a clear narrative for each project.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of UX/UI experience, emphasizing skills like Figma, design systems, prototyping, and collaborative work. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Research Information Factory: Familiarize yourself with their work, particularly their focus on AI-ready, user-focused platforms, and their global presence. Understand their design philosophy from their website and any available case studies.
• Prepare for Design Discussions: Be ready to discuss your design process, how you approach problem-solving, and your experience working in hybrid and international teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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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