Senior UX/UI Designer / Visual Designer
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer / Visual Designer
Company: DEPT®
Location: Zagreb, Croatia; Split, Croatia
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Creative & Design Operations / Experience Design
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)
Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Role Summary
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This role is pivotal in shaping digital experiences for international clients, acting as a Senior UX/UI Designer and Visual Designer within DEPT®'s Experience & Engineering unit.
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Responsibilities include translating strategic insights into tangible design artifacts such as journeys, wireframes, and visual interface designs, adhering to robust design principles.
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The position requires strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills, including presenting work and effectively handling feedback.
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Collaboration with global DEPT® teams across Europe is essential for achieving client digital goals and fostering a unified design-driven culture.
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The role emphasizes knowledge sharing and the promotion of best practices to elevate the design team's capabilities and reputation.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX/UI Designer within a "Growth Invention" company, focusing on digital experiences. The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking, execution, client interaction, and team collaboration, indicative of a mid-to-senior level position requiring both strong individual contribution and leadership potential within the design discipline. The emphasis on "Experience & Engineering" suggests a forward-thinking approach where design is deeply integrated with technical execution.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
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Translate complex strategic objectives and user insights into intuitive user journeys, detailed wireframes, and visually compelling interface designs.
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Champion and apply established design principles to ensure user-centered, effective, and aesthetically pleasing digital solutions.
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Proactively present design concepts, prototypes, and final deliverables to clients and internal stakeholders, adeptly managing feedback and input to refine designs.
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Collaborate closely with cross-functional global DEPT® teams, including developers, strategists, and project managers, to ensure cohesive project execution and client success.
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Actively contribute to fostering and advancing a strong design-driven culture within the Croatian office and across the wider DEPT® network through workshops, knowledge sharing sessions, and mentorship.
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Drive the adoption of best practices in UX/UI and visual design, staying abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies.
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Take initiative in identifying design challenges and opportunities, proposing innovative solutions that align with client business goals and DEPT®'s growth invention ethos.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a proactive and collaborative approach to design, extending beyond individual contribution to include team leadership and client management. The emphasis on translating strategy into actionable designs and fostering a design culture indicates a need for strong problem-solving and communication skills, typical of a senior role in a client-facing agency environment.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design Thinking principles, or a related field is implied by the responsibilities.
Experience: 4+ years of progressive experience as a UX/UI designer, with a significant portion gained within a digital agency or for a renowned brand known for its digital presence.
Required Skills:
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Proven experience in crafting user journeys, wireframes, and high-fidelity visual interface designs.
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Demonstrated ability to present design work effectively to clients and stakeholders, incorporating feedback constructively.
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Expertise in collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, working alongside developers, product managers, and other designers.
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Mastery of Figma for design and prototyping.
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Strong practical experience with the creation and utilization of Design Systems.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience with motion design tools, such as Jitter, to create dynamic and engaging user experiences.
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Familiarity with AI tools and their application within the design process to enhance efficiency and innovation.
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Experience in designing for diverse digital projects across various industries and large brands.
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A proactive and initiative-taking approach to problem-solving and design challenges.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on experience and a strong portfolio, reflecting the agency's client-focused, results-oriented approach. Proficiency in Figma and Design Systems is explicitly stated as a must-have, indicating these are core tools for the role. The preference for motion design and AI tools points towards the company's interest in cutting-edge design practices.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A comprehensive portfolio (website or PDF) that vividly demonstrates a minimum of 4 years of UX/UI and visual design experience.
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Showcase a breadth of diverse digital design projects, ideally for large, recognizable brands, highlighting problem-solving capabilities.
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Include case studies that clearly articulate the design process, from initial strategy and research to wireframing, visual design, prototyping, and final implementation.
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Emphasize the impact of your design decisions, ideally with quantifiable results or clear user benefits demonstrated.
Process Documentation:
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Examples of how you have translated strategic briefs and user insights into actionable design artifacts (journeys, wireframes, mockups).
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Documentation of your experience working with and contributing to Design Systems, showcasing how you ensure consistency and scalability.
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Case studies detailing your collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, illustrating your role and contributions in a team setting.
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Evidence of client presentations and stakeholder management, showing how you've handled feedback and managed expectations.
📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's skills and experience. The emphasis is on demonstrating a thorough understanding of the design process, practical application of tools like Figma and Design Systems, and the ability to deliver impactful design solutions for clients.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Given the "Senior" title, 4+ years of experience, and the locations (Zagreb, Split, Croatia), a competitive salary range for a Senior UX/UI Designer typically falls between €35,000 to €55,000 gross per year. This can vary based on specific experience, the exact client projects, and the negotiation outcome.
Benefits:
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Transparent career development and pay structures, offering clarity on growth paths and compensation.
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Flexible, hybrid working policy, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.
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A rewarding, supportive, and healthy company culture that prioritizes employee well-being.
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Supplemental and additional health insurance for comprehensive medical coverage.
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Pension scheme contribution, specifically through a third-pillar pension fund, for long-term financial planning.
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Referral bonus program, incentivizing employee referrals for new talent.
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Contribution to employee health and well-being via the OpenUp platform.
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Participation in a multisport programme to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
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Opportunities to work with a diverse range of impressive clients, from local to global entities.
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Access to training, development programs, and certifications to enhance skills and career progression.
Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, a standard full-time role in Croatia is typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid policy suggests flexibility in how these hours are structured.
📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level design roles in Croatia, considering the cost of living and typical agency compensation structures. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting DEPT®'s commitment to employee growth, well-being, and professional development.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: DEPT® operates at the intersection of Technology and Marketing, specifically within the digital transformation, experience design, and growth invention sectors. They are a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral, indicating a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Company Size: With over 4,000 specialists globally, DEPT® is a large, international agency. The Croatian office, while growing, likely benefits from the resources and reach of a global organization while maintaining a more focused, agile team environment.
Founded: DEPT® was founded in 2015 and has rapidly expanded, demonstrating an agile and growth-oriented operational model.
Team Structure:
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The role is part of the "Experience & Engineering" unit in Croatia, indicating a strong integration of design and development.
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The design team in Zagreb is described as "talented" and "growing," suggesting opportunities for influence and leadership.
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Collaboration is emphasized with "global DEPT® colleagues across Europe," implying a matrixed or project-based team structure that leverages specialized expertise.
Methodology:
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DEPT® focuses on "Growth Invention," suggesting a methodology that blends innovation, technology, and marketing to drive business growth for clients.
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Their approach is described as "partner-led" and "first to move," highlighting agility, initiative, and a collaborative client relationship.
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The company values are "better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done," pointing to a culture of teamwork, continuous learning, and execution focus.
Company Website: https://www.deptagency.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT® presents itself as an innovative, forward-thinking agency with a strong ethical grounding (B Corp, Climate Neutral). The "Growth Invention" model suggests a focus on strategic problem-solving and delivering measurable business outcomes through technology and design. The culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and a results-oriented mindset.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX/UI Designer / Visual Designer role. It signifies a level of expertise beyond mid-level, requiring independent contribution, mentorship capabilities, and the ability to handle complex projects and client interactions. The role is critical in establishing the design team's reputation in Croatia.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Experience, or a similar senior management position within the Croatian office. They will also collaborate extensively with project managers, strategists, and development teams on client projects, and potentially with global design leadership.
Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to client success. By creating exceptional digital experiences, the designer contributes to client growth, brand perception, user engagement, and ultimately, revenue. Their work directly influences the quality and effectiveness of DEPT®'s service delivery.
Growth Opportunities:
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Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion design, AI-driven design tools, accessibility, or user research.
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Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Art Director role, managing teams and strategic design initiatives.
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Cross-functional Expertise: Gaining experience in adjacent areas such as product strategy, CRM, or technology consulting through project involvement.
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Global Exposure: Opportunities to work on international projects with diverse teams, expanding professional networks and understanding of global markets.
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Mentorship: The chance to mentor junior designers and contribute to building the design practice in Croatia.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation suggests a clear career path towards leadership and specialized expertise within DEPT®. The company's focus on "Growth Invention" and international collaboration provides ample opportunities for professional development and impact.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is described as "onsite/Hybrid" in Zagreb, Croatia. This indicates a modern office environment designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused work, with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week.
Office Location(s): Zagreb, Croatia, with potential ties to Split, Croatia. Zagreb is the capital and largest city, offering a vibrant professional hub.
Workspace Context:
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The office environment likely supports collaborative work sessions, brainstorming, and team meetings, fostering a "better together" culture.
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Access to necessary design tools and technology (e.g., high-performance workstations, software licenses) is expected.
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Opportunities for informal interactions with colleagues across different disciplines (marketing, tech, data) are probable, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas.
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The "growing office" aspect suggests a dynamic, potentially more informal setup that is evolving.
Work Schedule: A hybrid work schedule is offered, combining office presence with remote flexibility. Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with potential for project-based flexibility.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, catering to modern work preferences. The environment is expected to be collaborative, innovative, and supportive of DEPT®'s "Growth Invention" ethos.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design caliber.
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Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, walk through key case studies, and discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and impact. Expect questions about your experience with Figma, Design Systems, and client interaction.
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Skills/Technical Interview: This may involve a design challenge or a discussion about specific UX/UI principles, visual design best practices, and your experience with motion design or AI tools.
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Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with team members and potential managers to assess alignment with DEPT®'s values (better together, relentlessly curious, get sh*t done) and your collaborative style.
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Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic thinking.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate a range of skills and problem-solving capabilities.
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Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the decisions you made, and the outcomes achieved (quantify where possible).
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Highlight Key Tools: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and Design Systems.
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Showcase Versatility: Include examples that cover both UX (wireframes, user flows) and UI/Visual Design (mockups, style guides).
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Address Client Context: If possible, briefly describe the client's business and how your design contributed to their goals.
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Keep it Concise: Ensure your presentation is well-paced and respects the allotted time.
Challenge Preparation:
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Design Thinking: Be ready to articulate your approach to understanding user needs and business objectives.
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Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable design steps.
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Tool Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with Figma's advanced features and be prepared to discuss Design System principles.
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Client Communication: Prepare examples of how you communicate design rationale and handle constructive criticism.
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DEPT® Values: Reflect on how your work and collaboration style align with "better together," "relentlessly curious," and "get sh*t done."
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio demonstration and practical application of design skills. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their thought process and demonstrate how they drive client success through design.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Figma: Essential for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is a must.
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Design Systems: Experience in creating, maintaining, or utilizing design systems for consistency and scalability.
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Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
Emerging Tools:
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Jitter (Motion Design): Preferred for creating animated interfaces and micro-interactions.
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AI Tools: Experience with AI-powered design tools for efficiency, idea generation, or asset creation is a significant plus.
📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Design Systems is non-negotiable. The company shows an interest in modern design practices, including motion design and AI tools, suggesting a desire for designers who are forward-thinking and adaptable.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Better Together: Emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and collective problem-solving. Operations professionals are expected to be team players, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
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Relentlessly Curious: Encourages continuous learning, exploration of new ideas, and a proactive approach to understanding industry trends and client needs. Operations professionals should be inquisitive and eager to discover innovative solutions.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-functional integration is key, with designers working closely with strategists, developers, and project managers to deliver integrated digital experiences.
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Open communication and feedback are encouraged to foster a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.
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A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to experiment with new methodologies and technologies are valued.
📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around strong teamwork, a drive for innovation, and a commitment to execution. These values are crucial for operations professionals who must navigate complex projects and collaborate effectively across diverse teams to achieve business objectives.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Client Demands and Design Quality: Managing diverse client expectations and project timelines while maintaining high design standards and innovation.
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Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with emerging design tools, AI advancements, and platform changes to ensure designs remain relevant and cutting-edge.
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Global Collaboration Complexity: Effectively collaborating with distributed international teams, navigating time zones, cultural nuances, and diverse working styles.
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Quantifying Design Impact: Demonstrating the tangible business value and ROI of design initiatives to clients, moving beyond aesthetic appreciation to strategic contribution.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Continuous Skill Enhancement: Access to training, workshops, and certifications in advanced design techniques, AI tools, and emerging technologies.
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Exposure to Diverse Industries: Working on projects for a wide array of clients offers broad industry exposure and market understanding.
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Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership skills.
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Industry Events: Participation in design conferences and events to network and stay updated on industry best practices and trends.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle challenging, high-impact projects while growing professionally. The company's commitment to learning and development supports continuous improvement in a rapidly evolving field.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a complex digital design challenge you faced and how you approached it from strategy through execution. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and impact.)
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"How do you ensure your designs are not only visually appealing but also user-centric and aligned with business objectives?" (Emphasize user research, data-driven decisions, and stakeholder alignment.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"How do your personal work values align with DEPT®'s values of 'better together,' 'relentlessly curious,' and 'get sh*t done'?" (Prepare specific examples from your career.)
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"Describe a time you collaborated with a global or remote team. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your communication and collaboration skills.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure is Key: Start with an overview, then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies. For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, your solutions, and the results.
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Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals and concise text. Let your designs speak, but be prepared to elaborate on your thought process.
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Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores) or clearly articulate the qualitative benefits.
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Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, tool usage, and client feedback.
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Enthusiasm Matters: Show your passion for design and your excitement about DEPT®'s work.
📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, practical skills, collaborative ability, and a cultural fit with DEPT®'s core values. The portfolio presentation is a critical component and should be practiced thoroughly.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer / Visual Designer position:
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Submit your application: Complete the application form through the provided link.
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Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your UX/UI and visual design skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with Figma and Design Systems. Ensure it's easily accessible (website or PDF).
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Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 4+ years of relevant experience, key skills (Figma, Design Systems, client communication), and achievements that align with the job description's requirements and DEPT®'s values.
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Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with motion design or AI tools if applicable.
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Research DEPT®: Understand their "Growth Invention" model, client roster, and company values. Prepare to discuss how your skills and aspirations align with their mission and culture.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have 4+ years of experience as a UX/UI designer, preferably at an agency or renowned brand, demonstrated through a strong portfolio. Essential requirements include experience with diverse digital design projects, proficiency in Figma, and experience with Design Systems, along with working proficiency in English.