Sr. Specialist, Product Experience Design (UX Designer / Researcher)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Specialist, Product Experience Design (UX Designer / Researcher) Company: Mastercard Location: Pune, India Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Experience Design / UX Design & Research Date Posted: 2025-08-28T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design of innovative digital products and data-driven experiences, focusing on user-centric principles and human-centered design methodologies within a fast-paced, startup-like environment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with industry verticals, regional leads, and end-users in "Design Thinking" workshops to ideate and develop Minimum Viable Data Products (MVPs) and Proof-of-Concepts (PoCs).
• Explore and implement cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), to shape the future of Mastercard's data and data-driven products, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to the evolution of Mastercard's design pattern library by leveraging existing patterns and creating new, cohesive visual languages across diverse form factors like web, mobile, and IoT.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Mastercard's data and services Product Development team, indicating a strong focus on B2B and B2B2C solutions where data insights are central to user experience. The emphasis on AI/ML suggests a forward-thinking approach to product design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on Proof-of-Concepts (PoCs) and Minimum Viable Data Products (MVPs) utilizing rapid prototyping techniques grounded in Lean UX and Design Thinking principles.
• Actively participate in "Design Thinking" workshops, fostering cross-functional collaboration with business verticals, regional stakeholders, and end-users to ensure the development of optimal digital data products.
• Investigate and conceptualize "the art-of-the-possible" within the context of Big Data, AI, and ML, ensuring all designs adhere to regulatory compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain a cohesive and compelling visual language across multiple platforms, including web, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, contributing to Mastercard's established design pattern library.
• Define and drive the next generation of data and data-driven products, influencing the strategic direction and growth trajectory of Mastercard through user experience innovation.
• Create future-state conceptual designs, championing experimentation to elevate the overall quality and usability of product design.
• Collaborate closely with brand & marketing teams and the broader user experience team to deliver delightful and highly usable transactional experiences aligned with Mastercard's visual identity.
• Partner with the technology team to establish implementation standards for products, incorporating modern presentation layer practices like adaptive/responsive web design and emerging technologies.
• Ensure designs effectively balance business objectives with user engagement, working in close partnership with product managers.
• Liaise with regional and country teams to guarantee designs are inclusive and reflective of a diverse global user base.
• Drive a unified user experience (VXD) across a broader ecosystem, tailoring experiences for both Mastercard customers and end consumers.
• Contribute to defining and visualizing the next generation of data-driven products, thereby shaping Mastercard's future growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product vision and hands-on design execution, emphasizing the impact of UX/UI on business outcomes and the evolution of data-centric products. The need to liaise with regional teams underscores the global scope of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Design for Interactive Media, or equivalent practical experience, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and digital product development.

Experience:

• Overall 6-8 years of career experience in User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality digital products.
• Demonstrable experience in rapid prototyping methodologies (Lean UX, Design Thinking) to quickly iterate on product concepts and validate user needs.
• Proven experience in developing user archetypes, personas, and user journeys to effectively inform and guide product design decisions.
• Experience in articulating and visualizing elegant and engaging user experiences through sketches, storyboards, information architecture blueprints, and interactive prototypes.
• Proficiency in creating usable, compelling, and elegant visual mockups and prototypes that effectively communicate design intent.
• Experience working with complex information architectures to organize and present data in an intuitive and accessible manner.
• Demonstrable experience in visual design across multiple media and form factors, including web, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT).
• Experience consuming UX research findings and translating them into actionable design improvements.
• Experience leading "Design Thinking" workshops with clients and internal stakeholders to identify requirements and brainstorm potential product solutions.
• Ability to identify best-in-class user experiences through thorough competitor analysis and market trend evaluation.
• Experience with iterative "design-test-re-design" methodologies to gather real user feedback for continuous improvement.
• Prior experience working within a high-performing UX team and adapting to extremely fast-paced, startup-like environments.
• Experience in client-facing engagements, with a preference for experience in leading such interactions.

Required Skills:

• Interaction Design: Expertise in creating intuitive and engaging user flows and interactions for digital products.
• Prototyping: Proficiency in rapid prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Experience Design, or similar, to bring designs to life.
• Design Thinking & Lean UX: Deep understanding and practical application of these methodologies for user-centered product development.
• Visual Design: Strong ability to create compelling and cohesive visual interfaces across various platforms, with a keen eye for aesthetics and brand alignment.
• User Research: Experience in consuming and applying user research insights to inform design decisions and validate concepts.
• Information Architecture: Skill in structuring complex information for digital applications to ensure clarity and ease of navigation.
• Adobe Creative Cloud/Suite: Extensive and demonstrable experience with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for visual design and asset creation.
• Data-Driven Design: Passion and understanding for how data, AI, and ML can inform and enhance user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphic Design: A strong plus for creating dynamic and engaging visual experiences.
• 3D Modeling: An additional asset for exploring advanced visualization techniques.
• Voice User Interface (VUI) Design: Interest and experience with designing for voice-enabled interactions.
• Adaptive/Responsive/Fluid UI: Defensible point-of-view on modern web design approaches.
• Gamification: Understanding of how gamification principles can enhance user engagement.
• Ergonomic and Usability Best Practices: Knowledge of heuristics and best practices for optimal usability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are substantial, emphasizing a senior-level contribution. The distinction between "Required" and "Additional" skills clarifies the core competencies versus desirable but non-essential attributes, guiding candidates on where to focus their portfolio and interview preparation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end design process, from problem definition and user research to final design solutions and impact.
• Process Improvement Focus: Each case study should highlight how design thinking, lean UX, or agile methodologies were applied to solve specific user or business problems, emphasizing process optimization.
• Data-Driven Design Examples: Include examples that illustrate how data insights, AI, or ML were leveraged to inform design decisions and enhance user experiences.
• Cross-Platform Experience: Demonstrate design work across multiple form factors (web, mobile, IoT) and interaction types (GUI, VUI), showcasing adaptability and breadth of skill.
• Visual Fidelity & Interactivity: Present high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes that clearly communicate the intended user experience and visual design.
• Impact Metrics: Where possible, include quantifiable results or metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your design solutions on user engagement, business objectives, or efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of designing and documenting user workflows, information architecture, and interaction models.
• Prototyping & Testing: Documentation of the prototyping process, including user testing methodologies and how feedback was incorporated into iterative design cycles.
• Design System Contributions: Examples of contributions to, or utilization of, design pattern libraries or design systems, demonstrating an understanding of scalable design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "world-beating portfolio" and demonstrating a "commitment to learning" suggests that candidates should showcase not just finished products but also their design process, adaptability, and proactive engagement with new technologies and methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Sr. Specialist title, 6-8 years of experience, and the location in Pune, India, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/UI designers in major Indian tech hubs like Pune, the estimated annual salary would likely fall between ₹15,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 (Indian Rupees). This estimate considers the specialized skills in data-driven design, AI/ML exploration, and the global nature of Mastercard's operations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a provident fund or similar retirement savings scheme, aligned with Indian regulations.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, providing a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, attending industry conferences, and access to online learning platforms to enhance skills in UX/UI, AI, and data visualization.
• Performance Bonuses: Eligibility for annual performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company achievements.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Global Mobility Opportunities: Potential for international assignments or collaborations within Mastercard's global network.
• Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on employee well-being, including fitness subsidies or on-site facilities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. However, given the fast-paced, startup-like environment mentioned, there might be an expectation for flexibility and occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, especially during critical development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for senior-level UX/UI Design roles in Pune, India, considering the prestige of Mastercard and the specific skills required. Benefits are typical for a large, multinational technology company, with a focus on long-term employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech) / Payments Processing Company Size: Large Enterprise (Mastercard operates globally with tens of thousands of employees) Founded: 1966 (Mastercard has a long history of innovation in the payments industry, evolving from a banking consortium to a global technology leader.)

Team Structure:

• Design Function: Works as an integral part of wider, cross-functional teams that are formed around specific data product ideas. This implies a matrixed or project-based team structure.
• Reporting: Likely reports into a Product Design Lead or Head of UX, with direct collaboration with Product Managers, Data Scientists, Engineers, and Marketing/Brand specialists.
• Collaboration: Emphasizes close, cross-functional collaboration, integrating design thinking into the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to MVP delivery. The team actively engages with industry verticals, regional leads, and end-users.

Methodology:

• Human-Centric Design: Core philosophy guiding product development, ensuring user needs are at the forefront.
• Rapid Prototyping (Lean UX & Design Thinking): Iterative approach to quickly build, test, and refine product concepts.
• Data-Driven Design: Leveraging Big Data, AI, and ML to inform and enhance user experiences and product features.
• Agile Development: Implied by the fast-paced, iterative nature of product development and MVP creation.
• Pattern Library Development: Focus on creating and utilizing reusable design components to ensure consistency and efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastercard's culture likely blends the stability and resources of a large enterprise with the agility and innovation of a tech startup, particularly within its product development teams. The focus on data, AI, and ML positions this role at the forefront of financial technology innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Specialist / Lead Individual Contributor

• This role represents a senior individual contributor position within the Product Experience Design function. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to influence product direction. The "Specialist" title suggests deep expertise in a specific area (UX/UI Design and Research), while "Sr." indicates significant experience and leadership potential within project teams.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically, a Sr. Specialist would report to a Manager or Director of Product Design, User Experience, or a similar senior leadership role within the product development organization. They would work closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially business stakeholders from various industry verticals.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct and significant impact on the success of Mastercard's data and data-driven products. By ensuring optimal user experience, usability, and engagement, the designer contributes to:
  • Revenue Growth: Through more effective B2B/B2B2C products that drive adoption and customer satisfaction.
  • Customer Retention: By delivering intuitive and valuable solutions that meet evolving user needs.
  • Brand Perception: Enhancing Mastercard's reputation as an innovator in digital and data-centric solutions.
  • Operational Efficiency: By creating clear, usable interfaces that reduce user error and support needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like AI/ML-driven UX, data visualization, or voice interface design.
• Leadership: Transition into a UX Lead role for specific product lines or projects, mentoring junior designers.
• Management: Move into a management track, overseeing a team of UX designers.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Explore opportunities in Product Management, Data Science, or specialized UX Research roles within Mastercard.
• Global Exposure: Participate in international projects and collaborate with diverse global teams.
• Continuous Learning: Access to Mastercard's extensive learning resources, industry conferences, and certifications to stay ahead of design and technology trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Sr. Specialist at Mastercard offers significant opportunities for both deep specialization and broader leadership development within a dynamic and innovative tech environment. The emphasis on data and AI provides a growth trajectory aligned with future industry demands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern Corporate Office Office Location(s): Pune, India - This location likely features a contemporary office space designed to foster collaboration and innovation, equipped with the necessary technology infrastructure for design and development work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are typically equipped with meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and open-plan spaces designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among team members.
• Technology & Tools: Access to high-performance workstations, design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud), prototyping tools, and reliable internet connectivity is standard.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with cross-functional team members (Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, Marketing) to ensure seamless product development and alignment.
• Dynamic Pace: The environment is described as "startup-like," suggesting a fast-paced, agile, and potentially demanding atmosphere where quick iteration and adaptation are key.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is primarily on-site in Pune. While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the "startup-like" environment may necessitate flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines and deliver MVPs efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Pune suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often crucial for the iterative and highly interactive nature of design thinking and rapid prototyping. The environment is expected to be modern and technologically advanced.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and portfolio accessibility.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, approach to design challenges, understanding of data-driven design, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, walking through key case studies. A design challenge or exercise, potentially involving a hypothetical product or problem, may be administered to assess problem-solving skills, design process, and communication clarity. This could involve creating wireframes, user flows, or a quick prototype.
• Cross-Functional/Team Interview: Interviews with potential team members (e.g., Product Managers, Engineers, other Designers) to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and fit within the team dynamic.
• Final Round: May involve senior leadership or a final assessment of strategic thinking and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in interaction design, visual design, user research, and data-driven approaches.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (emphasizing design thinking, lean UX), the solutions you designed, and the outcomes or impact achieved. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Data/AI/ML: Explicitly point out any projects where data, AI, or ML influenced your design decisions or were integral to the product's functionality.
• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. Explain your rationale behind key decisions.
• Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio link is accessible and unrestricted. Consider a well-organized website or a shareable PDF.
• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within any time limits provided. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, clarify the problem statement, target audience, and constraints.
• Think Aloud: Articulate your thought process as you work through the challenge. Explain your assumptions, the methods you're using, and the trade-offs you're considering.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach rather than solely focusing on a polished final output within a limited time.
• Prioritize: Identify the most critical aspects to address within the given timeframe.
• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining your design decisions and rationale clearly and persuasively, as if presenting to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to thoroughly explain their design process and rationale, particularly how they integrate user research and data insights. The portfolio is critical, and candidates must be ready to present it effectively and discuss their contributions in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Experience Design (XD), Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.
• Visual Design & Graphics: Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), potentially Affinity Designer or similar.
• Collaboration & Documentation: Confluence, Jira, Miro, Mural for workshops, ideation, and project management.
• Design Systems: Experience working with or contributing to established design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and product performance, informing design iterations.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) might be beneficial for understanding data-driven product insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, an understanding of how user data is managed within CRMs (like Salesforce) can be beneficial for context in B2B/B2B2C product design.
• Familiarity with automation concepts in product development or user flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools revolve around design and prototyping, with an emphasis on modern, collaborative platforms like Figma. Experience with a broad range of design software and an understanding of how data is utilized in product development are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep-seated commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design decisions.
• Innovation: Encouraging exploration of new technologies (AI/ML) and design approaches to create cutting-edge products.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where cross-functional partners work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from data to inform design strategies and measure impact.
• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high standards in design execution, usability, and visual appeal.
• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change and responding quickly to evolving project needs and market trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is embedded within product teams, working closely with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and business stakeholders from inception to delivery.
• Open Communication: Encourages direct and transparent communication, feedback exchange, and constructive critique among team members.
• Workshop-Driven Ideation: Utilizes Design Thinking workshops as a primary method for collaborative problem-solving and idea generation.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, learnings, and insights across the design community within Mastercard.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of user advocacy, technological innovation, and collaborative execution, all driven by data and a commitment to quality. This environment is ideal for designers who thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional settings.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Navigating the complexities of financial regulations while pushing the boundaries of AI/ML-driven design.
• Integrating Diverse Data Sets: Designing user experiences that effectively surface insights from complex and varied data sources.
• Global User Needs: Tailoring designs to meet the diverse cultural and functional requirements of a global user base.
• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting quickly to frequent feedback and design changes in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicating Complex Concepts: Articulating the value and functionality of data-driven products, particularly those involving AI/ML, to various stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Access to training and resources on the latest design methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• AI/ML in Design: Opportunities to learn how AI and ML can be leveraged for personalized experiences, predictive design, and enhanced user insights.
• Data Visualization Skills: Development in presenting complex data in clear, actionable visual formats.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending leading UX, design, and technology conferences (e.g., Interaction, UX India, AI summits).
• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior designers and leaders for guidance and career development.
• Internal Knowledge Sharing: Participation in design guilds, tech talks, and workshops within Mastercard.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges related to the cutting-edge nature of data-driven products and global scope, which are balanced by extensive learning and development opportunities within a leading technology company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Deep Dive: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio projects in detail, explaining your approach to user research, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Focus on how you applied Design Thinking or Lean UX.
• Data-Driven Design Philosophy: Articulate your perspective on using data, AI, and ML to inform user experiences. Discuss how you would balance user needs with complex data insights.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Describe how you effectively collaborate with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders. Provide examples of how you’ve managed conflicting priorities or feedback.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Expect questions asking how you would approach designing for specific user needs or business problems, potentially involving data visualization or AI-driven features.
• Handling Ambiguity: Discuss how you operate in fast-paced, potentially ambiguous environments and prioritize tasks effectively.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mastercard's Innovation: Research Mastercard's recent product launches, initiatives in AI/ML, and their overall strategy in data services.
• User Advocacy: Demonstrate your passion for the user and how you champion user needs within a product team.
• Adaptability: Show how you adapt to new technologies and evolving project requirements.
• Team Fit: How do you see yourself contributing to a collaborative, cross-functional team environment?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (problem), Your Role, Process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), Solution (visuals, interactions), Outcome/Impact.
• Storytelling: Craft a narrative for each project that highlights challenges, your creative solutions, and the results.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, interactive prototypes, and clear diagrams to illustrate your work.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; practice to deliver your key points efficiently.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your design decisions, trade-offs, and learnings. Show enthusiasm and passion for your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a strong understanding of the entire design lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on how data and AI influence their process. A well-rehearsed portfolio presentation is crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Experience Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in interaction design, user research, rapid prototyping, data-driven design, and familiarity with AI/ML concepts, aligning with the job description's requirements.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 6-8 years of experience, specific achievements using quantifiable metrics where possible, and proficiency with relevant design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Cloud). Integrate keywords such as "UX Design," "Interaction Design," "Design Thinking," "Prototyping," and "Data-Driven Design."
• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling and articulating your design process. Prepare for potential design challenges and behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mastercard's products, services, and recent innovations, particularly in their data and services division, to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.