Thesis Work - Empowering Sustainable Decision-Making: A Dynamic UX Interface for Business Case Analysis Application

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Thesis Work - Empowering Sustainable Decision-Making: A Dynamic UX Interface for Business Case Analysis Application Company: Vattenfall Location: Solna, Stockholm County, Sweden Job Type: Full-time (Thesis Work) Category: Operations Research / User Experience Design Date Posted: 2025-09-22 Experience Level: Entry Level / Student (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This thesis project focuses on enhancing Vattenfall's internal business case analysis application through the design and evaluation of a dynamic User Experience (UX) interface.
• The core objective is to improve the usability and clarity of complex simulation outcomes, making them easily understandable and actionable for diverse stakeholders, including business analysts and project managers.
• The role involves researching best practices in dynamic UX design, conducting user interviews, and performing usability tests to iteratively refine the interface.
• The ultimate aim is to streamline decision-making processes for energy and industry transition projects by presenting simulation results in an intuitive and interactive manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a thesis role, it offers significant exposure to real-world business operations and data analysis within a major energy company. The focus on UX for business case analysis positions it within the broader scope of operations support and strategic decision-making enablement, making it relevant for individuals interested in operational efficiency and user-centric system design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Research and identify best practices in dynamic UX interface design for complex data visualization and business case analysis applications.
• Design and develop a user-centric, dynamic UX interface that enhances the accessibility and understandability of value chain simulation results.
• Conduct user interviews and usability testing sessions with internal stakeholders to gather feedback on interface prototypes and functionality.
• Iteratively refine the UX interface based on user feedback, usability test results, and project requirements to optimize user experience and decision-making support.
• Explore and implement interactive features that allow users to engage deeply with data, customize views, and explore different scenarios within the business case analysis application.
• Document the design process, user research findings, and final interface specifications for future development and knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate with the Industry Decarbonisation team and other relevant stakeholders to understand project needs and ensure the UX interface aligns with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on user research, iterative design, and stakeholder engagement, which are critical components of effective operations implementation and process improvement initiatives. Success in this thesis will demonstrate an ability to translate complex operational data into actionable insights through intuitive interfaces.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a degree in User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Technology, Industrial Design, or a closely related discipline.
• Academic coursework should demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design, and information architecture.

Experience:

• Academic or project experience in designing and prototyping user interfaces.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies, including user interviews and usability testing.
• Prior exposure to data visualization techniques and principles is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in UX design principles and methodologies.
• Experience with wireframing and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Strong understanding of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) concepts.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for translating complex data into user-friendly interfaces.
• Ability to conduct user interviews and usability testing effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Swedish.
• Experience with data visualization libraries or tools.
• Familiarity with value chain simulations or business case analysis concepts.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards in UX design.
• Experience in iterative design processes and agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skill requirements lean heavily into the operational support aspect of technology, focusing on making complex analytical tools accessible. For operations professionals, this translates to understanding how user-centric design can drive efficiency and adoption of critical business systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 projects demonstrating UX design process from research to final prototype.
• Include examples of user research findings, wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• Highlight projects where user feedback was incorporated to improve design solutions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how UX design can solve specific user problems or business challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Projects should clearly outline the design process followed, including user research methods, ideation techniques, and testing procedures.
• Include documentation of how design decisions were made based on user data and business requirements.
• Showcase the iterative nature of the design process, detailing revisions and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating a structured design process, user-centricity, and iterative refinement will be crucial for this thesis. This mirrors the need for robust process documentation and continuous improvement in operations roles, where demonstrating a clear methodology and impact is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a thesis work opportunity, compensation typically involves an academic stipend rather than a traditional salary. Based on industry standards for thesis work in Sweden, a stipend in the range of 10,000 - 15,000 SEK per month per student is common, depending on the scope and academic credit.
• Note: Vattenfall may offer additional benefits specific to thesis students, such as access to company resources, mentorship, and potential for future employment.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work on a high-impact project contributing to Vattenfall's mission of fossil freedom.
• Access to Vattenfall's R&D resources, including relevant software and expert guidance.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals in Industry Decarbonisation and UX design.
• Practical experience in a leading energy company, enhancing your resume and career prospects.
• Potential networking opportunities within Vattenfall.
• Contribution to real-world sustainable energy and industry transition projects.

Working Hours:

• Expected working hours are 40 hours per week per student, aligned with a full-time thesis engagement.
• Flexibility may be available, but the core focus will be on project deliverables and collaboration within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stipend and benefits are geared towards academic development and practical learning, offering substantial value in terms of experience and exposure within the energy sector's sustainability initiatives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (Utilities) Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees) Founded: 1909 Company Description: Vattenfall is a European energy company with diversified operations, committed to enabling fossil freedom and driving the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. They are involved in power generation, distribution, and sales, with a strong focus on renewable energy sources and innovative technologies like hydrogen and fossil-free steel production. Company Specialties: Renewable energy, fossil-free electricity and heat, energy efficiency, smart grids, hydrogen technology, offshore wind, nuclear power.

Team Structure:

• The thesis work will be within the Industry Decarbonisation team at Vattenfall R&D.
• This team is likely composed of researchers, engineers, project managers, and analysts focused on accelerating the transition from fossil fuels.
• Collaboration is expected with various business units and external partners, such as SSAB and LKAB (as seen in the HYBRIT project example).

Methodology:

• Vattenfall R&D likely employs a mix of research methodologies, including simulation, prototyping, user testing, and data analysis.
• The focus on HYBRIT highlights a collaborative, partnership-driven approach to tackling complex industrial challenges.
• The thesis project itself will utilize user-centered design methodologies, requiring research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

Company Website: https://group.vattenfall.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Vattenfall's commitment to "fossil freedom" and its role in major industrial transitions (like HYBRIT) provides crucial context for the thesis project. The R&D environment suggests a culture of innovation, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, academic/internship-level role focused on a specific project. It serves as an excellent foundation for students aiming for careers in UX design, product management, business analysis, or operations research within technology-driven industries.

Reporting Structure:

• Thesis students will report to a designated supervisor at Vattenfall, likely Matilda Carlsson, who will provide guidance and oversight.
• They will be integrated into the Industry Decarbonisation team, working alongside and collaborating with its members.

Operations Impact:

• The direct impact of this thesis is on improving the internal decision-making process for significant energy and industry transition projects.
• By making complex business case analysis more accessible, the project can indirectly accelerate the adoption of sustainable initiatives and Vattenfall's strategic goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX design, user research, prototyping, and data visualization within a corporate setting.
• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience and insights into the energy sector, sustainability initiatives, and large-scale industrial decarbonization projects.
• Networking: Build professional connections within Vattenfall, potentially leading to future internship or employment opportunities.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Create a significant, real-world project to showcase in future job applications.
• Potential Full-Time Role: Successful thesis completion and strong performance may lead to consideration for graduate programs or full-time positions at Vattenfall.

📝 Enhancement Note: This thesis offers a practical, project-based learning experience that bridges academic study with industry application. It's a stepping stone for roles that require analytical thinking, process improvement, and the ability to translate technical information for broader business understanding.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Solna, Stockholm, suggesting a professional office environment typical of a large corporate organization.

Office Location(s): Solna, Stockholm, Sweden. This is a prominent business and technology hub in the Stockholm region.

Workspace Context:

• Students will likely have access to modern office facilities, including meeting rooms and potentially dedicated project spaces.
• Collaboration is expected, with opportunities to work alongside members of the Industry Decarbonisation team and other Vattenfall professionals.
• Access to company IT infrastructure, software, and resources necessary for UX design and analysis will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The role is structured around a full-time commitment (40 hours/week) for the duration of the thesis project.
• While specific daily hours might offer some flexibility, adherence to project deadlines and team collaboration needs will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement indicates a preference for direct team collaboration and immersion in the Vattenfall work environment, which is beneficial for learning and integration into ongoing projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit a motivation letter, CV, and transcripts by the deadline (October 26, 2025).
• Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on qualifications, academic background, and alignment with Vattenfall's principles (Active, Open, Positive, Safety).
• Interview(s): Shortlisted candidates (likely students) will be invited for interviews, potentially including the hiring manager (Matilda Carlsson) and team members. These interviews will assess technical skills, understanding of UX principles, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Presentation (Potentially): Candidates may be asked to present their previous UX work or discuss relevant projects during the interview process.
• Selection: Final candidates will be selected based on the overall assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically by project or thematically by skill.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, user flows) to illustrate your design process.
• Contextualize Your Work: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes or learnings.
• Highlight Iteration: Demonstrate how you incorporated feedback and iterated on your designs.
• Focus on Impact: Explain how your UX solutions addressed user needs or business goals.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to talk through your design decisions, challenges, and how you overcame them.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal "challenge" might not be part of this thesis application, be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to designing interfaces for complex data or improving user workflows.
• Think about how you would approach understanding user needs for a new application feature or how you would test the usability of a business case analysis tool.
• Brush up on your knowledge of Vattenfall's mission and its role in the energy sector, particularly concerning sustainability and decarbonization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this thesis role, the portfolio is paramount. It's the primary tool to demonstrate practical UX skills and a user-centric approach, directly relevant to the project's requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Balsamiq (or similar for wireframing and interactive prototyping).
• User Research & Testing: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms, UserTesting.com (or similar platforms for gathering feedback and conducting usability tests).
• Collaboration & Documentation: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), potentially Confluence or similar for documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not the primary focus for the student, familiarity with data analysis tools or concepts might be beneficial for understanding the output of the business case analysis application. This could include basic spreadsheet skills or an awareness of data visualization principles.

CRM & Automation:

• Unlikely to be directly involved, but understanding that the business case analysis application likely integrates with or informs CRM and other business systems is helpful context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX design and prototyping tools is essential. The ability to leverage research and feedback platforms will also be key to the success of the thesis project.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Active: Proactively engaging with the project, team, and learning opportunities.
• Open: Willingness to share ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate transparently.
• Positive: Maintaining an optimistic and constructive attitude, essential for tackling complex projects.
• Safety: Adherence to Vattenfall's safety culture, which extends to responsible data handling and professional conduct.
• Fossil Freedom: A shared commitment to Vattenfall's overarching mission, driving innovation and sustainable solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires strong collaboration with the Industry Decarbonisation team and potentially other Vattenfall stakeholders for user feedback and project alignment.
• Expect a professional, team-oriented environment where ideas are shared, and collective problem-solving is encouraged.
• Working on a thesis within a corporate R&D setting implies a structured yet innovative approach to project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cultural alignment with Vattenfall's core principles will be important. Demonstrating these values in your approach to the thesis project and interactions with the team will be beneficial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: Effectively simplifying complex value chain simulation data into an intuitive UX interface.
• User Feedback Integration: Managing and prioritizing diverse user feedback to create a cohesive and effective design.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring the UX design meets the varied needs of different internal stakeholders.
• Dynamic Design Implementation: Creating an interface that is truly dynamic and interactive, going beyond static dashboards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• UX Design Specialization: Gaining hands-on experience in a specialized and in-demand field.
• Industry Insight: Deep understanding of critical issues in energy transition and industrial decarbonization.
• Corporate Project Management: Learning how projects are managed and executed within a large, international organization.
• Professional Networking: Building connections with industry professionals and researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This thesis presents a significant learning opportunity, allowing students to tackle real-world challenges in a supportive, professional environment, fostering both technical and professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a user interface for a complex analytical application. What are the key steps you would take?" (Focus on research, ideation, prototyping, testing).
• "How would you approach gathering requirements from different stakeholders with potentially conflicting needs for a business case analysis tool?" (Emphasize user interviews, empathy, and prioritization).
• "Imagine you've conducted usability testing, and users struggled with a key feature. How would you diagnose the problem and iterate on the design?" (Highlight analytical skills, problem-solving, and iterative design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Vattenfall's mission to enable fossil freedom, and how do you see this thesis project contributing to that mission?" (Research Vattenfall's sustainability goals and connect your project to them).
• "How do you embody Vattenfall's principles of being Active, Open, Positive, and Safe in your academic and project work?" (Provide specific examples).
• "How do you typically collaborate with team members on projects, especially when working remotely or in a hybrid environment?" (Since this is on-site, focus on in-person collaboration and knowledge sharing).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation around the narrative of your design process for each project.
• Highlight Key Decisions: Explain why you made certain design choices, referencing user research or business goals.
• Showcase Interactivity: If possible, demonstrate interactive prototypes live or via screen recording.
• Quantify Impact: If you have any metrics (even from simulated tests), use them to show the impact of your design improvements.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, tools, and design rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your UX design process clearly and connect your work to Vattenfall's broader strategic objectives. Your portfolio is your primary asset in this application.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this thesis work opportunity:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters by the deadline of 2025-10-26.
• Ensure your application includes a compelling letter of motivation, a detailed CV, and a copy of your academic transcripts.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature UX design projects that demonstrate user research, iterative design, and prototyping skills. Prioritize projects involving data visualization or complex application interfaces if available.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight relevant academic achievements, UX/HCI coursework, design tool proficiency, and any prior project experience related to user experience or interface design.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, methodologies, and personal approach to problem-solving. Be ready to present your portfolio and answer questions about Vattenfall's mission and values.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Vattenfall's commitment to "fossil freedom," its involvement in projects like HYBRIT, and its corporate culture to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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.