UI-UX-Designer

Novalink Solutions LLC
Full-timeβ€’Columbus, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: UI/UX Designer

Company: Novalink Solutions LLC

Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Contractor

Category: UI/UX Design & Development

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Design modern, intuitive UI/UX interfaces for applications, collaborating closely with business users and technical teams.

  • Drive product strategy and improvements through a user-centered design approach, proactively identifying areas for enhancement.

  • Develop wireframes, interactive prototypes, and user-friendly designs that effectively support complex business processes.

  • Conduct user research and analysis to validate design concepts and ensure a seamless user experience across all product stages.

  • Create and maintain a 'Design System' library for reusability, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design implementation.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Consultant, implying a project-based engagement with a strong emphasis on delivering tangible design solutions and potentially providing technical guidance. The description highlights direct interaction with business users and an agile development environment, crucial for operations-focused design roles.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with stakeholders, business users, and engineering teams to deeply understand and translate project UI requirements into functional designs.

  • Design wireframes and interactive prototypes that are not only user-friendly but also capable of supporting complex business processes.

  • Engage in all stages of the product development lifecycle, from discovery and research to the finalization of user interface designs.

  • Conduct user testing and iterative design cycles, leveraging user research and analysis to validate and refine design solutions.

  • Partner with project managers, developers, and business analysts to brainstorm innovative ideas and architect effective design solutions.

  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive 'Design System' library to ensure design consistency and promote reusability across projects.

  • Establish and manage a seamless UI handoff process, ensuring clear communication and efficient integration with the development team.

  • Ensure all user interface and experience designs adhere to established best practices and meet stringent security requirements.

  • Work closely with backend developers to ensure seamless integration of front-end components and user interface elements.

  • Actively participate in backlog grooming and other agile ceremonies to provide development teams with a clear understanding of UI designs for successful implementation.

  • Demonstrate strong communication, leadership, influence, collaboration, and negotiation skills to effectively drive design initiatives.

  • Collaborate effectively with supporting resources across business and functional lines to achieve project goals.

  • Articulate design ideas clearly to a wide range of stakeholders, lead creative discussions, and build consensus in ambiguous situations.

  • Lead and manage significant design initiatives, effectively prioritizing competing demands from product and engineering peers.

  • Possess excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong meeting and work session facilitation capabilities.

  • Exhibit the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, managing time and resources to meet deadlines.

  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of prioritization derived from eliciting system and user requirements.

  • Maintain excellent organizational skills, with proven analytical, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

  • Provide technical guidance and mentoring to technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level consultant role with significant autonomy, requiring strong stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence product roadmaps. The inclusion of "N-tier architecture" and "ODPS coding standards" suggests potential work within a government or large enterprise IT environment, requiring adherence to established protocols.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: A professional UI/UX certification is highly advantageous.

Experience: Verifiable experience is crucial, with a minimum of 8 years in UI design and Agile methodology, and 5 years in specific design tool proficiency and product delivery.

Required Skills:

  • 8+ Years of verifiable experience in translating user interface requirements into functional graphical interfaces for applications.

  • 8+ Years of experience developing projects within an Agile methodology.

  • 8+ Years of experience with front-end UI development, including HTML with Bootstrap and Fluent UI framework, CSS, and JavaScript.

  • 5+ Years of advanced understanding of site architecture, and designing intuitive user interfaces and navigations.

  • 5+ Years of experience with designer tools, specifically Figma, with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new tools.

  • 5+ Years of experience designing and delivering products from start to finish as part of a cross-functional team.

  • 5+ Years of experience with ASP.NET C–Sharp (C#) language.

Preferred Skills:

  • UI/UX Certification.

  • Verifiable experience with applications designed and developed in ASP.NET Core MVC applications.

  • Expert-level experience in building conversational workflow diagrams and articulating/documenting detailed User Journey Maps.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The experience requirements (8 years for core UI/Agile and 5 years for specific tools/methodologies) point to a senior-level consultant role. The blend of front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JS, Bootstrap, Fluent UI) with back-end familiarity (ASP.NET, C#) and specific design tools (Figma) indicates a need for a versatile designer capable of understanding the full stack's implications. The emphasis on "verifiable experience" and "demonstrable understanding" suggests a rigorous evaluation process.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record of designing modern, intuitive UI/UX for applications.

  • Demonstrated experience in applying Agile methodologies to the design and development process.

  • Examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final user interface designs that effectively support complex business processes.

  • Evidence of creating and utilizing 'Design System' libraries for design consistency and reusability.

  • Case studies demonstrating the ability to deliver products from start to finish within cross-functional teams.

  • Samples of user research, analysis, and testing iterations that influenced design outcomes.

Process Documentation:

  • Documented examples of participation in backlog grooming and agile ceremonies, detailing UI design considerations.

  • Workflow diagrams (conversational or similar) and detailed User Journey Maps, showcasing an expert understanding of user flows.

  • Examples of secure UI design and coding practices implemented in ASP.NET MVC or Core MVC applications.

  • Evidence of collaboration with backend developers for front-end component integration.

  • Documentation of compliance with established coding standards and security requirements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is paramount, and it must include specific examples demonstrating the application of Agile principles, user-centered design, and the creation of reusable design assets. The emphasis on "verifiable experience" and "demonstrable understanding" suggests that the portfolio should not only contain visual examples but also narrative explanations of the design process, challenges, and outcomes.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided salary of $100 per month, this appears to be an error or a placeholder. For a UI/UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Columbus, Ohio, a more realistic annual salary range would be $80,000 to $120,000 USD, depending on the specific project scope, contract duration, and additional benefits. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the US Midwest region, considering the required experience level and technical skills.

Benefits: As this is a contractor role, benefits are typically not provided directly by the hiring organization. However, common contractor benefits may include:

  • Potential for health insurance coverage through a third-party provider.

  • Retirement savings plan options (e.g., 401k) if facilitated by a staffing agency.

  • Paid time off (PTO) may be accrued or provided on a per-project basis.

  • Professional development opportunities through specialized training or certifications relevant to the project.

Working Hours: The standard full-time work week is 40 hours. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs and approval. The agile environment may also necessitate occasional participation in meetings outside standard hours.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The stated salary of $100/month is highly unrealistic for a full-time, experienced UI/UX Designer role in the US. This is likely a data entry error or a placeholder. The provided estimated range reflects typical market rates for a contract position in Columbus, OH, with the specified experience level. It's crucial for candidates to verify the actual compensation structure and any associated benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Novalink Solutions LLC operates within the Technology and Software industry, likely providing IT consulting, software development, and potentially government solutions, given the mention of "ODPS" (likely a state department of public safety or similar government entity). This implies a professional, process-driven environment with a focus on delivering robust technical solutions.

Company Size: Novalink Solutions LLC is a medium-sized business. This size often suggests a balance between established processes and the agility to adapt, offering opportunities for significant individual impact without being lost in a large corporate structure.

Founded: Founded in 2007, Novalink Solutions has established a significant presence, indicating stability and experience in the market. This history suggests a company with a solid foundation and established operational practices.

Team Structure:

  • The UI/UX Designer will likely be part of a project-specific team, potentially within a broader IT consulting or development group.

  • Reporting will likely be to a Project Manager or an IT Supervisor, with close collaboration with business users and development teams.

Methodology:

  • Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on user research, analytics, and feedback to drive design decisions and product improvements.

  • Workflow Planning & Optimization: Designing user-centric workflows that optimize business processes and enhance user efficiency.

  • Automation & Efficiency: Implementing design solutions that contribute to the automation of tasks and overall system efficiency, aligning with agile development principles.

Company Website: http://www.novalink-solutions.com

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The context suggests Novalink Solutions likely serves clients requiring robust, secure, and well-documented solutions, possibly within the public sector. This means designs must be not only aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly but also compliant with specific technical and security standards. The "Consultant" designation further reinforces this client-service orientation.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior Consultant level within the UI/UX design domain. It requires a high degree of autonomy, problem-solving ability, and the capacity to influence product strategy and development roadmaps. The focus is on delivering end-to-end design solutions for complex projects.

Reporting Structure: The UI/UX Designer will report to a Project Manager or an IT Supervisor. They will work in close partnership with various stakeholders, including business users, development teams, and potentially product owners, requiring strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

Operations Impact: The UI/UX Designer's impact is directly tied to improving user adoption, efficiency, and satisfaction with the applications they design. By creating intuitive interfaces and optimizing user flows, they directly contribute to the effectiveness and success of the business processes supported by the software, thereby influencing operational efficiency and potentially client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design tools (e.g., advanced Figma techniques, user journey mapping) or methodologies (e.g., advanced Agile UX, accessibility standards).

  • Leadership: Potential to lead design initiatives on larger projects, mentor junior designers, or take on client-facing roles that require strategic design consultation.

  • Skill Expansion: Opportunity to gain exposure to different industry sectors or application types through various client projects, broadening the designer's portfolio and experience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a consultant role, "growth" often translates to securing future projects, increasing project complexity, or expanding client relationships, rather than traditional internal promotions. The emphasis is on demonstrating value and expertise to secure continued engagements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as On-site, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setting fosters direct collaboration, spontaneous problem-solving, and a clear separation between work and personal life.

Office Location(s): Columbus, Ohio. This location provides access to a professional hub with potential for networking and industry engagement within the region. Specific office details would be provided upon engagement.

Workspace Context:

  • A collaborative environment where direct interaction with project managers, business users, and development teams is expected and encouraged.

  • Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Figma and potentially other relevant software and hardware.

  • Opportunities for team-based problem-solving sessions, design sprints, and agile ceremonies, facilitating a dynamic and interactive work experience.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While on-site, the agile methodology may require some flexibility to accommodate team meetings and project deadlines, which could occasionally extend beyond typical business hours.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and team integration, which is common for projects requiring close coordination with business stakeholders and development teams, especially in government or enterprise settings.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required skills and experience. Expect questions about your design philosophy and approach to user-centered design.

  • Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explaining your design process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the outcomes. This will likely involve demonstrating your proficiency with Figma and your understanding of Agile methodologies.

  • Stakeholder/Team Interview: Interviews with project managers, business users, or development leads to assess your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Questions may focus on how you handle conflicting requirements or difficult stakeholders.

  • Final Assessment: A potential final interview to discuss project fit, contract terms, and confirm overall suitability for the consultant role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your experience with UI/UX design, Agile development, Figma proficiency, and experience with ASP.NET environments.

  • Document Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process you followed (research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), the tools used (highlighting Figma), key decisions, and the final outcomes (quantify impact if possible).

  • Showcase Specific Skills: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, user journey maps, and design system components. Highlight any experience with secure design practices or ASP.NET Core MVC integration.

  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that involved working with business users to gather requirements and collaborating within cross-functional, agile teams.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies that test your problem-solving skills under pressure. These might involve rapid wireframing or evaluating a given UI for improvements.

  • Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a diverse group of stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.

  • Familiarize yourself with common ASP.NET MVC/Core MVC application structures and security considerations relevant to UI design.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and demonstrating competence in specific tools and methodologies is critical. Candidates should be ready to articulate their contributions and the impact of their designs, especially within an Agile and potentially government-contracting context.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design. Expertise in creating and managing design systems within Figma is a significant advantage.

  • Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with interactive prototyping features within Figma or other similar tools to create dynamic user experiences.

  • Design System Tools: Experience in creating and maintaining reusable components and style guides for consistent application design.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Front-end Development Technologies:

    • HTML: For structuring web content.
    • CSS: For styling and layout.
    • JavaScript: For interactive elements and dynamic behavior.
    • Bootstrap/Fluent UI Frameworks: For responsive design and pre-built UI components.
  • Back-end Awareness:

    • ASP.NET Core MVC / ASP.NET MVC: Understanding the framework for seamless integration and implementation of UI designs.
    • C#: Familiarity with the underlying programming language.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on front-end design and development tools, with a strong requirement for Figma. However, the mention of ASP.NET Core MVC and C# indicates that designers are expected to have a good understanding of the back-end environment to ensure effective integration and to design within the constraints and capabilities of the platform.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A core value is placing the user at the center of all design decisions, ensuring intuitive and effective user experiences.

  • Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication, working closely with business users, project managers, and developers.

  • Agile Principles: Embracing iterative development, flexibility, and continuous improvement in the design process.

  • Quality & Security: Commitment to delivering high-quality, secure, and compliant design solutions that meet rigorous standards.

  • Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and solving complex design challenges.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants in cross-functional teams, contributing to discussions and decisions across disciplines.

  • Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on designs and processes to foster continuous improvement.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design patterns, and learnings within the team and across projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be one of collaborative problem-solving within a structured, project-oriented environment. The emphasis on Agile and user-centricity suggests a dynamic yet process-driven approach to design.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Designing intuitive interfaces while adhering to specific technical architectures (e.g., N-tier, ASP.NET Core MVC) and security requirements.

  • Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating design decisions and managing feedback from diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting priorities.

  • Rapid Iteration in Agile: Adapting quickly to changes and feedback within a fast-paced agile development cycle.

  • UI Handoff Complexity: Ensuring a smooth and accurate transition of designs to the development team, minimizing misinterpretations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Tool Proficiency: Opportunity to master advanced features of Figma and explore emerging design tools and technologies.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into back-end development (ASP.NET Core MVC, C#) and project management within agile frameworks.

  • Industry Best Practices: Staying current with the latest trends in UI/UX design, accessibility, and secure coding practices.

  • Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or learn from senior technical staff within the organization or client teams.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior design roles in complex IT environments. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding technical knowledge and enhancing consulting skills, which are valuable for long-term career development in the field.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex UI requirement you received from a business user and how you translated it into a user-friendly design. What tools did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on user-centered design, process, and impact).

  • "How do you approach creating a 'Design System' library? What are the key components, and how do you ensure its effective implementation and adoption by development teams?" (Assess understanding of reusability, consistency, and collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working as a consultant for Novalink Solutions, and how do you see your skills aligning with our focus on delivering robust IT solutions?" (Demonstrate research and alignment).

  • "How do you adapt your design process when working within an Agile development environment, particularly during backlog grooming sessions?" (Assess understanding of agile ceremonies and flexibility).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure your portfolio presentation around the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each project.

  • Clearly articulate your role and contributions, especially in collaborative or challenging situations.

  • Be prepared to discuss the "why" behind your design decisions, referencing user research, best practices, or business requirements.

  • For Figma examples, be ready to demonstrate specific features or workflows if prompted.

  • Highlight projects that involved ASP.NET integration or secure design practices.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus on practical application of design skills, understanding of development processes, and ability to work effectively in a client-consultant dynamic. Candidates should be ready to provide detailed, evidence-based answers.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this UI/UX Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Novalink Solutions careers portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your expertise in UI/UX design, Agile methodologies, Figma proficiency, and experience with ASP.NET environments. Focus on case studies that showcase your ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive designs within a cross-functional team.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience in the required areas (UI design, Agile, front-end tech, ASP.NET), using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Improved user task completion by X%").

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work using specific examples from your portfolio. Prepare to discuss your experience with secure design practices and your familiarity with the ASP.NET ecosystem.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Novalink Solutions LLC's services, client base, and any publicly available information about their company culture and values. Understand the potential client context (e.g., government, corporate IT) to tailor your responses.

⚠️ 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 at least 8 years of experience in UI design and Agile methodology, along with proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ASP.NET Core MVC. A strong portfolio demonstrating design competence and experience with Figma is required for this role.