User Experience Center - Junior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior UX Designer
Company: NetEase Games
Location: Hangzhou Office, Zhejiang, China / Shanghai Office, Jing'an District, China
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Game Design Operations
Date Posted: December 23, 2025
Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on defining and designing the core interaction principles that govern how players engage with NetEase Games.
• It involves transforming raw game mechanics and features into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that empower players with control and mastery.
• The Junior UX Designer will be instrumental in crafting seamless interaction methods for diverse gameplay scenarios, aiming to deepen player immersion and emotional connection to the game.
• This position requires a strong blend of creative design thinking, analytical rigor, and a deep understanding of user-centered design methodologies within the gaming context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior UX Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a specialization within game design operations, focusing on the player's interaction layer. The role demands a unique understanding of gaming mechanics and player psychology, which is distinct from general UX design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and document the fundamental interaction principles between players and game interfaces, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience across all game features.
• Translate complex gameplay mechanics into clear, user-friendly interaction designs, including wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• Conduct user research and analysis to gather insights into player behavior, preferences, and pain points, using this data to inform design decisions.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, artists, and engineers to ensure the feasibility and successful implementation of UX designs.
• Iterate on designs based on feedback from internal stakeholders, playtesting sessions, and user testing to continuously improve the player experience.
• Develop and maintain UX documentation, including style guides, design specifications, and interaction patterns, to ensure consistency and quality.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in UX design and the gaming industry to bring fresh perspectives and best practices to the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been inferred to align with a typical Junior UX Designer role within a game development context, emphasizing the creation of intuitive player interfaces and the translation of complex mechanics into user-friendly interactions, which is a standard expectation for this level.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent practical experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating UX design capabilities will also be considered.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in User Experience (UX) Design, Interaction Design, or a related field, preferably within the gaming industry or with a demonstrable passion for game design.
• Experience with user-centered design methodologies, including user research, persona development, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

Required Skills:

• Strong passion for gaming and extensive personal gaming experience with thoughtful insights into game experience design and player engagement.
• Proficiency in interaction design theories and key design methodologies, such as information architecture, task flow analysis, and interactive prototyping.
• A deeply user-centric mindset, coupled with a rigorous, detail-oriented approach to design and problem-solving.
• Excellent analytical and creative communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Keen observation skills and a broad knowledge base, demonstrating curiosity for new trends and innovations in design and technology.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure).
• Experience with game development engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and an understanding of their UX implications.
• Proficiency in a foreign language (e.g., English) as a working language, given the international nature of NetEase Games.
• Experience conducting user research specifically for games, including playtesting and qualitative feedback sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Foreign Language Proficiency" preferred skill has been elaborated based on the input data mentioning "International perspective and cross-cultural work capability; proficiency in a foreign language as a working language is preferred," inferring English as a likely primary candidate.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 relevant UX design projects, with a strong emphasis on interactive design and user flow.
• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process employed, key design decisions, and the final outcome.
• Demonstrate proficiency in transforming complex requirements into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, with a focus on clarity and ease of use.
• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and potentially final UI mockups.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly outline your approach to user research, including methods used for gathering player insights and feedback.
• Detail your workflow for designing and iterating on interactive elements, from initial concept to final implementation.
• Showcase your ability to analyze user behavior and feedback to iteratively improve designs, highlighting a data-informed design process.
• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with development teams to ensure the successful translation of UX designs into functional game features.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements have been tailored to a UX design role, emphasizing the demonstration of design process, problem-solving, and the ability to translate concepts into interactive elements, which is crucial for assessing a candidate's practical skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Junior UX Designers in China (Hangzhou and Shanghai), with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is ¥150,000 - ¥250,000 CNY. This range accounts for the cost of living in major Chinese cities and the specialized nature of game UX design.
• Factors such as specific skills, portfolio strength, and interview performance may influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and attendance at industry conferences.
• Access to NetEase's state-of-the-art gaming facilities and internal game testing events.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options for exceptional contributions.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Some flexibility may be offered, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours to facilitate team collaboration and project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on market data for Junior UX Designers in China, factoring in location and experience. Benefits and working hours are standardized for a full-time, on-site role in the tech/gaming industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Internet Technology, Gaming, Entertainment, Education, Music Streaming. Company Size: Large enterprise with tens of thousands of employees globally. Founded: 1997. NetEase has a long-standing history as a pioneer in China's internet landscape, evolving from an email service provider to a diversified technology giant with a strong focus on gaming innovation and quality.

Team Structure:

• The User Experience Center likely operates as a specialized department within NetEase Games, comprising various UX/UI designers, researchers, and potentially content strategists.
• This team collaborates closely with game development teams, product managers, and marketing departments to ensure a cohesive and engaging player experience.
• Reporting structures would typically involve a UX Lead or Design Manager, with junior members working under their guidance and contributing to specific game projects.

Methodology:

• NetEase emphasizes a data-driven and user-centric approach, leveraging extensive player data and feedback to refine game design and user experience.
• Their methodology likely incorporates agile development principles, allowing for rapid iteration and continuous improvement based on market trends and player insights.
• A strong focus on R&D and innovation drives their pursuit of creating superior and unique gaming experiences.

Company Website: https://ir.netease.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture and methodology have been inferred based on NetEase's public profile as a leading technology company with a strong emphasis on gaming, R&D, and user experience, as detailed in their company description.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level position within the game design operations spectrum, specifically focused on user experience. It's designed for individuals early in their career seeking to build foundational skills in UX/UI design within the dynamic gaming industry.

Reporting Structure:

• The Junior UX Designer will likely report to a Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, or Design Manager within the User Experience Center.
• They will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including game designers, level designers, artists, producers, and engineers on specific game titles.

Operations Impact:

• The role's impact is directly tied to enhancing player engagement, satisfaction, and retention through intuitive and enjoyable game interfaces.
• By optimizing the player's interaction with the game, this position contributes significantly to the overall success and market reception of NetEase's game titles.
• Effective UX design can directly influence player loyalty, positive reviews, and ultimately, the commercial performance of games.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX design, such as interaction design, user research, information architecture, or UI design for games.
• Project Advancement: Progress to designing UX for more complex game systems, larger game titles, or lead UX efforts on new projects as experience grows.
• Leadership Track: Potential to move into Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, or Design Manager roles, overseeing teams and strategic UX direction for game development.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to various aspects of game development, potentially leading to roles in game design, product management, or even broader GTM operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth and impact have been detailed by extrapolating typical progression paths for a Junior UX Designer within a large gaming company, focusing on skill development and increased responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in NetEase's offices in Hangzhou or Shanghai, which are expected to be modern, well-equipped corporate environments designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

Office Location(s):

• Hangzhou Office: Located in the heart of Zhejiang province, a hub for technology and innovation.
• Shanghai Office: Situated in Jing'an District, Shanghai, a prime business and commercial center, offering excellent connectivity and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to be collaborative, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project zones to facilitate teamwork between designers, developers, and artists.
• Access to robust design tools, hardware, and potentially VR/AR development equipment will be available to support user experience research and prototyping.
• Opportunities for informal interaction and knowledge sharing with a large community of game developers and designers within NetEase.

Work Schedule:

• The position is on-site, requiring regular attendance at the designated office location.
• While core working hours are standard, the dynamic nature of game development may sometimes require flexibility to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment has been described by inferring the typical setup of a major tech company's offices in China, emphasizing collaboration and access to necessary tools for design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational UX skills and game design passion.
• Technical Interview: Discussion of UX design principles, methodologies, and your approach to problem-solving. This may include a review of your portfolio in detail.
• Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially a take-home assignment or an on-site whiteboard challenge, to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to translate requirements into design solutions.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with NetEase's company culture and game development ethos.
• Final Interview: May involve a senior leader to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly explain your thought process, research, and iterations behind each project. Demonstrate how you arrived at your solutions.
• Highlight Game-Specific Insights: If you have gaming-related projects, emphasize your understanding of player psychology, game mechanics, and the unique challenges of designing for interactive entertainment.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics or user feedback to demonstrate the positive impact of your designs.
• Tailor to NetEase Games: Understand NetEase's game portfolio and try to align your project selections or presentation to showcase relevant experience or interest.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your projects, answer detailed questions about your design decisions, and articulate your role within team projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, fully grasp the objective, target users, and any constraints provided.
• Structure Your Approach: Outline your steps clearly, whether it's user research, ideation, wireframing, or prototyping.
• Communicate Your Rationale: Explain your decisions at each step, demonstrating your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Focus on User-Centricity: Always tie your solutions back to user needs and game objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process has been outlined based on standard practices for UX Designer roles in the tech and gaming industries, with specific emphasis on portfolio content and design challenge preparation relevant to game design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or Axure is expected for creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, SurveyMonkey).
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, or Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this junior role, an understanding of how user analytics (e.g., Hotjar, Google Analytics for web interfaces, or in-game analytics platforms) inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Generally not applicable to this specific UX design role, as the focus is on product interaction rather than sales or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack have been inferred based on common requirements for UX designers in the industry, focusing on design software and collaboration tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player, ensuring that every design decision prioritizes the user experience.
• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to explore new ideas, push creative boundaries, and develop novel solutions for engaging gameplay.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing open communication, mutual respect, and collective problem-solving to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to high standards in design execution, attention to detail, and delivering polished, high-quality game experiences.
• Passion for Gaming: A genuine enthusiasm for games that fuels a desire to create exceptional entertainment experiences for players worldwide.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and iterative, with frequent feedback loops between designers, developers, artists, and product managers.
• Emphasis on constructive critique and collaborative problem-solving to refine designs and address technical constraints.
• Cross-functional teams work closely together throughout the game development lifecycle, ensuring that UX considerations are integrated from concept to launch.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values have been extrapolated from NetEase's description and common values within successful game development studios, focusing on player-centricity, innovation, and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating player desires into designs that also align with NetEase's strategic objectives and monetization models.
• Complexity of Game Mechanics: Designing intuitive interfaces for increasingly complex gameplay systems and features.
• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring a consistent and high-quality UX across different platforms (PC, mobile, console) if applicable to specific projects.
• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting to fast-paced development environments and frequently iterating on designs based on feedback and changing project requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced UX designers and game design leads within NetEase.
• Skill Workshops: Access to internal and external training programs focused on advanced UX techniques, game design principles, and new design tools.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend game development conferences and events to stay current with industry trends and network with peers.
• Project Variety: Exposure to diverse game genres and development pipelines, broadening your understanding of UX challenges and solutions across different types of games.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities have been identified by considering the typical hurdles and developmental pathways for a junior role in the demanding and innovative gaming sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a game whose UX you find particularly effective or ineffective. What makes it so, and how would you improve it?" Prepare by analyzing a game's interface, controls, and overall user flow, and articulate specific design principles and potential improvements.
• "Walk us through a UX project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" Practice a concise and compelling narrative for your best project, highlighting your process, decision-making, and impact.
• "How do you ensure your designs are user-centric, especially when dealing with complex game mechanics?" Be ready to discuss your research methods, user testing strategies, and how you prioritize player needs throughout the design cycle.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about NetEase Games and our specific titles?" Research NetEase's game portfolio, recent releases, and company mission to articulate genuine interest.
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or disagreements on design decisions within a team?" Prepare examples demonstrating your ability to collaborate, listen, and integrate feedback professionally.
• "What are your thoughts on the balance between gameplay innovation and user accessibility in modern games?" Show an understanding of the trade-offs and your approach to finding optimal solutions.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design choices, not just the "what." Show your problem-solving journey.
• Quantify Results: If possible, include data or user feedback that demonstrates the success of your designs.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your projects efficiently, using visuals effectively and maintaining a clear, logical flow.
• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about any aspect of your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice has been tailored to a Junior UX Designer role in gaming, focusing on specific question types, portfolio presentation, and demonstrating a blend of technical skill and passion for the industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that demonstrate your understanding of interaction design principles, user flow, and ideally, any gaming-related UX work. Tailor your project selection to align with the types of games NetEase develops.
• Resume Optimization: Highlight your passion for gaming, relevant design skills (interaction design, prototyping), and any experience with user-centered methodologies. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, portfolio projects, and your approach to user research and problem-solving. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with NetEase Games' major titles, company culture, and their position in the global gaming market. Understand their commitment to innovation and player experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with NetEase Games before making application decisions.

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