UX and UI Designer:in Sport App

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX and UI Designer:in Sport App

Company: Mapletics

Location: Köln, Germany

Job Type: Intern (Full-time or Part-time possible)

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2025-11-09

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid with office option)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of innovative user interfaces and experiences for a dynamic sports app, directly impacting user engagement and platform growth.

• Collaborate closely with product and design teams to translate user needs and business objectives into intuitive and visually appealing app designs.

• Actively participate in the full product development lifecycle, from initial design concepts and prototyping to user testing, bug identification, and feature implementation.

• Contribute creative solutions and fresh perspectives to a fast-paced startup environment, shaping the future of sports discovery and connection in Cologne.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an internship, with clear potential for further collaboration (Werkstudent or Employee) based on performance and company growth. The emphasis on "from the beginning" and "shaping a project" suggests significant autonomy and impact for an intern. The AI identified "Intern" as the primary employment type, but the description also mentions "Part-time or Full-time possible" and "Werkstudent or Angestellter," indicating flexibility and potential for conversion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and iterate on user interface designs using Figma, ensuring a cohesive and engaging user experience across all app features.

• Translate user stories and product requirements into high-fidelity mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to gather feedback and identify areas for design improvement, informing iterative design cycles.

• Collaborate with product managers and engineers to ensure design feasibility and seamless implementation of new features and enhancements.

• Contribute to the development of design systems and style guides to maintain brand consistency and streamline the design process.

• Actively participate in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to elevate the overall product quality.

• Troubleshoot design-related issues and bugs, proposing effective solutions to enhance app performance and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input description is brief, the responsibilities are inferred to cover the core duties of a UX/UI Designer in a startup, focusing on design creation, collaboration, and iteration within the product development lifecycle. The emphasis on "testing, bugs, new features" and "let your creativity run free" suggests a hands-on role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Pursuing or holding a degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Previous internship or project experience in UI or UX design is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma, is essential.

• Strong understanding of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) principles and best practices.

• Demonstrated creativity and ability to generate novel design solutions.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.

• High level of initiative and a proactive, self-starter attitude.

• Fluent in German (written and spoken) to ensure effective communication within the local team and user base.

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet project deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies and usability testing.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS) can be beneficial for design implementation discussions.

• Experience working in a startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifikation" section in the input heavily emphasizes initiative, creativity, and a passion for sports/Cologne, along with strong German language skills and self-directed work. These have been integrated into the required skills. The AI's "0-2" years of experience aligns with an internship or entry-level role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UI/UX design projects, emphasizing mobile application design.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma through examples of wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and completed design systems.

• Highlight projects that showcase problem-solving skills and a user-centered design approach.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have documented design processes, including user flows, journey maps, and style guides.

• Provide evidence of iterative design practices, including user feedback incorporation and design revisions.

• Include any experience with A/B testing or data-driven design optimization if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, especially in design, a portfolio is crucial. The requirements are inferred to focus on demonstrating core design skills, process, and problem-solving capabilities relevant to app development. The emphasis on "from the beginning" and "shaping a project" suggests the company values candidates who can articulate their process and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Startup-Spirit & Responsibility: Be an integral part of a growing startup, experiencing the launch phase firsthand and taking on significant responsibility.

• Design Freedom & Impact: Opportunity to contribute ideas and see them directly implemented, shaping the product's direction.

• Steep Learning Curve: Gain interdisciplinary experience and develop new skills through exposure to various aspects of the business and product development.

• Flexible Working:

  • Flexible scheduling with occasional coordination and team meetings.
  • Option for part-time or full-time hours.
  • Remote work is possible.

• Co-Working Office: Access to a modern co-working space (InnoDom) near the university, featuring amenities like a rooftop terrace, yoga area, and complimentary coffee/tea.

• Tools & Tech: Premium access to AI tools of your choice (e.g., Canva Pro, ChatGPT Plus) to enhance productivity and creativity.

• Network & Perspective: Build valuable connections within the Cologne startup scene, with potential for future employment (Werkstudent or Employee with profit-sharing options).

Working Hours:

• Flexible time management is offered, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week for full-time, with occasional coordination and team meetings. Part-time arrangements are also available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as "unbezahltes Praktikum" (unpaid internship). The benefits are extensive for an internship, highlighting the startup culture and growth potential. The AI's "40" for working hours is interpreted as a standard full-time equivalent, recognizing that part-time is also an option.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Mobile App Development), Sports & Recreation, E-commerce/Platform.

Company Size: Startup (Small team, likely <50 employees). This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: Mapletics is described as a "junges, dynamisches Startup" (young, dynamic startup), suggesting a recent founding date and a focus on rapid growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The team appears to be lean and collaborative, with close interaction between design, product, and potentially engineering.

• Reporting structure is likely flat, with direct access to founders or senior team members.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for testing, bug identification, and feature iteration.

• Agile or lean methodologies are likely employed, given the startup context and focus on rapid feature development.

• User-centric design is paramount, with emphasis on user testing and feedback incorporation.

Company Website: https://mapletics.de

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description paints a picture of a typical early-stage startup: ambitious, agile, and focused on building a strong community around its product. The cultural elements emphasize hands-on contribution and direct impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an internship, positioned at the entry-level or trainee stage. It's an opportunity to gain foundational experience in UX/UI design within a real-world startup context.

Reporting Structure: The intern will likely report directly to a Lead Designer, Product Manager, or a Founder, receiving hands-on guidance and mentorship.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the UX/UI Designer's work directly impacts user acquisition, retention, and overall platform success. Effective design leads to a better user experience, which drives engagement and community growth – key metrics for a platform like Mapletics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in UX/UI design principles, Figma, and mobile app design workflows.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the sports tech and startup ecosystem.

• Potential Conversion: A strong performance can lead to a Werkstudent (working student) position or even a full-time role, potentially with profit-sharing, offering a clear career progression path within Mapletics.

• Portfolio Development: Build a robust portfolio with real-world project examples, significantly enhancing future job prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are heavily tied to the internship's potential for conversion and the hands-on learning experience in a dynamic startup. The emphasis on "shaping a project" suggests opportunities for significant personal project ownership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, with a co-working office space available and remote work also permitted. The office is located in the "InnoDom" near the university in Cologne.

Office Location(s): Cologne, Germany. The specific office is described as a co-working space ("Co-Working Office in Uni-Nähe (InnoDom)").

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The co-working space and emphasis on team meetings suggest an environment that fosters interaction and idea exchange.

• Tools & Technology: Access to premium AI tools like Canva Pro and ChatGPT Plus will be provided, supporting creative and productive work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with design, product, and founding teams, facilitating learning and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Flexible time management is a key benefit, allowing for personal scheduling alongside occasional required team meetings and coordination sessions. Both part-time and full-time arrangements are possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of remote flexibility and access to a modern co-working space provides a balanced work environment. The "InnoDom" location suggests a hub for innovation and startups.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit a brief application including a few sentences about yourself and your CV. Clearly state your desired area of contribution and start/duration dates.

• Portfolio Review: Expect your portfolio to be a central piece of the evaluation. Be prepared to walk through your projects, explaining your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Skills Assessment: You may be asked to complete a design challenge or a practical exercise to assess your Figma skills, creativity, and ability to apply UX/UI principles.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: An interview with the core team to assess your initiative, enthusiasm for sports/Cologne, and alignment with the startup culture.

• Discussion on Contribution: Expect a conversation about how you envision contributing to the app and what areas you are most interested in shaping.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), your design decisions, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Include detailed examples of your work in Figma, demonstrating your command of the tool for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Emphasize how you addressed user needs or business challenges through your designs.

• Tailor to Mapletics: If possible, include a speculative design concept or analysis related to sports apps or community platforms to show initiative and understanding of the domain.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Be prepared for design challenges that might involve creating a feature for a sports app, improving an existing user flow, or solving a specific user problem.

• Focus on Process: Even if you don't complete a perfect final design, demonstrate a clear and logical design process.

• Time Management: Practice working within time constraints, prioritizing tasks, and communicating your progress.

• Justify Decisions: Be ready to explain the "why" behind every design choice you make.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a concise initial submission followed by a deep dive into the candidate's practical skills and portfolio. The focus on "shaping a project" suggests an expectation of proactive engagement during the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• AI Tools: Premium access to tools like Canva Pro and ChatGPT Plus will be provided, supporting creative workflows, content generation, and research.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX/UI Designer role, but awareness of how user data is managed within the platform could inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the highlighted primary tool. The inclusion of premium AI tool access is a significant benefit, indicating the company's investment in modern design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A strong emphasis on generating new ideas and bringing them to life.

• User-Centricity: Designing with the end-user at the forefront, prioritizing intuitive and engaging experiences.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team, valuing diverse perspectives and open communication.

• Proactivity & Ownership: Taking initiative, driving projects forward, and owning outcomes.

• Passion: Enthusiasm for sports, the city of Cologne, and the startup mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with product management and engineering teams are expected.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and processes.

• Agile & Iterative: A willingness to adapt designs based on testing, feedback, and evolving project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be typical of a successful startup: high energy, collaborative, focused on impact, and driven by a passion for its product and mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration: Working in a fast-paced startup means designs may need to be iterated upon quickly based on feedback and market changes. Developing resilience and adaptability will be key.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Balancing creative vision with technical feasibility and project timelines.

• Defining a New Product: Contributing to the design of a relatively new product means a significant part of the UX/UI is still being defined, requiring proactive contribution and decision-making.

• Unpaid Internship: The primary challenge is that this is an unpaid internship, requiring candidates to manage their finances and potentially balance this with other commitments (like studies).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Design Experience: Directly contributing to a live product provides invaluable practical experience.

• Startup Ecosystem Exposure: Understanding the dynamics of building and scaling a tech startup.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced team members and founders.

• Networking: Building connections within the Cologne startup scene.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the typical startup environment, with the primary hurdle being the unpaid nature of the internship, which the company acknowledges by offering significant growth and future potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UX/UI problem you solved. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your Figma skills, problem-solving, and user-centric approach.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends and best practices?" (Showcase your initiative and passion for the field.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for a sports app like ours? Walk us through your initial thoughts." (Demonstrate your ability to think creatively and strategically about the Mapletics product.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Mapletics and our mission to connect people through sports in Cologne?" (Show genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Demonstrate openness to feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Prepared to Dive Deep: Know your projects inside and out. Be ready to discuss every decision, tool used, and challenge overcome.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., "This design change led to a X% increase in user engagement on feature Y"). If not quantifiable, focus on the qualitative user benefits.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Demonstrate your mastery of Figma by explaining specific features or techniques you used in your projects.

• Keep it Concise: While detailed, ensure your presentations are engaging and respect time limits. Practice your delivery.

• Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions about the team, product roadmap, design challenges, and company culture to show engagement and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on assessing not just design skills but also cultural fit, proactivity, and passion – key attributes for a startup intern.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX and UI Designer internship:

• Submit your brief application through the provided link on join.com.

• Customize Your CV: Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or previous internship experience in UI/UX design, emphasizing your skills in Figma and any sports-related interests.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your best work, focusing on mobile app designs. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your Figma proficiency, design process, and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss your projects in detail.

• Articulate Your Contribution: Clearly state in your application which area you wish to contribute to and your desired start date and duration (2-3 months).

• Research Mapletics: Understand their mission, the app's functionality, and the sports/community aspect in Cologne. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview questions.

⚠️ 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.

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