UX Designer – AI-Enhanced Product Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer – AI-Enhanced Product Design Company: Equity Methods Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Date Posted: September 17, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of intuitive and visually compelling user interfaces for cutting-edge AI-enhanced web and mobile applications within the financial services consulting sector.
• Drive the end-to-end user experience (UX) design process, from conceptualization and wireframing to high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototyping, leveraging a blend of traditional design tools and emerging AI technologies.
• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and AI specialists to translate complex business requirements and user needs into elegant, user-centered design solutions that enhance product usability and client engagement.
• Champion user advocacy through rigorous user research and usability testing, synthesizing feedback to inform iterative design improvements and ensure optimal user satisfaction and product performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "UX Designer," the emphasis on AI-enhanced product design, collaboration with AI specialists, and the use of tools like Midjourney and LLMs suggests a forward-thinking approach that may blend traditional UX with generative AI capabilities. The financial services consulting context implies a need for clarity, accuracy, and robust functionality in the designed interfaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) for web and mobile platforms, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.
• Develop detailed wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard design tools such as Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Translate design concepts into functional prototypes utilizing responsive HTML/CSS and basic JavaScript, facilitating efficient developer handoff and rapid iteration cycles.
• Actively engage in cross-functional collaboration with product managers, engineers, and AI specialists to ensure design feasibility, technical scalability, and strategic alignment with product roadmaps and company goals.
• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to gather insights into user behaviors, needs, and pain points.
• Perform usability testing on prototypes and live products, analyzing results to identify areas for improvement and drive data-informed design decisions.
• Leverage generative AI tools, such as Midjourney, to accelerate ideation processes, explore diverse design concepts, and create visual assets that enhance product storytelling and appeal.
• Integrate Large Language Models (LLMs) into the design workflow for tasks such as generating user stories, refining copy, or exploring AI-driven interface elements, thereby enhancing design efficiency and innovation.
• Build and maintain robust design systems, component libraries, and style guides to ensure brand consistency, design scalability, and efficient collaboration across product teams.
• Participate actively in design critiques and reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers and stakeholders to foster a culture of design excellence and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on core UX/UI design principles and the innovative application of AI tools. The expectation to translate designs into HTML/CSS and basic JavaScript indicates a need for a designer with some front-end understanding, bridging the gap between design and development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level UX roles, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and user psychology. Alternatively, equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio can substitute for formal education.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, with a proven track record of designing for both web and mobile applications. This experience should encompass the full design lifecycle, from user research and conceptualization to prototyping and final implementation support.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design Expertise: Proven ability to design intuitive, user-centered interfaces and engaging user experiences across various platforms.
• Design Software Proficiency: Mastery of industry-standard design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator, for creating wireframes, mockups, and visual assets.
• Front-End Fundamentals: Strong practical skills in HTML and CSS for building responsive layouts and ensuring design fidelity during prototyping and developer handoff. Basic JavaScript knowledge is beneficial for interactive prototyping.
• User Research & Testing: Demonstrated experience in conducting user research methodologies and usability testing to gather actionable insights and validate design decisions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and present design concepts to stakeholders.
• Portfolio: A compelling portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, highlighting problem-solving skills, visual creativity, and a user-centered design process.

Preferred Skills:

• Generative AI Tools: Experience or demonstrable interest in using AI-powered design tools such as Midjourney for visual ideation and asset generation.
• LLM Integration: Familiarity with leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) for design-related tasks, such as content generation, user story refinement, or exploring AI-driven interactions.
• Design Systems: Experience in developing, implementing, or contributing to design systems and component libraries.
• Agile Methodologies: Understanding of Agile development processes and experience working within an Agile team.
• Financial Services Context: Familiarity with the financial services industry or consulting environments is a plus, as it can inform design decisions related to data presentation and regulatory considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" AI experience level suggests that candidates with 2 years of experience will be considered if they possess a strong portfolio and relevant skills, while those with 5 years would be expected to demonstrate more advanced capabilities and potentially leadership in design initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies that illustrate your UX/UI design process from problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, usability testing, to final outcomes.
• Problem-Solving Narrative: Clearly articulate the user problem or business challenge addressed in each case study, demonstrating your strategic thinking and design rationale.
• Visual Design Excellence: Present high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes that exhibit strong visual design principles, aesthetic appeal, and brand consistency.
• AI Tool Integration (Demonstrated): If possible, include examples where AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, LLMs) were used to enhance the design process, ideation, or asset creation. Clearly explain the impact and benefits of using these tools.
• Technical Collaboration Evidence: Include examples of how you collaborated with developers, perhaps by providing clear design specifications, HTML/CSS snippets, or explaining handoff processes.
• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify the success of your designs where possible, using metrics related to user engagement, task completion rates, usability improvements, or business goals achieved.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate understanding of designing clear, efficient user workflows that guide users through complex tasks seamlessly.
• Prototyping & Iteration: Illustrate your iterative design process, showing how prototypes were used for testing and refinement based on user feedback.
• Design System Contribution: If applicable, include examples of contributing to or utilizing design systems for consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI-enhanced product design means a portfolio that subtly or explicitly showcases the integration of AI tools in the design process will be highly advantageous. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to using these tools responsibly and effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a mid-level UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Scottsdale, Arizona, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $80,000 and $110,000 USD. This range can vary based on the depth of experience with AI tools, the strength of the portfolio, and specific skill sets.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company matching to aid in long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to promote work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, conferences, and access to learning resources to foster skill advancement, particularly in emerging technologies like AI in design.
• Collaborative Work Environment: A supportive and innovative workplace culture that values employee contributions and encourages continuous learning.
• Stock Options/Equity: Potential for equity participation, aligning employee success with company growth.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time commitment. While the role is on-site, Equity Methods may offer some flexibility in daily schedules, though core business hours are expected for team collaboration and client interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for UX Designers in the Phoenix metropolitan area, considering the specified experience level and the specialized skills in AI-enhanced design. Benefits packages for professional roles in consulting firms are generally competitive to attract and retain talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Equity Methods operates within the Financial Services sector, specifically focusing on consulting related to stock-based equity compensation, financial reporting, and valuation services. This context implies a professional, detail-oriented, and client-focused environment.

Company Size: With over 125 professionals and experience with over 1,000 publicly traded clients, Equity Methods can be considered a medium-sized firm. This size often allows for a blend of established processes and an entrepreneurial, agile approach, offering opportunities for individual impact and growth.

Founded: Founded implicitly before 2024 (as they were recognized as a Top Company to Work for in Arizona in 2024), Equity Methods has a history of delivering specialized financial consulting services. This longevity suggests stability and a commitment to client success and employee development.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will join the "Technology and Innovation" group, indicating a focus on forward-thinking initiatives and the integration of new technologies.
• This team likely operates with a collaborative, cross-functional structure, working closely with product management, engineering, and AI specialists.
• Reporting lines would typically be to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or Director of Technology within this innovation group.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Expect a strong emphasis on using data from user research, analytics, and client feedback to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Agile & Iterative: The company culture is described as "Agile and execution-focused," suggesting that design processes will likely follow iterative cycles, incorporating rapid prototyping and continuous feedback.
• AI Integration: A key methodology will be the adoption and creative application of AI tools to enhance design efficiency, explore new possibilities, and drive innovation in product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Top Company to Work for in Arizona" recognition suggests a positive and supportive work environment. The blend of financial consulting expertise with a technology innovation group indicates a culture that values both deep domain knowledge and cutting-edge technological adoption.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Designer (2-5 years of experience). It implies a significant contribution to design projects, taking ownership of specific features or products, and collaborating with senior team members. The scope includes designing for both internal and external clients, suggesting a broad impact.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or a Director within the Technology and Innovation group. They will collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers, forming project-specific teams. This structure allows for direct mentorship and clear project direction.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly impacts the usability, efficiency, and adoption of Equity Methods' technology platforms. By creating intuitive interfaces for financial services consulting tools, the designer contributes to:

• Client Satisfaction: Enhancing client experience with digital tools.
• Internal Efficiency: Streamlining workflows for consultants and support staff.
• Product Innovation: Driving the development of AI-enhanced features that provide a competitive edge.
• Revenue Generation: Indirectly supporting client retention and acquisition through superior product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-enhanced design, generative AI tools, and advanced UX research methodologies.
• Leadership Development: Progress to Senior UX Designer or Lead UX Designer roles, mentoring junior designers and leading larger design initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management or specialized roles within AI product development.
• Industry Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in financial services consulting, which can be a valuable niche.
• Formal Training: Access to company-sponsored training, certifications, and industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends in UX and AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Technology and Innovation" and the explicit mention of AI suggests ample opportunities for designers to explore and master emerging technologies, offering a clear growth path beyond traditional UX roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Scottsdale, Arizona, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This typically means a shared workspace designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The office is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, a well-established business hub. Specific details about the office amenities or accessibility would need to be confirmed with the employer.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect access to meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and open-plan workspaces conducive to team interaction and design critiques.
• Technology & Tools: The environment will be equipped with the necessary hardware and software for design work, including powerful workstations and access to design tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially AI hardware/software resources.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with designers, product managers, engineers, and AI specialists, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday through Friday, approximately 9 AM to 5 PM, aligning with typical business hours in the financial services and technology sectors. The emphasis on "agile and execution-focused" might imply a dynamic pace, but core hours are crucial for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for design teams requiring rapid feedback loops and spontaneous brainstorming sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (likely a Design or Technology Lead) to delve deeper into experience, design philosophy, and alignment with team goals.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: This is a critical stage. Candidates will present their portfolio, discussing specific case studies and their design process. A practical design challenge, potentially involving AI tools or a specific product problem, may be given to assess problem-solving skills, creativity, and technical proficiency.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential colleagues (Product Managers, Engineers, AI Specialists) to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate into the team.
• Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with a senior leader, to confirm overall fit and discuss final details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills relevant to this role, particularly those showing AI integration or complex problem-solving.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the tools used (including AI), the challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes.
• Highlight AI Integration: Be prepared to discuss how you used AI tools (Midjourney, LLMs) in your process, what value they added, and any learnings.
• Showcase Technical Understanding: Be ready to discuss your HTML/CSS skills and how you ensure design feasibility and smooth developer handoffs.
• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to ensure it's concise, engaging, and effectively communicates your expertise within the allotted time.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully grasp the problem statement, target users, and business goals.
• Think Aloud: During a live challenge, verbalize your thought process, design decisions, and assumptions.
• Focus on Process: Emphasize your approach to problem-solving, user research, and iterative design, even if you can't complete a fully polished solution.
• Consider AI: Think about how AI tools could potentially be applied to the challenge, either in generating ideas, assets, or informing the design.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, and presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI-Enhanced Product Design" focus means interviewers will likely probe candidates on their understanding and application of AI in the design workflow. Demonstrating an experimental and adaptive mindset towards new technologies will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop and Illustrator for graphic design, asset creation, and image editing.
• HTML/CSS: For building responsive layouts and prototyping interactive elements.
• JavaScript (Basic): Potentially used for adding interactivity to prototypes or collaborating on front-end elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel): Useful for understanding user behavior on live products and informing design iterations.
• Usability Testing Software (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback): For conducting remote or moderated usability tests.
• Prototyping Tools with Analytics: Figma's built-in analytics or integrations can provide insights into prototype interactions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly used by UX designers for core tasks, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms interact with the user interface can be beneficial for context.

Emerging AI Tools:

• Midjourney: For generating visual concepts, mood boards, or design elements.
• Large Language Models (LLMs) (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard): For ideation, content generation, user story creation, summarizing research, or even generating code snippets for prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount. Experience with Midjourney and LLMs is a significant plus and indicates a candidate's alignment with the "AI-Enhanced" aspect of the role. Understanding how design outputs integrate with development workflows is also crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Service Excellence: A core value in financial consulting, translating to a focus on delivering high-quality, impactful design solutions for clients and internal users.
• Innovation & Growth: The "Technology and Innovation" group embodies a forward-thinking mindset, encouraging exploration of new technologies like AI and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: The culture is described as "feedback-heavy and mentoring-rich," emphasizing open communication, mutual support, and shared learning across disciplines.
• Agility & Execution: A bias for action and a focus on delivering tangible results efficiently are key cultural drivers.
• Problem-Solving Rigor: A dedication to tackling complex, ambiguous problems with creativity, analytical thinking, and a structured approach.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with product managers for strategic alignment and feature definition, and with engineers for technical feasibility and implementation.
• AI Specialist Partnership: Working alongside AI specialists will be integral to understanding and integrating AI capabilities into the product design.
• Feedback Loops: A culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback is encouraged, fostering iterative improvement and shared ownership of design quality.
• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and potentially internal knowledge-sharing forums to disseminate best practices and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly "growth-oriented" and "eager to solve complex, ambiguous problems," align well with a role that involves cutting-edge technology and evolving design practices. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive and curious approach to learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating AI Seamlessly: The primary challenge will be to effectively integrate AI-generated elements and AI-driven functionalities into user interfaces in a way that is intuitive, ethical, and adds genuine value, avoiding novelty for novelty's sake.
• Bridging Design & AI Expertise: Effectively translating the capabilities of AI models (like LLMs and image generators) into user-friendly product features requires a unique blend of design thinking and technical understanding.
• Balancing Innovation with Usability: Ensuring that advanced AI features remain accessible and usable for a diverse user base, including those less familiar with AI technologies, while maintaining a clean and efficient user experience.
• Rapid Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-evolving landscape of AI tools and techniques, and adapting design processes accordingly, will be an ongoing challenge.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring clear communication and shared understanding of AI capabilities and design goals among design, product, and engineering teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in leveraging generative AI and LLMs for product design, a highly sought-after skill set.
• Financial Services Domain Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of the nuances and requirements of financial consulting, enhancing career prospects in this specialized industry.
• Advanced UX Techniques: Master cutting-edge UX research, interaction design, and prototyping methodologies.
• Professional Certifications: Pursue certifications in UX, AI, or related fields through company sponsorship.
• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from mentorship from senior designers, product leaders, and AI specialists within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity to be at the forefront of AI integration in product design within a professional services context. Candidates who embrace learning and experimentation will find ample room for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• AI Integration Philosophy: "How do you envision using AI tools like Midjourney and LLMs to enhance the UX design process for financial consulting software?" Be ready to discuss specific examples, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
• Design Process & Collaboration: "Walk us through a complex project where you collaborated with engineers and product managers. How did you ensure your design vision was realized, and what challenges did you face?" Focus on your communication and problem-solving approach.
• Problem-Solving Approach: "Describe a time you had to design for a user group with diverse technical abilities or complex needs. How did you ensure your design was accessible and effective?" Highlight your user-centric methodology.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Understanding: "What do you know about Equity Methods and our services? How do you see your UX design skills contributing to our mission?" Show you've researched the company and understand its business.
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to collaborate with engineers and product managers? What's your approach to giving and receiving design feedback?" Emphasize your teamwork and communication style.
• Measuring Impact: "How do you measure the success of your designs? Can you provide examples of metrics you've used to demonstrate the impact of your work?" Prepare to discuss quantifiable results.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: Frame each case study as a story: the problem, your role and process, the solutions, the challenges, and the results.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, well-designed, and visually communicate your design skills. Use high-quality mockups and prototypes.
• Highlight AI Contribution: Clearly label and explain where and how AI tools were utilized in your projects and the impact they had.
• Focus on Rationale: Be prepared to explain the "why" behind your design decisions – user needs, business goals, technical constraints, and AI capabilities.
• Interactive Elements: If possible, include interactive prototypes or short video demonstrations to bring your work to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used AI tools in your design process. Even if your direct experience is limited, showing a willingness to experiment and learn about these tools will be highly valued.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided jobvite link: https://jobs.jobvite.com/equitymethods/job/oza0xfw0
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong UX/UI principles, successful collaboration with technical teams, and any experience or interest in AI-enhanced design tools like Midjourney or LLMs. Select case studies that showcase your problem-solving process and quantifiable results.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3+ years of UX/UI design experience, proficiency in Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML/CSS, and any relevant AI tool experience. Quantify your achievements and use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with AI tools and your adaptability to new technologies. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Equity Methods' services, client base, and their recognition as a "Top Company to Work for in Arizona." Understand their focus on technology and innovation, particularly in financial services consulting.

⚠️ 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.