UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Associated Bank

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-23

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver intuitive, engaging digital experiences that align business vision with customer needs.

• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and visual concepts, leveraging design tools like Figma to bring ideas to life.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, engineers, and fellow designers to ensure user-centered solutions.

• Conduct and interpret user research to drive informed design decisions and continuous improvement.

• Partner with development teams during implementation to maintain design integrity and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is UX Designer, the responsibilities and required skills (e.g., wireframing, prototyping, UI design, collaboration with engineering) strongly indicate a role focused on the practical application of UX/UI principles within a product development lifecycle, rather than purely strategic UX research or high-level interaction design. The emphasis on translating business vision and customer needs into tangible digital experiences points to a hands-on design execution role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate complex business requirements and customer insights into intuitive and user-friendly digital interfaces.

• Create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and visual design concepts using industry-standard tools such as Figma.

• Actively participate in design reviews and critiques, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance design quality.

• Present design rationale and solutions clearly and persuasively to product, engineering, and business stakeholders.

• Work closely with front-end developers to ensure accurate implementation of designs, maintaining visual consistency and interaction fidelity.

• Plan, execute, and analyze user research studies (e.g., usability testing, user interviews) to validate design hypotheses and identify areas for improvement.

• Contribute to and maintain the company's design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all digital products.

• Stay abreast of emerging UX/UI trends, emerging technologies, and best practices within the financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are inferred to include the full design lifecycle from conceptualization to implementation support, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication. The mention of "design systems" and "component-based web, mobile, or desktop applications" suggests a need for scalable and reusable design solutions, common in larger organizations like Associated Bank.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in designing component-based web, mobile, or desktop applications.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and visual design mockups using tools like Figma.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design methodologies and usability testing principles.

• Ability to translate user needs and business requirements into effective UI/UX solutions.

• Excellent visual design skills with an eye for detail, typography, and layout.

• Demonstrated experience in collaborating effectively with product managers, engineers, and cross-functional teams.

• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience presenting design concepts and rationale to product, engineering, and design leadership.

• Familiarity with financial services industry terminology, systems, and user behaviors.

• Experience with user research methodologies and synthesizing research findings into actionable design insights.

• Graphic design skills and a strong portfolio showcasing a range of digital design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2+ years designing component-based web, mobile, or desktop applications" suggests a need for candidates who understand scalable design and have experience with modern development paradigms. The preferred skills highlight a desire for candidates who can hit the ground running within the financial sector and effectively communicate complex design ideas.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 significant UX/UI design projects.

• Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding and application of user-centered design principles from discovery to delivery.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs are expected.

• Case studies should clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, and the impact/outcomes of your work.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your process for conducting user research, including methodologies used and how findings informed design iterations.

• Illustrate your approach to creating and utilizing wireframes and prototypes for concept validation and stakeholder buy-in.

• Provide examples of how you collaborated with engineering and product teams to ensure successful design implementation.

• Highlight any experience with design systems, including contributions to or utilization of established components.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on demonstrating a structured design process, problem-solving abilities, and the tangible impact of their design work. Projects involving component-based design and collaboration with development teams will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $74,200.00 - $127,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive retirement savings plans, including both 401(k) and Pension plans.

• Paid time off for community volunteer activities.

• Employee-driven Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) to foster connection and diversity.

• Competitive salaries complemented by robust professional development and advancement opportunities.

• Well-being programs and incentives designed for holistic employee health.

• Generous parental leave policies.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for wealth-building opportunities.

• Specialized military benefits.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing for focused work and team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and competitive for a UX Designer role in a major metropolitan area like Milwaukee, considering the experience level. The extensive list of benefits, including both traditional retirement plans and unique offerings like volunteer time off and an ESPP, indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement, which is attractive to mid-level professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Banking

Company Size: Large (likely 10,000+ employees based on typical banking institutions of this scale), with a significant physical presence across multiple states.

Founded: Associated Bank was founded in 1861, bringing a long history and established presence in the financial sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a broader Digital Design or Product Development team.

• This team will consist of fellow UX/UI designers, product managers, researchers, and potentially UX writers.

• Close collaboration with front-end engineers, back-end developers, and business analysts is expected.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles and data-driven decision-making.

• Agile or hybrid development methodologies are probable, requiring iterative design and close collaboration with engineering sprints.

• Utilization of design systems for consistency and efficiency in product development.

• Cross-functional teams will work collaboratively to achieve project goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Associated Bank, as a large, established financial institution, likely fosters a culture that balances innovation with stability. The emphasis on a "people-first culture" and diverse perspectives suggests an inclusive environment. For a UX Designer, this means working within established frameworks while having opportunities to influence and improve customer-facing digital products. The industry context implies a need for understanding regulatory compliance and security in design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It signifies an individual contributor role with growing autonomy and responsibility in design execution and problem-solving.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, UX Lead, or a Product Development Manager. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on specific projects.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer directly influences the usability, accessibility, and overall customer satisfaction of Associated Bank's digital platforms. Their work impacts customer acquisition, retention, engagement, and operational efficiency by making banking services easier and more intuitive to use. This role is crucial for enhancing the bank's digital competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like interaction design, user research, accessibility design, or motion design.

• Leadership Track: Progress to a Senior UX Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design strategy.

• Management Track: Move into a Design Lead or Management position, overseeing a team of designers and shaping the overall design direction.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into related fields such as Product Management, UX Research, or Design System management.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in financial services UX, becoming a go-to expert for the banking sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: A mid-level UX designer at a company like Associated Bank has a clear path for growth. The role provides a solid foundation in core UX skills within a regulated industry, offering opportunities to specialize or move into leadership roles. The bank's commitment to professional development and growth, as mentioned in the benefits section, supports these advancement opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The "TELECOMMUTE" location type combined with the "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a structured hybrid model. Employees are expected to work from a designated office location (Milwaukee) for a portion of the week, likely for collaborative activities, team meetings, and focused work that benefits from an office setting.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated areas for design teams.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including company-provided hardware and software licenses for Figma and other relevant applications.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing individuals to balance their work location preferences while meeting team and project demands. This schedule supports focused design work and collaborative sessions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment. For a UX Designer, this means balancing independent design work (potentially better done remotely) with in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and stakeholder presentations (benefiting from an office setting). The Milwaukee office location suggests a professional corporate environment.

📄 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.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, walking through 1-2 key projects. This will involve discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, rationale for decisions, and the impact of their work. Expect questions on user-centered design principles, usability, and specific design choices.

• Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with potential peers (other designers, product managers, engineers) to evaluate collaboration skills, communication, and how well the candidate integrates into a team environment.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss career goals, team dynamics, and overall fit within Associated Bank's culture and objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (web/mobile applications, user-centered design, Figma proficiency).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process undertaken, key challenges and solutions, and quantifiable outcomes or learnings.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively – wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final designs. Explain why you made certain decisions.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with stakeholders, product managers, and engineers.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, research Associated Bank's digital products and mention how your skills and experience can contribute to their goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study, either take-home or live. This might involve designing a feature for a banking app, improving an existing user flow, or solving a specific UX problem.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely and clearly.

• Research common UX challenges in the financial services industry (e.g., security, trust, complex workflows, accessibility).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a UX Designer role heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their work but also to articulate their thought process and problem-solving skills in detail. Understanding the specific needs of a financial institution (security, compliance, user trust) will be advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and collaboration. Proficiency is explicitly required.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Adobe XD) might be beneficial for understanding different workflows, though Figma is the stated primary tool.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for conducting and analyzing user research.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and track the impact of design changes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX tools, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact customer journeys can inform design decisions, especially for customer-facing applications.

• Familiarity with project management tools like Jira or Asana for tracking design tasks within agile workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the central tool mentioned. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate advanced proficiency in Figma for all stages of the design process. While not explicitly listed, an understanding of web analytics and user feedback platforms is crucial for a UX designer to measure the success of their designs and inform iterations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Associated Bank's customers through intuitive and effective digital experiences.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams (product, engineering, business) to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to digital design while adhering to industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing feedback, learning from user research, and iterating on designs to enhance usability and user satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Teamwork: The role demands active participation in cross-functional teams, contributing design expertise to product development initiatives.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent communication and constructive feedback loops among team members.

• Agile Mindset: Working within agile or iterative development cycles, adapting to changing requirements and priorities.

• Design System Advocacy: Promoting the use and adherence to the design system to ensure consistency and efficiency across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a customer-first approach, which is fundamental for UX roles. The collaborative environment within a large financial institution suggests a need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder needs while staying true to user-centered principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Effectively advocating for user experience while navigating the technical limitations and business objectives inherent in a large financial institution.

• Designing for a Regulated Industry: Understanding and adhering to financial regulations, security protocols, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) in all design work.

• Integrating with Legacy Systems: Potentially working with or around older systems, requiring creative solutions to provide a modern user experience.

• Driving Design Adoption: Encouraging adoption and adherence to design standards and processes across various product teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or courses to deepen expertise in specialized UX areas.

• Industry Conferences: Potential for attending relevant UX conferences (e.g., UXPA, Interaction Week) to stay current with industry trends.

• Mentorship: Access to senior designers or product leaders for guidance and career development advice.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to product management, engineering processes, and financial services operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The financial services industry presents unique challenges for UX designers, particularly around security, compliance, and user trust. Successfully navigating these challenges can be a significant growth opportunity, leading to specialized expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI/UX problem you solved. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem decomposition, design thinking, and measurable results.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints?" (Highlight your negotiation, compromise, and advocacy skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature for a mobile banking application." (Detail your research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and collaboration steps.)

• "How do you incorporate user research into your design process?" (Provide specific examples of research methods and how findings influenced your design decisions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Associated Bank and its digital offerings?" (Research their website, app reviews, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and engineers?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and shared ownership.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework to tell a compelling story.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly delineate your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Showcase Your Process: Explain your thought process, the rationale behind key design decisions, and how you iterated based on feedback or research.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the value of your work.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternative solutions you considered, and how you would approach future iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only has strong design skills but can also articulate their process, collaborate effectively, and understand the specific context of designing for a financial institution. Preparing case studies that demonstrate problem-solving and impact is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Associated Bank careers portal via the provided URL.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your strongest UX/UI projects that best demonstrate your skills in wireframing, prototyping (especially with Figma), user-centered design, and collaboration. Ensure each project has a clear narrative explaining the problem, your process, and the outcome.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Designer," "Figma," "user-centered design," "wireframes," "prototypes," "mobile applications," and "financial services" (if applicable). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Research Associated Bank: Familiarize yourself with Associated Bank's digital products (website, mobile app), understand their customer base, and identify any potential UX strengths or areas for improvement. This will help you tailor your interview responses and portfolio presentation.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on clear communication, concise explanations, and demonstrating your design thinking process. Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and problem-solving approach.

⚠️ 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.