UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer Company: Collective Location: Brussels, Belgium Job Type: Contractor Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development Date Posted: 2025-10-27 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and continuously improve user-friendly interfaces, focusing on enhancing the overall user experience of applications.
• Conduct in-depth user research to understand user needs, behaviors, and environments, directly informing application requirements.
• Develop low and high-fidelity prototypes using a mobile-first approach to visualize and test design concepts.
• Collaborate closely with analysts and developers to ensure seamless integration of UI designs and adherence to user-centric principles.
• Maintain and update the Design System to ensure consistency and scalability across all product interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a strong user-centric approach, requiring in-depth research and iterative design processes. The "mobile-first prototyping" indicates a strategic focus on optimizing the user experience for mobile devices, which is critical in today's digital landscape. The explicit mention of a "Design System" points to a need for scalable and consistent design language.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze user needs and their environmental context to define precise application requirements.
• Plan and execute various research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, focus groups, and user testing, to gather essential user insights.
• Propose and design optimal solutions through the creation of low and high-fidelity interfaces, with a strong emphasis on mobile-first prototyping.
• Provide direct support to analysts and developers during the interface design and implementation phases, ensuring alignment with user needs.
• Ensure all application graphical designs comply with accessibility standards and best practices.
• Contribute to Service Design initiatives by proposing user-centric solutions throughout the iterative and lab-based creation process.
• Maintain regular and effective communication with clients and internal project teams to ensure project alignment and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive UX lifecycle, from initial research and analysis through to design, implementation support, and service design. The requirement to "assist analysts and developers" indicates a collaborative and supportive role within the product development team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of UX principles is paramount. Candidates with degrees in Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Psychology, or related fields may find their academic background beneficial. Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in UX Design, with a proven track record of successfully delivering user-centered digital products. Experience in Service Design and working with Design Systems is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe XD for prototyping and interface design.
• Strong understanding and practical application of Azure for development or integration contexts.
• Advanced user research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• Proficient in creating low and high-fidelity prototypes, with a mobile-first perspective.
• Comprehensive knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Experience in developing and maintaining Design Systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder management.
• Fluency in both French and Dutch (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Service Design frameworks and methodologies.
• Familiarity with iterative and lab-based design processes.
• Experience conducting focus groups and user testing sessions.
• Knowledge of user surveys and questionnaire design.
• Understanding of agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "expert" level skills in Adobe XD and Azure, alongside bilingualism, are critical filters. The "5-10 years" experience level suggests the need for a senior-level candidate capable of independent work and strategic input into design processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is MANDATORY for all applications; those without one will be automatically rejected.
• Showcase a range of UX projects demonstrating problem-solving, user research, ideation, prototyping, and final design outcomes.
• Include case studies that detail the user's problem, your process, design decisions, and the impact of your solutions.
• Highlight examples of mobile-first designs and prototypes.
• Demonstrate experience with accessibility considerations in your design work.

Process Documentation:

• Provide clear explanations of your design process for each project, emphasizing how user needs were identified and addressed.
• Detail the research methodologies employed and the insights gained.
• Illustrate the iterative nature of your design process, including any user feedback loops and revisions.
• Showcase how you collaborated with development teams to ensure design fidelity and functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strict requirement for a portfolio underscores its importance as the primary evaluation tool for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, explaining their thought process and design rationale in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided daily rate of €525 and the typical 5-10 years of experience, this role likely falls into a mid-to-senior level contractor compensation bracket. For a full-time equivalent role (assuming 20-22 working days per month), this translates to an estimated monthly gross income of €10,500 - €11,550. Annualized, this would be between €126,000 - €138,600.

Benefits: As a contractor, benefits are typically managed through the individual's own contracting company or personal arrangements. However, common contractor benefits in Belgium might include:

• Professional development opportunities through project work.
• Exposure to diverse projects and technologies within Collective.
• Potential for contract extension based on performance and business needs.
• Flexibility in work schedule (within project constraints).

Working Hours: The role specifies a 40-hour work week, indicating a standard full-time engagement.

• Standard working hours are expected to align with business needs in Brussels.
• Flexibility may be discussed, but core hours for team collaboration are likely required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as a daily rate for a contractor. The estimated full-time equivalent range is provided for context, based on standard Belgian working days and market rates for experienced UX Designers. Candidates should confirm their own contracting arrangements and tax implications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Collective operates within the Technology and Software industry, likely focusing on B2B solutions or professional services given its emphasis on UX and Service Design. The company is positioned to support clients in enhancing their digital offerings. Company Size: Collective is described as a "work" platform, suggesting a modern, potentially agile, and possibly fast-growing organization. The specific size details are not provided, but the emphasis on design and user experience points to a company that values innovation and customer-centricity. Founded: Collective was founded in 2016. This indicates a company with established operational experience but still retaining a degree of startup agility and forward-thinking ethos.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a product or design team, working collaboratively with other designers, product managers, analysts, and developers.
• Reporting to a Head of Design, Product Lead, or a similar managerial role overseeing product development.
• Cross-functional collaboration is central, involving close work with business stakeholders, clients, and the development team to ensure integrated and user-focused solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making through user research and analytics.
• Iterative design and development processes, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.
• User-centered design principles are paramount, ensuring all solutions are built with the end-user in mind.
• Emphasis on Service Design to create holistic and seamless user journeys across different touchpoints.

Company Website: https://collective.work

📝 Enhancement Note: Collective's founding date and focus on UX suggest a company that has evolved beyond its initial startup phase but retains a strong commitment to modern product development practices. The "work" in its name implies a focus on professional services or platforms that facilitate work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer, requiring 5-10 years of experience. It is a hands-on design role with significant autonomy and responsibility for the user experience of applications. The role involves not just execution but also strategic input into user research and service design. Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Product Manager. They will work within project teams, collaborating with analysts, developers, and potentially client-side stakeholders. Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of Collective's applications. By improving the user experience, they directly contribute to user adoption, satisfaction, efficiency, and ultimately, the success of the products and services Collective offers or supports.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific UX areas such as user research, interaction design, accessibility, or Service Design.
• Leadership Potential: Transition into a Lead UX Designer or Design Manager role, overseeing teams and strategic design initiatives.
• Cross-functional Expertise: Develop broader product management or Service Design skills through exposure to different project phases and client interactions.
• Contract Extension: Successful performance can lead to longer-term engagements and opportunities within Collective or its client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contractor role, direct career progression within Collective might be limited compared to a full-time employee. However, the role offers significant opportunities for skill enhancement, portfolio building, and exposure to diverse projects, which are valuable for long-term career growth in the UX field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Given the "On-site" remote status, the role operates within a physical office environment. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed for team interaction, brainstorming, and focused work. Office Location(s): Brussels, Belgium. This central European location offers a dynamic business environment and access to a diverse talent pool. Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment is implied, with opportunities for in-person design reviews, workshops, and team syncs.
• Access to standard design tools and technology is expected, with a specific emphasis on Adobe XD and potentially Azure-related tools for integration or development contexts.
• The role will involve close interaction with other designers, product managers, and developers, fostering a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A 40-hour work week is standard.
• While on-site, there may be some flexibility in start and end times, subject to team and project needs.
• The focus is on delivering high-quality design outcomes within project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement in Brussels suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be highly beneficial for design roles requiring whiteboarding sessions, user testing observation, and informal knowledge sharing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and mandatory portfolio to assess foundational UX skills, experience, and tool proficiency.
• Skills Assessment: A technical interview focusing on UX principles, user research methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a discussion of past projects.
• Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study designed to evaluate your approach to a specific design problem, your ability to articulate design decisions, and your proficiency with tools like Adobe XD.
• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: Discussion to assess communication skills, collaboration style, and alignment with Collective's values and working methods. This may involve meeting with potential team members.
• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring management to confirm suitability and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear case studies for each project. Start with the most relevant and impactful projects.
• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the design decisions you made, and the outcomes achieved. Use visuals effectively.
• Process Emphasis: Detail your user research, ideation, and iteration processes. Show how you translated insights into design solutions.
• Tool Proficiency: Highlight your expertise with Adobe XD and mention any relevant experience with Azure integration or development environments.
• Accessibility: Explicitly showcase how you incorporated accessibility standards into your designs.
• Bilingualism: Be prepared to discuss projects or your design philosophy in both French and Dutch if prompted.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand common UX challenges related to interface design, user flow optimization, and mobile-first strategies.
• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely.
• Be ready to present your work and defend your design decisions.
• Research Collective's work and industry to understand their potential challenges and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the gatekeeper for this role. Candidates must ensure it is polished, comprehensive, and directly addresses the requirements outlined, especially the expert-level tool proficiencies and bilingualism.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe XD: Expert level required. This will be the primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.
• Azure: Expert level required. This suggests the role may involve designing for platforms integrated with Azure services, or understanding how designs will be implemented within an Azure ecosystem. This could include UI components within Azure services, or designing APIs that interact with Azure.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Hotjar) would be beneficial for understanding user behavior post-launch.
• Experience with A/B testing platforms to validate design hypotheses.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified, but understanding how UX designs impact CRM workflows or automated customer journeys can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "expert" requirement for both Adobe XD and Azure is highly specific and unusual for a pure UX role, suggesting that this position might bridge UX design with an understanding of development environments or specific platform integrations. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with Azure in a design context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs is paramount.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving across disciplines.
• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design, meticulous attention to detail, and robust user experiences.
• Innovation: Embracing new ideas, methodologies, and technologies to push the boundaries of design.
• Efficiency: Designing solutions that are not only effective but also streamline user tasks and operational processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to ensure design aligns with business goals and technical feasibility.
• Iterative Feedback: Openness to constructive criticism and a process for incorporating feedback from peers and stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and insights within the team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a blend of creative problem-solving and structured, data-informed execution. The emphasis on bilingualism suggests an inclusive environment that values diversity and effective communication across language barriers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging UX and Azure Expertise: The unique requirement for "expert" Azure knowledge alongside UX skills presents a challenge. Candidates will need to clearly articulate how their Azure understanding informs their design decisions or vice-versa.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively advocating for user needs while understanding and working within the technical limitations or specific architectural patterns of Azure-based systems.
• Service Design Integration: Translating user insights into cohesive service designs that span multiple touchpoints and user journeys.
• Maintaining Design System Consistency: Ensuring the Design System remains up-to-date and effectively utilized across evolving product features.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Azure Integration Knowledge: Gain practical experience in designing for or with Azure services, potentially leading to specialized roles.
• Advanced Service Design: Develop expertise in mapping complex service ecosystems and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Cross-functional Skill Development: Enhance understanding of development processes and product management through close collaboration.
• Client Engagement: Gain experience in client-facing roles, presenting design solutions and managing stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the dual expertise requirement. Candidates who can demonstrate this unique combination will be highly sought after. The growth opportunities are geared towards leveraging this unique skill set for specialized product development or design leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• UX & Azure Synergy: "How would you approach designing a user interface for a new feature within an Azure-based application, considering both user experience best practices and the underlying Azure architecture?" (Prepare to discuss specific Azure services or concepts if you have experience.)
• User Research & Iteration: "Describe a time you used user research to significantly alter a design direction. What methods did you use, and how did you manage the change with stakeholders?"
• Design System Management: "What are the key components of a robust Design System, and how do you ensure its adoption and maintenance within a development team?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Collective and this specific UX Designer role, particularly the combination of UX and Azure?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with developers and analysts, especially when there are differing opinions on design implementation?"
• "Given our focus on Service Design, how would you identify opportunities to improve the overall user journey beyond just the application interface?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Azure Context: If possible, select projects that had technical constraints or integrations that you had to consider, or where you worked closely with development teams using specific platforms. Even if not Azure-specific, frame your technical understanding.
• Demonstrate Bilingualism: Be prepared to switch between French and Dutch for specific questions or to present a part of your portfolio in the other language.
• Process Clarity: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research conducted, your design decisions (showing low-fi to high-fi), and measurable outcomes.
• Accessibility Focus: Dedicate a section or significant explanation to how accessibility was considered and implemented in your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate your experience with Azure in a design context, even if it's from a conceptual or integration perspective rather than pure development. Emphasize your bilingual capabilities throughout the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application, including your CV and a comprehensive portfolio, through the provided link on join.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of mobile-first prototyping, accessibility considerations, and any projects where you collaborated closely with development teams. If you have any experience related to cloud platforms or integrated systems, highlight it.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your expert-level skills in Adobe XD and Azure, your bilingual fluency in French and Dutch, and your experience in user research and Service Design. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you address user needs. Prepare to answer questions about your experience with Azure and your approach to user accessibility.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Collective's work, their mission, and their approach to design and technology. Understand their presence in the Brussels market and their potential client base.

⚠️ 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.