UX Interaction Design Co-op - Fall 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Interaction Design Co-op - Fall 2026

Company: Crown Equipment Corporation

Location: New Bremen, OH

Job Type: Intern

Category: User Experience / Design Operations

Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Gain hands-on experience in User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design (IxD) within a leading material handling equipment manufacturer.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of user interfaces for lift trucks, warehouse management systems, and mobile applications, focusing on industry-leading user experience.

• Engage in user research, prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration to bring innovative design solutions to life.

• Develop visual documentation and contribute to the evolution of the company's Design System.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title specifies 'UX Interaction Design Co-op', this enhancement positions it within the broader "User Experience / Design Operations" category to attract candidates familiar with operational aspects of design execution and system integration. The "Fall 2026" designation clearly indicates a co-op or internship opportunity for students.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including field studies, user interviews, and task analysis, to understand end-user needs and product requirements for industrial equipment and software.

• Develop and iterate on wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to visualize and test new design concepts for lift truck interfaces, warehouse management tools, and mobile applications.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and other design disciplines, to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation.

• Create and maintain visual documentation, style guides, and contribute to the company's Design System to ensure consistency and scalability of user interfaces.

• Participate in design reviews, gather feedback, and refine designs based on user insights and stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to reflect typical duties of an Interaction Design co-op, emphasizing the research, prototyping, and collaborative aspects crucial for operations and design execution. The focus on industrial equipment and warehouse management tools provides specific context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated foundational knowledge in UX/Interaction Design principles through academic coursework and projects.

Required Skills:

• Interaction Design: Ability to conceptualize and design intuitive user interfaces and workflows.

• User Experience (UX) Research: Skills in conducting user needs research, competitive analysis, and understanding industry trends.

• Prototyping: Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch).

• Visual Design Skills: Strong aesthetic sense and ability to create visually appealing and functional designs, as evidenced by a portfolio.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities for effective collaboration and presentation.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment and across different departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with field research methodologies, including on-site observation and user interviews.

• Familiarity with Design Systems and their implementation.

• Knowledge of industrial equipment interfaces or warehouse management software.

• Basic understanding of software development lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are structured to highlight core design competencies and educational requirements. "Preferred Skills" are inferred based on the responsibilities, suggesting areas where a candidate could further impress, such as familiarity with Design Systems and industrial contexts, which are key for operations integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A digital portfolio is required with the application, showcasing a range of UX/Interaction Design projects.

• Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving methodologies.

• Include case studies that highlight your design process, from initial research and ideation through to prototyping and final design.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should ideally include examples of your process documentation, such as user journey maps, wireframes, flow diagrams, and usability testing insights.

• Demonstrate an ability to articulate design decisions and their rationale, linking them to user needs and business objectives.

• Highlight any contributions to or understanding of design systems and their operational impact on consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for design and operations roles. The requirements emphasize a portfolio that showcases not just final designs, but the entire design process, including research, iteration, and documentation—key elements for understanding how a designer operates within a larger organizational structure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a co-op/internship position, compensation will be commensurate with experience and educational level. Based on industry standards for UX/Interaction Design co-ops in Ohio, a typical range would be $18 - $25 per hour.

Benefits:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance and learning opportunities from experienced Interaction Designers.

• Professional Development: Exposure to real-world product development cycles and industry best practices.

• Networking: Opportunities to build connections within a global manufacturing company.

• Paid Work Experience: Earn while you learn and gain valuable experience for your future career.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: Successful co-op performance may lead to consideration for future internships or full-time roles.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site co-op position, likely requiring 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Specific daily hours will be confirmed upon hire.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range is estimated based on typical co-op rates in Ohio for design roles. Benefits are tailored to what a student intern would expect, focusing on learning and development, which are primary motivators for co-op positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Industrial Equipment, Material Handling)

• Crown Equipment Corporation operates in the heavy machinery and logistics sector, a critical part of global supply chains. This industry demands robust, reliable, and efficient solutions, influencing the design and operational priorities.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Likely 10,000+ employees globally)

• Working in a large enterprise means exposure to established processes, cross-functional teams, and a structured approach to product development and operations. It offers stability and the chance to learn from seasoned professionals.

Founded: 1960

Team Structure:

• The Interaction Design team is likely part of a larger Product Development, Engineering, or R&D department.

• Co-ops will report to a Design Manager or a Senior Interaction Designer who will act as their mentor.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a blend of agile and waterfall methodologies for product development, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design principles integrated into the process.

• Design operations are key to ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability of design efforts across various product lines and platforms.

Company Website: https://us-careers.crown.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Contextualizing Crown Equipment Corporation within its industry and company size helps candidates understand the operational environment. The emphasis on Design Operations is inferred as crucial for a large manufacturer to maintain design consistency across complex product lines.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Co-op / Intern

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of interaction design, such as mobile UX, complex interface design, or user research methodologies.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience within the manufacturing and material handling industry, a specialized but vital sector.

• Networking & Mentorship: Build professional relationships and receive guidance from experienced designers, potentially leading to future career opportunities within Crown Equipment.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop significant projects and case studies for a professional portfolio, enhancing future job prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the co-op role not just as a temporary position, but as a structured learning experience with clear growth paths and potential for future employment, emphasizing the operational value of design in manufacturing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Campus / Industrial Setting

• The role is based in New Bremen, OH, at Crown Equipment Corporation's headquarters. This likely involves working within a corporate office environment that is closely integrated with manufacturing and R&D facilities.

Office Location(s): New Bremen, OH

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace where collaboration with designers, engineers, and product teams is frequent and essential.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, prototyping tools, and potentially specialized hardware or simulation environments for lift truck interfaces.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to participate in design sprints, brainstorming sessions, and project meetings, fostering a sense of team engagement and shared purpose.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time co-op position, expected to be Monday through Friday, aligning with typical business hours for the manufacturing industry. The schedule will be conducive to hands-on project work and team participation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights the on-site nature and the integration of the design team within a larger corporate and industrial setting, which is a key operational consideration for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on academic background, stated interests, and the presence of a portfolio link.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where the design team will evaluate the quality, process, and visual aesthetics of submitted work samples.

• Interview(s): Typically includes interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and communication effectiveness. Expect behavioral and situational questions.

• Potential Design Exercise: May involve a small design challenge or a discussion about a past project in detail to gauge problem-solving capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Showcase 2-4 of your best projects that demonstrate a range of skills relevant to interaction design, UX research, and visual design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, and the outcome or learnings. Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to support your narrative.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your research methods, ideation techniques, iteration cycles, and how you translated insights into design solutions.

• Demonstrate Visual Skills: Ensure your portfolio visually represents your strengths in layout, typography, color, and overall aesthetic appeal.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, subtly highlight projects that involve complex interfaces, industrial applications, or mobile experiences, aligning with Crown's product offerings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design decision-making process and rationale.

• Articulate how you approach user research and incorporate feedback.

• Understand the importance of design systems and consistency in a manufacturing context.

• Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on the critical portfolio review and interview stages, with specific tips tailored to a UX/Interaction Design role in a corporate manufacturing setting.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch (proficiency expected in at least one).

• Visual Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for asset creation and refinement.

• Collaboration: Tools like Miro or Mural may be used for brainstorming and collaboration.

Documentation & Design Systems:

• Familiarity with tools for creating design documentation and contributing to Design Systems (e.g., InVision, Zeplin, or internal platforms).

Research & Testing Tools:

• While not explicitly stated, experience with user testing platforms or survey tools could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed tools are industry standards for UX/Interaction Design and are crucial for operational execution. Highlighting them helps candidates understand the technical environment and prepare accordingly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to develop cutting-edge solutions that improve material handling efficiency and safety.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of industrial customers through reliable and user-friendly products.

• Quality & Reliability: A commitment to building durable, high-performing equipment and software, reflecting the demanding nature of the manufacturing industry.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Emphasis on cross-functional cooperation to achieve complex product development goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with engineers and product managers, requiring clear communication and a willingness to understand technical constraints and possibilities.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Design choices are often informed by user research, field data, and performance metrics to ensure practical and effective solutions.

• Iterative Design: A culture that encourages experimentation, feedback, and refinement to achieve optimal user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inferred values and collaboration style are based on Crown's industry and size, emphasizing the practical, collaborative, and quality-focused operational ethos expected in a manufacturing environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Industrial Needs: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex industrial machinery and warehouse operations requires a deep understanding of user tasks and environments, which can be challenging to grasp quickly.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating design concepts and rationale to engineering and product teams with different technical backgrounds.

• Balancing User Needs and Technical Constraints: Finding optimal design solutions that meet user requirements while adhering to technical feasibility, cost, and manufacturing limitations.

• Adapting to a Corporate Environment: Navigating established processes and workflows within a large, established manufacturing company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Skill Application: Apply theoretical design knowledge to real-world products with significant market impact.

• Mentorship Program: Benefit from guidance from experienced professionals in the field of UX/Interaction Design.

• Industry Insight: Gain a unique perspective on the material handling and logistics industry, a critical sector of the global economy.

• Portfolio Building: Create tangible assets that demonstrate professional capabilities and contribute to future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role and the industry, while highlighting growth opportunities reinforces the value of the co-op experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UX design project you worked on. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and articulation.)

• "How do you incorporate user feedback into your design process?" (Highlight research, iteration, and responsiveness.)

• "Imagine you need to design an interface for a lift truck operator. What are the key considerations and potential challenges?" (Assess understanding of user context, industrial needs, and safety.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Crown Equipment Corporation and our industry?" (Research Crown's products, mission, and market position.)

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a collaborative, cross-functional team environment?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with a brief overview of your portfolio, then dive into 1-2 key projects. For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your process, key decisions, and outcomes.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. If you have video of prototypes in action, that's a strong plus.

• Narrative: Focus on storytelling. Explain why you made certain design choices, linking them back to user research or project goals.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your work within a defined timeframe, typically 10-15 minutes, leaving ample time for Q&A.

• Engagement: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your process, tools, and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable interview preparation tailored to the UX/Interaction Design co-op role, covering strategy, company fit, and portfolio presentation, crucial for success in a competitive application process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Interaction Design Co-op position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Crown Equipment Corporation careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible (via a link) and showcases your best UX/Interaction Design work, emphasizing process and visual design skills relevant to complex interfaces.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and any prior design or research experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "Interaction Design," "User Experience," "Prototyping," and "Research."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and interest in Crown Equipment Corporation. Be ready to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Crown Equipment's products, history, and mission. Understand the material handling industry and the importance of user experience in this sector.

⚠️ 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.