UX/UI Designer (Contractor)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer (Contractor)

Company: UN/COMMON

Location: Costa Rica

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: UX/UI Design, E-commerce Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-09T22:45:21.923

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a fully remote, contract-based UX/UI Designer role focusing on creating conversion-driven digital experiences for DTC e-commerce brands.

• The position emphasizes translating business goals and customer insights into user-centric designs through a collaborative and asynchronous workflow.

• Key responsibilities include building and maintaining design systems, creating high-fidelity prototypes, and ensuring seamless developer handoff.

• The role requires a strong understanding of web design best practices and a proactive approach to digital trends within the e-commerce landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-derived experience level of "2-5" years suggests this role is suitable for designers who have moved beyond entry-level but may not yet be at a senior or lead level. The focus on DTC e-commerce and conversion-driven experiences indicates a need for designers who understand the full funnel and are comfortable with performance metrics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate creative briefs into functional and user-friendly design concepts, incorporating feedback from e-commerce strategists and senior designers.

• Develop, expand, and maintain comprehensive Figma design systems and component libraries to ensure consistency and scalability across projects.

• Create high-fidelity prototypes and engaging motion explorations to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Prepare clean, well-documented, and developer-ready design files for a smooth and efficient handoff process to the development team.

• Accurately scope design tasks, estimate timelines, and ensure timely completion of assignments within project budget constraints.

• Clearly articulate design decisions to internal teams and clients, providing a strong rationale grounded in user needs, business objectives, and conversion optimization principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "translation of creative briefs into functional design concepts" and "preparing clean, developer-ready files" highlights the need for a designer who can bridge the gap between strategy and execution. The requirement to "accurately scope tasks and complete assignments on-time and within budget" points to a need for strong project management and time-boxing skills, crucial for contract roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred in the design industry. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in UX/UI design.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design: Proven ability to design intuitive and engaging user interfaces and experiences.

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Design Systems: Experience in building, contributing to, or maintaining design systems and component libraries within Figma.

• Prototyping & Motion: Ability to create high-fidelity prototypes and incorporate motion design for enhanced user experience.

• E-commerce Design: Deep understanding of best practices for DTC e-commerce platforms and conversion optimization.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present design rationale confidently.

• Collaboration: Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams (strategists, developers) in a remote setting.

Preferred Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) for asset creation and manipulation.

• Web Design Best Practices: Thorough knowledge of current web design trends and usability principles.

• Developer Handoff: Experience in preparing and documenting design assets for developers.

• Asynchronous Workflows: Comfort and experience working effectively in a remote, asynchronous environment.

• Growth Mindset: Demonstrates curiosity, proactivity, and a passion for continuous learning in digital trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for experience with "DTC brands and/or agencies" suggests the company values candidates who understand fast-paced client service environments and the specific demands of direct-to-consumer marketing, where conversion rates are paramount. Proficiency in "Figma" and "Design Systems" is a critical technical requirement, indicating these tools are central to UN/COMMON's design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, with a strong emphasis on DTC e-commerce experiences.

• Demonstrate projects that clearly translate business goals and user insights into effective design solutions.

• Include case studies that detail the design process, from initial concept to final implementation, highlighting challenges and solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should illustrate the candidate's ability to manage the design process, from brief interpretation to developer handoff.

• Provide examples of how design decisions were driven by user research, business objectives, and conversion data.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating clean, organized, and developer-ready design files and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this contract role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to directly reflect the responsibilities mentioned, particularly in e-commerce design, Figma usage, and design system contributions. Candidates should curate their portfolio to highlight projects that best align with these specific requirements to make a strong impression.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contractor position, compensation will likely be based on an hourly or project rate, negotiated based on experience and the scope of work. For a UX/UI Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Costa Rica, typical freelance rates can range from $25 - $50+ USD per hour, depending on specialization and project complexity.

Benefits:

• Flexible remote work arrangement, allowing for work-life integration.

• Opportunity to work with a dynamic agency on diverse and exciting consumer brands.

• Collaborative and supportive team environment with mentorship from senior designers.

• Exposure to a variety of e-commerce strategies and digital design challenges.

• Potential for ongoing contract work based on performance and project needs.

Working Hours: This is a contractor role, so working hours are flexible and project-dependent. It is expected that the designer will dedicate approximately 40 hours per week to meet project deadlines, with the understanding that the work can be performed asynchronously.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contractor role, benefits are typically limited compared to full-time employment. The value proposition here lies in the flexibility, the opportunity to work on interesting projects with established brands, and the potential for repeat business. Candidates should focus on negotiating a competitive hourly rate that accounts for the lack of traditional benefits. Costa Rica's cost of living is generally lower than in North America or Europe, which may influence rate expectations, but the role is remote, so global market rates are also relevant.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Digital Design, E-commerce Consulting. UN/COMMON operates as an agency that partners with emerging and established consumer brands, suggesting a focus on brand development, digital strategy, and customer experience.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "strategists, senior designers, and developers" and a "remote, asynchronous environment with structured check-ins and mentorship" implies a mid-sized agency structure, likely employing dozens to a few hundred individuals. This size often fosters a dynamic, collaborative, yet independent work environment.

Founded: The founding date is not provided. However, the agency's focus on "emerging and established consumer brands" and "conversion-driven digital experiences" suggests a modern approach to digital marketing and design.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will be part of a design and strategy team, working closely with E-commerce Strategists and Senior Designers.

• Collaboration will extend to developers, indicating a cross-functional team structure common in agency settings.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on "conversion-driven digital experiences" and translating "business goals and customer insights into best-in-class user experiences" suggests a data-informed approach.

• Agile/Lean Principles: The "remote, asynchronous environment with structured check-ins" and need for timely task completion points to agile project management methodologies.

• Design System Centric: The explicit need to "build, expand, and maintain comprehensive Figma design systems and component libraries" indicates a commitment to scalable and consistent design practices.

Company Website: uncommonagency.co

📝 Enhancement Note: UN/COMMON's focus on DTC e-commerce and conversion-driven design means that candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design choices directly impact business metrics like conversion rates, average order value, and customer retention. The "growth mindset" requirement suggests they value proactive individuals who stay updated on industry trends.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level contractor, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It's a specialized role focused on UX/UI design within a specific industry context (DTC e-commerce).

Reporting Structure: As a contractor, the designer will likely report to a Project Manager or a Senior Designer, receiving project assignments and feedback through structured check-ins. Direct oversight might be less intensive than a full-time employee, emphasizing autonomy.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is directly tied to enhancing the user experience of e-commerce platforms, which in turn drives key business metrics such as conversion rates, customer engagement, and brand loyalty. Their work directly contributes to the client's revenue and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Variety: Exposure to a diverse portfolio of clients and challenging e-commerce projects, allowing for skill diversification.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Figma, design systems, and conversion-focused UX/UI for DTC brands.

• Networking & Future Contracts: Building a strong relationship with UN/COMMON can lead to more extensive contract opportunities and referrals within the agency's network.

• Mentorship: Access to structured mentorship provides guidance and accelerates learning in a professional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contractor role, "growth" is often measured by the breadth and complexity of projects undertaken, the continuous development of specialized skills, and the potential for repeat engagements. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to gain valuable experience and build a strong portfolio of e-commerce design work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, meaning the work environment is home-based for the contractor.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Costa Rica, but the remote nature allows for working from anywhere within that country.

Workspace Context:

• Remote & Asynchronous: The primary work environment is digital and distributed. Candidates must be comfortable with asynchronous communication tools and methodologies, requiring strong self-discipline and time management.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to utilize digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Figma, project management software) to interact with the UN/COMMON team and clients.

• Technology Focus: The role is heavily reliant on design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and communication tools, requiring a stable internet connection and a capable personal workstation.

Work Schedule: While the role is contract-based and likely offers flexibility, the expectation is to dedicate approximately 40 hours per week to meet project demands. Structured check-ins will ensure alignment and progress, but the day-to-day schedule can be managed by the contractor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote, asynchronous environment with structured check-ins" is a key characteristic. Candidates need to be highly self-motivated and proficient in managing their own time and communication. Proactive communication about progress, blockers, and availability will be essential for success in this setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the application, resume, and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements (UX/UI, e-commerce, Figma).

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on specific projects that demonstrate DTC e-commerce experience, design system contributions, and problem-solving skills. This stage will likely involve discussing design rationale and process.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): UN/COMMON may present a small design challenge or ask the candidate to elaborate on a specific project's strategic impact. This could involve translating a brief or discussing how a design drove conversion.

• Team/Client Interaction (Potential): Depending on the project, the candidate might have a brief call with a senior team member or even a client representative to gauge fit and communication style.

• Offer & Contract Negotiation: For successful candidates, an offer will be extended with contract terms, rate, and project scope.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 projects that most closely align with DTC e-commerce, conversion-driven design, and Figma/design system work.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, your design decisions (and the "why"), and the outcome (quantifiable results are a plus).

• Highlight Figma & Design Systems: Explicitly demonstrate your expertise with Figma, including examples of design systems you've built or contributed to, and how they enhanced efficiency or consistency.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include data or metrics that show how your designs positively impacted business goals (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user engagement, reduced bounce rates).

• Prepare to Articulate: Be ready to walk through your portfolio and clearly explain your strategic thinking and design rationale for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is presented, focus on understanding the core problem and business objective.

• Prioritize user needs and business goals in your approach.

• Clearly articulate your thought process and design decisions, even if you can't complete a full design.

• For asynchronous challenges, ensure your documentation is clear and comprehensive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Candidates should treat it as their primary application document and ensure it directly addresses the specific needs of UN/COMMON – DTC e-commerce, conversion optimization, and Figma proficiency. Highlighting experience with design systems is particularly important.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, design system management, and developer handoff. Expert proficiency is expected.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in tools like Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation, image editing, and graphic design elements is highly beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions is advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how UX/UI design integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms for a cohesive customer journey is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the central tool for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their mastery of its features, particularly its capabilities for design systems, prototyping, and collaboration. Any experience with tools that provide user behavior insights (like Hotjar or Google Analytics) would also be valuable for demonstrating a data-driven approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and designing for the end-user's needs and behaviors.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights from data and analytics to inform design choices and measure success.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams (strategists, developers, clients) to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Implementing design systems and processes that promote consistency and efficient workflows.

• Growth & Adaptability: A proactive approach to learning and staying updated with digital design trends and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote & Asynchronous: Emphasizes clear, concise written communication and proactive updates.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive feedback from strategists, senior designers, and clients to refine designs.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with developers to ensure designs are technically feasible and implemented accurately.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "growth mindset" and "evolving digital trends" suggests UN/COMMON values continuous learning and innovation. Candidates who can demonstrate curiosity and a proactive approach to skill development will likely resonate well with the team's culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating conversion-driven objectives into user-friendly and engaging experiences requires careful navigation.

• Remote Collaboration: Working effectively in an asynchronous, remote environment demands strong self-management, communication, and proactive engagement.

• Client Demands: Adapting to diverse client needs and brand guidelines while maintaining design integrity and agency standards.

• Rapidly Evolving E-commerce Landscape: Staying current with new technologies, design trends, and consumer behaviors in the fast-paced e-commerce sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized E-commerce UX: Gaining deeper expertise in conversion rate optimization (CRO) and user experience design specifically for DTC e-commerce.

• Design System Mastery: Enhancing skills in creating, managing, and scaling robust design systems.

• Agency Workflow Experience: Understanding the operational dynamics and client management processes of a digital agency.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning from strategists and developers to gain a more holistic view of digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers a significant opportunity to hone specialized skills in a high-demand area (DTC e-commerce UX/UI). Candidates who embrace the challenges of remote work and client collaboration will find ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated a business goal into a user-centric design solution for an e-commerce platform. What was the strategy, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you approach building or maintaining a design system in Figma? What are the key components and benefits?"

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance user needs with conversion optimization goals. What trade-offs did you make, and why?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UN/COMMON and our focus on DTC e-commerce?"

• "How do you stay updated on the latest digital design trends, particularly in the e-commerce space?"

• "Describe your experience working in a remote, asynchronous environment. How do you manage your workflow and communication?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your background and the projects you'll present. For each project, clearly state the client/context, the problem, your role, your process, key design decisions, and the results.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your portfolio demonstrates Figma mastery, design system contributions, e-commerce expertise, and conversion-focused design.

• Be Concise & Focused: For a contract role, focus on projects most relevant to the job description. Avoid lengthy explanations; get straight to the impact and your contribution.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, alternative solutions considered, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for practical application of skills. Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples from their portfolio, demonstrating not just design ability but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and an understanding of business objectives within the e-commerce context. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your UX/UI design work specifically for DTC e-commerce brands. Highlight your proficiency with Figma and any experience with design systems or component libraries.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant experience, including years of UX/UI design, agency or DTC brand work, and specific skills like Figma, design systems, and prototyping. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, rationale behind your decisions, and how your work has driven business results (e.g., conversion improvements) during potential interviews. Practice walking through your portfolio.

• Research UN/COMMON: Understand their client work, agency philosophy, and focus on conversion-driven design. This will help tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.