Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer
Company: Headway Inc
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Technology / Education
Date Posted: 2025-08-29
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual direction and execution for new, tangible products within the innovative Goodly R&D project, focusing on lifelong learning and personal growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with content design and product teams to translate user needs and business objectives into compelling visual solutions.
• Leverage expertise in print production and digital design tools to ensure high-quality, consistent, and impactful product experiences.
• Contribute to a dynamic, early-stage product environment where creativity, autonomy, and rapid iteration are paramount to shaping user journeys.
• Play a key role in building a brand from its inception, impacting over 150 million users worldwide through accessible and personalized learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary job title is "Visual Designer," the description strongly indicates a focus on physical product design and print production, alongside digital design. This role is embedded within an R&D project ("Goodly") at a larger EdTech company (Headway Inc.), suggesting a blend of startup agility and established corporate resources. The emphasis on "physical products" and "printing process" is a significant differentiator from a purely digital visual designer role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the entire printing process for physical products (e.g., workbooks, planners, journals), ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and adherence to print standards.
• Collaborate closely with the content design team and product managers to brainstorm and define optimal product solutions that align with business goals and deliver significant user value.
• Lead the creation of entirely new physical and digital products from concept through to launch, involving research, ideation, design, and iteration.
• Develop compelling visual designs that enhance the user experience across their journey of self-development, self-discovery, productivity, and soft skill enhancement.
• Conduct thorough concept research, design exploration, and reference gathering to inform creative direction and ensure innovative solutions.
• Test and iterate on various design solutions and approaches to address challenges and optimize user engagement and product effectiveness.
• Ensure design outputs are aligned with Headway Inc.'s core values of SELECT (Specific, Empowering, Collaborative, Learning, and Trustworthy).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a unique blend of print production oversight and creative product development. The expectation to "Create new products from scratch" and manage the "printing process" suggests a hands-on role with tangible outputs, requiring a strong understanding of manufacturing and material considerations in addition to creative design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific degree is mandated, but a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and experience will be paramount. Emphasis will be placed on practical application of design principles and production knowledge.

Experience:

• Proven experience (2-5 years) in producing printed materials such as workbooks, planners, journals, brochures, and similar physical products.
• Demonstrated experience in a visual design capacity within a product development or R&D environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in design software: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Figma.
• Solid knowledge of print production standards and best practices: G7, GRACoL, and SWOP.
• Strong ability to work with vector graphics and understand their application in print and digital media.
• Deep understanding of fundamental design theory: typography, composition, and color theory.
• Excellent typography skills, with a keen eye for detail and hierarchy.
• Demonstrated experience in creating user-centered designs that foster self-development, productivity, and personal growth.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a cross-functional product team.
• Openness to exploring new ideas, embracing fresh approaches, and a proactive attitude towards innovation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in product design beyond print materials, potentially including packaging or physical product form.
• Familiarity with user experience (UX) principles and how visual design impacts user journeys.
• Experience in an R&D or early-stage product environment, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to iterate rapidly.
• Understanding of the EdTech landscape and its unique design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend traditional graphic design with specific print production knowledge and digital design tools, reflecting the hybrid nature of the role. The emphasis on "Openness to exploring new ideas" and "fresh approaches" aligns with the R&D project context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of visual design projects, with a significant emphasis on physical products and print materials (workbooks, planners, journals, etc.).
• Case studies demonstrating the process of creating new products from scratch, from initial concept and research to final design and production.
• Examples that highlight your ability to translate user needs and business objectives into effective visual solutions and positive user experiences.
• Demonstrations of your proficiency with key design software (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Figma) and your understanding of print standards.
• Evidence of your ability to apply design theory (typography, composition, color) to create visually appealing and functional outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to research and conceptualization for new product development.
• Detail your workflow for collaborating with content design and product teams to refine product solutions.
• Provide examples of how you test and iterate on design solutions to solve specific challenges and improve user journeys.
• Illustrate your understanding of the print production process, including quality control and consistency measures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on creating new products from scratch and overseeing print production, the portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's end-to-end design process, including research, concept development, iteration, and production considerations. Demonstrating an understanding of manufacturing constraints for physical products will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: ₴35,000 - ₴70,000 per month (approximately $900 - $1,800 USD, subject to current exchange rates).
• Methodology: This estimate is based on typical mid-level Visual Designer salaries in Kyiv, Ukraine, considering the specific requirements for print production expertise and digital design skills. Market data from local job boards and international salary aggregators for Ukraine was consulted, adjusted for the specified experience level (2-5 years) and the hybrid nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Work within an ambitious team on a socially impactful education product.
• An office with a reliable shelter, generators, and satellite internet, ensuring operational continuity.
• Access to a corporate knowledge base and professional communities for continuous learning.
• Personalized Personal Development Plan to support career growth.
• Compensation for English language learning, external training, and courses to enhance skills.
• Medical insurance and full sick leave compensation for well-being.
• On-site company doctor and massage services.
• Opportunities for sports activities: running, yoga, boxing, and more.
• Twice-yearly week-paid corporate holidays for rest and recharge.
• Support for initiatives that help Ukraine, reflecting the company's commitment to social impact.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration. The on-site nature suggests a structured office schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for Kyiv, Ukraine, and should be confirmed by the candidate. The benefits package is extensive and highlights the company's commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and operational resilience, which is particularly noteworthy given the geopolitical context.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (EdTech) and Publishing/Physical Products. Company Size: Headway Inc. is a global tech company with a significant user base (150 million+). While the exact employee count isn't specified, its global presence and ranking by TIME magazine suggest a substantial organization with dedicated teams. Founded: Headway Inc. was founded with a mission to revolutionize lifelong learning. The Goodly project is described as a "fast-moving R&D project," indicating an environment that fosters innovation and rapid development.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Designer will be part of the Goodly R&D project team, working closely with a Product Content Manager (Yuliia Kolbasko) and other content design and product team members.
• This role operates within the broader Headway Inc. design community, allowing for knowledge sharing and collaboration with a wider group of design professionals.
• The team structure emphasizes an "open, proactive product team where every voice matters," suggesting a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Methodology:

• The team operates with a focus on creating tangible products and digital tools that enhance joy, clarity, and personal growth.
• Design solutions are shaped to provide value to users on their self-development journey.
• There is a strong emphasis on experimentation and iteration: "Got a great idea to improve the product? Let’s test it!"
• The company values are explicitly mentioned as "SELECT," indicating a structured approach to building a cohesive team culture.

Company Website: http://www.headway.inc/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to blend the agility and innovation of a startup (within the Goodly project) with the stability and resources of a larger, established EdTech company. The emphasis on tangible products and user growth, coupled with stated values, suggests a mission-driven and collaborative environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Visual Designer. This role is ideal for someone with 2-5 years of experience who is ready to take on significant ownership of new product development. It offers a chance to shape a product from its inception.

Reporting Structure:

• The Visual Designer will report to or work closely with the Product Content Manager, Yuliia Kolbasko, within the Goodly R&D project.
• There will be close collaboration with other members of the product and content design teams.

Operations Impact:

• The Visual Designer will have a direct impact on the success of the Goodly R&D project by creating visually compelling and functional physical and digital products.
• Their work will contribute to Headway Inc.'s mission of revolutionizing lifelong learning and reaching its goal of impacting over 150 million users.
• By designing products that enhance user experience, productivity, and self-development, the designer will play a crucial role in delivering value and driving user engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Ownership: Opportunity to lead the visual design and production of entirely new products from scratch, gaining significant end-to-end product development experience.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in print production, physical product design, and the integration of digital and physical user experiences.
• Design Community: Engage with the wider Headway Inc. design community for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and exposure to diverse design challenges.
• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into senior design roles or leadership positions within R&D projects or the broader company as the Goodly project scales.
• Learning & Development: Access to a personal development plan, compensation for English learning, external training, and courses, fostering continuous skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to be an early contributor to a new product line, providing significant ownership and impact. The growth potential is tied to the success of the Goodly project and the individual's contribution to shaping its visual identity and product offerings.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description mentions an office equipped with a "reliable shelter, generators, satellite internet, and other amenities," indicating a focus on operational resilience and providing a safe and functional working environment. This suggests a hybrid or primarily on-site setup designed for consistent productivity.

Office Location(s):

• Kyiv, Ukraine (Kyrylivska St, 40 and general Kyiv location).

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to support collaboration within an "open, proactive product team where every voice matters."
• It offers access to necessary design tools and technology, as expected for a Visual Designer role.
• Opportunities for interaction with colleagues will be ample, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose within the R&D project and the broader design community.
• The office environment is equipped with amenities like a company doctor, massage services, and sports facilities, promoting employee well-being.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time positions. Given the on-site requirement, adherence to a regular office schedule is expected, though project-driven flexibility may be possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the office's resilience (shelter, generators, satellite internet) is a significant factor in the current context of Ukraine, highlighting the company's commitment to ensuring a safe and uninterrupted work environment for its on-site employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess foundational skills, relevant experience in print and digital design, and alignment with job requirements.
• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design process, problem-solving abilities, tool proficiency (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Figma), and understanding of print standards. Expect questions about how you approach concept development and user experience.
• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, their role, the design challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is a critical stage for demonstrating your end-to-end design thinking, especially for new product creation.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with team members (e.g., Product Content Manager, other designers) to assess collaboration style, cultural alignment with Headway's SELECT values, and enthusiasm for the EdTech mission.
• Final Interview: Potential discussion with leadership to finalize the decision, focusing on overall fit, potential impact, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Print Expertise: Dedicate a significant portion of your portfolio to physical product designs (workbooks, planners, etc.). Clearly explain your role in the design and production process.
• Detail the "New Product" Process: For any projects involving creating something from scratch, walk through your research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration phases. Highlight how you translated initial concepts into tangible designs.
• Highlight Print Standards Knowledge: Explain how you applied G7, GRACoL, or SWOP principles in your projects, especially regarding color accuracy and consistency.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow in Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Figma, and how you leverage each tool for specific tasks.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): While challenging for pure visual design, try to link your design decisions to user engagement, product success, or efficiency improvements in production.
• Align with Values: Be prepared to discuss how your work and approach align with Headway's SELECT values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge, which might involve a mini-brief for a new product concept or a problem-solving scenario related to print production or user experience.
• Focus on demonstrating your structured thinking, creative problem-solving, and ability to articulate your design rationale clearly and concisely.
• Prepare to present your thought process and potential solutions under time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical skills, especially in print production and new product development. A strong, well-curated portfolio is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process in detail and demonstrate how they translate abstract ideas into polished, producible designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Digital Design: Figma (likely for UI/UX aspects of digital components and collaboration), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) for core visual design and print production.
• Print Production: Deep familiarity with InDesign for layout, pre-press preparation, and outputting files for print. Understanding of Illustrator for vector asset creation is also key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, designers in EdTech often interact with product analytics tools to understand user behavior and inform design decisions. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or similar platforms could be beneficial for understanding user engagement with digital components.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this Visual Designer role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) is paramount, particularly InDesign for print layout and prepress. Figma is also listed, suggesting some digital design or collaboration components. The role requires a strong understanding of print-specific software and workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• SELECT: This acronym represents the core values: Specific, Empowering, Collaborative, Learning, and Trustworthy. Candidates should understand how these values translate into daily work and decision-making.
  • Specific: Expect detailed project briefs and a need for precise execution.
  • Empowering: The environment encourages autonomy and taking initiative in creating new solutions.
  • Collaborative: Strong teamwork is expected, particularly with content and product teams.
  • Learning: Continuous professional development is supported and encouraged.
  • Trustworthy: Integrity and reliability are key in all interactions and deliverables.
• Innovation & Agility: The R&D project nature of Goodly implies a culture that embraces new ideas, experimentation, and rapid iteration.
• Mission-Driven: A strong focus on the company's mission to revolutionize lifelong learning and positively impact users' lives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with content designers, product managers, and potentially production teams is essential.
• Open Communication: The team fosters an environment where "every voice matters," encouraging open feedback and idea sharing.
• Proactive Engagement: Team members are expected to be proactive in contributing ideas and solutions.
• Shared Knowledge: Participation in the broader Headway Inc. design community promotes sharing of best practices and collective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with the "SELECT" values is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these principles in their work and interactions, especially regarding collaboration and continuous learning within a product development context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Physical and Digital: Effectively integrating the visual design of physical products with any associated digital components to create a cohesive user experience.
• Early-Stage Product Development: Navigating the inherent uncertainties and rapid iteration cycles of an R&D project, requiring adaptability and resilience.
• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Ensuring innovative design solutions are also feasible and cost-effective for mass production and printing.
• Establishing a New Brand Identity: Contributing to the visual identity of a brand-new product line (Goodly) from its foundational stages.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• End-to-End Product Design: Gaining comprehensive experience in developing products from concept to market, including physical production aspects.
• EdTech Innovation: Deepening understanding of the EdTech sector and contributing to innovative learning solutions.
• Cross-Disciplinary Skills: Enhancing skills in areas like print production management, user experience design, and project collaboration.
• Professional Development: Access to training, courses, and language learning support, alongside a personal development plan.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to learn from experienced professionals within the Headway Inc. design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the unique blend of physical product design, print production, and early-stage R&D. Growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to shape a new product line and develop a versatile skill set in a dynamic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process for New Products: "Describe your process for designing a completely new physical product from scratch, from initial concept to final production readiness." Be ready to detail research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and print production considerations.
• Print Production Challenges: "How do you ensure color consistency and quality across different print runs and materials? Can you share an example of a print production challenge you overcame?" Focus on your knowledge of print standards (G7, GRACoL, SWOP) and quality control.
• User-Centric Design: "How do you ensure your visual designs translate into positive user experiences, particularly for products focused on self-development and learning?" Discuss how visual elements support user goals and engagement.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Values Alignment: "How do you embody the Headway 'SELECT' values (Specific, Empowering, Collaborative, Learning, Trustworthy) in your daily work?" Provide concrete examples.
• Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you collaborated effectively with a content team or product manager to achieve a design goal. What was your approach?"
• R&D Environment: "How do you thrive in a fast-paced, R&D environment where ideas are constantly being tested and iterated upon?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome.
• Highlight Print Projects: Give significant weight to your physical product and print design examples. Detail the materials, printing processes, and any specific production considerations.
• Showcase "From Scratch" Work: Emphasize projects where you were involved in creating something new, demonstrating your ability to conceptualize and execute.
• Explain Your Tool Choices: Be ready to discuss why you chose specific tools (Illustrator, InDesign, Figma) for particular tasks.
• Connect to User Value: Articulate how your design decisions directly contributed to user experience, learning, or productivity goals.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice presenting your work efficiently, ensuring clarity and enthusiasm.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust understanding of both digital design tools and the nuances of print production. Candidates must be able to articulate their process for taking an idea from concept to a tangible, high-quality product, aligning with the company's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your CV and a link to your online portfolio through the Headway Inc. careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your experience with physical product design, print materials (workbooks, planners), and your proficiency with tools like InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Highlight at least one project where you took a product from concept to production.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "Visual Design," "Print Production," "Illustrator," "InDesign," "Figma," "Typography," "Composition," "G7," "GRACoL," "SWOP," and "User Experience." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially for new product development and print production. Prepare to discuss how you embody the "SELECT" values and collaborate within a team.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Headway Inc.'s mission, its ranking by TIME magazine, and the Goodly project's focus on lifelong learning and personal growth. Understand the company's commitment to supporting Ukraine.

⚠️ 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.

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