Werkstudent*in Figma / UI-Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent*in Figma / UI-Design

Company: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Werkstudent (Intern/Student Worker)

Category: UI/UX Design Operations

Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level / Student

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on contributing to the design and development of digital products, specifically focusing on UI/UX design within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's innovation projects.

• The position requires hands-on experience with Figma for creating and maintaining design systems, user flows, and interactive prototypes for mobile and web applications.

• A key aspect involves conducting user testing, analyzing feedback, and translating insights into actionable design improvements to enhance user experience and product consistency.

• The role demands close collaboration with development teams, ensuring seamless design handover through detailed specifications and asset provision.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under UI/UX Design Operations due to its focus on the operational aspects of design within a product development lifecycle, emphasizing system design, user testing, and cross-functional handovers, which are critical for efficient GTM operations in a product context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop mobile and web screens for the Twincloud product using Figma, ensuring a high standard of visual appeal and usability.

• Create, manage, and maintain a comprehensive design system within Figma, including components, variants, and auto-layout features for consistency and scalability.

• Support product development by mapping out user flows, conducting UX iterations, and building interactive prototypes to visualize user journeys and interaction models.

• Plan, execute, and analyze user tests (both remote and in-person), systematically collecting and interpreting feedback to drive design improvements and validate UX hypotheses.

• Facilitate the design-to-development handover process by creating detailed design specifications, preparing necessary assets, formulating development tickets, and actively coordinating with the engineering team.

• Ensure a consistent visual identity and user experience across all digital touchpoints of the Twincloud product.

• Stay updated on the latest UI/UX design trends and best practices, particularly those relevant to SaaS and B2B products.

• Optionally, leverage AI tools like Copilot or ChatGPT to enhance design workflows and content creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process optimization within the design lifecycle, from system design to user testing and handover, which are core to efficient product operations and GTM readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a degree in a relevant creative field such as UX/UI Design, Communication Design, Media Design, Interaction Design, or a comparable program.

Experience: While entry-level, practical experience or a strong academic foundation in UI/UX design principles and digital product development is expected.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of Figma, including advanced features like Auto-Layout, Components, Variants, and prototyping tools.

• UI Design Principles: Strong understanding of visual design principles, typography, color theory, and layout for both mobile and web interfaces.

• UX Design Fundamentals: Ability to conceptualize and design user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes that address user needs and business objectives.

• Design System Experience: Experience in creating, utilizing, or contributing to design systems for consistency and scalability.

• User Testing Acumen: Capability to plan, conduct, and analyze user testing sessions, translating findings into actionable design recommendations.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly.

• Portfolio: A compelling portfolio showcasing relevant UI/UX case studies, ideally demonstrating experience with SaaS or B2B products.

Preferred Skills:

• Design System Contribution: Prior experience in building or significantly contributing to a design system.

• AI Tool Familiarity: Experience or willingness to learn and use AI tools for design assistance (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT).

• Agile/Scrum Exposure: Familiarity with agile development methodologies and collaborative workflows.

• German Language Skills: While not explicitly required, proficiency in German would be advantageous for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, design systems, user testing, and the requirement for a portfolio with SaaS/B2B relevance suggests this role is geared towards supporting a product with a clear commercial or research-to-market trajectory, aligning with GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UI/UX Case Studies: A portfolio is mandatory, featuring detailed case studies that demonstrate your process from problem identification to final design solution.

• Figma Project Examples: Showcase specific projects executed in Figma, highlighting your mastery of components, variants, auto-layout, and prototyping capabilities.

• Design System Contribution: If applicable, include examples of your involvement in creating or maintaining design systems, emphasizing consistency and scalability.

• User-Centric Design Examples: Present projects where user feedback and testing were integral to the design iteration process, demonstrating your ability to translate user needs into effective design.

• SaaS/B2B Product Focus (Preferred): Prioritize case studies that relate to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or Business-to-Business (B2B) products, showcasing an understanding of these market segments.

Process Documentation:

• User Flow Mapping: Examples of clearly documented user flows that illustrate intuitive navigation and task completion for digital products.

• Prototyping Examples: Demonstrations of interactive prototypes that effectively communicate user interactions and product functionality.

• Design Handover Artifacts: Portfolios may include examples of design specifications, asset libraries, or ticket descriptions that facilitate efficient handover to development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio with specific case study types (UI/UX, Figma, Design Systems, User-Centric, SaaS/B2B) underscores the operational need for tangible evidence of design execution capabilities directly relevant to product development and GTM strategy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a "Werkstudent*in" (Student Worker) position with 80 hours per month in Berlin, Germany, the salary is expected to be competitive for student roles in the German research and tech sector. Based on industry benchmarks for similar student positions in Berlin, a gross monthly salary range of €800 - €1,200 (approximately €10 - €15 per hour) is anticipated. This range can vary based on the specific year of study, prior experience, and the exact responsibilities undertaken.

Benefits:

• Attractive Salary: Competitive remuneration for a student position.

• Modern Workplace: Access to a well-equipped and contemporary workspace in a central Berlin location.

• Flexible Working Hours: Adaptable work schedule to accommodate academic commitments.

• Home Office Opportunities: Possibility to work remotely, offering a hybrid work model.

• Research Environment: Exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation within a leading scientific organization.

• International Team: Opportunity to collaborate with a diverse, international team.

• Career Development: Potential for extension and growth within the project and organization.

Working Hours: The role requires approximately 80 hours per month, with flexible scheduling to balance academic studies and work responsibilities. This position can also be filled on a part-time basis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical German "Werkstudent" compensation rates, which are often hourly and dependent on the student's academic year and the specific industry. The benefits are directly extracted from the job description and tailored to highlight relevance for operations-minded students.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Science & Research, Information Technology, Communications, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Digital Video Compression. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is a leading organization for applied research in Germany.

Company Size: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is a large, well-established research organization with numerous institutes and a significant number of employees globally. The specific institute (Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI) and the project (TwinCloud startup) likely operate with a more agile, startup-like culture within the larger institutional framework.

Founded: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft was founded in 1949. The Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) has a long history of pioneering telecommunications research. The TwinCloud project represents a more recent, innovation-driven initiative.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications – Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), specifically supporting the TwinCloud startup project.

• The UI/UX Designer will report to a project lead or senior designer within the TwinCloud team.

Methodology:

• Research & Innovation Driven: The core methodology involves applied research, innovation, and the translation of scientific findings into practical applications and products.

• Agile Product Development: For the TwinCloud project, an agile approach to product development, including iterative design and user feedback loops, is expected.

• Data-Informed Design: User testing and feedback analysis will inform design decisions, emphasizing a data-driven approach to UX/UI.

Company Website: www.hhi.fraunhofer.de

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Fraunhofer's dual role as a research institution and an incubator for industrial applications is key. The TwinCloud project likely embodies a dynamic, startup-like environment within a larger, more structured organization, offering a unique blend of academic rigor and commercial drive relevant to GTM operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level student position, ideal for individuals seeking foundational experience in UI/UX design operations within a research and development context. It provides exposure to the practical application of design principles in a product lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Werkstudent*in will report to a project manager or lead designer within the TwinCloud initiative. This structure offers direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the UI/UX designer's work is critical for the usability and market appeal of the TwinCloud product. Effective UI/UX design directly influences user adoption, engagement, and ultimately, the success of the product in its market, contributing indirectly to revenue generation and GTM strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in Figma, design systems, user research methodologies, and potentially AI-assisted design tools.

• Project Expansion: Potential to take on more complex design challenges and responsibilities within the TwinCloud project or other Fraunhofer initiatives.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the intersection of research, technology, and product development, preparing for future roles in tech companies or startups.

• Networking: Build professional connections within Fraunhofer and the startup ecosystem.

• Potential for Extension: The role is initially for one year with explicit encouragement for extension, providing a stable learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the student role as a strategic entry point into operations, emphasizing skill acquisition, practical application, and the direct impact of design on product success, which is crucial for GTM.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers a hybrid work environment, combining on-site work at a modern, well-equipped office in Berlin with the flexibility of home office options.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany (specific address: 10587). This central location is easily accessible.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The workplace is described as having an "open and very cooperative working atmosphere in an international team," fostering teamwork and idea exchange.

• Modern Facilities: Access to a modern and well-equipped workspace is provided, supporting efficient design work.

• Tech-Enabled: The role is centered around digital tools like Figma, implying a tech-forward environment.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing students to balance their academic responsibilities with their work duties. The monthly commitment is around 80 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and emphasis on a cooperative, international team highlight an environment conducive to learning and cross-functional collaboration, vital for operational efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit application online via the provided link.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step where your submitted UI/UX portfolio will be thoroughly assessed for design skills, Figma proficiency, and relevant case studies.

• Screening Call/Interview: Likely to involve discussions about your background, skills, motivation, and understanding of UI/UX principles. This may include a brief technical assessment or scenario-based questions.

• Practical Task/Case Study (Potential): You might be asked to complete a small design task or present a case study from your portfolio in detail, focusing on your problem-solving approach and design rationale.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion to assess cultural fit, team collaboration potential, and alignment with the project's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 of your strongest UI/UX case studies that best demonstrate the required skills (Figma, design systems, user testing, SaaS/B2B focus).

• Showcase Process: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), key decisions, and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Figma Expertise: Ensure your Figma skills are evident, perhaps by showing interactive prototypes or explaining your use of components and auto-layout.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have metrics or user feedback that show the positive impact of your designs, include them.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your work that align with the Fraunhofer-HHI and TwinCloud project's focus on innovation and product development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Figma Practice: Revisit advanced Figma features and be ready to discuss them.

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your approach to user-centered design and problem-solving.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Understand Fraunhofer's mission and the TwinCloud project's objectives to demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and specific case study requirements indicates a rigorous selection process focused on practical design skills and operational readiness for product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool for the role. Proficiency is mandatory, including advanced features like Auto-Layout, Components, Variants, and collaborative features.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are expected to be used.

• Design System Management: Experience with or understanding of how design systems are structured and maintained within Figma.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools used for conducting and analyzing user tests (e.g., Maze, UserTesting.com, or internal tools).

• Data Analysis (Basic): Ability to interpret qualitative feedback from user tests and potentially quantitative data from product usage.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Likely to interact with tools like Jira or Trello for ticket formulation and progress tracking, as part of the handover to development.

• AI Tools (Optional/Preferred): Familiarity with or willingness to use AI tools such as Copilot or ChatGPT for design assistance, content generation, or research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and the implied need for user testing tools and project management interaction highlight the operational technology stack crucial for efficient product design and GTM support.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Research: A strong emphasis on pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and contributing to scientific advancement.

• Collaboration: A cooperative and international team environment that values open communication and shared learning.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and addressing user needs through thoughtful design and testing.

• Quality & Precision: A dedication to high standards in research, design execution, and product development.

• Efficiency: A drive to optimize processes, from design system management to development handover, to ensure timely and effective product delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close work with developers, project managers, and researchers, requiring clear communication and mutual respect.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement in both design and process.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share insights, best practices, and learnings within the team, fostering collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of scientific rigor and practical application, with a strong focus on collaboration and user impact, which are essential for effective GTM operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research & Product: Navigating the transition from pure research to a tangible product with market demands.

• Design System Scalability: Ensuring the design system can effectively support evolving product features and user needs.

• User Test Interpretation: Effectively translating diverse user feedback into actionable and prioritized design changes.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Bridging the gap between scientific research concepts and user interface design for a broader audience.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting to fast-paced development cycles common in startup-like projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Figma & Design Systems: Deepen expertise through practical application and potential training.

• User Research Methodologies: Gain hands-on experience in planning and executing various user testing approaches.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Understand the end-to-end process of bringing a digital product from concept to market.

• AI in Design: Explore the integration of AI tools to enhance design efficiency and creativity.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the dynamics of research-driven innovation and startup environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights challenges and growth areas that are directly relevant to operational effectiveness and career development within the GTM and product design space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI/UX challenge you faced in a Figma project and how you overcame it. What was your process for iterating on the design?"

• "How would you approach building or contributing to a design system for a new SaaS product like TwinCloud? What are the key considerations?"

• "Imagine you've received conflicting feedback from user testing and a key stakeholder. How would you prioritize and resolve this discrepancy to inform your next design iteration?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the TwinCloud project specifically?"

• "How do you see your role as a UI/UX Designer contributing to the success of a product developed within a research institution?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with developers and other stakeholders."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative: the problem, your journey of discovery and design, the challenges encountered, and the impactful solution.

• Process Visualization: Use diagrams, wireframes, and mockups to visually guide the interviewer through your design process.

• Figma Feature Showcase: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your use of Figma's advanced features (e.g., auto-layout, components, variants) where they were instrumental.

• User-Centric Justification: Clearly explain the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them back to user needs and testing feedback.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a defined timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions and strategies are designed to assess not only design skills but also the candidate's understanding of product development operations, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within an innovation-focused environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided online application link on the Fraunhofer jobs portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to highlight UI/UX design projects, specifically showcasing your Figma skills, design system contributions, user testing experience, and any relevant SaaS/B2B product work.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your relevant coursework, design skills (especially Figma), any prior internships or projects, and your understanding of UI/UX principles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and how you handle feedback. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and potentially complete a short design exercise.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's mission, the Heinrich Hertz Institute's research areas, and the TwinCloud project's objectives to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the context.

⚠️ 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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