Working Student - AI Product Designer (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student - AI Product Designer (m/f/d)

Company: 1KOMMA5˚

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Intern

Category: Product Design / Operations (with a focus on AI & User Experience)

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Student/Intern)

Remote Status: Remote OK (Germany-wide with office options)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on embedding an AI-native designer directly into a B2C mobile app team, emphasizing end-to-end ownership of core app features within the Heartbeat app.

• The position requires leveraging AI as a significant force multiplier throughout the design process, from problem definition to polished user experiences.

• The working student will be expected to synthesize complex technical energy concepts into simple, elegant product decisions and advocate for the user in a fast-paced, technical environment.

• Collaboration is key, with close partnerships expected with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists to ensure seamless integration and effective product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "AI Product Designer," this role has strong ties to operations through its focus on process optimization within the design lifecycle, data synthesis for decision-making, and the integration of AI tools to enhance efficiency. The "working student" aspect suggests a focus on learning and development within a structured operational framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design loop for core features within the B2C Heartbeat mobile app, encompassing discovery, ideation, prototyping, and delivery.

• Proactively leverage AI tools and methodologies to enhance and accelerate every stage of the design process, demonstrating an AI-first design approach.

• Drive significant improvements in the product experience, taking features from "good" to "excellent" through meticulous UI craft and UX optimization.

• Conduct and synthesize user research, including interviews, usability tests, and surveys, to inform design decisions and champion user needs.

• Foster strong, proactive partnerships with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists to ensure alignment and effective execution of design strategies.

• Translate complex technical energy concepts and data visualizations into intuitive and user-friendly product interfaces.

• Advocate for user-centric design principles within a rapidly evolving, technically driven environment.

• Utilize and master a suite of design and collaboration tools including Figma, Cursor, Notion, and Linear.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role where the intern will be directly involved in product development, requiring them to apply design thinking and AI tools to solve real-world energy challenges. This goes beyond typical intern tasks, emphasizing ownership and impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Human Computer Interaction, Product Design, or a closely related technical or design field.

Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience, ideally through academic projects, internships, or personal work demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles and AI application.

Required Skills:

• AI-Native Design: Demonstrated daily use of AI tools in design workflows, with the ability to showcase specific examples and outcomes.

• End-to-End Ownership: Proven experience taking features from initial problem definition (0 to 1) through to shipped product, managing the full design lifecycle.

• Mobile App Design Fluency: Strong proficiency in mobile-first design patterns, best practices, and platform-specific UI/UX considerations for iOS and Android.

• UX Process Mastery: Solid understanding and practical application of user experience design methodologies, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Visual Design & UI Craft: A keen eye for detail in visual design, with the ability to create polished, high-fidelity interfaces and ensure a high standard of UI craft.

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret and translate complex data sets into clear, actionable visual representations within the product.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams, including PMs, engineers, and data scientists.

• High Agency & Builder Mindset: Proactive in identifying and addressing design gaps, with a strong drive to build and deliver tangible solutions.

• Excellent Communication: Clear and efficient verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in German is a significant advantage.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with design tools such as Figma, Cursor (AI-powered editor), Notion, and Linear.

• Experience in the energy sector or with complex technical domains.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven design iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI-native" and "block-shaped" (referring to a well-rounded skill set across UX, visual design, and collaboration) indicates a high bar for practical application of AI in design, not just theoretical knowledge. The role seeks a proactive individual who can contribute significantly from day one.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase at least 1-2 detailed case studies demonstrating complete ownership of features from problem identification to shipped product, highlighting your role in each stage.

• AI Integration Examples: Clearly illustrate how AI tools were used to enhance specific stages of the design process (e.g., ideation, content generation, user research analysis, prototyping efficiency) and the resulting impact.

• Mobile App Design Focus: Include examples of mobile application interfaces, showcasing an understanding of mobile design patterns, user flows, and UI craft.

• Data Synthesis & Visualization: Present examples where you have synthesized complex data or technical information into clear, user-friendly designs or data visualizations.

• Process Documentation: For each case study, briefly outline the design process followed, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, and iteration strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate an understanding of designing efficient and user-centric workflows for mobile applications.

• AI-Assisted Design: Provide examples of how you've implemented AI to streamline design workflows, improve efficiency, or enhance design outcomes.

• Measurement & Analysis: Show how you've used user feedback, data, or testing results to iterate on designs and measure their effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on AI and end-to-end ownership, the portfolio should not just be a collection of visuals but a narrative demonstrating problem-solving skills, process rigor, and the tangible impact of the candidate's work, particularly through AI integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a working student position (internship), compensation will be competitive and aligned with German internship standards for a tech company. A typical range for a student role with this level of responsibility and focus on AI and product design in Berlin could be expected to be between €1,000 - €1,800 per month, depending on the specific duration, hours, and experience level.

Benefits:

• International & Dynamic Team: Be part of a global, highly motivated team with a proven track record of execution.

• Climate Impact: Directly contribute to the "energy transition" and make a tangible impact on climate action.

• Mentorship & Learning: Work with and learn from exceptionally talented colleagues and core decision-makers.

• Full-Time Career Opportunities: Excellent chances for full-time employment in one of Europe's fastest-growing scale-ups upon completion of the internship.

• Remote Work Flexibility: Work remotely across Germany, with the option to utilize offices in Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.

• Well-being: Access to the EGYM Wellpass for a healthy work-life balance.

• Discounts: Benefits and discounts through Futurebens.

Working Hours: This is a working student position, typically requiring around 15-20 hours per week during the semester, with potential for full-time hours during university breaks, up to a maximum of 40 hours per week as per German student employment regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical German internship compensation for roles requiring specialized skills like AI and product design in a major tech hub like Berlin. The benefits package emphasizes professional growth and impact, aligning with a scale-up environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Technology / Renewable Energy / Software & AI. 1KOMMA5˚ is at the forefront of building the energy system of the future, integrating renewable energy sources (solar, batteries, heat pumps) with intelligent software and AI control. Their unique approach combines regional craftsmanship with scalable software solutions.

Company Size: Over 2,000 employees worldwide, with more than 80 locations. This indicates a well-established, rapidly growing scale-up with significant resources and a global reach.

Founded: The company was founded with a clear vision to accelerate the energy transition. While the exact founding date isn't provided, its rapid growth to over 2,000 employees suggests a relatively recent but highly successful establishment.

Team Structure:

• Product & Tech Team: The role is embedded within the B2C mobile app team, which is part of the broader Product & Tech organization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists, indicating a matrixed or project-based team structure common in agile environments.

• Reporting: The working student will likely report to a Lead Product Designer or a Product Manager within the mobile app team, with direct exposure to senior stakeholders.

Methodology:

• AI-First Approach: The company heavily emphasizes the use of AI (Heartbeat AI) to control and optimize energy systems in real-time. This philosophy extends to their product development processes.

• Integrated Systems Thinking: They view energy components (solar, batteries, etc.) not as isolated units but as an intelligent, integrated system. This requires a holistic approach to product design and user experience.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Complex data is synthesized into simple, elegant product decisions, indicating a strong reliance on analytics and data science.

• Agile Development: Implied by the close collaboration with engineers and PMs in a fast-moving environment, likely utilizing agile or iterative development cycles.

Company Website: http://1komma5grad.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission-driven nature and rapid scaling create an environment where interns can gain significant experience and potentially launch a full-time career. The AI focus is central to their operations and product strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level/internship role designed for students. It's an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in AI-driven product design within a critical industry. The scope involves end-to-end feature ownership, which is a significant responsibility for an intern.

Reporting Structure: The working student will report into the B2C mobile app team, likely under a senior designer or product lead. This provides a structured environment with guidance and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the user experience of the Heartbeat app, which is central to 1KOMMA5˚'s mission of transitioning households to renewable energy. Successful product design contributes to user adoption, engagement, and ultimately, the company's climate impact goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• AI Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in applying AI tools and principles specifically within product design workflows.

• Product Design Acumen: Develop end-to-end product design skills, from research and ideation to high-fidelity prototyping and delivery, in a real-world, scaled environment.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of the renewable energy sector, complex energy systems, and the B2C market dynamics.

• Full-Time Conversion: The role explicitly offers the potential for full-time employment, providing a clear pathway for career advancement within a leading scale-up.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop strong collaborative skills by working closely with product management, engineering, and data science teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a potential launchpad for a career, offering more responsibility and growth potential than a typical student role, especially with the explicit mention of full-time conversion opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model. While remote work within Germany is possible, there are physical office locations in Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich, suggesting a culture that supports both flexibility and in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich. This provides options for candidates to work from a city that best suits them, while still allowing for potential in-office interaction.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative & Dynamic: The environment is described as international, dynamic, and highly motivated, fostering a fast-paced and energetic atmosphere.

• AI & Tech Enabled: Access to cutting-edge tools like Cursor (AI-powered editor) and a modern tech stack (Figma, Notion, Linear) is provided, facilitating efficient and innovative design work.

• Direct Interaction: Opportunities for direct contact with core decision-makers and super-smart colleagues encourage knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Work Schedule: Flexible, as it's a working student role. The typical schedule allows for balancing academic responsibilities with practical work experience, with potential for increased hours during breaks. This flexibility is crucial for students managing demanding academic loads.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of remote work and office presence, coupled with a dynamic team culture and access to advanced tools, creates an attractive and productive work environment for a student eager to learn and contribute.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio, focusing on AI integration, mobile design skills, and end-to-end case studies.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion about your background, motivations, and understanding of AI in design. This may involve technical questions related to UX processes, mobile patterns, and AI tool usage.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A session where you present your portfolio, detailing your process and impact, particularly how you've used AI. This is often followed by a practical design challenge, potentially involving a problem similar to those faced by the Heartbeat app, requiring you to demonstrate your problem-solving, design thinking, and AI application skills.

• Team Fit/Cultural Interview: Meeting with potential cross-functional collaborators (PMs, Engineers) to assess communication skills, collaboration style, and alignment with 1KOMMA5˚'s values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Impact: Clearly articulate and showcase how you've used AI tools to improve design outcomes, efficiency, or innovation. Quantify impact where possible.

• Showcase End-to-End Ownership: Structure your case studies to clearly demonstrate your journey from problem definition to solution delivery, explaining your decisions at each stage.

• Mobile-First Focus: Ensure your mobile app design examples are polished, demonstrate best practices, and highlight your UI craft.

• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives – the problem, your approach, the challenges, your solutions, and the results.

• Be Prepared for Technical Depth: Expect questions about your design process, tool proficiency, and how you handle complex technical information.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with 1KOMMA5˚'s mission, the energy transition, and the functionalities of a B2C energy management app like Heartbeat.

• AI Application Scenarios: Think about how AI can solve user problems or improve features within such an app.

• Process Clarity: Be ready to explain your design process clearly and concisely, justifying your choices.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating your ideas effectively and responding thoughtfully to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just design skills but also the candidate's ability to integrate AI, work collaboratively, and contribute to the company's mission. A strong, AI-focused portfolio is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential for creating polished interfaces and interactive prototypes.

• Cursor: An AI-first code editor that integrates AI capabilities directly into the development workflow. For a designer, this implies an understanding of how AI can assist in design implementation or collaboration with developers.

• Notion: A versatile workspace for documentation, project management, and knowledge sharing. Expected use for project planning, research synthesis, and team communication.

• Linear: A modern issue tracking and project management tool, likely used for agile workflow management, task assignment, and progress monitoring within the product team.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for the design role, but the company's broader operations likely involve CRM and automation tools for customer management and energy system control. Understanding how design impacts these areas could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Cursor highlights a forward-thinking approach to design and development, emphasizing the integration of AI into practical workflows. Proficiency with these tools is a strong indicator of a candidate's readiness for the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: A strong commitment to the mission of accelerating the energy transition and combating climate change. This permeates all aspects of work and decision-making.

• Innovation & AI-First: A culture that embraces cutting-edge technology, particularly AI, to drive innovation in energy solutions and product development.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close teamwork across functions (Product, Engineering, Data Science) are essential for success.

• Ownership & Impact: Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work and strive for tangible, impactful results that contribute to the company's ambitious goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on iterating, learning, and elevating product experiences from good to excellent.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with PMs, engineers, and data scientists, actively participating in discussions and contributing to shared goals.

• User Advocacy: A strong emphasis on advocating for the user's needs and perspective within technical and business discussions.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in both product and personal development.

• Efficiency & Speed: Operating in a fast-moving scale-up environment means valuing efficient processes and rapid iteration to achieve ambitious targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at 1KOMMA5˚ is built around a strong mission, technological innovation (especially AI), and a collaborative, results-oriented approach. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Domain Integration: Translating intricate technical energy concepts and real-time data into intuitive user experiences for a broad consumer audience.

• AI Integration Maturity: Effectively leveraging AI tools to enhance the design process without compromising user experience or ethical considerations, especially as AI technology evolves rapidly.

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Developing innovative features while ensuring they are robust, scalable, and maintainable within a rapidly growing platform.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to a dynamic, highly motivated work environment where quick iteration and delivery are prioritized alongside quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Gain hands-on experience and develop expertise in applying AI tools and methodologies within the product design lifecycle.

• Product Design Lifecycle Mastery: Deepen skills in end-to-end product design, from user research and strategy to detailed UI/UX execution and delivery.

• Energy Tech Industry Insight: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the renewable energy sector, smart home technology, and the broader energy transition landscape.

• Mentorship from Experts: Benefit from guidance from experienced designers, product managers, and engineers within a leading scale-up.

• Career Advancement Path: Explicit potential for full-time employment and continued growth within 1KOMMA5˚, Europe's thriving scale-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to tackle challenging problems at the intersection of AI, design, and sustainability, with significant potential for professional growth and a direct impact on a critical global issue.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a situation where you used AI to significantly improve a design process or outcome. What was the challenge, your approach, and the result?" (Focus on AI integration, process, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for a B2C energy management app that leverages real-time data to help users save money or reduce their carbon footprint?" (Assess problem-solving, domain understanding, and user-centricity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in 1KOMMA5˚'s mission and the energy transition? How does this role align with your career aspirations?" (Tests alignment with company values and purpose.)

• "How do you see AI evolving in product design, and what excites you most about working with AI tools like Cursor?" (Gauges forward-thinking and enthusiasm for AI.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling stories for each case study, clearly outlining the problem, your process, your contributions (especially AI usage), and the outcomes.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visuals are high-quality and effectively communicate your design decisions. Use annotated screenshots or prototypes to explain key interactions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion, reduced task time, increased user satisfaction).

• AI Demonstration: Be ready to walk through specific examples where AI tools were used, explaining the "why" and "how" behind their application.

• Conciseness: Respect the time allotted for your presentation; focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to demonstrate practical AI application in design, your understanding of the energy sector, and your potential to contribute to a mission-driven, fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this working student position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com, ensuring your resume and any relevant documents are uploaded.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight any experience with AI tools, mobile app design, user research, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 1-2 strong case studies that showcase end-to-end ownership, mobile app design, and crucially, your integration and impact of AI in the design process. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a link to a personal website or a well-organized PDF).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation of your process, AI contributions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your motivations for joining 1KOMMA5˚.

• Research 1KOMMA5˚: Understand their mission, products (specifically the Heartbeat app), and their approach to AI and the energy transition. This will help you tailor your responses 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.

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