Working Student Product Designer (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student Product Designer (m/f/d) Company: 1KOMMA5˚ Location: Germany (Remote) Job Type: Intern Category: Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: 2025-05-30T07:05:09.222 Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Student/Intern) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating exceptional user experiences and visually appealing user interfaces for 1KOMMA5°'s digital products, including the 1KOMMA5° Heartbeat mobile app and Virtual Assembly Line tools.
• The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, data scientists, and developers, to drive product innovation from ideation to implementation.
• Responsibilities include conducting qualitative and quantitative user research, such as user interviews and usability testing, to inform design decisions and enhance user satisfaction.
• The role offers a significant opportunity for career development within a fast-growing climate tech scale-up, with potential for full-time employment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job title specifies "Product Designer," the detailed responsibilities and required skills strongly align with a User Experience (UX) or UI Design focus within a product development context. The "Working Student" designation indicates this is an entry-level, part-time, or internship role, suitable for individuals currently pursuing a degree.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-fidelity user interface (UI) mockups and prototypes for new and existing features across digital platforms, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience (UX).
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to understand product requirements, translate them into effective design solutions, and contribute to the product roadmap.
• Partner with Data Scientists to leverage user data and analytics for informed design decisions, optimizing user flows and feature performance.
• Conduct user research initiatives, including user interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights and validate design concepts with the target audience.
• Work alongside experienced designers to refine design craft, explore innovative interaction patterns, and maintain design consistency across all products.
• Translate complex technical models and business requirements into elegant, user-centric design solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Actively participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers, fostering a collaborative and iterative design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design, requiring active involvement in the entire product development lifecycle, from initial research and problem definition to high-fidelity design and user testing. The collaboration aspect is crucial, highlighting the need for strong communication and teamwork skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master’s program in User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Digital Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: While formal work experience is not strictly required due to the student nature of the role, a strong academic background and demonstrable project experience are essential.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• A robust portfolio showcasing design skills, user-centered design process, and problem-solving abilities (academic projects are acceptable and encouraged).
• Solid understanding of user experience (UX) principles, interaction design patterns, and visual design best practices.
• Ability to quickly grasp and conceptualize solutions for complex models and user needs.
• Experience or familiarity with conducting user research methodologies, including user interviews and usability testing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proactive, positive, and energized attitude with a strong desire to learn and contribute.
• Awareness of current design trends and industry best practices in digital product design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience or demonstrable knowledge of the climate tech industry and its unique design challenges.
• Fluency in German, both written and spoken, for enhanced communication within the team and with local stakeholders.
• Familiarity with other design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.
• Basic understanding of data analysis principles and how to interpret user data to inform design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and a strong portfolio indicates that practical design skills and a demonstrable understanding of the design process are paramount. While academic projects are accepted, they must clearly illustrate the candidate's design thinking and execution capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects that clearly demonstrate the candidate's design thinking process, from problem identification to final solution.
• Projects should highlight user research methodologies employed, wireframing, prototyping, UI design execution, and any usability testing conducted.
• Case studies should articulate the design challenges faced, the rationale behind design decisions, and the impact or outcomes of the proposed solutions.
• Visual presentation of UI elements, user flows, and interaction designs should be clean, professional, and reflective of quality standards.
• For academic projects, clearly delineate personal contributions and specific learning outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase an understanding of iterative design processes, including how feedback and testing results were incorporated to refine designs.
• Demonstrate familiarity with design system principles or the ability to adhere to and contribute to existing design systems.
• Evidence of structured workflows for managing design tasks, collaborating with team members, and presenting work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for evaluating a Product Design candidate, especially at the student level. It serves as tangible proof of their design capabilities, problem-solving approach, and understanding of user-centered design principles. The focus is on process and outcome, not just aesthetics.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a working student position in Germany, the salary will be in line with industry standards for student roles, likely on an hourly or monthly basis. Based on typical German student worker compensation for design roles in tech companies, a range of €12-€18 per hour is a reasonable estimate.

Benefits:

• International Team: Work within a diverse and globally-minded team, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and learning.
• Impact on Climate: Contribute directly to accelerating the energy transition and making a positive impact on climate change through innovative technology solutions.
• Career Development: Gain significant hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced professionals, with excellent opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement.
• Direct Contact with Decision-Makers: Opportunity to interact with key stakeholders and core decision-makers, providing visibility into business strategy and product direction.
• Remote Work: Enjoy the flexibility of working remotely across Germany, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Health Benefits: Access to the EGYM Wellpass, promoting well-being and providing benefits for physical activity and health.
• Full-time Conversion Potential: Excellent chances for transitioning into a full-time role within one of Europe's fastest-growing scale-ups upon completion of studies.

Working Hours: Typically around 20 hours per week, aligning with student work regulations in Germany, with flexibility to accommodate academic schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general German labor market data for student positions in the tech sector and the cost of living in major German cities. The benefits highlight the company's commitment to employee well-being, professional growth, and making a societal impact.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Climate Tech / Renewable Energy Solutions. 1KOMMA5° is a significant player in Germany's renewable energy sector, focused on integrating solar, storage, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure into a cohesive, smart ecosystem. Company Size: Growing Scale-up. As a rapidly expanding company, 1KOMMA5° offers a dynamic environment where employees can witness and contribute to significant growth and change. Founded: 2021. This relatively recent founding means the company is agile, innovative, and still building many of its foundational processes and culture.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design Working Student will be part of the Product & Tech team, likely integrated within a product squad or feature team.
• This team structure typically includes Product Managers, Designers, Data Scientists, and Software Engineers, fostering close collaboration.
• Reporting lines would likely be to a Senior Product Designer or a Design Lead, who provides mentorship and guidance.
• Cross-functional collaboration is integral, with regular interaction with engineering, product management, and potentially marketing or sales teams.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core aspect, with user research and analytics informing product development.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed for product development, emphasizing iterative design and rapid prototyping.
• A focus on user-centric design ensures that customer needs and experiences are at the forefront of all product initiatives.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing are encouraged to drive innovation and continuous improvement in design processes.

Company Website: http://1komma5grad.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission-driven nature in the climate tech sector is a significant cultural attractor. The scale-up environment implies opportunities for rapid learning and direct impact, but also requires adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, working student position, specifically designed for individuals pursuing higher education. It provides foundational experience in product design within a professional setting.

Reporting Structure: The working student will likely report to a Senior Product Designer or a Design Lead within the Product & Tech department. This provides a direct mentorship relationship.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role (like Sales Ops or Rev Ops), the Product Designer's work has a direct impact on user engagement, customer satisfaction, and the overall success of 1KOMMA5°'s digital products. Well-designed user experiences can influence customer adoption rates, retention, and ultimately, the company's ability to achieve its mission of accelerating the energy transition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in UI/UX design, user research, prototyping, and design systems, with a focus on mobile and web applications.
• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience within the rapidly growing climate tech sector, understanding its unique challenges and opportunities.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with real-world project contributions that can significantly benefit future career prospects.
• Full-time Conversion: The company explicitly offers the potential for full-time employment after graduation, providing a clear career path within a thriving scale-up.
• Mentorship: Learn from experienced designers and product professionals, gaining insights into best practices and career progression within the design field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations" context here is interpreted broadly to include the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the product development process and the resulting user experience. Growth opportunities are heavily geared towards building a design career foundation and potentially transitioning into a full-time role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is remote, 1KOMMA5° maintains offices in Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich. These offices likely serve as hubs for collaboration, team meetings, and potentially in-person work sessions if desired or required for specific projects.

Office Location(s): Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich, Germany. These are major tech and business centers in Germany, offering access to talent and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: The primary work environment will be remote, requiring self-discipline and effective use of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Figma).
• Digital Tooling: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), project management tools, and communication platforms will be essential.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for virtual team meetings, design critiques, and social interactions to foster team cohesion and collaboration.
• Flexibility: The remote setup allows for flexibility in managing work hours around academic commitments, provided deadlines and team collaboration needs are met.

Work Schedule: The role is for a working student, typically implying a part-time commitment (around 20 hours per week). The schedule is likely flexible, allowing the student to balance work with their academic studies, with coordination required for team meetings and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first approach is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and leveraging technology for communication and collaboration. The existence of physical offices suggests potential for hybrid work or occasional in-person team events.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and portfolio through the company's careers portal.
• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will focus heavily on the quality and content of the submitted portfolio.
• Initial Screening Call: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss background, motivation, and fit for the role.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home design challenge or present a case study from their portfolio, focusing on their problem-solving process and design execution.
• Team Interviews: Interviews with members of the Product Design team and potentially Product Managers to assess design skills, collaboration abilities, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or head of product/design to discuss career aspirations and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clarity of Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project. Explain why you made certain decisions, not just what you did.
• Problem-Solution Focus: Highlight the problem you were trying to solve and how your design effectively addresses it.
• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and prototypes.
• Figma Proficiency: If possible, include examples that specifically showcase your skills within Figma.
• Conciseness: For academic projects, focus on the most relevant aspects and outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge instructions. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively for research, ideation, design, and presentation.
• User-Centricity: Demonstrate a user-centered approach throughout your solution.
• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design choices and trade-offs clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element, acting as the primary screening tool. Candidates should meticulously prepare their portfolio to showcase their design thinking, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in relevant tools like Figma.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is a must.
• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially other tools like InVision or Adobe XD if used in past projects.
• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools used for user interviews (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), surveys (e.g., Typeform, SurveyMonkey), and usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Exposure to or understanding of how user analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) inform design decisions.
• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret and potentially visualize user data to support design hypotheses.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM/automation role, understanding how design integrates with broader customer journey and sales processes can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma as a "strong grasp and command" tool highlights its centrality. The role requires a designer who can not only create visually appealing interfaces but also build interactive prototypes and understand how to gather and use user feedback.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong commitment to making a tangible difference in the climate tech sector, contributing to the energy transition.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and mutual support across disciplines to achieve collective goals.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new ideas to improve products and processes.
• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of all design and product development efforts, ensuring solutions meet real needs.
• Agility and Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced scale-up environment that requires flexibility and a proactive approach to change.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and data scientists, fostering a collaborative product development lifecycle.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication to share feedback, discuss ideas, and resolve challenges efficiently.
• Iterative Feedback: A culture that embraces feedback loops and iterative improvements, where design critiques are seen as opportunities for growth.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing design insights, best practices, and learnings within the team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to combat climate change is a powerful unifying value. The culture likely fosters a sense of shared purpose, encouraging employees to be proactive and contribute to the company's ambitious goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Pace: Adapting to the fast-paced, evolving nature of a scale-up environment, where priorities and projects can shift quickly.
• Complex Domain: Understanding and designing for the nuances of the climate tech industry and its specific user needs.
• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing time and responsibilities to excel in both academic pursuits and professional work.
• Remote Collaboration: Mastering effective communication and collaboration strategies in a fully remote setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Design Experience: Gaining practical experience designing for real-world applications with a direct user base.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers, receiving guidance on craft, process, and career development.
• Industry Immersion: Deepening understanding of the climate tech sector, its market dynamics, and technological advancements.
• Portfolio Building: Creating impactful projects for a professional portfolio that can open doors to future opportunities.
• Potential Full-Time Role: Securing a long-term career path within a leading European scale-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique blend of hands-on design work and exposure to a mission-critical industry. The primary growth path is through skill development in product design and potential integration into the company's full-time workforce.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you faced significant design challenges. How did you approach problem-solving, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on articulating your process, research, and decision-making.)
• Figma Skills: "Describe your experience using Figma for complex design projects. What are your favorite features for collaboration and prototyping?" (Be ready to demonstrate your familiarity.)
• User Research: "How have you used user research to inform your design decisions in the past? Can you give an example of a time user feedback changed your initial design direction?" (Highlight your understanding of user-centricity.)
• Company & Culture: "What interests you about 1KOMMA5° and our mission? How do you see your design skills contributing to our goal of accelerating the energy transition?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with company values.)
• Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with engineers or product managers on a design. How did you ensure alignment and effective communication?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation as a narrative, guiding the interviewer through the problem, your process, your solutions, and the impact.
• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills and alignment with the role.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visuals are clear, high-resolution, and effectively communicate your design work.
• Explain Your 'Why': For every design decision, be prepared to explain the rationale behind it, referencing research or design principles.
• Figma Showcase: If possible, offer to share your Figma files or do a brief live walkthrough of a prototype to demonstrate your proficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Goal: Identify the core problem the challenge is trying to solve.
• Define Your Approach: Outline the steps you would take to tackle the challenge, including research, ideation, and design.
• Focus on Process: Even if you can't complete a full design, articulate your thought process and how you would arrive at a solution.
• Realistic Solutions: Propose solutions that are feasible and well-reasoned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the portfolio. Candidates need to be able to articulate their design process, justify their decisions, and demonstrate a user-centered approach. Understanding the company's mission and how design contributes to it is also crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Design Working Student position:

• Submit your application through the provided Join.com link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Carefully select and refine projects within your portfolio that best showcase your UI/UX design skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with tools like Figma. Consider adding a brief intro explaining your interest in climate tech.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, design skills (especially Figma), and any experience with user research or collaborative work. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio projects, and preparing answers to common design interview questions. Rehearse your presentation style for clarity and impact.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research 1KOMMA5°'s mission, products, and the climate tech industry. Understand their values and be ready to express how your design perspective aligns with their goals.

⚠️ 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.