Lead Product Designer, Growth

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer, Growth

Company: Magic Eden

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Growth Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-16

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Remote Solely (Australia)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design of growth-focused product surfaces, including user onboarding, first-deposit flows, rewards, progression systems, and lifecycle messaging, with a direct impact on player acquisition and retention.

• Drive player behavior through hypothesis-driven design interventions and rigorous experimentation, focusing on measurable outcomes rather than just visual polish.

• Leverage AI-native prototyping and tool-building to accelerate the design process and create interactive artifacts for faster decision-making.

• Maintain a high standard for design quality and ethical engagement, advocating for reward and retention mechanics that foster long-term player trust and responsible gaming.

• Elevate the overall design craft within the organization by contributing to the design system, providing constructive feedback, and mentoring emerging design talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a "Growth" position, which in a product design context translates to a focus on conversion rate optimization (CRO), user engagement, and retention strategies. For operations professionals, this implies a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, A/B testing, and understanding user psychology to drive measurable business outcomes. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and a deep understanding of user behavior.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete lifecycle of growth-related product features, from initial concept and user problem framing through to shipped pixels and post-launch analysis.

• Translate player psychology principles (e.g., anticipation, near-misses, streaks, progression, loss aversion) into tangible product experiences that drive habit formation and sustained engagement.

• Design and implement robust experimentation frameworks for all growth initiatives, partnering closely with data science to analyze results and iterate based on performance data.

• Utilize AI-native tools and workflows to rapidly prototype interactive experiences, enabling data-informed discussions and quicker validation of design hypotheses.

• Champion ethical design practices, ensuring that all reward, tier, and retention mechanics are fair, transparent, and do not exploit vulnerable players.

• Actively contribute to and evolve the company's design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all product touchpoints.

• Provide mentorship and design feedback to other designers on the team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, VIP/Business Development, and Lifecycle Marketing teams to align on strategy and influence the product roadmap.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize a data-driven and experimental approach, which is a core tenet of Revenue Operations (RevOps) and Sales Operations. A candidate's ability to articulate their process for hypothesis generation, experimental design, and impact measurement will be critical. The mention of "AI-native building" suggests a need for candidates to be proactive in exploring and integrating emerging technologies into their workflow, a growing trend in operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating mastery of design principles and a deep understanding of user psychology is paramount. Candidates with backgrounds in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or related fields may find their academic foundations particularly relevant.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of experience in product design for consumer-facing products is required, with a significant portion of this experience (at least one "stretch") within a hyper-growth startup environment where direct impact on key metrics can be clearly demonstrated.

Required Skills:

• Product Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead design initiatives from conception to launch, guiding strategy and execution for complex product areas.

• Growth Design Expertise: Demonstrated success in designing and implementing features that measurably improve key growth metrics such as activation, conversion, retention, and monetization.

• Behavioral Psychology Application: Deep understanding and practical application of psychological principles (e.g., reward schedules, variable reinforcement, progression systems, loss aversion) in product design.

• AI-Native Building & Prototyping: Experience building functional prototypes, tools, or workflows using AI. A clear point of view on AI's role in the design process.

• Data-Driven Experimentation: Proficiency in designing experiments, analyzing performance data, and making design decisions based on quantitative insights.

• Modern UI Craftsmanship: Exceptional visual design skills with a focus on creating modern, distinctive, and polished user interfaces.

• Prototyping Tools Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Figma and other rapid prototyping tools to quickly create interactive and testable experiences.

• iGaming & Crypto Enthusiasm: Genuine interest and understanding of the iGaming (casino, sportsbook, poker) and Web3/Crypto landscapes, with informed opinions on successful product mechanics.

• Builder's Temperament: High degree of autonomy, comfort with ambiguity, low ego, and a fast-paced execution style.

• Communication & Collaboration: Sharp communication skills, ability to defend design decisions, provide constructive feedback, and build consensus across diverse teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for real-time applications or high-transaction environments.

• Familiarity with developing and scaling design systems in fast-paced environments.

• Experience working with data science teams on complex analytical projects.

• Background in UX Research methodologies to complement quantitative analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "growth track record" and the ability to "walk through the hypothesis, the design, the result, and what you'd do differently" is critical. This mirrors the analytical and iterative approach expected in operations roles, particularly in sales operations and revenue operations, where measuring impact and optimizing processes are paramount. The requirement for AI-native building highlights a forward-thinking expectation for leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Growth Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 in-depth case studies detailing specific growth initiatives you led. Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, your hypothesis, the design process, the specific interventions (including any AI-assisted elements), the experimental setup, the measurable results (e.g., % increase in activation, retention uplift), and lessons learned.

• AI-Built Artifact: Include a distinct example of something you've built using AI – a tool, a prototype, a workflow, etc. Provide a brief explanation of its purpose, the technology used, and the key learnings derived from its creation. This demonstrates your practical application of AI in a product context.

• Ethical Design Examples: Where applicable, demonstrate your commitment to fair and responsible design through examples or discussion within your case studies. Highlight instances where you prioritized player well-being or long-term trust over short-term extraction.

• UI/UX Polish: Showcase examples of your UI design skills, demonstrating a high level of craft, attention to detail, and modern aesthetic sensibilities.

Process Documentation:

• Hypothesis-Driven Design: Clearly outline your process for identifying growth opportunities, forming actionable hypotheses, and translating them into testable design solutions.

• Experimentation Framework: Detail your approach to designing and executing A/B tests or other experiments, including collaboration with data science for analysis and interpretation.

• AI Integration Workflow: Describe how you integrate AI tools and techniques into your design workflow, from ideation and prototyping to iteration and optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly aligned with the expectations for operations professionals. The emphasis on case studies, measurable results, hypothesis testing, and process documentation mirrors what is expected in operations roles when demonstrating process improvement, ROI, and system implementation. The specific mention of "AI-built artifact" and "AI-native building" points towards a need for operations candidates to showcase their proficiency in leveraging AI for efficiency and innovation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Product Designer with 7+ years of experience in a hyper-growth startup, particularly in a high-demand sector like iGaming/Web3, and considering the Melbourne, Australia location, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $180,000 - $250,000. This range accounts for the seniority, specialized skills (growth, AI, iGaming), and the competitive nature of the market.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and equity package, reflecting the high impact and leadership nature of the role.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO), empowering employees to manage their work-life balance effectively.

• Remote-first company culture, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within Australia.

• Opportunities for professional development, including exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and the rapidly evolving Web3/iGaming space.

• Collaboration with a high-performing, fast-paced team focused on disrupting the iGaming industry.

Working Hours: Full-time role, with an estimated 40 hours per week. While a remote-first approach is adopted, effective collaboration and responsiveness during core Australian business hours (Melbourne time) will be expected to facilitate seamless interaction with global and local teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on research of senior product design roles in major Australian tech hubs, adjusted for the specialized skills (growth, AI, Web3) and the hyper-growth startup context. Benefits are expanded to reflect typical offerings for such roles, emphasizing professional growth and work-life balance, which are key considerations for experienced operations professionals. The working hours clarification is important for remote roles to set expectations around availability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the rapidly evolving iGaming and Web3/Blockchain technology sectors. Magic Eden is a dominant NFT marketplace on Solana and Bitcoin, and Dicey represents their expansion into a high-performance, crypto-native casino and sportsbook platform. This context implies a culture that values innovation, speed, and disruption.

Company Size: Magic Eden achieved unicorn status quickly, indicating rapid growth and a dynamic, potentially lean organizational structure. As they expand into iGaming, the team is likely scaling, offering opportunities for early employees to shape processes and culture. This size and growth trajectory mean operations professionals will likely face evolving systems and processes, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to establishing best practices.

Founded: Magic Eden was founded in 2022 and reached unicorn status within 9 months, showcasing an unprecedented growth trajectory. Dicey is their new venture, suggesting a startup-within-a-company environment, characterized by agility, a strong focus on product-market fit, and a drive to innovate rapidly.

Team Structure:

• The design team is expected to be lean and high-impact, with this Lead role being a pivotal position.

• Collaboration will be cross-functional, involving close partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, VIP/Business Development, and Lifecycle Marketing teams.

• The reporting structure for this role is not explicitly stated but would likely be to a Head of Product, Head of Design, or a senior executive overseeing the Dicey product. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data to inform design choices and measure impact, a core tenet of growth operations.

• Experimentation & Iteration: A culture that embraces A/B testing and rapid iteration to optimize user experiences and business outcomes.

• AI Integration: Proactive adoption of AI tools and methodologies to enhance design efficiency and product capabilities.

• User-Centricity: A focus on understanding player psychology and behavior to create engaging and habit-forming experiences.

Company Website: https://magiceden.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's rapid rise and expansion into a new vertical (iGaming) suggest an environment that rewards initiative, adaptability, and a strong understanding of operational efficiency. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to build and optimize processes from the ground up, but also the challenge of navigating ambiguity and rapid change. The blend of established NFT market leadership with a new iGaming venture indicates a culture that is both ambitious and experimental.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Lead" position, signifying a senior individual contributor with leadership responsibilities. It sits at the intersection of design and growth strategy, demanding not only exceptional craft but also the ability to influence product direction and mentor others. For an operations professional, this level implies a strategic contributor who can drive measurable business outcomes through design and process optimization.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a senior leader within the product or design organization (e.g., Head of Product, Head of Design). They will work collaboratively with peers in Engineering, Data Science, and Marketing, acting as a key partner in driving growth initiatives.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role will be on key business metrics related to user acquisition, activation, retention, and monetization. By designing the core user journeys and engagement loops, this role directly influences revenue generation and long-term customer lifetime value. The focus on "behavior, not screens" underscores the direct link between design decisions and operational performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a formal design management role as the team scales, shaping the design function within Dicey.

• Strategic Influence: Ability to significantly influence the product roadmap and overall business strategy for the iGaming venture based on data-driven insights and user behavior expertise.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in growth design, behavioral psychology, AI integration, and the Web3/iGaming domain, becoming a highly sought-after specialist.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced, hyper-growth startup environment, contributing to the build-out of a new product vertical.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Develop strong collaboration and influence skills across product, engineering, and data science, enhancing overall operational acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight a path for individuals who can demonstrate strategic thinking and operational impact through their design work. This aligns with the career progression for operations professionals, where moving from execution to strategic influence and leadership is a common trajectory. The emphasis on "shaping processes" and "building from the ground up" is particularly relevant for operations roles in early-stage ventures.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates as a "remote-first" organization. This means that while there might be a headquarters or co-working spaces available, the primary mode of work is remote. This fosters autonomy and requires strong self-management skills.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, it is specified as "Remote Solely (Australia)," indicating that candidates must be based in Australia. Magic Eden's headquarters are in Hong Kong, but their operational footprint is global, with a significant presence in North America and now expanding into Australia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the culture emphasizes collaboration through digital tools, regular syncs, and a focus on shared goals. Expect frequent interaction via Slack, video conferencing, and project management platforms.

• Tools & Technology: A modern tech stack is expected, with Figma as the primary design tool. Proficiency with AI-powered design tools and prototyping software is essential. Access to robust communication and collaboration platforms will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for deep collaboration with product, engineering, and data science teams will be frequent, requiring proactive communication and engagement to ensure alignment and drive progress.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, estimated at 40 hours per week. Given the remote-first nature and global operations, flexibility is implied, but core working hours will likely align with Australian business days to facilitate team collaboration. The emphasis on "fast" and "high autonomy" suggests that individuals are empowered to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring critical tasks and communications are handled promptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature with a specific geographical constraint (Australia) is a key detail for operations candidates to consider regarding work-life balance and local team integration. The emphasis on digital collaboration tools and self-management is typical for remote operations roles, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's design craft, growth mindset, behavioral psychology understanding, AI proficiency, and cultural fit. It will likely involve:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio, with a specific focus on your growth track record and AI-built artifact.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into your portfolio, where you will present specific case studies demonstrating your ability to drive behavior change and measurable impact. This may include a hands-on design exercise or a discussion of a hypothetical growth problem. Expect to articulate your hypothesis, design process, and experimental approach.

• Behavioral & Psychological Assessment: Questions designed to gauge your understanding of behavioral psychology and how you've applied it in past roles. You'll be asked about your opinions on iGaming and ethical design.

• AI & Technical Discussion: Exploration of your experience with AI-native building, your thoughts on AI in design, and your proficiency with design and prototyping tools.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership: Interviews with potential peers (e.g., Product Manager, Engineer, Data Scientist) and leadership to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and leadership potential.

• Final Round: Likely with a senior executive to discuss overall strategy, cultural fit, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Everything: For each growth case study, clearly state the metric you influenced, the percentage change achieved, and the timeframe. Use charts and graphs to visualize impact.

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations around a narrative: the problem, your approach, the solution, the results, and the learnings. Emphasize your personal contribution.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include interactive prototypes or mockups that clearly illustrate your design solutions. For AI-built artifacts, provide a clear demonstration or walkthrough.

• Highlight Process: Detail your iterative process, including how you formed hypotheses, designed experiments, and used data to inform decisions. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Address Ethical Considerations: Be prepared to discuss your stance on responsible gaming and how you ensure fairness in reward and progression mechanics.

• AI-Native Proof: Ensure your AI-built artifact is clearly presented and your learnings are articulated concisely. This is a key differentiator.

Challenge Preparation:

• Growth Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with common growth frameworks (e.g., AARRR, HEART) and how to apply them.

• Behavioral Economics: Refresh your knowledge of key behavioral psychology principles relevant to gaming and engagement.

• AI Use Cases: Think about practical applications of AI in design, beyond just prompt-based generation – e.g., for generating variations, analyzing user feedback, or creating complex prototypes.

• iGaming Psychology: Research common mechanics and psychological triggers used in successful casino and sportsbook platforms.

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to discuss how you interpret A/B test results and make data-driven recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review are heavily geared towards demonstrating quantifiable impact and a systematic approach, which is the cornerstone of operations roles. The emphasis on "AI-native building" and "behavior, not screens" requires candidates to present their work through an operational lens – how design drives business outcomes and efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Mastery is expected for creating high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes.

• Prototyping Stack: Proficiency with a range of prototyping tools that allow for rapid iteration and the creation of "working prototypes" quickly. This may include tools beyond Figma, depending on the complexity required.

• AI Design Tools: Experience with AI-powered design assistants, content generation tools, or custom AI workflows built by the candidate to accelerate design processes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Science Collaboration Tools: While not directly using these tools, the designer must effectively collaborate with Data Scientists who will be using platforms for data extraction, analysis, and reporting (e.g., SQL databases, BI tools like Tableau/Looker, statistical software like R/Python).

• Experimentation Platforms: Familiarity with the principles of A/B testing and potentially specific platforms used for managing experiments.

CRM & Automation:

• Lifecycle Messaging Tools: Understanding how design integrates with lifecycle marketing campaigns, potentially involving CRM or marketing automation platforms to deliver personalized user experiences.

• Web3/Blockchain Integration: Awareness of how design elements integrate with blockchain technologies for transactions, rewards, and user management within the iGaming platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack highlights a blend of traditional design tools with a strong emphasis on AI and data integration. For operations professionals, this means understanding how design outputs feed into broader operational systems and how data analytics informs design decisions. Proficiency in collaborating with data science and understanding the implications of blockchain technology are becoming increasingly important in many operational roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Excellence: A core belief in using data and experimentation to guide all decisions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and measurable impact.

• Player-Centricity & Fairness: A commitment to understanding player psychology deeply and designing experiences that are not only engaging but also ethical, fair, and responsible.

• Speed & Agility: A value placed on rapid iteration, quick decision-making, and the ability to adapt swiftly to market changes and player feedback.

• Innovation & AI Adoption: An embrace of new technologies, particularly AI, to push boundaries, enhance efficiency, and create novel product experiences.

• High Ownership & Impact: A culture where individuals take full responsibility for their work and are driven by the desire to make a significant, measurable impact on the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Seamless collaboration with Product, Engineering, and Data Science is paramount. This involves proactive communication, shared understanding of goals, and joint problem-solving.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: An environment where designers provide and receive candid, constructive feedback to elevate the quality of work and foster professional growth.

• Experimentation Mindset: A collaborative approach to hypothesis generation and testing, where ideas are openly debated and validated through data, not just opinion.

• Transparency & Communication: Open and honest communication channels, facilitated by remote-first tools, ensuring all team members are informed and aligned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style described are highly congruent with successful operations teams. The emphasis on data, speed, ownership, and cross-functional collaboration are hallmarks of effective revenue operations, sales operations, and GTM strategy teams. Understanding and aligning with these values will be crucial for any candidate.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Growth with Ethics: Navigating the inherent tension between driving aggressive player growth/monetization in iGaming and maintaining ethical, responsible design practices.

• Rapid Iteration in Ambiguity: Thriving in a fast-paced, hyper-growth environment where requirements can change quickly, demanding adaptability and resilience.

• AI Integration Hurdles: Effectively integrating novel AI tools and workflows into a design process that may still rely on traditional methods, requiring persuasion and demonstrable value.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across diverse teams (Product, Engineering, Data Science, VIP/BD) in a remote setting.

• Defining "Growth" Metrics: Continuously refining and measuring the right metrics that accurately reflect sustainable player engagement and business success, beyond vanity metrics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into iGaming & Web3: Become an expert in the nuances of crypto-native iGaming, a rapidly expanding and complex sector.

• AI in Design Mastery: Gain hands-on experience and thought leadership in applying cutting-edge AI tools and methodologies to product design and operations.

• Growth Strategy Leadership: Develop advanced skills in growth hacking, experimentation, and user psychology, positioning yourself as a leader in driving business outcomes.

• Foundational Impact: Contribute to building the design function and operational processes for a new, high-potential product vertical from its early stages.

• Mentorship & Craft Elevation: Grow your leadership and mentorship skills by guiding other designers and contributing to a strong design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are common in high-growth tech environments and require strong problem-solving and strategic thinking, skills highly valued in operations. The learning opportunities are significant, offering pathways to specialize in emerging fields like AI and Web3, which are increasingly relevant to operational innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a feature or flow that significantly moved a key growth metric (e.g., activation, retention, conversion). Walk us through your hypothesis, the design process, the experiment you ran, the results, and what you learned." (Focus on quantifiable impact, hypothesis formulation, and iterative process.)

• "How do you approach designing for user psychology, specifically concerning reward schedules, progression, and loss aversion? Provide an example from your portfolio or a hypothetical scenario." (Demonstrate understanding of behavioral principles and their practical application.)

• "Imagine you need to design an AI-powered tool to help players manage their betting budget responsibly. What would be your approach, what AI capabilities would you consider, and how would you ensure it's both effective and ethical?" (Assess AI-native thinking and ethical design considerations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the iGaming industry, and what are your thoughts on the ethical considerations of designing for it?" (Gauge genuine interest and responsible design perspective.)

• "How would you contribute to and elevate our design system and overall design craft as a Lead Product Designer?" (Assess leadership, mentorship, and commitment to quality.)

• "Describe your experience working in a remote-first, hyper-growth startup environment. How do you maintain productivity and collaboration?" (Evaluate adaptability, self-management, and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Lead with Impact: Start each case study with the key metric improvement and the business problem solved.

• Showcase Your Process: Clearly articulate your hypothesis, research, ideation, design iterations, and how data informed your decisions. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight AI Integration: Specifically point out where and how you leveraged AI in your workflow or the final product. Explain the value it added.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, the trade-offs you made, and how you measured success.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, compelling, and clearly demonstrates your expertise in growth design and AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The suggested interview questions are designed to probe for the core competencies of a growth-focused designer, which heavily overlap with the analytical, data-driven, and problem-solving skills required in operations roles. Preparing to articulate impact, process, and strategic thinking using concrete examples will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer, Growth position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 growth-focused case studies that demonstrate measurable impact on key metrics (activation, retention, conversion). Ensure these case studies clearly outline your hypothesis, design process, experimental approach, and AI integration.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 7+ years of experience in consumer product design, specifically emphasizing your track record in hyper-growth startups and any experience relevant to iGaming, Web3, or AI-driven product development. Use keywords such as "growth design," "behavioral psychology," "experimentation," and "AI-native."

• AI Artifact Preparation: Prepare a clear presentation or description of the AI-built artifact you are submitting, focusing on its purpose, your role in its creation, and the key learnings derived from it.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Magic Eden, its history, its position in the NFT market, and the Dicey venture. Understand their mission, values, and the broader iGaming/Web3 landscape to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.