Mediengestalter / Grafik- und UX-Designer (m/w/d) - (freiberuflich)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mediengestalter / Grafik- und UX-Designer (m/w/d) - (freiberuflich)

Company: ML Gruppe

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Freelancing

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / E-Learning Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Remote Flexible (On-site in Berlin potentially required for project collaboration, but primary work can be remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on developing a cohesive visual identity and user experience for digital learning content, requiring a blend of graphic design and UX expertise.

• Key responsibilities include conceptualizing and creating visual assets, ensuring design consistency, and implementing user-centric navigation and interface designs.

• The position is for a freelance contractor, specifically supporting a client project from September to November 2026, demanding strong project management and self-sufficiency.

• Successful candidates will leverage their experience in digital learning design, proficiency in industry-standard tools, and a strong understanding of accessibility and responsive design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While listed as "Freelancing," the specific project duration (September-November 2026) indicates a contract role. The "Remote OK" AI derivation suggests flexibility, but on-site collaboration in Berlin might be expected given the company's headquarters and the nature of creative projects. The job language is explicitly German, requiring C1 level proficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop a unified visual design concept for digital learning materials, ensuring brand consistency and aesthetic appeal.

• Create high-quality graphics, icons, and other visual assets for educational content, aligning with project objectives.

• Design intuitive navigation structures and user flows to enhance the overall learning experience and usability.

• Craft modern, visually engaging, and accessible course interfaces that meet contemporary design standards.

• Ensure a consistent design language and user experience across all digital learning modules and courses.

• Implement and adhere to established style guides and corporate design specifications for all creative outputs.

• Translate complex technical or factual information into clear, understandable, and compelling visual representations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on user-centered design within the e-learning context. The requirement to create "barrierearmen" (low-barrier/accessible) interfaces is a critical aspect for modern digital learning, indicating a need for awareness of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) or similar standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is highly recommended. Equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Experience: Several years of professional experience in graphic design specifically for digital learning environments is essential. Proven experience in UX design and user-centric interface development is also a key requirement.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5-10 years of graphic design experience with a focus on digital learning offerings.

• Demonstrated expertise in UX design principles and user-centered design methodologies.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), or comparable software.

• Experience designing and implementing responsive user interfaces that adapt seamlessly across various devices.

• Solid understanding of accessibility design principles (e.g., WCAG guidelines) and practical application.

• Experience working with and applying style guides and corporate design manuals.

• Strong ability to visualize complex information effectively and ensure high usability.

• Excellent German language skills, both written and spoken (minimum C1 level). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation or motion graphics for enhanced learning experiences.

• Familiarity with basic front-end development concepts (HTML/CSS) to understand implementation constraints.

• Experience in instructional design or curriculum development.

• Knowledge of project management tools and agile methodologies.

• Portfolio showcasing successful digital learning design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level is derived from the "Mehrjährige Erfahrung" (several years of experience) combined with the general expectation for freelance roles involving client projects of this nature. The requirement for C1 German is a hard constraint.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in graphic and UX design for digital learning.

• Case studies that highlight your process from concept to final design, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design execution.

• Examples of visual assets such as graphics, icons, and learning media designed for educational purposes.

• Demonstrations of your ability to create intuitive navigation and user-friendly interfaces for online courses.

• Evidence of designing modern, aesthetically pleasing, and accessible course interfaces.

• Projects that show adherence to style guides and corporate design standards. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, including how you approach user research, concept development, iterative design, and stakeholder feedback.

• Showcase your workflow for translating complex content into visual formats.

• Articulate how you ensure design consistency and accessibility across multiple learning modules.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance design role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "digital learning" and "accessibility" means the portfolio should specifically showcase these aspects, not just general graphic design work. The ML Gruppe's focus on "Lernen, das bleibt" (learning that lasts) implies a need for designs that are not only visually appealing but also pedagogically effective and memorable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance position for a defined project duration (September-November 2026), compensation will likely be project-based or an hourly rate. Based on industry standards for experienced freelance Graphic/UX Designers in Berlin with C1 German proficiency, a rate of €50 - €75 per hour is a reasonable estimate. This can vary based on the specific complexity of the project and the candidate's demonstrated expertise.

Benefits:

• Exciting Projects: Opportunity to work on diverse projects, particularly within the public sector and private enterprises, offering exposure to varied learning challenges.

• Flexible Assignments: The role allows for flexible engagement, accommodating various project needs, from short-term tasks to longer-term collaborations.

• Professional Backoffice Support: ML Gruppe provides a well-established backoffice team to streamline administrative and logistical aspects, ensuring a smooth workflow.

• Personal Contact: As a medium-sized company, ML Gruppe emphasizes personal relationships with its freelancers, ensuring they are valued individuals rather than just numbers.

• Direct Project Impact: Opportunity to directly influence the visual and user experience of digital learning content for specific client projects.

Working Hours: The role is project-based, with an estimated 40 hours per week during the project's duration (September-November 2026). Flexibility in daily working hours is expected, typical of freelance engagements, allowing for self-management of tasks and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for freelance hourly rates in Berlin for a skilled designer. It's crucial for candidates to negotiate their rate based on their experience, portfolio, and the specific demands of the project. The "AI_salary_currency", "AI_salary_value", etc., were null, necessitating this estimation based on location and role type.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), Learning & Development, Corporate Training, Public Sector Services. ML Gruppe specializes in creating impactful learning experiences that help organizations and individuals "make new things tangible."

Company Size: ML Gruppe operates as a medium-sized enterprise ("Mittelstandsunternehmen"), suggesting a structure that balances established processes with a more personal, agile approach. This size often means direct access to decision-makers and less bureaucracy.

Founded: ML Gruppe has been in operation for 35 years, indicating a long-standing reputation, deep expertise in the learning sector, and a stable market presence.

Team Structure:

• The core team likely consists of instructional designers, project managers, content creators, and potentially other creative professionals.

• Freelancers are integrated into project teams, collaborating closely with ML Gruppe's internal staff and client representatives.

• The "Backoffice" team handles administrative, logistical, and client communication, allowing designers to focus on creative execution. Methodology:

• ML Gruppe employs a methodology centered around creating learning that "connects, touches & impacts" ("verbinden, berühren & wirken"). This implies a focus on engaging, emotionally resonant, and effective learning solutions.

• Design processes are likely iterative, involving client feedback loops and a commitment to delivering high-quality, tailored learning formats.

• A strong emphasis is placed on understanding client needs and translating them into practical, impactful learning experiences.

Company Website: mlgruppe.de (Assumed based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's 35-year history and focus on "learning that lasts" suggest a commitment to quality and long-term impact, which should be reflected in the candidate's portfolio and approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level freelance contract role. It's ideal for an experienced designer looking to apply their specialized skills on a defined project basis rather than a permanent position. The role offers a chance to work on impactful projects within the established ML Gruppe framework.

Reporting Structure: The freelance designer will report to a project manager or a lead designer at ML Gruppe. They will also liaunt with client stakeholders as required by the project. The "personal contact" aspect suggests direct communication lines rather than a rigid hierarchy.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will have a direct and visible impact on the quality, usability, and effectiveness of digital learning materials. Their contributions will shape how users interact with and learn from the content, directly influencing client satisfaction and the "impact" of the learning solutions ML Gruppe provides.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project-Specific Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in designing for specific learning platforms or content types relevant to the client's industry (e.g., public sector, corporate training).

• Portfolio Expansion: Add significant, tangible case studies to their portfolio, showcasing successful collaboration with a reputable company like ML Gruppe.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with ML Gruppe staff and potentially client representatives, opening doors for future freelance opportunities.

• Specialized Design Experience: Gain further experience in accessible design and responsive UI for e-learning, a growing and valuable niche.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a freelance role, "growth" is primarily defined by expanding one's professional network, portfolio, and specialized skill set through project experience, rather than traditional career progression within a single company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily remote, allowing flexibility. However, given the project nature and ML Gruppe's medium-sized status, there might be opportunities or expectations for occasional on-site collaboration in their Berlin office for key meetings, workshops, or team synchronization sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Berlin, Germany (postal code 10115). This is where the company is headquartered and where client projects are managed.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: Candidates can expect a significant degree of autonomy in managing their workspace and work schedule from their remote location.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to use digital collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, shared drives, project management software) to stay connected with the ML Gruppe team and clients.

• Creative Freedom within Guidelines: While working within strict style guides and corporate designs, there is ample scope for creative problem-solving and visual innovation within the defined project parameters.

Work Schedule: The position is project-based, estimated at 40 hours per week from September to November 2026. While the total hours are standard, the daily schedule is flexible, allowing designers to manage their time effectively to meet project milestones and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status is a key takeaway, but the Berlin headquarters suggests that hybrid work or occasional on-site presence might be beneficial or even required for certain project phases.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and skills, particularly in digital learning design and UX.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An interview, likely via video call, where you will present your portfolio, discuss specific projects, and explain your design process. Be prepared to articulate your approach to UX, accessibility, and visual concept development.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or discuss hypothetical scenarios to evaluate your problem-solving skills and tool proficiency.

• Cultural Fit/Project Alignment: Discussion to ensure alignment with ML Gruppe's values (trust, respect) and the specific needs of the client project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your graphic design and UX skills for digital learning. Prioritize projects showcasing accessibility and responsive design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process (wireframes, mockups, prototypes), the solutions you implemented, and the positive outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your UX methodology, how you ensured usability, and your approach to creating accessible interfaces. Show, don't just tell, your process with visual aids.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and any other relevant tools.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, positive feedback on usability).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design exercise is provided, focus on understanding the core problem, defining user needs, and producing a clear, well-reasoned solution within the given timeframe. Prioritize a logical process over perfect polish.

• Verbalizing Process: Practice explaining your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially when discussing hypothetical challenges.

• Research ML Gruppe: Understand their mission, values, and the types of clients they serve (public sector, private companies). Tailor your responses to align with their emphasis on impactful, lasting learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for freelance roles heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design choices and demonstrate a practical, results-oriented approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and creating UI elements. Expect to use it extensively for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Proficiency in Photoshop (image editing, asset creation), Illustrator (vector graphics, icons), and potentially InDesign (layout for style guides or supplementary materials) is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is often sufficient, experience with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts user behavior and engagement metrics (e.g., completion rates, time on task) is crucial.

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user interaction data can be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how learning platforms integrate with CRM or other business systems might be helpful context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud for design and prototyping. The emphasis is on creating visual assets and user interfaces, not on managing CRM or automation systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust and Respect: ML Gruppe explicitly states these values, indicating a culture where open communication and mutual appreciation are paramount for freelancers and employees alike.

• Impactful Learning: A core value is creating "learning that lasts" and has a tangible impact ("wirkt"). This means designs should be effective, engaging, and memorable.

• Quality and Professionalism: Given their 35-year history and client base, there's an inherent value placed on high-quality output and professional conduct.

• Collaboration: Working with a medium-sized company and for clients implies a collaborative spirit, valuing teamwork and effective communication.

• User-Centricity: The emphasis on UX design and intuitive navigation underscores a value for the end-user's experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Project-Based Integration: Freelancers are integrated into project teams, working closely with ML Gruppe's internal specialists and client teams.

• Clear Communication: Expect regular check-ins and clear communication channels to ensure alignment on project goals, design direction, and feedback.

• Feedback-Driven: The iterative nature of design projects means a culture of constructive feedback exchange is likely.

• Professional Partnership: ML Gruppe aims for personal contact, suggesting a desire for a professional partnership rather than a purely transactional relationship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of "Trust and Respect" are key. For a freelancer, this translates to reliable communication, meeting deadlines, and delivering quality work, while expecting professional courtesy and clear project direction in return.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Project Duration: The limited project timeframe (September-November 2026) requires rapid onboarding and efficient execution to deliver high-quality results within the deadline.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively merging creative vision with strict style guides, corporate designs, and accessibility requirements can be challenging.

• Translating Complex Content: Visually representing abstract or technical information in an understandable and engaging way requires strong conceptual and visual communication skills.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining seamless collaboration and communication with a remote team and potentially geographically dispersed clients requires proactive effort.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen E-Learning Design Expertise: Gain hands-on experience with current trends in digital learning design, focusing on engagement and effectiveness.

• Enhance Accessibility Design Skills: Further develop practical skills in creating inclusive and accessible digital content, a critical area in modern design.

• Client-Specific Insights: Learn about the unique learning needs and challenges within the public sector or specific industries ML Gruppe serves.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Successfully completing this project will add a valuable, time-bound case study to your portfolio, demonstrating your ability to deliver under specific project constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in gaining specific project experience and expanding a specialized portfolio, rather than formal training programs, typical for contract roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new digital learning module, from initial brief to final assets." Preparation: Outline your steps, emphasizing user research, wireframing, visual design, prototyping, and iteration. Highlight how you ensure consistency and accessibility.

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from clients and stakeholders into your designs, especially when it conflicts with your initial vision?" Preparation: Discuss your methods for active listening, understanding feedback rationale, and finding collaborative solutions that respect both user needs and project goals.

• "Imagine you need to visualize a complex technical process for a non-technical audience. How would you approach this challenge?" Preparation: Focus on simplification, using analogies, creating clear infographics or flowcharts, and testing comprehension. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about ML Gruppe's mission of 'learning that lasts'?" Preparation: Research ML Gruppe's website and values. Connect your passion for design to creating impactful and memorable learning experiences.

• "How do you ensure a collaborative and respectful working relationship as a freelancer?" Preparation: Emphasize your communication style, reliability, and proactive engagement. Mention your understanding of ML Gruppe's stated values.

• "What are your expectations regarding communication and project management for this freelance role?" Preparation: Show you are organized, proactive, and comfortable using digital tools for collaboration. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the outcome. Use visual aids effectively.

• Focus on UX and Accessibility: Explicitly call out how your designs address user experience, usability, and accessibility standards.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific design decisions made within Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Respect the interviewer's time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's clear, impactful, and within the allocated time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely be very portfolio-centric. Be prepared to deep-dive into your past work and articulate the "why" behind your design choices.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the ML Gruppe careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience in graphic design and UX for digital learning, emphasizing skills like Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, accessibility, and responsive design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant projects, clearly demonstrating your design process, visual execution, and understanding of UX principles for e-learning.

• Prepare Your Cover Letter (if applicable): Briefly articulate your interest in ML Gruppe's mission and why your specific freelance experience makes you an ideal candidate for this project.

• Research ML Gruppe: Understand their company history, values, and client focus to tailor your application and interview responses effectively.

⚠️ 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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