Principal UX Designer - Poker

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal UX Designer - Poker

Company: Zynga

Location: Austin, TX; Bay Area, CA; Chicago, IL; Toronto, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-04T17:45:04

Experience Level: 6+ Years (Principal Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end user experience (UX) design for Zynga Poker, a leading social, real-time competitive game with millions of global players.

• Conceptualize, define, and develop innovative features that enhance player engagement, clarity, and delight in a live, fast-paced gaming environment.

• Lead by example in UI/UX design methodologies, establishing best practices and guiding other designers within the poker team.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Art, Engineering, and User Research, to bring strategic design visions to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Principal UX Designer, indicating a senior individual contributor role with significant influence on product strategy and design direction. The focus on "live, social, real-time competitive game" highlights the need for expertise in designing for ongoing player engagement, community building, and performance under pressure. The mention of "millions of players globally" emphasizes the scale and importance of user-centric design decisions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, define, and develop innovative features and player experiences, ensuring they align with game objectives and player needs.

• Create comprehensive design documentation, including user flows, interface wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications.

• Employ a rigorous design process: problem definition, user research, data analysis (qualitative and quantitative), solution design, and validation through user testing.

• Design high-quality UI layouts, ensuring a cohesive and thematic visual style in partnership with the art team.

• Develop functional animations and micro-interactions to enhance user engagement and provide intuitive feedback.

• Plan and moderate user testing sessions, synthesizing feedback to iterate and improve designs.

• Conduct thorough market and competitor research, performing deconstructions of successful and unsuccessful game features.

• Perform heuristic evaluations of both internal and external products to identify areas for improvement.

• Partner closely with technical artists and engineers to ensure seamless integration of designs within the game engine.

• Act as a design mentor, setting standards and best practices for UI/UX within the Zynga Poker team.

• Lead and actively participate in company-wide UI/UX community events, design critiques, product reviews, and feature retrospectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a senior design role requiring strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and leadership. Emphasis on "designing for games vs. task completion" and "supporting fun and engagement" highlights the unique demands of game UX design. The inclusion of "AI tools" suggests an expectation to leverage emerging technologies in the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience will also be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience within the game development industry, with a specialization in UX/UI design.

• Proven track record of working on at least 3 distinct game titles, demonstrating versatility and depth of experience.

• Experience designing for live, service-based games with a focus on player retention and engagement is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• UX Design Process Mastery: Deep understanding and practical application of the full UX design lifecycle, from problem definition and research to analysis, design, and validation.

• Prototyping Expertise: High proficiency with industry-standard prototyping design software (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision).

• UI Design & Information Architecture: Accomplished expert in user interface layout design, visual hierarchy, color theory, and information architecture principles.

• User Psychology & Engagement Design: High competence in assessing and addressing product usability, applying principles of user psychology, and designing specifically for fun, engagement, and player retention in games.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively communicate complex design ideas and a convincing point of view to diverse audiences, including product managers, engineers, artists, and leadership.

• Technical Acumen: Ability to partner with technical artists and engineers to understand and work within game engine constraints.

• Market & Competitor Analysis: Skill in conducting heuristic evaluations and deconstructing competitor products.

• Written & Verbal Communication: Highly proficient written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical documentation.

• Adaptability & Proactivity: Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment, rapidly develop new skills, and work with minimal oversight.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools and technologies as they evolve in the design process.

• Experience designing for real-time, competitive, or social casino-style games.

• Knowledge of functional animation for user interactions.

• Experience with user testing moderation and analysis.

• Familiarity with game engine pipelines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) from a design integration perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize deep expertise in game UX, not just general UX. The "Principal" title implies a need for leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor others, alongside strong hands-on design skills. The specific mention of "AI" suggests a forward-thinking approach to design tools and processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing relevant industry and personal work, with a strong emphasis on game UX/UI design.

• Case studies demonstrating the full design process: problem identification, research methodologies, design solutions, and validated outcomes.

• Examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs for game interfaces.

• Demonstrated ability to design for player engagement, fun, and retention, specifically in a live, evolving game environment.

• Visual assets for user interfaces that adhere to established art styles and thematic consistency. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating detailed design documentation, including user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Examples of research and analysis conducted, such as market competitor deconstructions and heuristic evaluations.

• Documentation of collaboration with engineering and art teams, illustrating how designs were integrated and refined.

• Case studies that detail the process of validating designs through user testing and iterating based on feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It needs to go beyond static mockups and demonstrate a deep understanding of the game design process, player psychology, and the ability to conceptualize engaging gameplay experiences. Highlighting contributions to at least three distinct game titles is a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Ontario, Canada: $96,400 - $142,660 CAD per Year

• California, USA: $123,200 - $170,000 USD per Year

• Illinois, USA: $107,000 - $150,000 USD per Year

  Note: The final base pay will be determined by factors such as market location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Potential Total Compensation:

• May include bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to base salary.

• Eligibility to participate in the 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Wellbeing Programs for mental health and wellness support; Family Planning Support through Maven; Fitness reimbursements.

• Insurance: Basic Life Insurance.

• Time Off: 14 Paid Holidays per calendar year; Paid Vacation time (15-25 days per year) or eligibility for discretionary time off; Up to 10 Paid Sick Days per calendar year; Paid Parental Leave; Paid Compassionate Leave.

• Financial & Retirement: 401(K) Plan; Employee Stock Purchase Program; Commuter Benefits.

• Additional Perks: Bonus and/or Equity Awards.

Working Hours:

• Expected to be 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to the listed locations and reflect senior-level compensation. The "total compensation package" mentioning bonus and equity is typical for Principal-level roles. The extensive list of benefits covers health, wellness, time off, and financial planning, indicating a comprehensive employee support system.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Gaming (Mobile & Social)

Company Size: Zynga is a large, established player in the gaming industry, now a label of Take-Two Interactive. With a global presence and a history dating back to 2007, it operates on a significant scale.

Founded: 2007

Team Structure:

• The Principal UX Designer will be part of the Zynga Poker team, a dedicated unit focused on a flagship live-service game.

• This role involves close collaboration with Product Management, Art, Engineering, and User Research teams within the Poker vertical.

• As a Principal Designer, you are expected to act as a senior individual contributor, setting design standards and potentially mentoring junior designers. Methodology:

• Zynga emphasizes a data-driven approach to game development and live operations, with a focus on player feedback and performance metrics.

• The design process involves rigorous research, prototyping, user testing, and iteration to ensure high-quality player experiences.

• Collaboration is key, with frequent design critiques, product reviews, and cross-functional team syncs.

• An emphasis on "play" and "fun" is intrinsic to the company's mission, influencing the design philosophy.

Company Website: https://www.zynga.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Zynga's culture is rooted in "play" and connecting people worldwide through games. As a Principal Designer, you'll operate within a well-established structure but with the autonomy to influence a major product. The "label of Take-Two Interactive" suggests a blend of Zynga's agile gaming culture with the broader strategic oversight of a larger publisher.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal UX Designer

• This role represents a senior individual contributor path, focusing on deep expertise, strategic influence, and mentorship rather than people management.

• Responsibilities extend beyond individual feature design to shaping the overall player experience strategy for a major game title.

• Expected to be an authority on game UX design principles and processes, driving best practices. Reporting Structure:

• Typically reports to a Director or VP of Design, or a Lead Product Manager within the Zynga Poker division.

• Works closely with Product Managers, Art Directors, Lead Engineers, and User Researchers. Operations Impact:

• Direct impact on player engagement, retention, and monetization for Zynga Poker, one of Zynga's core franchises.

• Designs will influence how millions of players interact with the game daily, affecting player satisfaction and the game's overall success.

• Contribution to the strategic direction of the game's evolution and feature roadmap. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for live-service games, competitive play, or specific player segments within the poker domain.

• Leadership: Transition into a Design Lead or Art Director role, managing a team of designers, or move into Product Management with a strong UX foundation.

• Mentorship: Formal or informal mentorship opportunities for junior designers, contributing to the growth of the design community within Zynga.

• Cross-Title Experience: Potential to contribute to other Zynga titles or explore design roles within other Take-Two Interactive labels.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in emerging design tools, AI in design, and player psychology for gaming.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" level signifies a significant career milestone, offering opportunities for strategic impact and leadership without necessarily managing direct reports. Growth paths are geared towards deepening technical expertise, influencing product strategy, or moving into leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Zynga operates with a hybrid work model, offering flexibility while emphasizing in-person collaboration for key team activities. Specific details on office days will be provided during the interview process.

Office Location(s): The role is available on-site in Austin, TX; Bay Area, CA; Chicago, IL; and Toronto, Canada. Candidates are expected to work from one of these office locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, common areas, and open-plan workspaces conducive to team interaction and brainstorming.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, prototyping tools, and internal development platforms. The company encourages the use of new technologies, including AI tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face interaction with design peers, product managers, engineers, and artists, facilitating rapid feedback loops and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• While on-site, there may be flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly on-site in specific locations, indicating a preference for in-person collaboration, which is common for highly interactive creative roles like game design. The hybrid model suggests a balance between focused individual work and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A crucial step where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their process, key projects, and design philosophy. Expect to walk through 2-3 relevant case studies.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: A practical exercise, potentially involving a design problem related to Zynga Poker, to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and execution under timed conditions.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, including Product Managers, Art Directors, Lead Engineers, and potentially other designers, to evaluate collaboration and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader (e.g., Director of Design, VP) to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and final alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, the problems you solved, your research methods, and how you validated your solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the positive impact of your designs on player engagement, retention, or other key game KPIs.

• Tailor to Poker: Highlight projects that showcase experience with live-service games, competitive mechanics, social features, or casino-style gameplay.

• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with engineers, artists, and product managers, and how you navigated trade-offs.

• Visual Storytelling: Ensure your presentation is visually compelling and easy to follow, using prototypes and mockups effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Game: Familiarize yourself deeply with Zynga Poker – its core mechanics, target audience, competitive landscape, and current features.

• Problem-Solving Framework: Be prepared to apply a structured approach to any design challenge presented.

• Concise Communication: Practice articulating your thought process and solutions clearly and concisely, especially under time pressure.

• Consider Constraints: Think about technical limitations, business goals, and player psychology relevant to the game.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily weighted towards portfolio review and practical design assessment, typical for senior design roles. Understanding Zynga Poker specifically is critical for preparation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Prototyping Software: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision (Candidates should be proficient in at least one, ideally more).

• Wireframing Tools: Similar to prototyping tools, used for early-stage concept development.

• Visual Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for asset creation.

Game Engine Integration:

• Familiarity with how designs are implemented in game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Understanding technical constraints and opportunities is key.

• Collaboration with technical artists to ensure assets are optimized for the engine. Collaboration & Project Management:

• Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or similar platforms for task tracking, documentation, and team communication.

• Version control systems or cloud-based sharing for design assets. Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how to interpret game analytics (e.g., player behavior, engagement metrics, conversion rates) to inform design decisions is crucial. Familiarity with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or internal analytics platforms may be beneficial. Emerging Technologies:

• Explicit mention of AI tools suggests an openness to exploring and utilizing AI in the design workflow for ideation, asset generation, or optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. The emphasis on game engine integration and understanding analytics highlights the practical, results-oriented nature of game UX design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Playful Innovation: A core value of bringing fun and creativity to game design, encouraging experimentation and novel solutions.

• Player-Centricity: Deep commitment to understanding and serving the player base, ensuring experiences are enjoyable, fair, and engaging.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where ideas are shared openly, feedback is constructive, and teams work cohesively towards common goals.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: Striving for high-quality execution in all aspects of design, from concept to final implementation.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Balancing creative intuition with data analysis to guide design choices and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are embedded within game teams, working daily with product managers, engineers, and artists.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Regular design critiques, playtests, and retrospectives are used to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, learnings, and new techniques through internal communities and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Zynga's culture is strongly tied to its mission of bringing people together through play. For a Principal UX Designer, this means balancing creative freedom with the discipline required for a live-service game and collaborating effectively across diverse disciplines.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Designing features that are fun and engaging for players while also meeting business objectives (e.g., monetization, retention).

• Designing for a Live Game: Continuously evolving a game with a massive, established player base, requiring careful consideration of existing player habits and potential disruption.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the specific limitations and capabilities of the game engine and platform.

• Global Audience: Designing for a diverse international player base with varying cultural nuances and expectations.

• Rapid Iteration: The fast-paced nature of live-service games requires quick design cycles and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge UX/UI methodologies specific to game design.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders or to mentor emerging talent within Zynga.

• New Technologies: Exposure to and training on new design tools, AI applications, and emerging trends in the gaming industry.

• Career Pathing: Clear pathways for growth into leadership roles or further specialization within Zynga or Take-Two Interactive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and complex nature of designing for a major live-service game. Growth opportunities focus on continuous learning and career advancement within a large, established organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for Zynga Poker to increase player engagement during off-peak hours?"

• "Describe your process for identifying and solving a critical usability issue in a live game."

• "How do you balance player feedback with business objectives when making design decisions?"

• "What are the key differences between designing for a game and designing for a productivity application?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about Zynga Poker or Zynga's games?"

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt your design vision."

• "How do you stay current with trends in game design and UX?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, dive into 2-3 detailed case studies, ensuring each covers the problem, your process, your role, the solution, and the outcome.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives. Explain the context, the challenges, your journey, and the impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, interactive prototypes, and clear diagrams. Show, don't just tell.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you'd apply your skills to Zynga Poker. Be ready to discuss your process for working with engineers and artists.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of game UX principles, a strong design process, collaborative skills, and specific relevance to Zynga Poker. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring polished storytelling and clear articulation of impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided job link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features game design projects, ideally showcasing experience with live-service titles, competitive mechanics, or social features. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight aspects relevant to Zynga Poker.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 6+ years of game industry experience, specific contributions to at least 3 game titles, and expertise in UX/UI design processes, prototyping, and user psychology. Use keywords from the job description.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Zynga, its game portfolio (especially Zynga Poker), its mission, and its recent developments. Understand the competitive landscape of social casino and poker games.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, your approach to problem-solving, and how your skills align with the specific needs of the Zynga Poker team, drawing on your portfolio examples.

⚠️ 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.