Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: AKQA

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Digital Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategy, conception, and end-to-end design of innovative digital products and services, from initial brief to final user experience.

• Champion the highest standards of design craft, user-centered methodologies, and cutting-edge technology adoption within project teams.

• Develop, maintain, and evolve robust design systems, including Figma components, variables, and design tokens, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Translate brand direction and strategic objectives into polished, engaging digital experiences across various touchpoints, including websites and applications.

• Foster a collaborative design environment, actively ideating and co-designing with peers, clients, and cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Product Designer focused on digital touchpoints, emphasizing strong interaction and communication design skills. The emphasis on design systems and collaboration with UX/strategy suggests a role deeply embedded within a product development lifecycle, requiring a blend of creative vision and technical execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for digital products and services, ensuring strategic alignment, creative excellence, and user-centricity from concept to launch.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design systems, including component libraries, style guides, and design tokens in Figma, to ensure brand consistency and design efficiency across projects.

• Create compelling mood boards, visual concepts, and detailed design specifications that effectively communicate brand direction and user experience goals.

• Collaborate closely with UX researchers, strategists, product managers, and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of design into the development process.

• Present design concepts, rationale, and final work confidently and persuasively to internal stakeholders and clients, building trust and securing buy-in.

• Manage project timelines and deliverables, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

• Mentor and guide mid-level and junior designers, fostering their professional growth and contributing to the overall skill development of the design team.

• Proactively research and integrate emerging design trends, technologies, and user behaviors to continuously innovate and elevate the quality of AKQA's digital solutions.

• Contribute to the strategic vision of digital product development, identifying opportunities for innovation and user experience enhancement.

• Participate in client workshops and co-creation sessions, facilitating design thinking and ideation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level contribution, requiring not just execution but also strategic input, mentorship, and client-facing communication. The focus on design systems and cross-functional collaboration points to a mature product development environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant education and practical application of design principles is essential. This could include degrees in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields.

Experience: 4+ years of dedicated experience in a digital design role, with a proven history of successfully designing and launching intuitive, visually appealing digital products and services.

Required Skills:

• Product Design: Extensive experience in conceptualizing, designing, and iterating on digital products across various platforms (websites, apps, interfaces).

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for UI design, prototyping, component creation, and design system management (including variables and tokens).

• Adobe Creative Suite: Strong command of Photoshop, Illustrator, and other Adobe tools for asset creation and manipulation.

• Prototyping Tools: Expertise in prototyping tools such as Principle, Framer, ProtoPie, or similar to create interactive mockups and user flows.

• User-Centered Design (UCD): Deep understanding and practical application of UCD methodologies to ensure designs meet user needs and business objectives.

• Design Thinking: Proficient in applying design thinking frameworks for problem-solving and innovation.

• Interaction Design: Strong ability to define and design intuitive user interactions and navigation patterns.

• Communication Design: Excellent skills in visual hierarchy, typography, color theory, and layout to create aesthetically pleasing and effective interfaces.

• Design Systems: Experience in building, maintaining, and scaling design systems, including component libraries and style guides.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to present design concepts, gather feedback, and build consensus with diverse stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, including UX, strategy, and engineering.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Design: Knowledge or experience in motion design principles and application to enhance user experience.

• Conceptual Thinking: Demonstrated ability to generate innovative and original design concepts.

• Brand Strategy: Understanding of brand development and how to translate brand identity into digital experiences.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes and how design integrates within them.

• Mentoring Experience: Previous experience in mentoring or guiding junior design talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4+ years of experience and proficiency in specific tools like Figma and prototyping software indicates a need for a designer who can hit the ground running and contribute immediately to complex projects. The emphasis on user-centered design and design thinking highlights AKQA's commitment to creating impactful, user-focused solutions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 3-5 impactful case studies showcasing end-to-end product design processes for digital products.

• Clear articulation of the problem statement, design challenges, and business objectives for each project.

• Demonstrations of user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and final UI design for each case study.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (UX, strategy, engineering) and how design decisions were influenced.

• Examples of design system contributions, component creation, or style guide development where applicable.

• Visual representations of interactive prototypes and user flows to showcase interaction design craft. Process Documentation:

• Within case studies, detail the specific design methodologies employed (e.g., Design Thinking, UCD, Agile UX).

• Document the iterative design process, including user testing, feedback incorporation, and design refinements.

• Illustrate how design decisions were made and justified, linking them to user needs and business outcomes.

• Showcase the creation and application of design systems, emphasizing consistency and scalability.

• Clearly outline the tools and technologies used throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, not just for showcasing visual design but also for demonstrating a robust design process, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate design rationale. The emphasis on design systems and collaboration suggests a need to see how candidates contribute to a scalable design framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Product Designer with 4+ years of experience in Berlin, Germany, the estimated annual salary range is €60,000 - €85,000. This range accounts for the cost of living in Berlin, the specified experience level, and the specialized skills required for digital product design in a leading agency.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Approach: Flexibility to balance in-office collaboration with remote work, fostering a healthy work-life integration.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career growth through training, workshops, and conferences.

• Collaborative Environment: Work within a dynamic, supportive, and creative team of industry-leading professionals.

• Creative Projects: Engage with exciting projects for renowned global brands, pushing creative boundaries and delivering impactful solutions.

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health and wellness programs and benefits (specifics to be confirmed during the interview process).

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a company-sponsored retirement savings plan.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. AKQA adopts a hybrid model, which may include a requirement for specific in-office days to foster collaboration and team connection. Flexibility may be discussed during the interview process for specific accommodation needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on current market data for Product Designers in Berlin. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. AKQA's stated benefits align with industry standards for creative agencies, with a particular emphasis on professional development and a collaborative, hybrid work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing & Advertising, Technology Consulting, Experience Design. AKQA operates at the intersection of creativity, technology, and strategy, working with leading global brands to craft innovative digital experiences.

Company Size: AKQA is part of WPP, a global communications services company. AKQA itself is a large, international agency network with numerous studios worldwide, indicating a substantial employee base and extensive resources.

Founded: AKQA was founded in 1995. Its long history in the digital space signifies a deep understanding of evolving technologies and a proven ability to adapt and innovate.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team at AKQA Berlin is likely integrated within larger project teams, working closely with UX strategists, researchers, art directors, copywriters, and developers.

• Designers will collaborate with dedicated project leads and account managers who oversee client relationships and project execution.

• There's a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, ensuring design is a core component of the entire product development lifecycle, not an isolated function.

• Designers will report to design leads or creative directors within the Berlin studio, with opportunities for broader interaction within the global AKQA network. Methodology:

• AKQA champions an "imaginative application of art and science," suggesting a blend of creative exploration and data-driven decision-making.

• Design processes are likely rooted in design thinking, user-centered design, and agile methodologies to ensure iterative development and client responsiveness.

• Emphasis is placed on delivering "beautiful ideas, products and services" that achieve measurable results for clients.

• A culture of continuous learning and staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in digital experiences. As part of WPP, it offers the resources and reach of a global leader while maintaining a distinct creative identity. The Berlin studio likely embodies a dynamic, international atmosphere.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level to senior-level, requiring substantial experience (4+ years) and the ability to work autonomously while also mentoring junior talent. It's a hands-on design role with strategic input and leadership potential.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Design Lead or Creative Director within the AKQA Berlin studio. They will also work closely with Project Managers, UX Strategists, and client teams.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer at AKQA, the impact is direct and significant. You will shape the user experience and visual identity of digital products for leading global brands, directly influencing user engagement, brand perception, and ultimately, client business outcomes such as conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and revenue. Your work contributes to the agency's reputation for innovative and effective digital solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like interaction design, motion design, design systems, or user research through project work and internal training.

• Leadership Development: Progress into senior design roles, leading design streams on major projects, and taking on mentorship responsibilities.

• Client-Facing Expertise: Develop strong client communication and presentation skills, becoming a trusted design advisor to clients.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work with AKQA studios in other locations or on global client projects.

• Strategic Contribution: Influence the product strategy and design direction for significant client initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a leading digital agency. The growth opportunities emphasize both technical skill development and leadership capabilities, allowing designers to shape their careers based on their interests and strengths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AKQA operates a hybrid work model, requiring a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work. The Berlin office is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Berlin, Germany. Specific details about the office location within Berlin are not provided but can be assumed to be in a central, accessible area conducive to client meetings and employee commute.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms equipped for presentations and workshops, and breakout zones designed to encourage spontaneous interaction and ideation.

• Tools & Technology: Designers will have access to high-performance workstations, necessary software licenses (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping tools), and potentially advanced display technologies.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model ensures regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with design peers, strategists, account teams, and clients, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: A hybrid work schedule is in place, typically involving a set number of days in the office per week to facilitate in-person collaboration, with the remainder of the week open for remote work. Standard professional working hours apply, with flexibility discussed for specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This setup is designed to optimize both creativity and productivity for designers.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you will present 1-2 key case studies from your portfolio, detailing your design process, rationale, and impact. This is followed by in-depth Q&A about your approach, problem-solving skills, and experience.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study, either as a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual workshop, to evaluate your practical design skills, conceptual thinking, and ability to work under time constraints.

• Team & Culture Fit Interview: A conversation with potential team members and hiring managers to assess your collaborative style, communication skills, and cultural fit with AKQA's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your career aspirations and overall fit within the agency.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose case studies that best represent your skills in product design, interaction design, and design systems, aligning with the job description.

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study as a narrative: problem, process, solution, and outcome. Clearly articulate your role and contributions.

• Highlight Process: Go beyond final visuals. Show your thinking, sketches, wireframes, user flows, and how you iterated based on feedback.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success and impact of your designs.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Explicitly demonstrate your proficiency with Figma, including design system elements like components, variables, and tokens.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you collaborate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the brief, asking clarifying questions if needed.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, design, and preparation for presentation.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain the "why" behind every design decision, linking it back to user needs and business goals.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your problem-solving approach and design methodology, not just the final aesthetic.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your work clearly, concisely, and confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's design craft, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative potential. A strong portfolio and the ability to articulate one's design process are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Expect advanced usage of components, variants, auto-layout, variables, and tokens.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop for image editing and manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially After Effects for motion design exploration.

• Prototyping Tools: Essential for creating interactive prototypes. Candidates should be proficient in tools like Principle, Framer, or ProtoPie to demonstrate user flows and interactions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) is beneficial for understanding user behavior and informing design decisions.

• Understanding how to interpret data dashboards to inform design iterations. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly used by designers, but an understanding of how CRM systems and marketing automation platforms function can provide context for integrated digital experiences. Collaboration & Project Management:

• Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, and project management software are likely used for team communication and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable for this role, given its central role in modern design workflows and AKQA's emphasis on design systems. Experience with a range of prototyping tools is also highly valued to effectively communicate dynamic user experiences.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Imagination & Innovation: A core value driving the creation of novel and impactful ideas, products, and services.

• Craftsmanship: A commitment to excellence in design execution, detail, and aesthetic quality.

• Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and meritocratic environment where diverse talents work together effectively.

• Client Focus: Dedication to delivering measurable results and exceptional value for clients.

• Curiosity & Learning: Encouraging continuous exploration of new technologies, trends, and methodologies.

• Respect & Inclusion: Commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong and has equal opportunities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are integral team members, working seamlessly with strategists, UX researchers, copywriters, developers, and account managers.

• Open Communication: Encouraging candid feedback and constructive critique to elevate the quality of work.

• Co-Creation: Actively involving clients and internal teams in the design process through workshops and collaborative sessions.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across teams and studios.

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture values creativity, quality, and collaboration. Designers are expected to be not only skilled practitioners but also proactive collaborators who contribute to a positive and innovative work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Client Demands: Effectively translating client briefs and business objectives into innovative yet practical design solutions.

• Navigating Evolving Technologies: Staying ahead of rapid changes in digital platforms, tools, and user expectations.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Ensuring clear communication and alignment between design, strategy, and engineering teams, especially within a hybrid work model.

• Designing for Scale: Creating design systems and solutions that are scalable and maintainable across multiple products and touchpoints.

• Mentoring Junior Talent: Effectively guiding and developing less experienced designers while managing project responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Access to workshops and training on cutting-edge design methodologies, tools, and technologies.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects for leading global brands, expanding your portfolio and industry knowledge.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior designers and creative leaders.

• Global Network: Access to AKQA's international network for knowledge sharing and potential global project involvement.

• Certification & Conferences: Support for attending industry conferences and pursuing relevant certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a leading digital agency, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development. The company's investment in learning and development supports designers in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements in a design project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on stakeholder management, negotiation, and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through your process for designing a new feature for a mobile application. What user-centered methodologies did you employ?" (Highlight your end-to-end design process, UCD principles, and tool proficiency.)

• "How do you approach building or contributing to a design system? What are the key considerations for ensuring its success and adoption?" (Demonstrate understanding of design systems, scalability, and collaboration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AKQA, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our values?" (Research AKQA's work, values, and culture; articulate your fit.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and a proactive approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and process, key decisions, and the results. Use visuals effectively to support your story.

• Emphasize Figma & Design Systems: Be prepared to detail your experience with Figma, specifically showcasing any design system components, variables, or tokens you've created or managed.

• Articulate Rationale: For every design choice, explain the "why" – linking it to user needs, business goals, and design principles.

• Showcase Iteration: Demonstrate how you incorporated feedback and iterated on designs based on user testing or stakeholder input.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or outcomes that illustrate the success of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your design process, demonstrating your expertise with key tools like Figma, and showcasing your ability to collaborate and solve problems strategically. Tailoring your answers to AKQA's values and the specific requirements of the role will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the AKQA careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best align with the responsibilities of this role, focusing on digital product design, interaction design, and design systems.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 4+ years of digital design experience, specific tool proficiencies (Figma, Adobe Suite, prototyping tools), and experience with user-centered design methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your selected portfolio case studies, focusing on clearly articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and design systems in detail.

• Research AKQA: Familiarize yourself with AKQA's recent work, client portfolio, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during interviews. Understand their approach to digital innovation and client collaboration.

⚠️ 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.