Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: AKQA

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Digital Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-20T16:43:05

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategy, conception, and design of innovative digital products and services across various touchpoints.

• Champion high standards in design craft, technology, and user experience through a user-centered design approach.

• Develop and maintain robust design systems, including Figma components, variables, and tokens, to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including UX, strategy, and other designers, to deliver exceptional digital solutions.

• Present design concepts and outcomes confidently to stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and ensuring alignment with brand direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, requiring a solid foundation in digital design principles and practical experience. The emphasis on strategy, conception, and stakeholder management indicates a need for a candidate who can not only execute designs but also influence project direction and client relationships. The hybrid work model suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from initial brief to final delivery for digital products, ensuring alignment with client objectives and user needs.

• Create and present compelling mood boards, style guides, and visual designs that translate brand direction into polished digital experiences.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design systems within Figma, ensuring scalability and adherence to best practices for components, variables, and tokens.

• Actively participate in ideation sessions and co-design workshops with peers and clients, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.

• Present design work clearly and persuasively to stakeholders, articulating design rationale and building trust through transparent communication.

• Manage project timelines and budgets effectively, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design outputs.

• Collaborate closely with UX designers, strategists, and other product designers, acting as a core member of the product design group.

• Share expertise and best practices across the Experience Design team and the wider AKQA network, contributing to a culture of continuous learning.

• Mentor mid-level and junior designers, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster their professional growth.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to bring fresh perspectives to projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and team leadership. The explicit mention of mentoring junior designers and sharing knowledge suggests a role that involves contributing to the team's overall capability and development, beyond individual project execution. The focus on translating brand direction and managing projects from brief to end-user underscores the end-to-end ownership expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and mastery of design principles is paramount. A background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: 4+ years of dedicated experience in a digital design role, with a proven track record of designing and delivering successful digital products and interfaces.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in designing intuitive and effective digital products across various touchpoints (websites, apps, interfaces).

• Strong command of user-centered design methodologies and design thinking principles.

• Proficiency in core design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), and prototyping tools such as Principle, Framer, or Protopie.

• Excellent interaction design and communication design craft, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

• Ability to build and maintain design systems, including proficiency with Figma components, variables, and design tokens.

• Strong conceptual thinking and problem-solving skills to ideate innovative solutions.

• Proven ability to present design work confidently and effectively to diverse stakeholder groups.

• Solid understanding of project management principles, including delivering on time and within budget.

• Experience collaborating effectively within cross-functional product design teams. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge and experience in motion design, enhancing user experience through animation and transitions.

• Experience with conceptual thinking to drive innovative and forward-thinking design solutions.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and data-driven design optimization techniques.

• Experience working within a large agency or consultancy environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical skills and experience over formal education. The explicit mention of specific tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and prototyping software indicates a need for hands-on proficiency. The preference for motion design and conceptual thinking suggests opportunities for candidates who can bring a more advanced or strategic skillset to the team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 4 years of professional digital design work, with a strong emphasis on products launched and their impact.

• Include detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end design process, from initial problem definition and user research to final UI design and implementation.

• Highlight projects that exhibit strong interaction design and communication design craft, showcasing intuitive user flows and visually appealing interfaces.

• Provide examples of design systems created or contributed to, including Figma components, variables, and tokens, illustrating their structure and application.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate brand direction and strategic objectives into tangible digital design solutions. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the user-centered design methodologies and design thinking frameworks employed in your projects.

• Document the process of collaborating with UX, strategy, and development teams, emphasizing communication and integration strategies.

• Illustrate how you have managed projects from brief to completion, including timeline management, budget considerations, and quality assurance.

• Showcase experience in presenting design work to stakeholders, detailing your approach to articulating design rationale and managing feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It should not just display final designs but also the thought process, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach. Demonstrating experience with design systems and the ability to articulate ROI through design is crucial for mid-level roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer with 4+ years of experience in Berlin, Germany, the estimated annual salary range is typically between €55,000 and €75,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific skill set, portfolio strength, and the exact scope of responsibilities within AKQA.

Benefits:

• Hybrid work approach, offering flexibility between office and remote work.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with talented peers.

• Access to AKQA's extensive range of benefits, as detailed on their Berlin studio's benefits page.

• Contribution to innovative digital campaigns, services, and experiences for leading clients.

• Exposure to a meritocratic culture that values entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement that allows for flexibility. Specific in-office days will be required, as per AKQA's policy, to foster collaboration and connection.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers in Berlin with 4+ years of experience. AKQA's stated benefits align with typical agency offerings, with a strong emphasis on professional growth and collaborative culture. The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Experience, Marketing Technology, Advertising, Design Consultancy. AKQA operates within the broader WPP network, a global leader in marketing and communications services. This industry context implies a fast-paced, client-focused environment driven by creativity, innovation, and technological advancement.

Company Size: AKQA is a significant global agency with a substantial workforce, part of the larger WPP group which employs tens of thousands globally. This size provides opportunities for diverse projects, international collaboration, and career advancement, while still aiming to maintain a culture of agility and entrepreneurial spirit within individual studios like Berlin.

Founded: AKQA was founded in 1995, and has since grown into a globally recognized digital innovation company. Its history reflects a continuous evolution in digital strategy, design, and technology, positioning it as a pioneer in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team at AKQA likely consists of various specializations, including UX/UI designers, interaction designers, visual designers, and potentially motion designers.

• Designers typically report to a Design Lead or Creative Director within the Berlin studio.

• Collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working closely with strategists, UX researchers, project managers, developers, and client teams. Methodology:

• AKQA emphasizes an "imaginative application of art and science" to create innovative products and services.

• Their approach is often described as entrepreneurial and collaborative, focusing on adaptive digital campaigns, services, and experiences.

• User-centered design, design thinking, and a strong focus on craft and technology standards are integral to their process.

• Data-driven insights and measurable returns for clients are key performance indicators.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's reputation as a leading digital agency suggests a culture that values creativity, innovation, and high-quality execution. The WPP affiliation indicates significant resources and global reach. The Berlin studio likely offers a focused, creative environment within this larger structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a mid-level Product Designer, typically requiring 3-5 years of experience. It involves taking ownership of design projects, contributing to strategic discussions, and mentoring junior team members. The role is expected to be hands-on with design execution while also demonstrating leadership potential.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or a Creative Director within the AKQA Berlin studio. They will work closely with UX designers, strategists, project managers, and development teams.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, the impact is primarily on the quality, usability, and effectiveness of digital products and services. This directly influences user satisfaction, brand perception, client ROI, and ultimately, the success of digital initiatives. By championing design excellence and innovative solutions, the role contributes significantly to AKQA's reputation and client success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like interaction design, design systems, motion design, or user research.

• Leadership: Potential to advance to Senior Product Designer, Lead Designer, or Creative Director roles, managing larger projects and teams.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to strategy, technology, and client management allows for broader skill development.

• Mentorship: Developing mentoring skills by guiding junior designers, which is a stepping stone to leadership.

• Global Opportunities: AKQA's global presence may offer opportunities for international collaboration or transfers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Product Designer at AKQA appears to offer both deep specialization and broader leadership opportunities. The emphasis on mentoring suggests a structured approach to developing future design leaders within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AKQA operates with a hybrid work model, emphasizing the importance of in-office days for fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. This suggests a modern, well-equipped office space designed to facilitate team interaction and creative work sessions.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Berlin, Germany. AKQA has a presence in key global cities, but this specific position is tied to their Berlin studio.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to encourage collaboration, with ample opportunities for designers to interact with UX, strategy, and other creative professionals.

• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and software licenses (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping tools).

• A culture that supports knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and cross-pollination of ideas among team members.

Work Schedule: A hybrid work schedule is in place, requiring specific days in the office for collaborative activities. This model aims to balance flexibility with the benefits of in-person teamwork and mentorship. The standard work week is typically 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature of the work environment, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration essential in a creative agency setting. The Berlin office is likely a hub for innovation and client work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and design quality.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their work, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate their skills in strategy, interaction design, visual design, and problem-solving. Expect to discuss design rationale, challenges, and outcomes.

• Skills-Based Interview: Technical questions focusing on design tools (Figma, Adobe Suite), methodologies (user-centered design, design thinking), and design system principles.

• Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and cultural fit within AKQA's environment.

• Case Study/Challenge (Potential): A design exercise or challenge, either take-home or timed, to evaluate practical design skills and approach under pressure.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm mutual interest.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your mid-level capabilities, focusing on impact, process, and problem-solving. Include examples of design systems if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the results achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Figma & Design Systems: Since Figma and design systems are explicitly mentioned, ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency and provides examples of your work in these areas.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include projects where you collaborated with UX, strategy, or development teams, and explain how you navigated those interactions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of user-centered design.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is presented, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize user needs and business goals in your approach.

• Document your process clearly, even if it's a quick sketch or wireframe.

• Be ready to articulate your decisions and potential trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong, well-curated portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to not only show their work but also articulate the "why" behind their design decisions and demonstrate their collaborative approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Candidates must be proficient with components, variables, and tokens.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop (image editing, mockups), Illustrator (vector graphics, icons), and potentially After Effects (motion design, animations).

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with tools such as Principle, Framer, or Protopie for creating interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as primary tools for this role, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and design impact would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a Product Designer, but understanding how design integrates with marketing automation and CRM platforms can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is clearly the central design tool. Proficiency in this, along with Adobe Creative Suite and prototyping tools, is non-negotiable. Knowledge of motion design tools is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: AKQA values imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products, and services.

• Collaboration: An entrepreneurial and collaborative approach is fundamental to their work environment.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: High standards in design, craft, and technology are championed.

• Client Focus: Delivering impressive returns for clients through effective digital solutions.

• Meritocracy: A culture where talent and contributions are recognized and rewarded.

• Continuous Learning: Staying current on design and technology trends to bring new thinking.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with UX, strategy, and development teams, requiring strong communication and teamwork.

• Open Dialogue: Encouragement of ideation and co-design with peers and clients in a positive and constructive manner.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing insights and best practices across teams and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at AKQA appears to be highly collaborative, creative, and focused on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for clients. A proactive, team-oriented attitude is essential.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Design Excellence: Navigating client expectations and project constraints while upholding high design standards and user advocacy.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with new design tools, technologies, and digital trends to ensure designs remain innovative and relevant.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication with diverse teams (strategy, development, client) to achieve project goals.

• Project Management: Effectively managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder communications in a fast-paced agency environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of product design, such as advanced interaction design, complex design systems, or emerging prototyping technologies.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a diverse range of high-profile clients and challenging projects provides broad industry experience.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal opportunities to learn from senior designers and contribute to the development of junior talent.

• Continuous Learning: AKQA encourages staying current with industry trends, potentially through workshops, conferences, or internal knowledge-sharing sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a leading digital agency, balanced with the inherent challenges of agency work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements while designing a digital product. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "Walk us through a project where you significantly contributed to a design system. What were the key components, and how did you ensure adoption?" (Highlight your Figma, component, and token expertise.)

• "How do you approach translating abstract brand concepts into tangible digital experiences? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your conceptual and visual design skills.)

• "Describe your experience with user-centered design methodologies. How do you integrate user feedback into your design process?" (Showcase your understanding of user needs.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AKQA and our work in Berlin?" (Research AKQA's recent projects, values, and the Berlin studio's focus.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative design environment?" (Provide examples of teamwork, knowledge sharing, and positive interactions.)

• "What does 'imaginative application of art and science' mean to you in the context of digital design?" (Relate this to your own design philosophy and AKQA's ethos.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, present 2-3 detailed case studies.

• Content: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, design, testing), key design decisions and rationale, and the final outcome/impact.

• Emphasis: Highlight your skills in Figma, design systems, interaction design, and stakeholder communication. Use visuals effectively.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and within the allotted timeframe. Be prepared for in-depth Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, collaborative abilities, and a genuine understanding of AKQA's culture and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the AKQA careers portal, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and tailored to the role.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects that highlight your 4+ years of digital design experience, strong Figma skills, design system contributions, and user-centered design process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with interaction design, communication design, and your ability to manage projects from brief to completion, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design rationale, problem-solving approach, and collaborative experiences. Prepare to discuss your understanding of AKQA's work and values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AKQA's recent projects, case studies, and their approach to digital innovation. Understand the significance of their Berlin studio and their hybrid work model.

⚠️ 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.