Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Makeship

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (within Canada)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design process for a fan-facing platform, focusing on creating intuitive, valuable, and visually engaging user experiences.

• Collaborate closely with Product and Engineering teams to translate user needs and business objectives into high-fidelity, production-ready designs.

• Contribute to and maintain a robust design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across the Makeship platform.

• Leverage user research and usability testing to validate design decisions and continuously improve the user journey for fans and creators.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the emphasis on "fan-facing platform," "community-powered crowdfunding," and "creator economy" strongly suggests a role deeply integrated with Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, particularly in user acquisition, engagement, and retention. The need to understand B2C product design and e-commerce/crowdfunding experiences positions this role at the intersection of Product and GTM Operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design intuitive and usable user experiences from initial ideation through to production-ready assets, ensuring alignment with user needs and business goals.

• Apply strong UI design fundamentals, focusing on layout, hierarchy, typography, color, and motion to create polished and effective interfaces across all devices.

• Actively contribute to and maintain the company's design system, ensuring its evolution and adherence as the platform grows.

• Plan and conduct user research, including interviews and usability testing, to gather insights and inform design iterations.

• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, and Brand specialists, to deliver a cohesive and high-quality product.

• Proactively identify and propose solutions for usability issues, both minor and significant, to enhance the overall user experience.

• Translate complex user problems into elegant and efficient design solutions that drive platform engagement and conversion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution, common in mid-level product roles that support GTM objectives. The focus on user research and validation is critical for ensuring that product features resonate with the target audience (fans and creators), directly impacting user acquisition and retention metrics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred. Equivalent practical experience will be strongly considered.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of dedicated product design experience, with a proven track record of owning design solutions from conception to implementation.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated end-to-end product design ownership, evidenced by a strong portfolio showcasing design solutions.

• Proficiency in user research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, and assumption testing.

• Exceptional UI craft with a keen eye for detail in layout, typography, visual hierarchy, and overall polish.

• Experience in contributing to, maintaining, and scaling design systems.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Marketing, Brand).

• Experience designing B2C products, particularly those involving content discovery, browsing, or e-commerce-style experiences.

• Strong understanding of design principles, including layout, hierarchy, typography, color theory, and motion design. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the e-commerce or crowdfunding industries.

• Familiarity with the creator economy landscape and its unique user needs.

• Experience working on a growth-focused team with a data-driven approach to product development.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and experience implementing inclusive design practices.

• Proficiency in prototyping tools for creating interactive user flows and validating concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on B2C product design, e-commerce, and crowdfunding, coupled with the preference for experience in the creator economy and growth teams, points to a role where understanding user acquisition funnels, conversion optimization, and community engagement is paramount. This aligns with GTM operations' focus on driving user growth and revenue.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design ownership, detailing the design process from problem discovery to final execution.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the user problem, design challenges, your role, the solutions implemented, and the measurable impact of your designs.

• Demonstrations of UI craft, including high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and examples of visual polish.

• Evidence of experience with user research and usability testing, including how insights informed design decisions.

• Examples of contributions to or management of design systems, illustrating consistency and scalability. Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of your design process, including how you approach problem definition, ideation, user validation, and iteration.

• Examples of how you collaborate with engineering and product teams to ensure smooth design handoff and implementation.

• Showcase how you measure the success of your designs post-launch, linking them to user behavior and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also a systematic approach to problem-solving and user advocacy. A GTM operations perspective would look for how the designer's work directly impacts user acquisition, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000 CAD per annum. Individual salaries will be determined based on unique skills, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits from day one.

• Generous paid time off: 4 weeks of vacation plus paid time off on your birthday.

• An additional week of paid time off during the winter holidays.

• Regular virtual and in-person social events to foster team connection.

• Annual Paid Volunteer Day Off to support community initiatives.

• 1:1 RRSP Matching Program up to 3% of salary.

• $500 Pre-Tax Annual Health & Wellness Allowance.

• $400 Pre-Tax Home Office Setup Allowance for remote workers.

• $65 Pre-Tax Monthly Phone Allowance.

• Maternity and Parental Leave Top-Up Program for new parents.

• Education Assistance Program to support continuous learning.

• Employee Referral Program with incentives for successful hires.

• Tenured Rewards Program recognizing long-term commitment.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered due to the remote work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level Product Designer in Toronto. The extensive benefits package, particularly the home office setup allowance and remote work flexibility, is attractive for operations professionals who value work-life balance and a supportive remote environment. The mention of growth and specific allowances aligns with supporting a productive and engaged remote workforce, crucial for GTM operations efficiency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Crowdfunding, Creator Economy, Merchandising. Makeship operates at the unique intersection of these rapidly growing sectors, enabling creators to monetize their influence through limited-edition merchandise.

Company Size: The company is experiencing significant growth, indicated by its ranking on Canada's Top Growing Companies list and its Great Place to Work-Certified™ status for three consecutive years. This suggests a dynamic, scaling organization that balances rapid expansion with a positive employee experience.

Founded: Makeship was founded with a mission to empower creators and fans. Its growth trajectory (over 200% revenue growth in three years) indicates a successful and validated business model.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will join a cross-functional team, implying close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers.

• The role is part of a broader Product and Engineering department, likely with dedicated design leadership or senior designers to provide mentorship and guidance.

• Collaboration extends beyond product teams to Brand and potentially Marketing, reflecting a GTM-aligned approach to product development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: User research, usability testing, and a focus on measurable impact suggest a data-informed approach to product development.

• Agile Development: Collaboration with Engineering and the iterative nature of product design imply an agile or similar development methodology.

• Community-Centric: The core business model revolves around community-powered crowdfunding, indicating that user feedback and community sentiment are central to decision-making.

Company Website: http://makeship.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Makeship's culture appears to be one of rapid growth, innovation, and employee well-being. Its success in "Canada's Top Growing Companies" and "Great Place to Work-Certified™" status are strong indicators of a positive and effective work environment. For operations roles, this suggests a company that values efficiency, collaboration, and employee satisfaction, which are key drivers of GTM success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (3+ years of experience). It offers significant autonomy and ownership over product features, with the opportunity to influence the user experience of a rapidly growing platform. The role is critical for translating GTM strategies into tangible product features that drive user acquisition and retention.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or a Senior Product Manager within a Product or Engineering department. Collaboration is key, with strong partnerships expected with Product and Engineering.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences the fan and creator experience, which is fundamental to Makeship's GTM strategy. By creating intuitive and engaging interfaces, the designer contributes to:

• User Acquisition: A compelling platform experience attracts new creators and fans.

• Conversion Rates: Seamless browsing and purchasing processes increase campaign funding success.

• User Retention: Positive experiences encourage repeat engagement and loyalty.

• Brand Perception: High-quality design reinforces Makeship's brand value and trustworthiness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like user research, interaction design, or design systems.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, or transition into a Senior Product Designer role.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain deeper understanding of Product Management, Engineering processes, and GTM strategies.

• Impactful Projects: Contribute to core features of a fast-growing platform, gaining experience in scaling a successful e-commerce/crowdfunding product.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding how design directly impacts GTM metrics like conversion, retention, and LTV is crucial. This role offers a direct line of sight into that impact, providing valuable experience for anyone looking to move into or excel within GTM operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Makeship offers a hybrid work model, allowing employees to work remotely from anywhere in Canada or access physical hubs. This provides flexibility and caters to diverse working preferences.

Office Location(s): While fully remote within Canada is an option, the mention of "hubs" suggests physical office spaces may exist in Toronto or other Canadian cities, providing co-working and in-person collaboration opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: Emphasis on remote work within Canada supports work-life balance and autonomy, ideal for operations roles that require focused work periods.

• Collaborative Tools: Expectation of cross-functional collaboration suggests the use of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Miro, Figma) to facilitate communication and teamwork.

• Home Office Support: A dedicated home office setup allowance ($400 pre-tax) reinforces the company's commitment to supporting its remote workforce.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours. The remote nature of the role allows for flexibility in managing the schedule, which can be beneficial for balancing deep work sessions with collaborative meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote option within Canada, coupled with home office support, is highly attractive for operations professionals who often manage complex projects and require focused time. This environment fosters autonomy and efficiency, key traits for successful operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation: An interview session where you'll walk through selected case studies from your portfolio, explaining your design process, rationale, and impact. Be prepared to discuss user research, problem-solving, and collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration style, technical understanding, and how you integrate design into development workflows.

• Skills-Based Exercise (Potential): A design challenge or take-home assignment to evaluate practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to specific design problems relevant to Makeship's platform.

• Final Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss culture fit, career aspirations, and overall alignment with Makeship's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong case studies that best represent your end-to-end design process, focusing on B2C, e-commerce, or crowdfunding experiences if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the quantifiable results or learnings.

• Highlight Impact: Emphasize how your designs solved user problems and contributed to business objectives (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion, reduced friction). Use metrics where available.

• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with Product, Engineering, and other stakeholders.

• Design System Contribution: If applicable, showcase your contributions to a design system and explain its benefits.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, trade-offs you made, how you handle feedback, and your approach to user research.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly research Makeship, its platform, target users (fans and creators), and the competitive landscape.

• Define the Problem: Clearly state your understanding of the challenge and any assumptions you make.

• Structure Your Solution: Outline your design process, from research (even if hypothetical) to ideation, wireframing, and high-fidelity design.

• Justify Decisions: Be ready to explain the reasoning behind your design choices, especially concerning usability, aesthetics, and potential GTM impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the GTM aspect, interviewers will likely probe how your design decisions support user acquisition, engagement, and conversion. Be prepared to connect your design solutions to business outcomes and demonstrate an understanding of the user journey from discovery to advocacy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly likely, as it's the industry standard for collaborative design and prototyping), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite.

• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, or internal survey tools.

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Notion.

• Design System Management: Tools integrated within Figma or dedicated platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel to understand user behavior and product performance.

• Ability to interpret data to inform design decisions and measure impact.

CRM & Automation: While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how CRM data (e.g., from Salesforce, HubSpot) or marketing automation platforms might inform user segmentation or personalization efforts could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product designers. An understanding of analytics tools is crucial for demonstrating the impact of design on GTM metrics, bridging the gap between design and operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community-Centricity: A deep understanding and appreciation for the fan and creator communities that Makeship serves. This translates to designing with empathy and a focus on delivering value.

• Growth Mindset: Embracing challenges, continuous learning, and a drive to improve both personal skills and business outcomes. This aligns with the company's rapid growth trajectory.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close teamwork across departments (Product, Engineering, Brand, Marketing) are essential for delivering a cohesive product experience.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished designs that reflect well on the Makeship brand and the creators they partner with.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing research and analytics to guide design choices, ensuring that solutions are effective and impactful.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with Product Managers to define requirements and scope, and with Engineers for implementation.

• Feedback Loops: An open culture for giving and receiving constructive feedback on designs to ensure continuous improvement.

• Shared Ownership: While designers own the UX/UI, there's a sense of shared responsibility for the product's success among the entire cross-functional team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on community, growth, and data-informed decisions are all critical for effective GTM operations. A designer who understands these values can better align their work with the company's overarching growth strategies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creator and Fan Needs: Designing for a platform that serves two distinct user groups (creators needing tools to launch products and fans wanting to support creators) can present complex UX challenges.

• Scaling Design Systems: As the platform grows and new features are introduced, maintaining and evolving the design system to support rapid development requires ongoing effort and strategic thinking.

• Data Interpretation for Design: Effectively translating complex user data and analytics into actionable design insights and improvements.

• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring effective communication and collaboration within a distributed team, maintaining design consistency and team cohesion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Creator Economy Insights: Gaining a deep understanding of the dynamics and needs within the creator economy.

• E-commerce & Crowdfunding Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in the design challenges and opportunities within these sectors.

• Growth Design Principles: Learning to apply design strategies specifically aimed at driving user acquisition, engagement, and retention.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior design or product leaders within a fast-growing startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities highlight how this role can contribute to and benefit from GTM operations. Understanding creator economics and growth design principles are directly applicable to driving user acquisition and revenue.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for two distinct user groups with potentially conflicting needs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, trade-offs, and user research.)

• "How do you balance design aesthetics with usability and business objectives? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your rationale and ability to prioritize.)

• "Walk us through your process for contributing to or maintaining a design system. What are the key benefits and challenges?" (Showcase your understanding of scalability and consistency.)

• "How do you incorporate user feedback and data into your design iterations? Share an example where feedback significantly changed your direction." (Demonstrate your data-driven approach and adaptability.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Makeship's mission and the creator economy?" (Show your passion and research.)

• "How do you see your role as a Product Designer contributing to Makeship's growth?" (Connect your skills to GTM objectives.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you work with Product Managers and Engineers?" (Illustrate your teamwork and communication style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, start with the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact. Use clear headings and visuals.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "increased campaign funding success by X%", "reduced checkout abandonment by Y%", "improved user task completion rate by Z%").

• Explain Your 'Why': Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind every major design decision.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams to illustrate your solutions effectively.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; practice your presentation to fit within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: When discussing your portfolio, explicitly link your design decisions to potential business outcomes like increased conversion rates, improved user retention, or enhanced creator satisfaction. This demonstrates a GTM-oriented mindset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Makeship's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant B2C product design, e-commerce, or crowdfunding experiences. Emphasize case studies demonstrating end-to-end ownership and measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of product design experience, key skills (UI, user research, design systems), and achievements, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and impact using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to walk through your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Makeship, its mission, target audience (creators and fans), and its position in the creator economy. Understand their growth strategy and how product design contributes to it.

⚠️ 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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