Product Designer (Connect)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (Connect)

Company: 42dot

Location: Pangyo, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: September 11, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design strategy for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) OS and connected mobile products, focusing on user-centered experience design and continuous improvement.

• Define and refine UX/UI solutions by translating user needs and business objectives into intuitive and scalable design outcomes.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers to shape product features and ensure a cohesive user experience across platforms.

• Apply and extend design systems to enhance product consistency, visual appeal, and design scalability.

• Validate and iterate on user experiences through prototyping and usability testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for shaping the user experience of 42dot's connected vehicle ecosystem, bridging the gap between the in-car interface and mobile connectivity. The "Connect" designation suggests a focus on integrated digital services within the automotive domain, aligning with the trend of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs).

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end user experiences for core services within the Connect IVI OS and Connect Mobile platforms.

• Develop and refine UX/UI solutions by deeply understanding user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering, Research) to define and realize product features and user journeys.

• Utilize and contribute to the evolution of design systems to ensure product-wide consistency and improve design efficiency.

• Create interactive prototypes and conduct usability testing to validate design concepts and identify areas for improvement.

• Actively participate in design reviews, providing and incorporating feedback to elevate the overall quality and polish of the product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "core services" implies that the designer will be responsible for critical user pathways and functionalities, not just peripheral features. The requirement to "apply and extend design systems" highlights the importance of scalability and maintainability in their design work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of hands-on experience in mobile, web, and digital product design, with a proven track record of delivering successful user-centered solutions.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to structure complex product problems and translate them into user-centered, intuitive experiences.

• Comprehensive experience in end-to-end product design, encompassing Information Architecture, User Flows, Interaction Design, and UI Design.

• Strong capability to make informed design decisions by balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, essential for effective partnership with cross-functional teams.

• A robust portfolio showcasing the design process, problem-solving methodologies, and tangible product outcomes is mandatory. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience designing for IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) systems, operating systems, or smart device products.

• Experience in building or maintaining design systems using advanced Figma features like Variables and Design Tokens.

• Proficiency in creating sophisticated interaction prototypes using tools such as Protopie or Framer.

• Proven ability to leverage user research findings and data analysis insights to drive product improvements.

• Experience collaborating with global teams and strong English communication skills for international project engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years" requirement for required skills, combined with preferred qualifications like IVI experience and advanced Figma usage, suggests this role is targeting designers with substantial experience, likely mid-to-senior level, who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, clearly detailing your design process from problem identification to final solution.

• Showcase end-to-end product design experience, including examples of Information Architecture, User Flows, Interaction Design, and UI Design.

• Include case studies that demonstrate how you structured complex problems and arrived at user-centered solutions.

• Highlight your ability to balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints in your design decisions.

• Provide evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams and how your design contributions impacted the product. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your approach to user research and how you translate findings into actionable design improvements.

• Detail your experience with prototyping tools and methods used for validating user experiences and iterating on designs.

• Demonstrate how you have applied or contributed to design systems, emphasizing consistency and scalability.

• Show examples of how you have incorporated feedback from design reviews and usability testing into your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is paramount. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process, explain their rationale, and demonstrate how their design thinking leads to measurable product outcomes, especially concerning user engagement and task completion within complex systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 5-10 years of experience in South Korea, particularly within the tech sector in the Gyeonggi-do region, the estimated annual salary range is approximately ₩70,000,000 to ₩110,000,000 KRW. This range can vary based on specific experience, demonstrated skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and welfare programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Collaborative work environment with innovative teams.

• Potential for stock options or performance-based bonuses (not specified but common in tech).

• Support for professional growth and career advancement within the company.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often afforded through hybrid work arrangements. Specific daily schedules may vary but are expected to align with team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for Product Designers in South Korea, considering the specified experience level and the competitive nature of the tech industry. Official salary details will be provided during the offer stage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology / Software Development. 42dot is at the forefront of developing Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), aiming to revolutionize mobility through advanced AI and software solutions.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, 42dot is a significant player in the mobility tech space, suggesting a dynamic and potentially fast-growing organization that can range from a mid-sized company to a larger enterprise, likely employing hundreds to thousands of individuals.

Founded: 42dot was founded in 2017. This relatively young company is known for its ambitious vision in the autonomous driving and connected car space.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a larger product or engineering division.

• Designers collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers, forming cross-functional pods or squads focused on specific product areas (like Connect IVI OS and Mobile).

• Reporting structures are typically flat in tech environments, with designers reporting to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using user research and data analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Agile Development: Design processes are integrated within agile development cycles, requiring close collaboration and iterative feedback.

• User-Centricity: A core philosophy of placing the user at the center of all design and development efforts.

• System Thinking: Focus on designing integrated experiences and maintaining consistency across multiple touchpoints through robust design systems.

Company Website: https://42dot.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: 42dot's focus on SDVs implies a cutting-edge, innovative environment. The company culture likely values rapid iteration, technological advancement, and collaborative problem-solving, appealing to designers who thrive in fast-paced, forward-thinking organizations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring significant autonomy and the ability to lead design initiatives for core product areas. The designer is expected to contribute strategically to the product vision and execution, not just execute design tasks.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design, working within cross-functional product teams. This structure facilitates direct collaboration with product managers and engineers.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is direct and significant, shaping the user experience of 42dot's connected vehicle offerings. Successful designs will enhance user satisfaction, drive adoption of connected services, and contribute to the overall brand perception and market competitiveness of 42dot's SDV solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in IVI design, automotive UX, or mobile connectivity design.

• Leadership: Progress into a Senior Product Designer role, mentoring junior designers, or leading design efforts for larger product initiatives.

• System Ownership: Take on greater responsibility for the development and governance of 42dot's design systems.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to AI, autonomous driving technology, and software engineering principles, broadening technical understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Connect" product line suggests a focus on integrating various digital services. Growth opportunities may involve expanding the scope of connected experiences or leading the design for new service integrations within the SDV ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "TELECOMMUTE" with a location in South Korea, and the "Work Arrangement" is indicated as Hybrid. This suggests a model where employees are expected to work from the office some days and remotely on others, with the primary office likely located in Pangyo, Gyeonggi-do.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Pangyo, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Pangyo is often referred to as Korea's "Silicon Valley," known for its concentration of tech companies, research facilities, and a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated collaboration zones to facilitate interaction among cross-functional teams.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Protopie, etc.) and potentially advanced hardware for prototyping and testing will be available.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for in-person and virtual team syncs, design critiques, and brainstorming sessions.

Work Schedule: While typically 40 hours per week, the hybrid model offers flexibility. Core working hours will likely be established to ensure team alignment and collaboration, particularly for meetings and critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in a tech hub like Pangyo suggests an environment that balances focused individual work with collaborative team engagement. Candidates should be comfortable with both remote and in-office work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Screening (Portfolio Required): Initial review of applications, with a strong emphasis on the submitted portfolio.

2. Assignment Test: A practical design challenge to assess problem-solving skills and design execution.

3. 1st Interview (Virtual, ~1 hour): Typically with a Design Lead or hiring manager to assess core design skills, experience, and cultural fit.

4. 2nd Interview (In-person or Virtual, ~3 hours): A more in-depth session, potentially including a portfolio presentation, discussion of the assignment test, and interviews with multiple team members (PMs, Engineers, other Designers).

5. Offer & Onboarding: Final offer negotiation and integration into the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each case study, outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, your design decisions, and the outcome.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Visually present your work. Include wireframes, user flows, mockups, prototypes, and any user research or testing artifacts.

• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize your thinking – how you approached challenges, iterated based on feedback, and arrived at your final solutions. This is more important than just showing polished final screens.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the impact of your designs. For example, "Reduced task completion time by X%" or "Improved user satisfaction scores."

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, highlight projects that are most relevant to IVI, mobile connectivity, or complex system design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Scope: For the assignment test, carefully read the brief. Identify the core problem and constraints.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely. Focus on delivering a well-reasoned solution, even if it's not fully polished.

• Articulate Your Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made specific design choices. This is crucial for the interview.

• Consider the System: Think about how your proposed solution fits within the broader IVI OS and mobile ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process, including an assignment test and a longer final interview, indicates a rigorous evaluation. Candidates should prepare for both practical design exercises and in-depth discussions about their strategic thinking and collaboration skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency with features like Variables and Design Tokens is a significant plus.

• Protopie / Framer: Tools for creating advanced, high-fidelity interactive prototypes.

• Sketch / Adobe XD: While Figma is highlighted, experience with other industry-standard design tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting usability testing, surveys, and user interviews.

• Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude): Understanding how to interpret user data to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to a Product Designer role, but awareness of how user data is managed and how features are rolled out via CRM or marketing automation might be helpful contextually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma Variables and Design Tokens, along with Protopie/Framer, points to a need for designers who can contribute to and leverage a sophisticated, scalable design system.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental belief that user needs and satisfaction should drive all design and development decisions.

• Innovation: A drive to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in automotive technology and user experience.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect across disciplines.

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, meticulous execution, and continuous improvement.

• Impact: A focus on creating meaningful experiences that solve real problems and add value to users' lives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work intimately with Product Managers and Engineers, often embedded within product teams.

• Open Feedback Culture: Regular design reviews and critiques are encouraged to foster learning and collective improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Team members are expected to share insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely fosters an environment where designers are empowered to contribute strategically and are valued as integral members of the product development process, not just as executors of visual assets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of IVI Systems: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex in-vehicle systems that require a high degree of safety and reliability.

• Bridging Physical and Digital: Seamlessly integrating the in-car experience with mobile applications and other connected services.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing diverse requirements from product, engineering, business, and user perspectives.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Evolving design strategies to accommodate rapid advancements in automotive technology and software.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to workshops, courses, and conferences focused on automotive UX, interaction design, and emerging technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and product leaders within 42dot.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Tech: Working with the latest innovations in Software Defined Vehicles and AI.

• Design System Advancement: Contributing to and growing expertise in building and scaling sophisticated design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of innovation in the automotive tech space. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing expertise in a rapidly evolving industry and contributing to the future of mobility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex user flow. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on structuring problems and user-centered solutions)

• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical constraints when making design decisions?" (Demonstrate strategic decision-making)

• "Walk me through a project where you had to collaborate closely with engineers and product managers. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight collaboration and communication skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about 42dot and our work in Software Defined Vehicles?" (Show genuine interest and research)

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from design reviews and usability testing?" (Demonstrate adaptability and a growth mindset)

• "How do you measure the success of your designs?" (Focus on impact and data-driven approaches) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives of problem-solving and innovation.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, design rationale, and how you iterated.

• Showcase Key Artifacts: Present relevant wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final UIs.

• Quantify Impact: Use data or user feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your solutions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decisions, challenges, and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and strategic thinking. Candidates should prepare detailed examples and be ready to articulate their design philosophy and process extensively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application, including your resume and a comprehensive portfolio, through the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features end-to-end product design case studies, highlighting your experience with complex problem-solving, user-centered design, and collaboration. Tailor it to showcase relevant experience in mobile, web, or OS design.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience, specific skills (UX/UI, IA, Prototyping, Design Systems), and achievements in previous roles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and collaboration experiences. Prepare to present and discuss your portfolio in detail, and be ready for a design assignment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with 42dot's mission, its focus on Software Defined Vehicles, and the broader automotive tech landscape to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.