Product Designer (FORMA)

Universe
Full-time

๐Ÿ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (FORMA)

Company: Universe

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UI/UX

Date Posted: 2026-07-30

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (1 day in office every two weeks)

๐Ÿš€ Role Summary

  • Drive product innovation and user engagement through strategic design solutions, focusing on activation and retention for B2C Web SaaS products.

  • Leverage data-driven methodologies and AI-powered tools to inform design decisions, optimize web funnels, and enhance key product metrics such as Conversion Rate (CR), Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and Lifetime Value (LTV).

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, analysts, and developers, to translate business objectives into compelling and effective user experiences.

  • Champion a high-tech, AI-first design approach, integrating cutting-edge AI tools into the design workflow for research, ideation, prototyping, and content generation.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Product Designer with a strong emphasis on business impact and data-driven decision-making, rather than a purely visual or UI designer. The "FORMA" product is a co-founding business within Universe, indicating a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. The role requires a blend of design expertise, product strategy understanding, and a proactive approach to leveraging AI.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Partner with product managers to conceptualize and execute impactful design solutions for user flows, with a strategic emphasis on improving user activation and retention rates.

  • Design and iterate on web funnels, focusing on optimizing Conversion Rate (CR), Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and Payback periods through experimentation and data analysis.

  • Generate diverse design variations for A/B testing, informed by user research, market analysis, and performance metrics, to drive continuous improvement in key business indicators.

  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of a multi-brand design system, ensuring consistency in components, tokens, and variants across different product offerings.

  • Address retention, monetization, and growth-oriented product challenges by analyzing metrics and formulating data-backed hypotheses for design interventions.

  • Conduct unmoderated usability testing and user surveys to gather qualitative insights and validate design concepts within an established process framework.

  • Integrate AI tools into the design workflow for tasks such as user research analysis, content generation, and rapid prototyping, fostering an AI-first design culture.

  • Write new functionality code based on existing repositories, demonstrating a blend of design and basic development understanding.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on business outcomes and experimentation. The mention of "Vibe coding new functionality" suggests a hands-on approach that may involve some level of front-end implementation or close collaboration with developers on implementation details, particularly within the context of AI-driven development tools like GitHub.

๐ŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in design principles, user experience, and product strategy is expected, often acquired through formal education or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in product design or UI/UX design is required. Experience with retention strategies in B2C Web SaaS is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

  • 2+ years of experience in product design or UI/UX design.

  • Strong business and product mindset, with a focus on achieving business objectives.

  • Proficient understanding of product metrics such as CR, CAC, LTV, ROI, and retention, and the ability to design with these metrics in mind.

  • Exceptional UI design skills with a keen eye for detail and a passion for aesthetics.

  • Proven experience designing for A/B testing and iterative improvement.

  • AI-first mindset: demonstrated experience integrating AI tools (e.g., Claude, Figma AI, v0) into personal design workflows.

  • Proficiency in Figma, including advanced skills in working with multi-brand design systems, tokens, and components.

  • Ability to balance the pursuit of design perfection with the need for rapid deployment, understanding when each approach is appropriate.

  • Strong English communication skills (Upper-Intermediate+).

  • Familiarity with GitHub for code-related tasks. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in the PDF SaaS domain.

  • Proficiency in motion design and prototyping complex interaction cases.

  • Experience creating or developing products leveraging AI, whether in a startup, internal project, or personal experiment.

  • Experience managing multiple projects concurrently (2+ projects).

  • Demonstrated ability to lead product experiments end-to-end, resulting in measurable business outcomes.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The "AI-first mindset" is a critical requirement, not just a preferred skill. The mention of "Vibe coding new functionality on the basis of existing repositories" implies that candidates should be comfortable with code repositories and potentially contributing to or understanding front-end code structures, especially in an AI-assisted development context.

๐Ÿ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase strong visual design execution and a clear demonstration of product-centric case studies.

  • Highlight projects where your design contributions directly influenced key business metrics (e.g., increased retention, improved conversion rates).

  • Detail your process for user research, ideation, A/B testing, and iteration, emphasizing data-driven decision-making.

  • Illustrate your experience with AI tools and how they were integrated into your design workflow to achieve specific outcomes.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in using design systems, components, and tokens within Figma, particularly in complex or multi-brand environments. Process Documentation:

  • Clearly articulate your approach to designing for user activation and retention funnels within a B2C Web SaaS context.

  • Provide examples of how you have utilized A/B testing to validate hypotheses and optimize web funnels for improved CR, CAC, and payback.

  • Detail your experience with conducting usability testing and user research to gather actionable insights and inform design iterations.

  • Showcase your understanding of how to work with and contribute to design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component, and candidates are expected to clearly demonstrate not just design skills but also a strategic understanding of product metrics and business impact. The emphasis on AI integration means portfolios should ideally include examples of how AI tools were used to achieve design goals.

๐Ÿ’ต Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Kyiv, Ukraine, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between 50,000 UAH to 100,000 UAH per month before taxes. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

  • Unlimited budget for AI tools (e.g., Claude, Codex, Cursor, Vercel) to support innovative workflows.

  • Mentorship and a personalized Professional Development Plan (PDP) guided by the Product Design Lead.

  • Generous paid time off: 20 days of vacation annually, plus paid public holidays and sick leave.

  • Opportunities for continuous learning through corporate training programs.

  • Provision of modern equipment to ensure a productive work environment.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate project needs and personal work styles, aligning with a hybrid work model.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Kyiv, Ukraine, for a mid-level Product Designer role. Specific compensation will be determined by the company based on the candidate's qualifications and the results of the interview process. The unlimited AI tools budget is a significant perk reflecting the company's commitment to cutting-edge technology.

๐ŸŽฏ Team & Company Context

๐Ÿข Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the Technology sector, specifically focusing on Software and Art & Design, with a strong emphasis on Data & Analytics and Creative & Media applications. FORMA, as a co-founding business within Universe, operates in the B2C Web SaaS space, providing services for efficient interaction with various file types.

Company Size: Universe is a growing organization, indicated by its diverse team structure and the development of multiple co-founding businesses like FORMA. This suggests an environment that balances structured processes with the agility of a startup.

Founded: Universe was founded with a vision to build innovative products and services. The FORMA product has rapidly achieved significant traction, with over 7 million monthly users and more than 100 tools, demonstrating a successful product-market fit and rapid growth trajectory.

Team Structure:

  • The design department is robust, comprising a Product Design Lead, three Middle Product Designers, and a Graphic/Motion Designer, fostering a collaborative and expert environment.

  • Product Designers like this role will work within cross-functional teams, closely integrated with Product Managers, Analysts, and Developers, ensuring alignment across all disciplines.

  • The organizational structure supports collaboration and shared ownership, typical of tech companies focused on rapid product development and iteration. Methodology:

  • Data analysis and AI-driven insights are central to the company's operational methodology, influencing design decisions and product strategy.

  • Workflow planning and optimization focus on agile principles, enabling rapid experimentation and iteration on user-facing features.

  • Automation and efficiency are key drivers, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI tools to streamline processes and enhance productivity across the product development lifecycle.

Company Website: https://uni.tech/

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: FORMA's success with millions of users indicates a robust infrastructure and a data-informed approach to product development. The company's structure as a "co-founding company" within Universe suggests an environment that encourages entrepreneurial spirit and rapid innovation, with dedicated resources for product growth.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (2-5 years of experience). It requires an individual who can operate semi-autonomously, taking ownership of design challenges from conception through to implementation and iteration, with a strong focus on business impact.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to the Product Design Lead and work within cross-functional teams. This structure allows for both specialized design guidance and broad product development collaboration.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on key business metrics, including user activation, retention, conversion rates, customer acquisition cost, and lifetime value. Designers are expected to be strategic partners in driving product growth and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in product metrics, AI-driven design workflows, and A/B testing methodologies, potentially leading to specialization in growth design or monetization.

  • Industry Learning: Access to corporate training, conferences, and mentorship from experienced leaders like the Product Design Lead, fostering continuous professional development.

  • Leadership Potential: The company's growth and focus on innovation create pathways for individuals to take on more complex projects, lead design initiatives, and potentially move into senior or leadership roles within the design department.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "business metrics" and "product strategy" positions this role beyond traditional UI/UX, aligning it closely with revenue operations and growth initiatives within the product development lifecycle. The "AI-first mindset" requirement also points to a forward-looking career path in design.

๐ŸŒ Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work arrangement. For those in Kyiv, it includes a comfortable office located in Podil, near Kontraktova Square, for collaborative sessions and team meetups.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for hybrid work is in Kyiv, Ukraine, specifically in the Podil district, easily accessible from Kontraktova Square.

Workspace Context:

  • The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for in-person interaction with product managers, analysts, and developers during designated office days.

  • Access to modern equipment ensures that designers have the necessary tools to perform their roles effectively.

  • The design department's structure encourages knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning, creating a supportive and dynamic workspace for operations professionals.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model provides flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work, which can be beneficial for focused design work and data analysis.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with one office day every two weeks in Kyiv strikes a balance between in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work, which is often preferred by operations and design professionals for focused tasks.

๐Ÿ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • CV and Portfolio Screening: Initial review focusing on relevant experience, design quality, and evidence of product metric impact and AI integration.

  • TA Specialist Interview: A preliminary conversation to assess cultural fit, motivation, and basic qualifications.

  • Technical Test (up to 8 hours): A practical assignment designed to evaluate design skills, problem-solving abilities, and the application of AI tools in a realistic scenario. This may involve designing a user flow, creating A/B test variations, or optimizing a specific feature.

  • Technical Interview with Product Design Lead: In-depth discussion about design philosophy, past projects, your approach to user research, A/B testing, and AI integration. Expect to walk through your portfolio and discuss specific design decisions and their impact.

  • Final Interview with Head of Product: A conversation to assess strategic alignment, business acumen, and overall fit within the company's product vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Metric-Driven Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, the solutions you designed, and most importantly, the measurable business impact (e.g., % increase in retention, CR lift).

  • AI Integration Showcase: Include specific examples of how you've used AI tools (e.g., for ideation, content generation, research synthesis) and the benefits derived.

  • Design System Proficiency: Demonstrate your ability to work with and contribute to design systems, showing examples of components, tokens, and variants in Figma.

  • Problem-Solving Narrative: Structure your case studies as compelling stories that highlight your analytical thinking, user empathy, and strategic design approach.

  • Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful projects and ensuring easy navigation.

Challenge Preparation:

  • AI Tool Familiarity: Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific AI tools mentioned (Claude, Figma AI, v0, Cursor) and how you'd leverage them for typical product design challenges.

  • Metrics and Optimization: Brush up on key product metrics (CR, CAC, LTV, Retention) and be ready to discuss strategies for designing to improve them.

  • Design System Best Practices: Understand how to maintain and scale design systems, especially in a multi-brand context.

  • Hybrid Work Acumen: Be ready to discuss how you manage collaboration and productivity in a hybrid work environment.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The technical test is a significant part of the process, so candidates should prepare a focused portfolio that directly addresses the requirements, especially regarding AI integration and business impact.

๐Ÿ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and managing design systems.

Advanced skills in components, tokens, and multi-brand system management are required.

  • AI Tools: A wide array of AI tools are encouraged and supported with an unlimited budget, including:

    • Claude: For content generation, research analysis, and ideation.
    • Figma AI: For AI-assisted design features within Figma.
    • v0 (by Vercel): For AI-generated UI components and prototypes.
    • Cursor: An AI-first code editor that may be relevant for understanding or contributing to front-end code.
    • Codex: Potentially for AI-assisted coding tasks.
  • GitHub: For version control and collaboration on code repositories, indicating a need for understanding or interaction with the development workflow.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While specific tools aren't listed, the role requires a strong understanding of product metrics (CR, CAC, LTV, ROI, retention). Candidates should be comfortable with data analysis and interpreting performance reports, likely using tools integrated with their product stack. CRM & Automation:

  • Not explicitly mentioned, but experience with CRM systems and workflow automation tools would be beneficial for understanding user journeys and optimizing processes.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "unlimited budget for AI tools" is a key differentiator. Candidates are expected to be proactive in exploring and integrating these tools into their design process. Familiarity with GitHub suggests a close working relationship with the engineering team.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • AI-First Approach: A commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence as a core component of the design and product development workflow.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from data and metrics to guide design choices and product strategy.

  • User-Centric Innovation: A dedication to creating impactful user experiences that drive engagement and retention.

  • Efficiency and Agility: Embracing rapid iteration, experimentation, and lean methodologies to deliver value quickly.

  • Collaboration and Ownership: Fostering a team environment where individuals take ownership of their work and collaborate effectively across disciplines.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Design is deeply integrated with product management, analytics, and engineering, fostering a collaborative and transparent workflow.

  • Experimentation Culture: A willingness to test new ideas, learn from failures, and continuously iterate on designs based on user feedback and performance data.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings within the design department and across teams to foster collective growth and expertise.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The alignment of company values with proactive use of AI and data-driven insights is crucial for success in this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they embody these values.

โšก Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Speed and Quality: Effectively managing the pressure to launch quickly while maintaining high design standards and user experience quality.

  • AI Integration Mastery: Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape and continuously integrating new tools and techniques into the design workflow.

  • Data Interpretation: Translating complex product metrics and user data into actionable design solutions that drive measurable business outcomes.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating diverse perspectives and priorities within cross-functional teams to achieve consensus on design direction and implementation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design tools and methodologies, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

  • Growth Design Mastery: Develop advanced skills in growth hacking, experimentation, and optimizing user funnels for maximum business impact.

  • Product Strategy Acumen: Gain deeper insights into product strategy, market analysis, and business model development through close collaboration with product leadership.

  • Mentorship and Leadership: Benefit from structured mentorship and potential leadership development opportunities as the company and product portfolio expand.

๐Ÿ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of fast-growing tech companies focused on innovation and data. The growth opportunities are geared towards becoming a highly skilled, data-informed, and AI-proficient product designer with potential for leadership.

๐Ÿ’ก Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you used AI tools to significantly improve a design outcome. What was the tool, your process, and the result?" (Focus on AI integration and measurable impact.)

  • "Walk us through a complex user flow you designed for activation or retention. What were the key metrics you targeted, and how did you measure success?" (Demonstrate understanding of product metrics and user journeys.)

  • "How do you balance the need for a perfect design with the urgency of launching an A/B test or a new feature quickly? Provide an example." (Highlight your ability to prioritize and make trade-offs.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about FORMA and Universe's mission? How do you see your design skills contributing to our growth?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with company goals.)

  • "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional team, especially when there are differing opinions on design direction?" (Assess your teamwork and communication skills.)

  • "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in AI and product design, and how do you integrate this knowledge into your work?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and proactivity.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative

Application Requirements

Requires 2+ years of experience in product or UI/UX design with a strong understanding of product metrics like CR, CAC, and LTV. Candidates must possess an AI-first mindset and proficiency in Figma, along with a portfolio demonstrating business impact.