Product Designer | Laura

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Laura (by Welyk)

Location: Milan, Italy

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UI/UX

Date Posted: November 3, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This Product Designer role focuses on crafting high-fidelity digital interfaces, emphasizing UI and visual design principles to create polished user experiences.

• A core responsibility involves end-to-end feature design, from problem definition and user flow mapping through to final design execution, requiring close collaboration with engineering teams.

• The position demands significant contribution to the development and ongoing evolution of a robust design system, ensuring consistency and reusability of components.

• A key differentiator for this role is the exploration and design of AI-native experiences, including conversational interfaces and intelligent interaction patterns.

• Proficiency in leveraging AI tools for creative exploration, rapid prototyping, and accelerating design workflows is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily Product Design, the emphasis on AI-native experiences and the use of AI in the design process suggests a strong intersection with UX/UI specialization, particularly in conversational design and generative design applications. The company's AI-first approach means candidates should be comfortable with rapid iteration and exploring novel interaction models.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on high-quality digital interfaces, meticulously focusing on typography, composition, visual hierarchy, color palettes, microinteractions, and states/transitions.

• Own the design process for new features, from initial problem understanding and user flow definition to the creation of polished, production-ready designs, collaborating closely with product managers and engineers.

• Actively contribute to the growth and maintenance of the company's design system, transforming individual designs into reusable components and ensuring system integrity.

• Conceptualize and design unique AI-native user experiences, including conversational UIs and intelligent, adaptive interaction patterns that leverage artificial intelligence.

• Utilize advanced AI tools and techniques for creative ideation, generating design concepts, producing functional prototypes, and optimizing overall design workflow efficiency.

• Collaborate effectively with the Design Lead, Product Manager, and development team, actively participating in design critiques, challenging existing solutions, and proposing innovative alternatives.

• Ensure a high degree of aesthetic quality and pixel-perfect execution across all digital touchpoints, reflecting a strong visual design sensibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "challenge existing solutions and propose alternatives" indicates a need for a proactive, strategic designer who can influence product direction beyond just executing specifications. The emphasis on AI-native experiences implies a need to think beyond traditional UI paradigms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrated experience in product design are paramount. A background in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience: 6+ years of hands-on product design experience, with a proven track record of delivering real-world digital products from concept to launch.

Required Skills:

• Advanced Figma Proficiency: Mastery of Figma's core features, including Auto Layout, Components, Variables, advanced Prototyping, and complex library management.

• Design System Expertise: Deep understanding of design system principles, including their construction, implementation, evolution, and governance across teams.

• UI & Visual Design Acumen: Exceptional aesthetic sensibility, strong visual culture, and meticulous attention to detail in typography, layout, color, and overall visual execution. This is highlighted as the most critical characteristic for the role.

• AI Tool Aptitude: Proven curiosity and ability to effectively utilize AI tools for creative exploration, draft generation, prototyping, and workflow acceleration.

• Product Design Lifecycle: Experience managing the full product design process, from user research and problem definition through to detailed UI design and developer handoff.

• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment, articulate design decisions clearly, and provide constructive feedback.

• Adaptability & Ownership: Demonstrated autonomy, a strong sense of ownership, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving startup environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within startup environments or on early-stage digital products.

• Prior experience designing AI-native interfaces and conversational products.

• Sensitivity and practical application of motion design principles and microinteractions.

• Foundational knowledge of HTML, CSS, and frontend development principles to understand technical feasibility and performance constraints.

• Experience with AI-assisted coding and advanced prototyping techniques.

• Background in visual design, art direction, or brand design, adding a holistic perspective.

• Previous experience in InsurTech, FinTech, or complex digital product domains.

• English language proficiency (though not explicitly required, it's beneficial in a global tech context).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "6+ years of experience" and "most important characteristic being aesthetic taste and visual culture" suggests this role is for a senior individual contributor who can act as a design leader in terms of quality and execution, even without a formal lead title. The "AI for design and prototyping" skill is critical and likely involves exploring novel AI applications beyond basic generative art.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Real-World Products: Showcase a portfolio featuring actual digital products designed and launched, demonstrating your impact and contribution.

• Curated Interfaces: Present interfaces that are meticulously crafted, highlighting your attention to detail, aesthetic sensibility, and problem-solving approach.

• Design Rationale: Clearly articulate your thought process, the problems you addressed, and the specific design choices made, explaining the "why" behind your solutions.

• System Integration: Demonstrate how your designs integrate with or contribute to a design system, showing an understanding of component-based design.

• AI Exploration: Include examples of how you've experimented with or integrated AI tools into your design workflow, showcasing innovative approaches.

Process Documentation:

• Problem Definition to Solution: Document the journey from understanding a complex problem to developing a user-centered, aesthetically pleasing, and functional digital solution.

• Design System Contribution: Illustrate instances where you've contributed to or built design system components, showing scalability and consistency.

• Iterative Design Process: Provide examples of how you iterate on designs based on feedback, testing, or evolving requirements, especially within a fast-paced environment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Showcase instances of effective collaboration with product managers and engineers, demonstrating clear communication and handoff processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio of "real products" and "curated interfaces" with "how you reason and which design choices you made" indicates a strong preference for demonstrating strategic thinking and execution quality over purely conceptual work. The mention of "AI for design and prototyping" suggests portfolio pieces that specifically highlight this capability will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €45,000 - €60,000 EUR per year.

This range is based on the provided information and reflects a senior-level Product Designer role in Milan, Italy, considering the specified experience level (6+ years) and the startup environment with AI specialization.

Benefits:

• Meal Vouchers: Provided to supplement daily work expenses.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees.

• Permanent Contract: Full-time, permanent employment contract (Contratto da dipendente a tempo indeterminato).

• 14 Monthly Salaries: Standard practice in Italy, reflecting a full year's salary distributed over 14 payments.

Working Hours: Hybrid work model, with approximately two days per week required in the Milan (Bicocca area) office. Significant flexibility is offered for individuals who demonstrate effective remote work capabilities. Standard working hours are assumed to align with Italian labor laws, typically around 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of €45,000 - €60,000 for a Product Designer with 6+ years of experience in Milan is competitive for a startup environment, especially one focusing on advanced technologies like AI. The hybrid model with flexibility is a common perk. The mention of "AI for design and prototyping" and "AI-native experiences" may justify this compensation level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance Technology (InsurTech), Artificial Intelligence, Software Development. Laura is disrupting the traditional insurance market by offering an AI-native consumer product.

Company Size: Approximately 20 people. This small, agile team size means high impact for each individual, rapid decision-making, and a close-knit work environment. Operations professionals here will experience direct influence and visibility.

Founded: Laura is a startup, implying a dynamic, fast-paced culture focused on innovation, growth, and potentially higher risk/reward compared to established corporations. The founding date isn't specified, but its "startup" status is key.

Team Structure:

• The design team is small and works in close proximity with product and engineering, fostering a highly collaborative and integrated workflow.

• Reporting lines are likely flat, with direct interaction with leadership, including the Design Lead and Product Manager.

• Cross-functional collaboration is fundamental, with designers embedded within feature teams, influencing product strategy and execution. Methodology:

• AI-Driven Workflows: The company heavily utilizes AI across its operations, including in the construction of its design system and daily workflows. This implies a data-driven and experimental approach.

• Agile Development: Given the startup nature and often changing priorities, an agile methodology is implied, requiring flexibility and rapid iteration.

• Design System as Code: The design system is managed by the design team, both in Figma and in code, indicating a strong emphasis on bridging design and development.

Company Website: https://recruiting.welyk.tech/jobs/8658597-product-designer-laura (Note: This is the recruiting portal URL, not necessarily the main company website).

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-native and AI-driven approach is central to Laura's identity. Operations candidates should be prepared for a culture that embraces technological innovation, rapid experimentation, and a highly integrated design-to-code process. The small team size suggests a need for individuals who are self-starters and comfortable wearing multiple hats.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer. It requires significant experience (6+ years) and a high degree of autonomy, aesthetic judgment, and technical skill. The designer is expected to contribute significantly to the design system and explore advanced concepts like AI-native interfaces.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design, working closely with the Product Manager and engineering teams. The structure is collaborative and cross-functional, typical of a lean startup.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the consumer-facing product's usability, aesthetic appeal, and innovative features. By designing AI-native experiences and contributing to a robust design system, they will drive user engagement, retention, and the overall success and differentiation of Laura's insurance platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead role as the company scales, taking on more strategic responsibilities and team management.

• AI Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-native design, conversational interfaces, and AI-assisted design workflows, becoming a subject matter expert in this cutting-edge field.

• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute more directly to product strategy and roadmap planning as their understanding of user needs and technological capabilities grows.

• Design System Ownership: Take on greater ownership of the design system's architecture and evolution, potentially influencing its application across different product areas.

• Broader Skill Development: Opportunity to gain exposure to InsurTech/FinTech product development, further enhancing their domain expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI for design and prototyping" and "AI-native experiences" presents a unique growth path. Candidates who excel here could become highly specialized and in-demand professionals in the emerging field of AI-augmented design. The small team size also means opportunities for rapid advancement and broad impact are significant.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. The company maintains an office in Milan (Bicocca area) which employees are expected to attend approximately two days per week. This offers a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Milan, Italy (Bicocca area). This location provides access to a vibrant urban environment and a hub for technology and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office is designed to facilitate collaboration among design, product, and engineering teams, encouraging spontaneous discussions and idea sharing.

• Technology-Rich: Employees will have access to the necessary tools and technologies, including advanced Figma licenses and potentially AI-powered design software.

• Agile & Dynamic: The workspace environment reflects the startup culture – dynamic, adaptable, and geared towards rapid iteration and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with a hybrid model requiring minimal office presence. This allows for work-life balance and accommodates personal needs while ensuring team connectivity. The core working hours are not explicitly defined but are expected to align with typical Italian business practices, with flexibility afforded to high-performing remote employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bicocca area" mention provides a specific geographical context within Milan, which can be helpful for candidates assessing commute and local amenities. The flexibility for remote work is a significant perk, suggesting a trust-based culture focused on outcomes rather than strict hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Welyk Recruiter Screen: Initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's core requirements.

• Welyk Tech Expert Interview: A technical deep dive, likely focusing on design process, Figma skills, design system knowledge, and approach to problem-solving.

• Client Technical Interview (Design Lead): Focused discussion with the Design Lead to evaluate design aesthetic, strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and specific experience relevant to AI-native products and design systems.

• Client Fit Interview (Product Manager): Assessment of cultural fit, collaboration style, ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment, and alignment with product vision.

• Final Interview (CEO/Administrator): A concluding conversation to assess overall alignment, long-term potential, and commitment to the company's vision.

• Remote Interviews: All stages of the interview process may be conducted remotely.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Integration: Showcase specific projects where you've used AI tools for ideation, prototyping, or workflow enhancement. Explain the benefits and outcomes.

• Design System Contribution: Clearly demonstrate your role in building, maintaining, or evolving a design system. Use examples of components, libraries, and governance strategies.

• Aesthetic Quality: Ensure your portfolio projects exhibit exceptional visual design, typography, layout, and microinteraction details. This is a critical evaluation point.

• Problem-Solution Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the challenges faced, and the rationale behind your key decisions.

• Real-World Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the impact of your designs on users or business objectives.

• Figma Mastery: Be prepared to discuss and demonstrate your advanced Figma skills (Auto Layout, Components, Variables, Prototyping).

Challenge Preparation:

• AI-Native Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing an AI-native feature or interface, considering conversational flows, user trust, and AI limitations.

• Design System Evolution: Prepare to discuss how you would evolve a design system to accommodate new types of components or interactions, especially those driven by AI.

• Prioritization & Trade-offs: Think about how you would handle changing priorities in a startup and make design trade-offs when faced with technical constraints or tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process, involving both Welyk and the client, is standard for this recruitment model. The emphasis on AI and design systems in the portfolio review and potential challenges is crucial for candidates to prepare for. The "fit with the product" interview suggests a need to understand Laura's specific market and user base.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for UI, visual design, prototyping, and design system management. Advanced proficiency in Auto Layout, Components, Variables, and Prototyping is essential.

• AI Design Tools: Various AI-powered platforms for creative exploration, draft generation, prototyping acceleration, and potentially AI-assisted coding. Examples could include tools for generative design, AI-powered mood boards, or AI writing assistants for UI copy.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's native capabilities, potentially other specialized tools for advanced prototyping or AI-driven simulations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for the designer role, they will likely interact with data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

• Designers may use tools for user feedback collection and analysis. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core toolset, but understanding how design integrates with customer journeys managed through CRM systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI for design and prototyping" and "AI-assisted coding" indicates that candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with a range of AI tools that augment the design process. This is a key differentiator for this role. The integration of Figma with AI tools is a critical aspect.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A paramount value, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail, aesthetic quality, and a drive for pixel-perfect execution.

• AI Innovation: A forward-thinking approach that embraces experimentation with AI to enhance both the product experience and the design workflow.

• Collaboration & Ownership: A culture where individuals take ownership of their work, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, and contribute to a shared vision.

• Adaptability & Agility: Comfort with rapid change, evolving priorities, and the dynamic nature of a startup environment.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and solving user problems through thoughtful, well-crafted design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers work seamlessly within product and engineering teams, fostering a holistic approach to product development.

• Open Feedback Culture: A willingness to give and receive constructive criticism to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights, best practices, and learnings, particularly around AI applications and design system evolution.

• Iterative Design: A collaborative process involving frequent reviews, feedback loops, and iterative refinement of designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a blend of traditional design rigor with cutting-edge technological exploration. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "AI for design" suggests a culture that is not afraid to experiment and push boundaries in user interface design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI Ambiguity: Navigating the inherent complexities and potential ambiguities of AI-driven features, ensuring user understanding and trust.

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Keeping pace with the fast-changing advancements in AI tools and methodologies relevant to design.

• Balancing Design System and Innovation: Maintaining the integrity and scalability of the design system while exploring novel AI-native interaction patterns.

• Startup Pace and Priorities: Adapting to frequent shifts in project priorities and managing multiple design initiatives in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring clear communication and alignment on design intent and technical feasibility with product and engineering teams, especially concerning AI features.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in designing for AI, including conversational design, ethical AI considerations, and generative design techniques.

• Advanced Figma & Prototyping: Mastering cutting-edge features in Figma and exploring advanced prototyping methods, potentially incorporating AI simulations.

• InsurTech Domain Expertise: Developing a strong understanding of the insurance industry and its digital transformation challenges.

• Design System Architecture: Contributing to the strategic development and architecture of a growing design system.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or take on lead responsibilities as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth area revolve around the company's core focus: AI. Candidates who are eager to learn and adapt to this evolving field will find significant opportunities for development. The "AI-assisted coding and advanced prototyping" nice-to-have points to specific areas for skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex problem you solved using design. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, rationale, and measurable results.)

• "How do you ensure aesthetic quality and consistency across different features and platforms, especially when working with a design system?" (Highlight your attention to detail and system thinking.)

• "Walk us through a project where you leveraged AI tools in your design process. What tools did you use, what were the benefits, and what were the limitations?" (Be specific about AI applications and outcomes.)

• "How would you approach designing an AI-native feature, such as a personalized insurance recommendation engine, from scratch?" (Focus on user needs, AI capabilities, and potential interaction models.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Laura and our mission to revolutionize insurance with AI?" (Research the company's vision and market.)

• "How do you adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment?" (Provide examples of your resilience and flexibility.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product managers and engineers." (Emphasize teamwork and open communication.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in AI and design?" (Showcase your continuous learning mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your role, your process, key decisions, challenges, and the final outcome/impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, well-designed, and visually engaging, reflecting your aesthetic skills. Use high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes where appropriate.

• Focus on AI & Systems: Dedicate specific sections or highlight elements within projects that demonstrate your AI tool usage and design system contributions.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Prepare to present your strongest, most relevant projects efficiently.

• Interactive Discussion: Be prepared for deep dives into specific design choices, technical considerations, and your thought process. Be ready to answer "why" questions thoroughly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate not just what they designed, but why they designed it that way, especially concerning AI-driven features and design system integration. The emphasis on "AI for design and prototyping" means interviewers will probe deeply into how candidates leverage these tools.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Welyk recruiting portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating advanced Figma skills, design system contributions, and, crucially, your experience with AI tools in the design process. Highlight the aesthetic quality and problem-solving aspects of your work.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 6+ years of product design experience, highlighting achievements related to UI/UX, design systems, and AI integration. Use keywords like "Figma," "Design System," "AI-native," "Prototyping," and "UI Design."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and contributions for your portfolio projects. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled complex design challenges and collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss your perspective on AI in design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Laura's mission, their AI-first approach, and the InsurTech landscape. Understand their values and how your design philosophy aligns with theirs.

⚠️ 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.