Product Designer (m/w/d) (UI/UX) - 80%

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (m/w/d) (UI/UX) - 80%

Company: smino AG

Location: Zürich, Switzerland

Job Type: Festanstellung (Permanent Employment)

Category: Product Design / UI/UX Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the end-to-end product design lifecycle for a B2B SaaS platform in the construction industry, emphasizing user-centricity and data-driven decision-making.

• You will be responsible for translating complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective web and mobile interfaces.

• A key aspect involves leveraging AI tools to enhance user research synthesis, data structuring, and hypothesis validation for product discovery.

• Collaboration with Product Owners, Design Leads, and Development teams is crucial for seamless design implementation and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the detailed responsibilities, particularly regarding user needs analysis, data integration, and cross-functional collaboration, align closely with a Product Operations or UX Operations function within a tech company, especially given the emphasis on AI tools and B2B SaaS.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze and conceptualize user needs and business requirements to inform product design strategies.

• Plan and execute user research methodologies, including interviews and analysis of usage data, to derive actionable insights for product improvement.

• Develop comprehensive concepts for web and mobile interfaces for the company's B2B SaaS platform, targeting the construction sector.

• Create detailed wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes in Figma, ensuring adherence to the established design system.

• Prepare and structure design assets for efficient handover to the development team, streamlining the implementation process.

• Conduct usability tests to validate design solutions and identify areas for iterative improvement.

• Collaborate closely with Product Owners, the Design Lead, and developers to ensure cohesive product development.

• Actively integrate the user perspective into all product decision-making processes.

• Utilize AI tools for synthesizing user feedback, structuring research data, and rapidly validating hypotheses for product discovery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong blend of traditional UX/UI design with modern operational aspects like AI tool integration for research synthesis and data structuring, which is increasingly becoming a key function within product development operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a strong preference for experience within a B2B SaaS environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UX/UI design principles and methodologies.

• Proficiency in Figma for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototyping.

• Demonstrated experience conducting and analyzing usability tests.

• Strong command of German (native or near-native) and English (minimum B2 level).

• Structured, self-motivated, and analytical approach to problem-solving.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working alongside diverse stakeholders.

• High curiosity for emerging technologies, particularly AI, and a proactive approach to experimenting with AI workflows to enhance design efficiency and quality. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in UX research (interviews, analysis, synthesis).

• Prior experience in the B2B SaaS sector, ideally within the European market.

• Experience designing mobile user interfaces.

• Familiarity with prompt engineering concepts in the context of UI design and using AI models as co-creation partners.

• Previous experience within an AI SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) flow.

• Understanding of or experience within the construction industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tools, prompt engineering, and AI SDLC suggests the company is at the forefront of integrating AI into its product development, making candidates with this forward-thinking mindset highly desirable.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating the full UX/UI design process from conception to implementation.

• Highlight projects that involved user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, with clear articulation of the problem, your process, and the outcome.

• For B2B SaaS projects, provide examples of how you translated complex business requirements into user-friendly interfaces.

• Include examples of how you utilized design systems or contributed to their development.

• Demonstrate experience with Figma, including complex prototyping and component usage. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly outline the user research methodology employed, including details on participant recruitment and interview techniques.

• Detail the iterative design process, including how feedback from usability tests and stakeholders was incorporated.

• Explain how designs were prepared and handed off to development teams, including the use of tools or documentation for this process.

• Showcase instances where data analysis or AI tools were used to inform design decisions or validate hypotheses.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, especially one that highlights the candidate's ability to integrate AI tools into their design workflow and demonstrate measurable outcomes from their design decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a mid-level Product Designer (80% workload) with 2-5 years of experience in Zürich, Switzerland, the estimated gross annual salary range is CHF 75,000 - CHF 95,000 (pro-rated for 80%). This estimate is based on market research for similar roles in Zürich, considering the cost of living and typical compensation for specialized tech roles. The 80% workload would translate to approximately CHF 60,000 - CHF 76,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Attractive working conditions: Modern office located centrally in Zürich (near ETH Polyterasse).

• Innovative, modern, and international company culture with an inspiring work atmosphere and startup flair.

• Opportunity to join a young, humorous, ambitious, and smart team with flat hierarchies.

• Hybrid working environment offering flexibility with home-office options.

• New IT equipment provided, including a "Choose your own device" policy.

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI tools and contribute to a growing SaaS platform.

Working Hours: 32 hours per week (80% of a full-time position), with flexibility offered through a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on current market data for Zürich, Switzerland, for a mid-level designer in a tech company. The 80% part-time nature significantly impacts the annual figure. Benefits are listed as provided by the company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software / Technology (specifically B2B SaaS for the Construction Industry). smino AG provides a software solution to streamline construction project coordination, document management, task assignment, and file sharing.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify the exact size, but the description suggests a growing company with "startup flair" and "expansion course," likely ranging from 20-100 employees. This size implies a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact.

Founded: The company was founded on principles of teamwork and successful project execution, with its name derived from the Greek word for "swarm," emphasizing collective effort.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely includes a Design Lead and designers, working closely with Product Owners and a Development team.

• Collaboration is described as close and cross-functional, involving product strategy, development, and user feedback loops.

• Flat hierarchies are mentioned, suggesting an open and accessible management structure. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is evident through the emphasis on user research, usage data analysis, and usability testing.

• Agile methodologies are implied through close collaboration with development teams and iterative design processes.

• A strong focus on leveraging AI tools for research synthesis, data structuring, and hypothesis validation is a key operational methodology.

Company Website: smino.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of a dynamic startup environment with a professional, process-oriented approach to product development, particularly in its integration of AI and user-centric design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in UX/UI design within a specialized B2B SaaS context and gain exposure to cutting-edge AI integration in product development.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to the Design Lead and work closely with the Product Owner. This structure facilitates clear guidance and collaborative project execution.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer plays a critical role in shaping the user experience of smino's SaaS platform, directly impacting user adoption, satisfaction, and retention. By translating user needs into intuitive interfaces and leveraging AI for deeper insights, the role contributes significantly to product success and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in AI-Augmented Design: Deepen expertise in using AI tools for research, data analysis, and design generation, becoming a valuable asset in this emerging field.

• Product Strategy Contribution: As experience grows, contribute more significantly to product strategy and discovery through advanced user research and data interpretation.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, potentially leading design initiatives or mentoring junior designers as the company expands.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain in-depth understanding of B2B SaaS product development lifecycles, agile methodologies, and the construction industry's specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI integration provides a unique growth trajectory, allowing the designer to become a specialist in a highly sought-after area within product development operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern office space located centrally in Zürich, close to the ETH Polyterasse, suggesting a vibrant and accessible location.

Office Location(s): Zürich, Switzerland.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as innovative, modern, international, and having "startup flair," fostering an inspiring and dynamic atmosphere.

• A hybrid work model is in place, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with opportunities to work closely with product owners, design leads, and developers.

• New IT equipment, including a "Choose your own device" option, ensures team members have the tools they need to be productive.

Work Schedule: 32 hours per week (80% workload), offering a good work-life balance. The hybrid model provides flexibility in structuring the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and central Zürich location are attractive for attracting talent, while the "startup flair" suggests a fast-paced and collaborative setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit CV, cover letter (optional but recommended), and portfolio link via the "Jetzt bewerben" button.

• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will focus on your portfolio, assessing the quality, depth, and relevance of your UX/UI design case studies, particularly those showcasing AI integration or B2B SaaS experience.

• Initial Interview: A discussion with the Design Lead or Product Owner to assess your experience, design philosophy, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your background, motivations, and how you approach design challenges.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a small design challenge or present a detailed walkthrough of one of your portfolio case studies, focusing on your process, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, especially concerning AI tool usage.

• Team Interview: Meet with other team members (e.g., developers, Product Owner) to evaluate collaboration style and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize B2B SaaS or complex application design.

• Clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process (emphasizing user research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), and the measurable outcomes.

• Specifically detail how you incorporated AI tools into your workflow, the benefits gained, and any challenges overcome.

• Ensure your Figma proficiency is evident through interactive prototypes or detailed component examples.

• Be prepared to discuss your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you collaborated with stakeholders. Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the core problem and user needs quickly.

• Structure your approach logically, outlining your steps from research to solution.

• Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.

• If AI is relevant to the challenge, consider how you might leverage it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and a clear understanding of the candidate's design process, with a particular focus on their ability to integrate AI tools and deliver tangible results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototyping. Proficiency is essential.

• AI Tools: Used for user feedback synthesis, research data structuring, and product discovery hypothesis validation. Specific tools are not named, but familiarity with AI capabilities in these areas is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, expect to work with product analytics tools to understand user behavior and inform design decisions. Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or similar would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly within the scope of this role, but understanding how product design integrates with the broader customer journey and sales processes is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI Tools" and their application in research and discovery is a significant differentiator for this role, requiring candidates to be conversant with AI capabilities in design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Engagement: A drive to achieve the best with a talented team, taking initiative, making decisions, and proactively mastering challenges with dedication and responsibility.

• Respect & Appreciation: Fostering a culture of mutual support, recognizing individual potential, acknowledging good performance, celebrating successes, and maintaining open communication.

• Perseverance & Lightness: Strengths in overcoming challenges through self-confidence, positivity, flexibility, and effort, aiming for a state of ease where obstacles are surmounted.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with Product Owners and Developers is fundamental to the design and development process.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture that encourages continuous feedback loops, especially through usability testing and stakeholder reviews, to refine designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Implicit in a startup culture and described as a "smart team," suggesting an environment where knowledge and best practices are shared.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a proactive, collaborative, and resilient team dynamic, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and mutual respect, which are critical for successful product operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating AI Effectively: Navigating the evolving landscape of AI tools for design and ensuring their practical, ethical, and efficient application within the product development cycle.

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Continuously finding the optimal balance between user experience, technical feasibility, and business objectives within a fast-growing SaaS company.

• Designing for a Niche Industry: Deeply understanding the specific workflows, pain points, and technical requirements of the construction industry to create truly impactful solutions.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup Environment: Adapting quickly to changing priorities and market demands while maintaining design quality and user focus.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Gain hands-on experience and develop expertise in leveraging AI for UX research, data analysis, and creative ideation.

• Product Strategy Immersion: Deepen understanding of product discovery, market analysis, and strategic product roadmap development.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge of the construction technology (ConTech) sector.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced Product Owners, Design Leads, and developers within a growing tech company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are strongly tied to the company's focus on AI integration and its position within the specialized construction tech market, offering unique development paths for ambitious designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used AI tools to improve your design process or a product outcome. What were the results?" (Focus on specific tools, your process, and measurable impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints in a B2B SaaS context?" (Prepare examples of trade-offs and decision-making processes.)

• "Walk us through your process for conducting and synthesizing user research for a new feature. How would AI assist in this?" (Detail your research steps and highlight AI's role in efficiency or insight generation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about smino AG and our mission in the construction industry?" (Research smino's product, values, and market position.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid setting?" (Provide examples of your communication and teamwork skills.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with business objectives and contribute to measurable outcomes like user adoption or efficiency?" (Prepare case study examples with quantifiable results.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 1-2 case studies that best showcase your end-to-end design process, especially those involving complex problem-solving or AI integration.

• For each case study, clearly articulate: the problem, your role and responsibilities, the research conducted, your design decisions and rationale, the tools used (including AI), the testing performed, and the final outcomes/impact.

• Be prepared to discuss challenges encountered and how you overcame them.

• Use visuals effectively to demonstrate your work, focusing on clarity and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with AI tools in design, their understanding of B2B SaaS product development, and their ability to translate user needs into effective solutions within a collaborative environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the "Jetzt bewerben" button on the smino AG careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating UX/UI design for B2B SaaS platforms, user research methodologies, and crucially, your experience with AI tools in the design process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2-5 years of experience, proficiency in Figma, German/English language skills, and any relevant experience in SaaS, AI, or the construction industry. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for how you use AI in design and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research smino AG, its product, target market (construction industry), values, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.