Product Designer (R&D)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (R&D)

Company: HOLYWATER TECH

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / R&D

Date Posted: 2026-10-06

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

Remote Status: Remote (with hybrid options in Kyiv and Lviv)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design of an innovative AI-companion platform, focusing on user engagement and AI interaction.

• Develop core product surfaces including onboarding, character catalog/search, chat interfaces, and creation/editing tools.

• Design and iterate on monetization strategies, encompassing tiered subscriptions and in-app currency systems.

• Drive data-informed product improvements through rigorous analysis of screen metrics and A/B testing of key user flows.

• Collaborate directly with a lean engineering team comprising Mobile Full Stack (React Native) and Backend AI Engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational design contributor within a new R&D initiative, emphasizing a hands-on approach and direct impact on product strategy and execution. The "R&D" in the title, combined with "creating a product from scratch," highlights a focus on innovation and early-stage product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design user flows for an AI-companion product, enabling users to interact with AI characters, create their own heroes, and engage in role-playing scenarios.

• Design the primary user interfaces for the AI-companion, including intuitive onboarding experiences, a comprehensive character catalog and search functionality, a dynamic chat screen, and robust character creation/editing tools.

• Develop and optimize monetization features, including designing tiered subscription models, implementing an in-app currency system, and defining logic for currency balance and deduction.

• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and user behavior metrics for designed screens to identify areas for improvement and drive iterative design enhancements.

• Conduct and analyze A/B tests on critical user journeys, such as onboarding flows and paywalls, to optimize conversion rates and user adoption.

• Collaborate closely with two dedicated engineers (React Native Mobile Full Stack and Backend AI Engineer) to ensure seamless implementation of design specifications and provide ongoing design support.

• Actively participate in user research activities, including user interviews and hypothesis testing, to gather insights and validate design decisions.

• Translate user feedback and research findings into actionable product design improvements, ensuring a user-centric development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize a "build from scratch" mentality, requiring the designer to not only create UI/UX but also to deeply understand the underlying AI mechanics and their impact on user experience, as well as the business objectives of monetization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for Product Designer roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be highly valued.

Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of experience in product design, with a proven track record in developing AI-driven products from inception.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in product design, with specific expertise in creating AI-powered products from scratch.

• Demonstrated experience designing chat interfaces, managing AI generation states, and handling screen behavior during generation delays and errors.

• Proven ability to manage user expectations regarding AI response quality and behavior.

• Experience designing for mobile B2C products across both iOS and Android platforms.

• Proficiency in user research methodologies, including conducting user interviews, testing hypotheses, and analyzing competitor offerings.

• Strong understanding of product and business metrics, with the ability to demonstrate how design decisions impact key performance indicators such as conversion rates and user retention.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for design and prototyping.

• Active experience using AI tools within the design workflow (e.g., Claude Design, or similar AI-assisted design tools).

• Exceptional logical thinking skills and a strong sense of ownership and initiative.

• Ability to articulate and defend design decisions with clear, data-backed arguments. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with React Native development principles to better collaborate with mobile engineers.

• Familiarity with backend AI concepts and their implications for product design.

• Experience in designing and optimizing monetization strategies for mobile applications.

• Portfolio showcasing AI-product design, complex user flows, and data-driven iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "3+ years," "AI product from scratch," and "hands-on" work suggests a need for a designer who is not just a visual designer but a product thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, capable of operating with significant autonomy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A dedicated section showcasing experience with AI-driven products, specifically highlighting contributions to chat interfaces, AI character creation, and user interaction within AI environments.

• Case studies demonstrating the end-to-end design process for mobile B2C applications, from initial research and concept development to final implementation and iteration.

• Visual examples of UI/UX designs for onboarding flows, catalog/search interfaces, chat screens, and monetization features (subscriptions, in-app currency).

• Evidence of data-driven decision-making, including examples of how user research, A/B tests, and product metrics influenced design iterations and led to measurable improvements (e.g., increased conversion, retention).

• Demonstrations of proficiency with Figma, including complex prototyping and design system components if applicable. Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies that outline the problem, your design process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

• Documentation of user research methodologies employed, including user interview summaries, hypothesis testing frameworks, and competitor analysis findings.

• Examples of iterative design processes, showing how feedback and data were used to refine designs over time.

• Explanation of how monetization strategies were designed and tested, with a focus on balancing user experience with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to not only design visually appealing interfaces but also to think strategically about product growth, user engagement, and monetization within an AI context. The requirement to "work hands-on" implies a portfolio that shows practical application rather than just theoretical concepts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer with 3+ years of experience in Kyiv, Ukraine, the estimated salary range is typically between ₴50,000 to ₴90,000 per month, depending on the depth of AI product experience and specific skill set. For remote international candidates, this would be adjusted based on market rates and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Professional Growth: Access to lectures, libraries, hackathons, and specialized schools. Compensation for professional training and language learning (including Ukrainian).

• Flexible Work: Choose between working from home, hybrid in their Kyiv or Lviv offices (equipped with generators, shelters, and inclusive amenities), or remotely from abroad.

• Tools & Equipment: Provision of all necessary technology and services for work.

• Time Off: 20 days of paid vacation, plus official holidays and unlimited sick leave.

• Well-being: Compensation for sports activities, medical insurance (in Ukraine after probation), corporate doctor services, and mental health support.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered to accommodate different work formats and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for mid-level Product Designers in Kyiv, Ukraine. HOLYWATER TECH's emphasis on international presence and remote work suggests that compensation for non-Ukrainian residents might be benchmarked against global standards or specific regional markets, potentially leading to a higher range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Entertainment, AI, Mobile Applications. HOLYWATER TECH operates at the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence, focusing on developing AI-native platforms for entertainment and storytelling. Their products are AI-driven, aiming to redefine how users create and consume content.

Company Size: The company has experienced significant growth, with over 100 million app downloads and a recent x2 annual growth rate in 2024-2025. This suggests a dynamic, scaling organization, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand employees globally, with specialized teams in product, engineering, marketing, and operations.

Founded: Founded with a vision to merge human imagination with AI capabilities, HOLYWATER TECH has rapidly established itself as a leader in AI-native entertainment platforms. Their journey includes strategic partnerships and numerous international awards, indicating a strong focus on innovation and quality.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is currently lean, with this role being the sole designer for the new AI-companion product at the outset.

• Direct reporting line to product leadership or a Head of Product/Design is likely, given the autonomy and strategic nature of the R&D role.

• Close collaboration with two dedicated engineers (Mobile Full Stack and Backend AI Engineer) is a core aspect of the team structure for this initiative.

• Cross-functional collaboration extends to other departments such as marketing, data analytics, and potentially legal/compliance as the product scales. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core methodology, with emphasis on analyzing product metrics and conducting A/B tests to inform design iterations.

• Agile development methodologies are implied, given the close collaboration with engineering and iterative approach to product development.

• A strong focus on user research and understanding user needs to drive product innovation and user satisfaction.

• Embracing AI tools and technologies as integral to both the product itself and the design workflow.

Company Website: https://www.holywater.tech/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be high-growth, innovative, and user-centric, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI. The lean team structure for this R&D role means the designer will have significant ownership and influence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-level to senior-individual contributor level within the Product Design discipline. It is a critical role within an R&D initiative, offering the opportunity to shape a new product from its genesis. The "Product Designer (R&D)" title and the "create product from scratch" responsibility indicate a high level of autonomy and strategic input, moving beyond typical execution-focused design roles.

Reporting Structure: The designer will work directly with two engineers. Their reporting structure is likely to be to a Product Lead or Head of Product/Design, providing guidance and oversight without micromanagement. The emphasis on autonomy suggests a flat hierarchy for this specific project team.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work will have a direct and significant impact on the success of HOLYWATER TECH's new AI-companion product. By shaping the user experience, engagement flows, and monetization strategies, the designer will directly influence user acquisition, retention, and revenue generation. Their decisions will be crucial in establishing the product's market position and user adoption, contributing to the company's overall growth trajectory and its mission to redefine storytelling through AI.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in AI Product Design: Deepen expertise in designing for AI-native products, a rapidly growing and high-demand field.

• Product Leadership: Potential to grow into a lead design role for future R&D projects or to manage a design team as the company expands.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain experience in product strategy, business metrics analysis, and direct collaboration with engineering, enhancing overall product management skills.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to award-winning products and gain visibility within the AI and entertainment tech sectors.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Participate in the foundational stages of a new product, offering a taste of building a venture within a larger, established company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential for a designer keen on specializing in AI products and taking on significant responsibility early in a product's lifecycle. The "R&D" aspect implies a forward-thinking environment ripe for innovation and career advancement in cutting-edge technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: HOLYWATER TECH offers a choice of work environments: fully remote, hybrid, or on-site. Their physical offices in Kyiv and Lviv are designed to be fully equipped and inclusive, featuring generators and shelters for operational continuity. This suggests a modern, supportive, and resilient workspace.

Office Location(s):

• Kyiv, Podil: A central and accessible location for those preferring an office environment.

• Lviv: Another office location offering similar amenities.

• International Offices: The company also has offices abroad, facilitating potential relocation or remote work from specific international locations. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite the remote and hybrid options, the company fosters a culture of collaboration, with direct interaction expected between the designer and engineers on the team. The emphasis on "strong people around you" suggests a supportive and intellectually stimulating work atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: A modern tech stack is implied, with a strong reliance on Figma and AI tools for design, and React Native/Backend AI for development. The company provides all necessary equipment and services.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with engineers is a given. Opportunities for broader team engagement, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration are likely, even within a remote/hybrid setup.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, but the company emphasizes flexibility. This allows designers to manage their time effectively, balancing project demands with personal needs, which is particularly beneficial for roles requiring deep focus and creative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's commitment to providing well-equipped physical workspaces in Kyiv and Lviv, alongside robust remote and hybrid options, caters to diverse working preferences. This flexibility, coupled with a focus on operational resilience (generators, shelters), indicates a stable and forward-thinking employer.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly focusing on AI product design experience.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: A discussion about your background, experience with AI products, design philosophy, and understanding of product metrics. This may involve behavioral questions.

• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or tackle a specific design problem. This will assess your problem-solving skills, design process, ability to articulate decisions, and how you handle feedback. Focus on showcasing your "hands-on" approach and AI product design expertise.

• Team/Engineering Interview: An opportunity to meet potential collaborators (engineers) and discuss technical aspects, design feasibility, and team fit. Questions may cover your experience working with engineering teams and understanding of mobile development constraints.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or co-founder to discuss vision, culture fit, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Product Design: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects related to AI products, chat interfaces, character creation, or similar innovative AI applications. Clearly articulate your specific contributions and the impact of your design decisions.

• Showcase Data-Driven Iteration: Detail how you used user research, product metrics, and A/B testing to inform and improve your designs. Quantify the results wherever possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%").

• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Include examples that showcase your advanced Figma skills, such as complex prototyping, interactive components, or a well-structured design system.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, walk through your thought process: the problem, your research, the ideation, the solution, and the outcome. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Address Monetization Design: If possible, include examples of designing monetization features (subscriptions, in-app purchases) and how you balanced user experience with business goals.

• Be Ready to Discuss Limitations: Acknowledge any constraints you faced (technical, time, resources) and how you navigated them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the AI Context: Be prepared to discuss challenges unique to AI product design, such as managing user expectations, handling unpredictable AI outputs, and designing for evolving AI capabilities.

• Focus on Core Product Areas: Practice designing for onboarding, chat interfaces, and character creation/editing, as these are explicitly mentioned in the responsibilities.

• Think Metrics-Driven: Frame your approach around key metrics like conversion, retention, and engagement. Be ready to propose how you would measure the success of your designs.

• Articulate Subjectivity: Since this is an R&D role with creative elements, be ready to defend your subjective design choices with logical reasoning and user-centric principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and fit within a fast-paced, innovative R&D environment. A strong portfolio showcasing AI product experience and data-driven iteration is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• AI Design Tools: Active use of AI tools in the design workflow is expected (e.g., Claude Design, Midjourney for inspiration, or other AI-assisted design assistants).

• Prototyping Tools: Advanced prototyping capabilities within Figma are essential.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: While not explicitly named, familiarity with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms for tracking user behavior and product metrics is implied.

• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with A/B testing frameworks and platforms for optimizing user flows and conversion rates.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Tools: Likely use of project management and communication tools such as Slack, Jira, Asana, or similar for team coordination.

• Version Control (for Design Systems): If a design system is in place, familiarity with versioning and collaborative workflows is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and AI design tools is paramount. While specific analytics platforms aren't listed, a strong understanding of product metrics and A/B testing principles is a key requirement, indicating the need to be data-literate.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A core value, reflected in their AI-native products and mission to redefine storytelling. Designers are encouraged to experiment and push boundaries.

• User-Centricity: Deep focus on understanding and serving user needs, driving product decisions based on user research and feedback.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions are backed by data and metrics, with a continuous cycle of analysis and iteration to optimize product performance.

• Autonomy & Ownership: Employees are trusted to take initiative, make decisions, and drive projects forward with minimal micromanagement.

• Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and challenging the status quo.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Lean: Collaboration is highly direct, especially between designers and engineers on project teams, with minimal hierarchy.

• Cross-functional Integration: While the core team is small, there's an expectation of collaboration across departments to ensure product success.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: The culture encourages open feedback and constructive critique to foster improvement and innovation.

• Proactive Communication: Given the remote/hybrid setup, proactive and clear communication is essential for effective teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: HOLYWATER TECH fosters a culture that values innovation, user impact, and individual initiative. The emphasis on "strong people around you" and "thinking differently" suggests an environment where ambitious and creative individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: The primary challenge is designing a completely new AI-companion product, requiring extensive foundational work, hypothesis testing, and dealing with inherent uncertainties in early-stage product development.

• AI Product Complexity: Designing for AI involves unique challenges, such as managing user expectations around AI capabilities, handling unpredictable outputs, and ensuring ethical considerations are addressed.

• Balancing Innovation with Monetization: Effectively integrating monetization strategies without compromising user experience or the innovative nature of the AI product.

• Sole Designer Role: Being the sole designer initially requires managing multiple facets of design, from ideation to detailed execution, demanding strong organizational and time-management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Product Design Specialization: Gain unparalleled experience in a highly sought-after field, becoming an expert in AI-driven user experiences.

• End-to-End Product Lifecycle: Experience the full journey of bringing a new product to market, from concept to iteration, providing a holistic understanding of product development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work closely with AI engineers and mobile developers, deepening understanding of technical constraints and opportunities.

• Strategic Impact: Directly influence the direction and success of a new product, offering significant professional satisfaction and resume-building experience.

• Company-Sponsored Learning: Access to lectures, libraries, hackathons, and compensation for professional training and language acquisition.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges but also offers exceptional opportunities for growth in a cutting-edge field. The company's investment in employee development further enhances the appeal for ambitious designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing an AI-powered product from scratch. What are the key considerations when dealing with AI's unique characteristics?"

• "How would you approach designing the monetization strategy for an AI-companion app, balancing user experience with revenue goals?"

• "Walk me through a time you used product metrics or A/B testing to significantly improve a product's conversion or retention. What was your process?"

• "How do you manage user expectations when the AI's output might be unpredictable or imperfect?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to defend your design decisions to stakeholders or engineers. What was your approach and the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about HOLYWATER TECH's mission and its approach to AI in entertainment?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a lean, fast-paced R&D environment?"

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with engineers and product managers."

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in AI and product design?"

• "What are your thoughts on the balance between creative exploration and data-driven decision-making in design?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation around a compelling story for each case study: the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the quantifiable results.

• Focus on AI & Data: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your experience with AI products and your ability to use data (metrics, A/B tests) to drive design decisions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. Showcase your Figma work, prototypes, and user flow diagrams. Explain your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your design solutions (e.g., "Increased user engagement by 15%," "Improved onboarding completion rate by 10%").

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical feasibility, and the trade-offs you made. Prepare to discuss the "why" behind every decision.

• Highlight Ownership: Given the "hands-on" nature of the role, demonstrate your ability to take ownership from concept to execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative problem-solving, analytical rigor, and a deep understanding of AI product design principles, all within the context of a collaborative, data-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer (R&D) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.ashbyhq.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with AI products, mobile B2C design, user research, and data-driven iteration. Use keywords from the job description such as "AI product design," "chat interfaces," "Figma," and "product metrics."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best showcase your experience with AI-driven products, mobile design, and your end-to-end design process. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your solution, your role, and the quantifiable impact of your work. Pay close attention to demonstrating your AI product design expertise.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies. Be ready to articulate your design decisions, your process, and the results clearly and concisely, focusing on the AI and data aspects.

• Research HOLYWATER TECH: Familiarize yourself with the company's products (My Drama, My Passion, My Muse), their mission, recent news (partnerships, awards), and their overall approach to AI and entertainment. Understand their growth trajectory and market position.

⚠️ 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.