Product Designer (Research)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (Research)

Company: BIMM

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) / User Research

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives to uncover critical insights and validate design strategies for digital products.

• Develop intuitive user experiences by creating comprehensive user flows, journey maps, and information architecture artifacts.

• Translate design concepts and wireframes into high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes, leveraging established design systems and brand guidelines.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Developers, and QA teams to ensure seamless implementation of design solutions within an Agile framework.

• Present design rationale, research findings, and strategic recommendations persuasively to both internal stakeholders and external clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is heavily focused on the research aspect of product design, requiring a candidate who can independently drive user studies and translate findings into actionable design improvements. The emphasis on supporting a large client suggests a need for strong client-facing communication and presentation skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research studies, including planning, participant recruitment, moderation of interviews and usability tests, and quantitative surveys.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative research data into clear, actionable insights and compelling reports that inform product and design direction.

• Design user flows, task flows, journey maps, and information architecture to create intuitive and efficient user experiences across web products.

• Develop interactive, clickable prototypes for usability testing and concept validation, iterating based on user feedback.

• Create high-fidelity mockups and polished visual designs that adhere to design systems, brand standards, and creative direction.

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional product teams, including Product Managers, Developers, and QA, throughout the entire product development lifecycle.

• Present complex design concepts, research findings, and strategic recommendations with sound rationale to internal teams and client stakeholders.

• Manage multiple design requests and competing priorities in a fast-paced Agile environment, ensuring high quality and timely delivery.

• Advocate for user needs while balancing business objectives, technical constraints, and project timelines.

• Contribute research insights and design perspectives throughout the product sprint cycle, from discovery to post-release.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a proactive approach to research, from defining screener questions and recruitment criteria to executing studies and presenting unbiased, compelling findings. The ability to work within a Design System and leverage brand/product usage guidelines is crucial for maintaining design consistency and quality.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is often preferred for roles with a strong research component. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in product design, with a significant focus on user research and UX/UI design for responsive web applications within cross-functional product teams.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in conducting end-to-end user research, including qualitative (interviews, usability testing) and quantitative methods (surveys).

• Strong portfolio demonstrating a comprehensive product design process, from problem definition and concept development through validation and delivery.

• Expertise in UX/UI best practices, interaction patterns, information architecture, and accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Proficiency in creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs using design systems and component libraries.

• Experience with Figma and FigJam for design, prototyping, and research synthesis.

• Familiarity with popular testing platforms such as UserTesting.com, UserZoom, Optimizely, or Appinio.

• Ability to advocate for user needs while balancing business goals and technical constraints.

• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and research findings clearly.

• Experience working in an Agile development environment.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and proactively gather context to drive work forward. Preferred Skills:

• Experience estimating and scoping work within a sprinted Agile delivery schedule.

• Understanding of front-end and back-end component constraints.

• Familiarity with the constraints of 3rd party integrations (3PIs).

• Experience designing for the automotive sector.

• Experience with AI tools and plugins to enhance the design process.

• Experience designing native mobile applications (iOS and Android).

• Knowledge of AI-powered tools that enhance research, ideation, prototyping, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3-5 years of experience suggests this is a mid-level role. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end product design work" implies that candidates should showcase their process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of their research and design decisions, not just final deliverables.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing end-to-end product design work.

• Demonstrate a clear process from problem definition, user research, concept development, and validation through to final delivery.

• Include case studies that highlight the candidate's role in user research, the methodologies used, and how insights informed design decisions.

• Showcase examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Clearly articulate the problem statement, design challenges, your contributions, and the outcomes or impact of your work.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams and how user feedback was incorporated. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings clearly and concisely.

• Examples of creating user flows, journey maps, and information architecture diagrams.

• Demonstrations of how design systems and component libraries were utilized or contributed to.

• Evidence of presenting design rationale and research findings to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to walk through their portfolio, explaining their design process and research methodologies in detail. The ability to articulate how research directly influenced design outcomes and contributed to business goals will be a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 CAD per year.

Explanation of Range: This range is based on the provided compensation information and reflects industry standards for a mid-level Product Designer with a strong research focus in Toronto, Ontario. Factors such as specific experience, skills, and the nuances of the client project can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Access to professional development opportunities, including on-site Lunch n’ Learns, conferences, and online courses.

• Membership in the kyu collective network, offering access to additional resources, training, and offices.

• Active social committee organizing various team events and outings (e.g., bowling, Jays games, cooking classes, holiday parties) to foster a fun and engaging work environment.

• Commitment to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) with an active committee organizing awareness activities and events.

• Support for an inclusive and accessible work environment, with accommodations available for recruitment and interview processes.

• Potential for access to resources and training through the kyu collective network.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The role operates within EST hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a mid-level Product Designer in Toronto. The benefits package emphasizes professional growth, a strong company culture, and inclusivity, which are attractive to many design professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising / Digital Products / Data & Technology. BIMM operates at the intersection of data, technology, and creativity, focusing on building high-performing campaigns and digital products.

Company Size: BIMM is part of the larger kyu collective, implying a substantial network and resource base. The specific size of BIMM as a standalone agency is not detailed but is described as "growing."

Founded: BIMM is described as having "decades of experience," indicating a long-standing presence in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will work within cross-functional product teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Developers, QA, and potentially Design Researchers.

• The role also involves supporting one of BIMM's largest clients, suggesting a client-facing component and the need to integrate with client teams or represent BIMM's design capabilities.

• The presence of a social committee and DEI committee indicates structured efforts towards employee engagement and fostering a positive workplace culture. Methodology:

• BIMM emphasizes a "creative realist" approach, grounding ideas in business realities and focusing on results and flawless execution.

• The company operates with high-performing teams to deliver high-performing campaigns, products, and experiences.

• Collaboration with clients as partners is a core aspect of their methodology.

• The role operates within an Agile delivery schedule, requiring adaptability and iterative development.

Company Website: https://bimm.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: BIMM positions itself as a data-driven agency that blends creativity with practical execution. The "creative realist" ethos suggests a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and a focus on delivering tangible results for clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer (3-5 years of experience). It requires independent execution of research and design tasks, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and client-facing presentations. The emphasis on "heavy on the User Research side" suggests specialization within the broader product design discipline.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the role likely reports to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or Head of Design within BIMM. The direct collaboration with PMs and Developers indicates a flat hierarchy within project teams.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is critical in shaping user experiences for BIMM's clients, directly influencing product usability, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the success of digital products and campaigns. By grounding design decisions in user research and business realities, the role contributes to high-performing outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in user research methodologies, qualitative/quantitative analysis, and specific research tools.

• Client Engagement: Develop advanced client presentation and stakeholder management skills by working with a large, key client.

• Design System Contribution: Potentially contribute to or evolve existing design systems and component libraries.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Grow in ability to influence product strategy and roadmap through impactful research insights.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers as experience grows within the team.

• Broader Network: Leverage the kyu collective network for access to global best practices, training, and potential cross-agency opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth by allowing the designer to specialize in research while also developing broader product design and client-facing skills. The connection to kyu collective provides a unique advantage for global exposure and learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with the expectation of working from BIMM's office in the Distillery District, Toronto, 2 days per week for local candidates. Remote candidates across Canada must work EST hours.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Distillery District).

Workspace Context:

• The Distillery District location suggests a vibrant, potentially collaborative workspace in a well-known Toronto area.

• The hybrid model allows for a balance of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

• The need to work EST hours for remote candidates ensures alignment with core business operations and client interactions.

• BIMM emphasizes a fun, friendly, and egoless culture with various social events, indicating a supportive and engaging office environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, adhering to EST time zone requirements. The role operates within an Agile sprint cycle, which may involve some flexibility around sprint planning and review meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement for local candidates indicates a value placed on in-person collaboration, team building, and the company culture. Remote candidates must demonstrate strong self-management and availability during EST business hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's research focus.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their user research process, problem-solving skills, and design impact. Expect in-depth questions about their methodologies, decision-making rationale, and collaboration experience.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be given to assess design thinking, research synthesis, or prototyping skills. This could involve analyzing a problem, proposing research methods, or critiquing an existing design.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential team members (designers, PMs, developers) and possibly client stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Research: Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your user research process, including how you define research goals, select methodologies, recruit participants, conduct studies, and synthesize findings.

• Showcase Impact: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your role, the research insights gained, how those insights informed your design decisions, and the resulting impact (e.g., improved usability, increased conversion, user satisfaction). Quantify results where possible.

• Process Over Polish: While polished visuals are good, BIMM values the process. Be prepared to discuss your thought process, challenges faced, and how you iterated on designs based on research and feedback.

• Client Collaboration: If possible, include examples that demonstrate your ability to work with clients, present findings, and manage feedback effectively.

• Figma/FigJam Proficiency: Be ready to showcase examples of your work created in Figma and FigJam, particularly for prototyping and research synthesis.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research-Centric: If a design challenge is given, focus on how you would approach understanding the user and problem space through research before jumping into solutions.

• Agile Mindset: Demonstrate an understanding of working within Agile sprints, prioritizing tasks, and collaborating with developers.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when presenting your approach and findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "heavy on the User Research side" means candidates should prioritize showcasing their research capabilities and the impact of that research on product outcomes. Be prepared to defend your research choices and design decisions with data and user insights.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary), FigJam (for ideation and synthesis).

• User Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, UserZoom, Optimizely, Appinio, or similar platforms for moderated and unmoderated usability testing, A/B testing, and surveys.

• Collaboration Tools: Likely standard office suite tools, project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana), and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and data visualization tools would be beneficial for understanding product performance post-launch.

• Proficiency in creating clear, compelling written reports and presentations for research findings. CRM & Automation:

• BIMM's description mentions helping clients implement CRM customer journeys, indicating a general understanding of CRM principles. Direct experience with specific CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is not a requirement but would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, FigJam, and various testing platforms highlights the core technical skills required. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they leverage them to enhance the design and research process. The mention of AI tools in requirements and nice-to-haves suggests an openness to exploring AI for efficiency gains.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Realism: Balancing innovative ideas with practical execution and tangible results.

• High Performance: Striving for excellence in campaigns, products, and experiences.

• Collaboration: Working closely with clients as partners and within cross-functional teams.

• Having Fun Everyday: Fostering a positive, engaging, and egoless work environment.

• Belonging: Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, creating an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.

• Love 2 Learn: Prioritizing continuous personal and professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with Product Managers, Developers, and QA within Agile teams.

• Client Partnership: Engaging clients as partners to understand their business realities and deliver tailored solutions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback exchange, asking for help, and supporting teammates.

• Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing user research and data to inform design decisions and present compelling rationale.

• Inclusive Environment: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging.

📝 Enhancement Note: BIMM's culture appears to be a blend of results-driven agency work and a strong emphasis on employee well-being, fun, and inclusivity. The "creative realist" approach suggests a pragmatic yet innovative mindset.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs and User Experience: Effectively advocating for user needs while aligning with client business goals and technical constraints on a large client project.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Proactively driving research and design forward when requirements are not fully defined, a common challenge in agency environments.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple projects, requests, and tight deadlines inherent in agency work and Agile sprints.

• Translating Research to Actionable Insights: Ensuring research findings are clearly communicated and effectively integrated into design and product development.

• Adapting to Evolving Tools: Staying current with new design and research tools, including AI-powered solutions, to maintain efficiency and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Deepen expertise in various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Client Presentation Skills: Refine abilities in presenting complex information and design rationale to external stakeholders.

• Design System Mastery: Gain experience working with and potentially contributing to established design systems.

• Industry Exposure: Access to learning resources and a broader network through the kyu collective.

• Agile Process Optimization: Enhance skills in navigating and contributing effectively within Agile sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for a designer passionate about user research to grow their skills in a dynamic agency setting, working with major clients and leveraging a strong support network.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research to uncover a significant insight that changed the direction of a product or feature." (Focus on your process, the insight, and the impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints? Provide an example." (Highlight your decision-making framework and negotiation skills.)

• "Walk me through your process for conducting a usability test. What metrics do you typically track, and how do you report findings?" (Demonstrate your research methodology and reporting clarity.)

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility and ensuring inclusivity in your designs?" (Showcase your understanding of standards and user empathy.)

• "Describe your experience working with design systems. How do you ensure consistency while also introducing new components or patterns?" (Focus on your understanding of system thinking and collaboration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about BIMM and our 'creative realist' approach?" (Research BIMM's work and values, connect your experience to their ethos.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid or remote setting?" (Emphasize your teamwork, communication, and 'having fun' attitude.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends and tools in UX research and design?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.)

• "What are your thoughts on using AI in the design process?" (Refer to the job description's mention of AI tools.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and responsibilities, the research methodologies employed, key findings, design decisions made based on research, and the final outcome/impact.

• Emphasize the 'Why': Explain the rationale behind your research choices and design decisions. Don't just show what you did, explain why you did it.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (user flows, wireframes, prototypes, research synthesis boards) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about specific aspects of your projects, especially regarding your research contributions and how they influenced the final design.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with PMs, developers, and other stakeholders, and how you incorporated their feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their research process in detail, demonstrating how they translate raw data into actionable insights that drive effective product design and achieve client objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer (Research) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on BIMM's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature user research case studies. Clearly articulate your research process, methodologies, and the impact of your findings on design decisions. Ensure examples showcase your work in Figma/FigJam and any relevant testing platforms.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-5 years of experience in product design with a strong emphasis on user research, UX/UI best practices, and collaboration within Agile teams. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your research-driven design process and articulating your rationale for key decisions. Prepare answers to common UX and research strategy questions, and be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and testing tools.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with BIMM's work, their "creative realist" philosophy, and their values (e.g., "Having Fun Everyday," "Love 2 Learn"). Understand their client base and the industries they serve.

⚠️ 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.