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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: smino AG

Location: Zürich, Switzerland

Job Type: Festanstellung (Permanent)

Category: Product Design / UI/UX Operations

Date Posted: August 17, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the UI/UX design process for a B2B SaaS platform in the construction industry, focusing on user-centric solutions and business requirements.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews and data analysis, to inform design decisions and product strategy.

• Develop wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes in Figma, adhering to the established design system.

• Prepare and deliver design assets for seamless handover to the development team, ensuring efficient implementation.

• Leverage AI tools to synthesize user feedback, structure research data, and accelerate hypothesis validation in product discovery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a crucial link between user needs, business objectives, and technical implementation within a growing SaaS company. The emphasis on AI tools and prompt engineering indicates a forward-thinking approach to design processes, requiring adaptability and a proactive mindset. The 80% workload suggests a focus on core design responsibilities with flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze user needs and business requirements to conceptualize and design intuitive web and mobile interfaces for smino's B2B SaaS platform.

• Plan and execute user research methodologies, such as interviews and analysis of usage data, to extract actionable insights.

• Create detailed wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma, ensuring alignment with the company's design system.

• Structure and prepare design specifications for efficient handoff to the development team, facilitating smooth integration.

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

• Collaborate closely with Product Owners, the Design Lead, and software engineers to ensure a cohesive product vision.

• Actively advocate for the user's perspective throughout the product development lifecycle and in critical product decisions.

• Proactively utilize AI tools to enhance efficiency in user feedback synthesis, research data organization, and rapid hypothesis validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle design process, from initial research and conceptualization to final implementation support and iteration. The integration of AI tools is a key differentiator, suggesting that candidates should be comfortable experimenting with and applying these technologies to enhance their design workflow and accelerate product discovery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in UI/UX design principles and practical application is essential.

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

Required Skills:

• Proficient in UI/UX design principles and methodologies.

• Expertise in Figma for wireframing, mockups, and prototyping.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting and analyzing usability tests.

• Structured, self-sufficient work approach with strong problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder collaboration.

• Active experimentation with AI workflows to enhance design efficiency and quality.

• German language proficiency (minimum C1 level).

• English language proficiency (minimum B2 level). Preferred Skills:

• Experience in UX research, including interviews, data analysis, and synthesis.

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

• Proven experience in designing for mobile user interfaces.

• Understanding of prompt engineering in the context of UI design and using AI as a co-creation partner.

• Familiarity with AI SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) flows.

• Knowledge or experience within the construction industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of core design skills and emerging AI competencies. Candidates with practical experience in AI-driven design workflows or a strong understanding of prompt engineering will have a distinct advantage. The language requirements are crucial for effective collaboration within the Swiss and European context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your UI/UX design process from problem identification to solution implementation.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the user needs, business objectives, your design approach, and the specific solutions developed.

• Include examples of wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and research findings (e.g., usability test results).

• Highlight your proficiency with Figma and any other design tools used.

• Demonstrate how you've leveraged user research and testing to iterate on designs and achieve measurable improvements. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your structured approach to design documentation, including clear preparation of assets for development teams.

• Illustrate your process for conducting and synthesizing user research, detailing methodologies and key takeaways.

• Showcase examples of how you've applied design systems and maintained consistency across projects.

• If applicable, include examples of how you've integrated AI tools into your design workflow and the resulting efficiencies or improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing their problem-solving abilities, design thinking process, and the impact of their designs. Specifically highlighting experience with AI tools and their application in design workflows will be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Zürich, Switzerland), experience level (2-5 years), and 80% workload, a competitive salary range for a Product Designer (UI/UX) is estimated to be between CHF 80,000 and CHF 100,000 gross per year. This estimate considers the cost of living in Zürich, industry benchmarks for mid-level design roles in Switzerland, and the specific requirements of the position.

Benefits:

• Modern office space located in the heart of Zürich, conveniently situated near the ETH Polyterasse.

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

• Access to new IT equipment, including a "Choose your own device" policy.

• Opportunity to work in an innovative, modern, and international company with a dynamic startup atmosphere.

• Collaboration within a young, ambitious, and intelligent team characterized by flat hierarchies.

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI tools and their application in the design process.

Working Hours: This is an 80% position, equating to approximately 32 hours per week. The hybrid work environment allows for flexibility in scheduling, balancing office presence with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Zürich, Switzerland, factoring in the 80% employment rate. The benefits package emphasizes flexibility, modern amenities, and a vibrant startup culture, which are attractive to design professionals.

getTeam & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software / Construction Technology (ConTech). smino AG operates within the construction technology sector, providing a SaaS solution to streamline construction project coordination. This niche requires an understanding of complex workflows and the needs of diverse stakeholders in the building industry.

Company Size: smino AG is described as an innovative company on an expansion course with a "startup flair." While specific employee numbers aren't provided, this suggests a dynamic, agile environment with room for individual impact, likely falling into the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) category.

Founded: smino AG was founded with a mission to enable strong teams to build a livable world by successfully managing complex construction projects. The company name, derived from the Greek word for "swarm," reflects its emphasis on collaborative synergy.

Team Structure:

• The design team is integrated within a product development unit, working closely with Product Owners and Development teams.

• The company emphasizes flat hierarchies, suggesting direct access to decision-makers and a collaborative decision-making process.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with designers expected to work alongside product management, engineering, and potentially sales/customer success teams. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, informed by user research, usage data, and AI-synthesized feedback.

• Agile development methodologies are implied, given the close collaboration between design and development.

• Continuous improvement and iteration are central, driven by usability testing and user feedback loops.

• Proactive adoption of new technologies, particularly AI tools, to enhance efficiency and innovation in design and product development.

Company Website: [Company URL not provided in input, but inferred from domain_derived: smino.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is portrayed as innovative, collaborative, and growth-oriented, with a strong emphasis on user-centricity and the adoption of modern technologies like AI. Candidates should be prepared for a fast-paced environment that values initiative and teamwork.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Mid-Level Product Designer. It requires 2-5 years of experience, indicating a need for an individual who can work with a degree of autonomy but also benefit from guidance from a Design Lead or Product Owner. The responsibilities suggest a role that contributes significantly to product strategy and execution, rather than purely task-based execution.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Design Lead and will work in close collaboration with Product Owners and Development teams. This structure facilitates both specialized design guidance and cross-functional team integration.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will have a direct impact on the usability, user satisfaction, and ultimately the adoption and success of smino's B2B SaaS platform. By translating user needs and business requirements into intuitive interfaces, the designer contributes to customer retention, efficiency gains for users, and the overall market competitiveness of the product. The integration of AI tools also positions the role to influence the efficiency and innovation of the entire product development lifecycle.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UI/UX design, such as user research, interaction design, or design systems.

• AI Design Integration: Become a subject matter expert in leveraging AI tools for design research, ideation, and prototyping, potentially leading to roles focused on AI-augmented design.

• Product Strategy Involvement: As experience grows, take on more responsibility in product discovery, roadmap planning, and strategic product decisions.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and leadership capabilities, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers or lead design initiatives within specific product areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Product Designer at smino AG appears to be strongly tied to both core design expertise and the adoption of emerging technologies like AI. The company's growth trajectory suggests potential for increased responsibility and leadership opportunities for high-performing individuals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a modern office located centrally in Zürich, described as having a "startup flair" and an "inspiring work atmosphere." This suggests a contemporary, potentially open-plan or collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The office is situated in the center of Zürich, near the ETH Polyterasse, which is a well-connected and accessible area. This prime location offers convenience for commuting and access to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among team members, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork between design, product, and development.

• Tools & Technology: Access to new IT equipment, including a "Choose your own device" option, ensures designers have the necessary tools to perform their roles effectively. The company's emphasis on AI suggests that relevant AI platforms and tools will be readily available.

• Team Interaction: The "young, humorous, ambitious, and smart team" with "flat hierarchies" implies a dynamic and engaging social and professional environment.

Work Schedule: The role is an 80% position (approximately 32 hours per week), offering a hybrid work model. This provides flexibility to balance on-site collaboration at the Zürich office with remote work, catering to individual work preferences and optimizing productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment combines the benefits of a central urban location with the flexibility of a hybrid model and the collaborative spirit of a startup. The emphasis on modern technology and a dynamic team culture is likely to appeal to design professionals seeking an engaging and progressive workplace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, focusing on your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and skills.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your design process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your rationale and decision-making.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a design exercise or a deep dive into your Figma proficiency, user research methodologies, and experience with AI tools.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with the Design Lead, Product Owner, and potentially other team members to assess your collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and alignment with smino's values.

• Final Interview: A conversation with senior management to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm mutual interest.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design decisions. Detail your research, ideation, iteration, and testing phases.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, reduced task completion time, positive user feedback).

• Highlight AI Integration: Specifically showcase projects where you've used AI tools to enhance your design process, research, or prototyping. Explain the benefits and outcomes.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing a comprehensive end-to-end design case study. Ensure easy navigation and clear explanations.

• Tailor to smino: Research smino's current product and understand their target audience (construction industry B2B SaaS). Frame your case studies to demonstrate how your skills can address their specific challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Expect a task that might involve a small design problem related to the construction industry or a SaaS platform. Focus on demonstrating your process, not just delivering a final polished design within the allotted time.

• AI Tool Application: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a design problem using AI tools, or how you've used them previously.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design thinking clearly and concisely, both verbally and visually. Be prepared to explain your choices and defend your solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical design skills and the candidate's ability to integrate emerging technologies like AI. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates the design process and demonstrates impact, especially with AI integration, will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting interviews, surveys, and usability tests (e.g., UserTesting, Maze, Lookback, SurveyMonkey).

• AI Design Tools: A broad category that may include AI-powered research synthesis tools, AI assistants for ideation, AI for content generation, or AI features within design software. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific AI tools or platforms they've experimented with.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar platforms for tracking user behavior and product performance.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that help present design impact data clearly.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how design impacts CRM data and user workflows within a B2B SaaS context is beneficial. Familiarity with how user data is collected and utilized can inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes modern design tools like Figma, augmented by a strong requirement for user research capabilities and a forward-leaning approach to AI integration. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their familiarity and experience with a range of tools, particularly those that support data-driven design and AI-assisted workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Engagement: A commitment to achieving the best results with a talented team, taking initiative, seizing opportunities, and proactively tackling challenges. This translates to a proactive design approach, a drive for high-quality output, and a willingness to go the extra mile.

• Respect & Appreciation: Fostering a culture of mutual support, recognizing individual potential, acknowledging achievements, celebrating successes, and maintaining open communication. In design, this means valuing diverse perspectives, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive team environment.

• Persistence & Ease: Embracing challenges with self-confidence, positivity, and flexibility to achieve a state of "ease" where obstacles are overcome. For designers, this means approaching complex problems with resilience, maintaining a positive attitude, and finding efficient, effective solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active collaborators, working seamlessly with Product Owners and Developers to ensure design intent is understood and implemented effectively.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing processes and exchanging feedback is implied, encouraging continuous improvement in design workflows and team dynamics.

• Knowledge Sharing: The "smart team" environment suggests a culture of sharing knowledge and best practices, particularly around new technologies like AI and innovative design approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: smino AG's values are centered around high performance, mutual respect, and resilient problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and collaborative style align with these principles, especially in the context of driving design excellence and embracing innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively translating complex construction industry requirements and business objectives into intuitive and user-friendly designs.

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Staying current with AI advancements and integrating them effectively and ethically into the design workflow without compromising design quality or user experience.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in for design solutions across diverse stakeholders, including product management, engineering, and potentially sales/customer success.

• Scalability of Design System: Maintaining and evolving the design system as the product grows and new features are introduced, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI in Design: Opportunities to explore and master cutting-edge AI tools and techniques for design research, ideation, and prototyping, potentially becoming a leader in AI-augmented design.

• Industry Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of the construction industry and its unique user needs, which can lead to specialized design expertise.

• Product Strategy Contribution: As experience grows, contributing more significantly to product strategy, roadmap planning, and feature prioritization.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or lead design initiatives within specific product areas as the team expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents exciting challenges at the intersection of traditional UX/UI design and emerging AI technologies, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization. Candidates should view these challenges as learning opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs and business requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study highlighting your problem-solving and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you envision AI tools changing the role of a UX/UI designer in the next 2-3 years, and how are you preparing for these changes?" (Focus on your proactive approach to AI integration and experimentation.)

• "Walk me through a complex design challenge you faced. What was your process, what tools did you use (especially any AI tools), and what was the impact of your solution?" (Prepare a detailed portfolio case study presentation.) Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and developers to ensure a smooth design handoff and implementation?" (Highlight your communication skills and understanding of the development lifecycle.)

• "How do you embody smino's values of Excellence & Engagement, Respect & Appreciation, and Persistence & Ease in your daily work?" (Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation as a story, guiding the interviewer through the problem, your process, your decisions, and the results.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to support your narrative.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thinking and methodology, not just the final aesthetics. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or user feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• AI Integration Showcase: Clearly highlight any instances where AI tools were used and explain the benefits they brought to the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong design process, effective collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to AI. Being able to articulate your thought process and quantify the impact of your work will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the "Jetzt bewerben" button on the smino.jobs.personio.com portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your 2-5 years of UX/UI design experience, specifically mentioning B2B SaaS, Figma proficiency, user research, and any experience with AI tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Ensure clear documentation of your approach, including research, wireframes, prototypes, and testing. Specifically include examples of AI tool usage if applicable.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear articulation of your design thinking, decision rationale, and the outcomes achieved. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI in design.

• Research smino AG: Understand their product, target industry (construction), company values, and recent developments to demonstrate your genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.

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