Researcher (m/f/d) - Interaction Design & Physical Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Researcher (m/f/d) - Interaction Design & Physical Prototyping

Company: Universität Siegen

Location: Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Science & Research / Art & Design

Date Posted: September 29, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Entry-level to Junior Researcher)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on conducting independent PhD research within the field of Interaction Design and Physical Prototyping, specifically addressing social technologies in urban spaces.

• The position involves hands-on design and implementation of interactive and experiential prototypes, with a strong emphasis on Physical Computing and emerging technologies.

• Collaboration is key, with opportunities to work closely with artists, international research groups, and practice partners in a transdisciplinary environment.

• The role requires the development and presentation of research findings in international academic contexts, contributing to the advancement of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Design Research.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description is for a research position, the enhanced output will frame it within the context of operations roles by focusing on the process of research, development, prototyping, and data collection, as well as the operational aspects of managing projects, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to knowledge transfer. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests an entry-level researcher role, likely a PhD candidate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independent PhD Research Project: Develop and execute a PhD research project centered on "Research through Design," focusing on interaction design principles and the application of social technologies within urban environments.

• Physical Prototyping & Implementation: Design, build, and technically implement interactive and experiential prototypes, leveraging Physical Computing techniques and platforms such as Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi.

• Interaction Concept Development: Explore and conceptualize novel interaction paradigms for fostering social encounters in public urban spaces, integrating smart and autonomous technologies.

• Methodological Application: Apply and innovate design-oriented research methods, including speculative and performative prototyping, alongside user research and empirical study design.

• Transdisciplinary Collaboration: Actively engage with artists from the Artist-in-Residence program at FFT Düsseldorf and collaborate with experts from urban planning, public administration, and robotics.

• Empirical Study Management: Plan, conduct, and meticulously analyze empirical studies to validate research hypotheses and gather qualitative/quantitative data.

• Academic Dissemination: Prepare, publish, and present research outcomes at leading international academic conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

• Knowledge Transfer & Group Activities: Contribute to the collective activities of the ENACT Junior Research Group and facilitate the transfer of research findings into public and professional spheres.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight the systematic approach, project management, and data-driven nature inherent in research, aligning with operational excellence principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A very good university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Design, Design Research, Media Informatics, or a closely related field.

• Eligibility and commitment to pursuing a PhD qualification. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in research or development environments, ideally with a focus on academic projects or internships.

• Practical experience in designing and building interactive systems, particularly through physical computing and prototyping. Required Skills:

• Interaction Design: Proven ability to conceptualize and design user interactions for novel technological systems.

• Physical Prototyping: Hands-on experience in building tangible prototypes using microcontrollers and prototyping platforms (e.g., Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi).

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Foundational understanding of HCI principles and user-centered design methodologies.

• Design Research Methods: Familiarity with design-oriented research techniques, user research, and qualitative/quantitative data collection.

• English Proficiency: Excellent spoken and written command of the English language, essential for academic communication and collaboration.

• Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate effectively within a transdisciplinary team, and articulate ideas clearly.

• Independent Work Ethic: Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and structure research tasks methodically.

Preferred Skills:

• Performative Prototyping: Interest or experience in exploratory and performative approaches to design and prototyping.

• German Language Skills: Good command of the German language, which is considered an advantage for local collaboration and integration.

• Academic Writing: Prior experience in academic writing, publication, and presentation at conferences.

• Transdisciplinary Collaboration: Experience working in interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research settings.

• Urban/Social Technology Focus: Specific interest or prior work related to social technologies, urban studies, or public space design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills are categorized into required and preferred, with a strong emphasis on the technical and methodological competencies crucial for this research-oriented role, drawing keywords from the job description.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Through Design Case Studies: Showcase projects that demonstrate a rigorous application of "Research through Design" methodologies, illustrating the iterative process from concept to prototype and analysis.

• Physical Prototyping Demonstrations: Include detailed examples of interactive prototypes, highlighting the technical implementation (e.g., circuitry, code snippets, hardware used) and the interactive experience they enable.

• User Research & Evaluation: Present evidence of user research activities conducted, including study designs, data collection methods, and the analysis of user feedback or empirical findings.

• Conceptual Exploration: Include examples of speculative design or exploratory work that demonstrates creative thinking and the development of novel interaction concepts for social or urban contexts.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Documentation: Detail the systematic approach taken in projects, from problem identification and user needs analysis through ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Prototyping Workflow: Clearly outline the steps involved in developing prototypes, from initial concept sketching and component selection to assembly, programming, and functional testing.

• Empirical Study Protocols: Document the planning and execution of empirical studies, including participant recruitment, experimental setup, data recording, and analytical procedures.

• Collaboration Protocols: Illustrate how collaborative processes were managed, especially in transdisciplinary settings, detailing communication strategies and joint decision-making frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the research activities into a "process portfolio" framework, emphasizing the documentation, methodology, and systematic execution expected in operations-aligned roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on German public sector collective bargaining agreements (TV-L), the position is classified under "Pay grade 13." For a full-time position (39.83 hours/week), this typically translates to an approximate gross monthly salary ranging from €4,100 to €4,800, depending on previous relevant experience and specific tariff level. Benefits:

• Academic Qualification Support: Full support for academic and artistic qualification, such as pursuing a PhD, in compliance with German academic employment laws.

• Structured Academic Supervision: Regular research meetings and close academic guidance from experienced researchers.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration Network: Access to a rich network including the ENACT Junior Research Group, Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl's HCI/Experience Design group, and the FFT Düsseldorf Artist-in-Residence program.

• Prototyping Resources: Access to a well-equipped FabLab and project funding specifically allocated for prototype development.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional growth and training through the University of Siegen's House of Young Talents.

• Teaching & Project Experience: Chances to gain practical experience in university teaching and project management.

• International Exposure: Support for international networking, conference participation, and publication activities.

• Work-Life Balance Support: The university promotes family-friendly policies and equal opportunities, aiming to support employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Full-time (100%), equivalent to 39.83 hours per week. The role involves dedicated research time, lab work, study execution, and academic dissemination activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information is estimated based on German TV-L pay grades for academic staff. Benefits are detailed to highlight professional development and research support aligned with the role's academic nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education & Research (Focus on Economic Disciplines, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, and Social Sciences).

Company Size: Over 14,000 students and more than 2,000 employees, classifying it as a large academic institution.

Founded: The University of Siegen was established in 1972, evolving from earlier pedagogical high schools, and has since developed into a modern university with an international outlook.

Team Structure:

• ENACT Junior Research Group: The researcher will be part of the ENACT Junior Research Group, led by Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer, focusing on interactive technologies and social encounters.

• HCI & Experience Design Group: Close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl’s research group, providing a strong academic foundation in Human-Computer Interaction and Experience Design.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role involves working with artists, urban planners, public administrators, and robotics experts, fostering a transdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

Methodology:

• Research through Design: A core methodological approach, emphasizing iterative design, prototyping, and empirical validation.

• Speculative & Performative Approaches: Integration of creative and exploratory methods to investigate future possibilities and user experiences.

• Interdisciplinary Synthesis: Combining insights from HCI, Design Research, artistic research, and urban studies to address complex societal challenges.

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis on planning, conducting, and analyzing empirical studies to inform design decisions and research conclusions.

Company Website: https://www.uni-siegen.de/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is presented to highlight the academic and research-oriented nature of the organization, emphasizing its collaborative and interdisciplinary ethos, which is crucial for a researcher role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-level Academic Researcher / PhD Candidate. This role is designed as a stepping stone for individuals aspiring to a career in academic research, design innovation, or specialized R&D roles within technology or design-focused organizations.

Reporting Structure: The researcher will report directly to Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer, the lead of the ENACT Junior Research Group, and will also be integrated into the broader academic supervision structures within the Faculty III.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, this position has a significant impact by:

• Driving Innovation: Contributing novel interaction concepts and prototypes that can influence future product development and user experience design in areas like smart cities and public technology.

• Knowledge Generation: Producing academic research that advances the fields of HCI, Interaction Design, and Design Research, shaping industry best practices and academic discourse.

• Talent Development: Cultivating highly skilled researchers and designers capable of tackling complex technological and societal challenges.

• Cross-Sectoral Linkages: Bridging academic research with artistic practice and urban planning, fostering practical applications and societal relevance.

Growth Opportunities:

• PhD Completion: The primary growth path is the successful completion of a PhD, a significant academic and professional credential.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like Physical Computing, user research methodologies, speculative design, or transdisciplinary collaboration.

• Academic & Artistic Network: Expand professional connections through collaboration with international artists, researchers, and practitioners.

• Publication & Presentation: Develop a strong track record of publications and conference presentations, building an academic profile.

• Teaching & Mentorship: Gain experience in teaching and potentially mentoring junior students or interns, preparing for future academic or leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis translates the academic career path into terms relevant to operational growth, emphasizing the development of transferable skills, impact generation, and structured progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based within the University of Siegen, a dynamic academic environment that combines research labs, office spaces, and collaborative work areas. The ENACT Junior Research Group will likely have dedicated workspace.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Siegen, Germany, within the Faculty III: School of Economic Disciplines. Collaboration with FFT Düsseldorf will involve travel to Düsseldorf.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Research Hub: Access to shared lab spaces, including a well-equipped FabLab, fostering an environment for hands-on experimentation and prototyping.

• Academic Resources: Proximity to university libraries, computing facilities, and other research support services.

• Interdisciplinary Exchange: Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with a diverse community of researchers, artists, and students across various disciplines.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to prototyping tools, computing resources, and potential funding for specialized equipment or software needed for project development.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time (39.83 hours/week). The schedule offers flexibility typical of academic research environments, allowing for focused work on experiments, prototyping, writing, and analysis, balanced with collaborative activities and scheduled meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The workspace description emphasizes the practical, hands-on, and collaborative nature of the research environment, highlighting the resources and interdisciplinary interactions available.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted application materials, including CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, and portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Shortlisted candidates will likely present their portfolio, demonstrating key projects, methodologies, and technical skills. This will be followed by in-depth questions about their research interests, technical capabilities (especially in Physical Computing), and understanding of Design Research.

• Research Proposal Discussion: Candidates may be asked to discuss potential PhD research ideas or elaborate on their interests within the ENACT group's scope.

• Team Fit & Collaboration Assessment: Interviews with Dr. Dörrenbächer and potentially other group members or faculty to assess cultural fit, teamwork potential, and ability to collaborate in a transdisciplinary setting.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion on broader research strategy, academic potential, and alignment with the university's research objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Research Through Design: Clearly articulate the research questions, the design process undertaken, and how the prototypes served as research instruments.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Provide detailed explanations of the hardware and software used in physical computing projects. Include diagrams, code snippets, or videos demonstrating functionality.

• Quantify Impact (where possible): For user studies, present findings with clear metrics or qualitative insights that demonstrate the value or learnings derived.

• Demonstrate Transdisciplinary Aptitude: Include projects that show collaboration or an understanding of working with diverse stakeholders (even if academic or artistic).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or methodology, with concise descriptions and compelling visuals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prototyping Challenge (Potential): Be prepared for a potential practical task or discussion around designing a simple interactive prototype for a given scenario, testing your problem-solving and technical implementation skills.

• Research Methodology Discussion: Be ready to discuss your preferred research methods, how you would approach designing an empirical study for a specific research question, and how you would analyze the data.

• Conceptualization Exercise: Think about potential research directions within the ENACT group's themes (social technologies, urban spaces, interaction design) and be ready to articulate them.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications and prepare for the specific demands of an academic research interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping Platforms: Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi (essential for Physical Computing).

• Microcontrollers & Sensors: Familiarity with various microcontroller boards and sensor integration.

• Physical Computing Components: Experience with LEDs, motors, actuators, displays, and other electronic components for interactive systems.

• 3D Printing & Fabrication Tools: Access to and potential use of tools within a FabLab for custom prototype enclosures and components.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Software: Potentially R, SPSS, or similar for analyzing empirical study data.

• Qualitative Data Analysis Tools: Software for analyzing interview transcripts or observational data (e.g., NVivo, MAXQDA).

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data organization and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation: (Less directly applicable, but relevant for research management)

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira for managing research tasks and timelines.

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for team communication and knowledge sharing.

• Reference Management Software: Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote for managing academic literature.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are specific to the technical and research requirements of the role, focusing on physical computing, data analysis, and research management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Exploration: A strong drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and interaction paradigms, pushing the boundaries of current understanding.

• Rigorous Inquiry: Commitment to systematic research, data collection, and analysis to ensure the validity and impact of findings.

• Collaborative Spirit: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within a diverse, transdisciplinary group.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging novel approaches to problem-solving, design, and research methodologies.

• Impact & Relevance: Aiming to conduct research that is not only academically sound but also has relevance for societal challenges, urban environments, and future human-technology interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Transdisciplinary Integration: Actively seeking to understand and integrate perspectives from different fields (design, art, engineering, social sciences).

• Open Communication & Feedback: Fostering an environment where ideas can be shared freely, and constructive feedback is welcomed and given.

• Shared Knowledge Creation: Contributing to a collective pool of knowledge through discussions, workshops, and joint activities within the research group.

• Practice-Oriented Exchange: Engaging with external partners like artists and community stakeholders to ground research in real-world contexts and applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from the job description's emphasis on interdisciplinary work, artistic collaboration, and research rigor.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Transdisciplinarity: Effectively integrating diverse methodologies and perspectives from fields like art, design, and urban planning with HCI research.

• Technical Complexity: Developing robust and functional interactive prototypes using Physical Computing, which can involve troubleshooting hardware and software integration.

• Empirical Study Design: Designing and executing user studies that yield meaningful data within the complex context of public urban spaces.

• Academic Publication Pressure: Meeting the rigorous standards for publication in top-tier international HCI and Design Research venues.

• Balancing Research & Collaboration: Effectively managing independent PhD work alongside collaborative projects with artists and other partners.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• PhD Qualification: The central development opportunity is the pursuit and completion of a doctoral degree.

• Advanced Prototyping Skills: Gaining expertise in cutting-edge Physical Computing techniques and fabrication methods.

• Research Methodology Mastery: Deepening understanding and application of design-oriented research, user studies, and qualitative/quantitative analysis.

• Transdisciplinary Expertise: Developing skills in bridging academic research with artistic practice and societal applications.

• International Academic Networking: Building connections through conferences, publications, and collaborations with global researchers and artists.

• Teaching and Mentoring: Opportunities to develop pedagogical skills through involvement in teaching and supervising junior students.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential hurdles and outlines the significant professional and academic development pathways available through the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Vision: "How would you approach developing a PhD research project focused on social technologies in urban spaces? What would be your initial steps and key considerations?" (Prepare to discuss your research interests, potential research questions, and methodological approaches.)

• Prototyping Approach: "Describe a challenging interactive prototype you've built. What were the technical hurdles, and how did you overcome them using Physical Computing platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi?" (Be ready to detail your technical skills and problem-solving process.)

• Collaborative Design: "This role involves collaboration with artists. How do you envision integrating artistic perspectives into a design research project, and what are the potential benefits and challenges?" (Prepare to discuss your understanding of transdisciplinary collaboration and artistic research methods.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for ENACT: "What specifically about the ENACT Junior Research Group's focus on social encounters in public space and the use of interactive technologies interests you?" (Research the ENACT project and Dr. Dörrenbächer's work thoroughly.)

• Fit with Transdisciplinarity: "How do you see yourself contributing to and benefiting from a transdisciplinary research environment that includes artists and experts from fields like urban planning?" (Reflect on your experience or interest in working across disciplines.)

• Academic Goals: "What are your long-term career aspirations following the completion of your PhD?" (Align your goals with potential academic or R&D career paths.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Showcase the Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your research question, the design process, the prototyping steps (including technical details), the user study or evaluation, and the key findings or learnings.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your physical computing projects are well-documented, with clear explanations of the hardware, software, and their integration. Visuals (photos, videos) are crucial.

• Emphasize Research Rigor: Demonstrate how your work aligns with research principles, even if it's exploratory. Detail your methodology for data collection and analysis.

• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives that showcase your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the academic research context, focusing on research methodology, technical skills, and collaborative potential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this researcher position:

• Submit your application exclusively via the University of Siegen's job portal: https://jobs.uni-siegen.de/ (Applications via email or post are not accepted).

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your skills in Interaction Design, Physical Prototyping, and Design Research. Ensure it includes detailed descriptions of your process, technical implementation, and any user studies or evaluations.

• Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant academic achievements, research experience, technical skills (especially with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi), and your specific interest in the ENACT project and its themes. Clearly state your motivation for pursuing a PhD.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively, anticipating questions about your technical approach, research methods, and collaborative capabilities.

• Research the ENACT Group: Familiarize yourself with Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer's work and the ENACT Junior Research Group's objectives to articulate a strong, informed interest during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.