Senior Designer - Advanced UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Designer - Advanced UX

Company: General Motors

Location: Warren, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX Design / Product Design / Human Interface Design

Date Posted: August 21, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation in future in-vehicle experiences through advanced UX concepts and visual design.

• Develop scalable design systems and interface frameworks for cohesive, repeatable solutions across platforms.

• Create high-quality concept visuals, including 2D illustrations, UI explorations, and motion studies.

• Build interactive prototypes to validate user flows, interaction patterns, and motion behaviors.

• Foster rapid iteration on user experiences based on feedback and evolving user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is distinctly focused on "Advanced UX" within General Motors' Human Interface Design (HID) team, emphasizing conceptual visualization and next-generation in-vehicle interactions. The role requires a blend of creative design, systems thinking, and technical craft to envision future mobility experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and visualize future in-vehicle interactions, translating abstract ideas into tangible user experiences through storyboards, narrative flows, and clear visual storytelling.

• Design and document scalable design systems, visual languages, and interface frameworks to ensure consistency and efficiency across various vehicle platforms and features.

• Produce compelling 2D illustrations, UI explorations, motion studies, and basic 3D models or animations to effectively communicate and demonstrate future-state interaction concepts.

• Develop and refine low- to high-fidelity interactive prototypes to support decision-making, validate complex interaction patterns, and clearly illustrate feature flows and motion behaviors.

• Conduct rapid iteration on user flows, interaction models, and motion behaviors, incorporating feedback from user testing and cross-functional teams to enhance the overall experience.

• Deliver polished design assets, including detailed layouts, sketches, motion graphics, and comprehensive user journeys, ensuring readiness for collaboration and downstream development.

• Present design concepts and strategy effectively to diverse cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and external suppliers, while also integrating inspiration from emerging trends in UX, mobility, gaming, and consumer technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on conceptual design and strategic envisioning for future automotive interfaces, requiring the candidate to not only execute design tasks but also to influence product direction through compelling visuals and well-articulated concepts. The need to present to cross-functional teams and incorporate external trend inspiration indicates a strategic and communicative aspect to the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design (e.g., Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design), Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is highly recommended for a Senior Designer role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience is required, with a strong preference for 7-10 years demonstrating interdisciplinary design skills across UX Design, Product Design, and Human Interface Design. This experience should showcase a proven track record of contributing to complex design projects and influencing product strategy.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in UX Design, Product Design, Human Interface Design, or related fields.

• Demonstrated ability to think systemically and apply end-to-end UX process in complex projects.

• Proven expertise in visual storytelling and narrative design, effectively communicating user journeys and interaction concepts.

• Advanced proficiency in complex interaction design and the ability to translate user needs into intuitive interfaces.

• Expert-level command of Figma for UI design, prototyping, and design system development.

• Advanced proficiency in prototyping tools such as ProtoPie for creating interactive and dynamic user experience simulations. Preferred Skills:

• Strong proficiency in additional design and prototyping tools, including Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

• Working knowledge of 3D modeling workflows and software for creating and manipulating 3D assets.

• Experience with video editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or equivalent for creating motion studies and narrative visualizations.

• Understanding of engineering and software development constraints to ensure design feasibility and practicality.

• Familiarity with automotive UX trends, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) principles, and the automotive design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section strongly emphasizes core UX and prototyping tool proficiency, particularly Figma and ProtoPie, essential for rapid concept development. Preferred skills indicate a desire for a well-rounded designer who can also contribute to visual asset creation, 3D elements, and understand technical limitations, suggesting a role that bridges conceptual design with practical implementation considerations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A thoughtfully curated design portfolio (online or shared privately) is mandatory and must demonstrate:

  • A clear showcase of the candidate's end-to-end UX process, highlighting problem definition, research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases.

  • Evidence of strong systems thinking, illustrating how individual designs connect within a larger ecosystem and contribute to cohesive user experiences.

  • A robust demonstration of prototyping capabilities, ranging from low-fidelity wireframes to high-fidelity interactive prototypes that effectively communicate user flows and interaction mechanics.

  • Proven abilities in visual storytelling and narrative design, using techniques like storyboards, user journey maps, and explainer videos to convey the user experience.

  • Examples of complex interaction design challenges and how they were solved effectively, showcasing problem-solving skills and innovative solutions. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly, detailing:

  • Their approach to user research and how insights are translated into design decisions.

  • Methods used for rapid prototyping and iterative design, including tool selection and rationale.

  • Strategies for collaborating with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, etc.) throughout the design lifecycle.

  • Techniques for presenting design concepts and justifying design choices to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific, demanding a comprehensive demonstration of the entire UX lifecycle, systems thinking, and advanced prototyping. This suggests the company values a designer who can not only create visually appealing interfaces but also articulate the strategic thinking and process behind them, especially in the context of complex, integrated automotive systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Designer role with 5-10 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like Metro Detroit, the estimated salary range for this position is between $120,000 and $170,000 annually. This range accounts for the Senior level, the specialized nature of advanced UX, and the strategic importance of the role within General Motors.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Employee vehicle discount programs and potential for relocation assistance.

• Access to GM's "Total Rewards resources" for a holistic view of benefits and well-being programs.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with potential for overtime as project demands dictate. This is an on-site role, requiring full-time presence at the Warren, Michigan facility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry data for similar roles in the specified geographic region and experience level. The provided benefits are standard for large automotive corporations and are supplemented by GM's specific "Total Rewards" program, which likely encompasses a broader spectrum of wellness, financial, and lifestyle benefits. The role is explicitly defined as on-site.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Technology. General Motors is a global leader in the automotive industry, actively innovating in areas like electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected car technologies. This context means the operations team must be agile, forward-thinking, and adept at integrating cutting-edge technology into complex product ecosystems.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (100,000+ employees globally). This scale implies robust processes, extensive resources, and a structured environment. For operations professionals, it means opportunities for broad impact but also the need to navigate established hierarchies and collaborate across numerous departments.

Founded: 1908. With over a century of history, GM possesses deep institutional knowledge and a legacy of automotive innovation, shaping its approach to design, engineering, and operational excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Human Interface Design (HID) team, specifically the Advanced UX group, is likely a specialized unit within GM's broader design and engineering organization, focusing on future product concepts.

• The team likely comprises experienced designers, researchers, and potentially strategists, reporting into a design leadership hierarchy.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly cross-functional, involving close partnerships with product planning, software engineering, hardware engineering, and potentially external suppliers and technology partners. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The team will leverage user research, market trend analysis, and competitive benchmarking to inform design decisions and identify opportunities for innovation.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on rapid prototyping, iterative design, and agile development methodologies to quickly test and refine concepts for future vehicle interfaces.

• Automation & Efficiency: While this role is design-centric, understanding and potentially utilizing design automation tools and efficient workflow practices will be key for timely delivery of concepts.

Company Website: https://www.gm.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: GM's long history and massive global footprint suggest a culture that values both established processes and a drive for future innovation. The Advanced UX team is positioned at the forefront of this innovation, requiring designers to be both creative visionaries and effective collaborators within a large, complex organization. The emphasis on "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion" provides a clear mission that influences all aspects of product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Designer - Advanced UX. This level signifies a highly experienced individual contributor who is expected to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and significantly influence the direction of future products. The role demands not just execution but also strategic thinking and the ability to drive innovation within a specialized domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Human Interface Design (HID) organization. They will work closely with product managers, engineering leads, and other senior stakeholders across different departments.

Operations Impact: The work of an Advanced UX Designer at GM directly impacts the future user experience of vehicles, influencing customer perception, adoption of new technologies, and ultimately, brand loyalty and sales. By envisioning intuitive and engaging interfaces, this role contributes to GM's strategic goals of innovation, safety, and a seamless mobility experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced UX methodologies, emerging interaction paradigms (e.g., AR/VR in automotive), and AI-driven interfaces.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Lead Designer roles, managing specific project streams or mentoring larger teams, and contributing to design strategy.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Possibility to transition into Product Management, Program Management, or other strategic roles within GM's technology and innovation divisions, leveraging deep product understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and "Advanced UX" focus indicate this is a critical individual contributor role with significant strategic influence. Growth opportunities are framed around deepening specialized design expertise, moving into leadership, or leveraging design insights for broader product strategy roles within GM's extensive ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at GM's Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. The Design Center is a hub for creative and technical talent, likely featuring collaborative workspaces, design studios, and advanced prototyping labs.

Office Location(s): GM Global Technical Center - Design Center, Warren, Michigan, United States. This location is a major automotive R&D and design campus, offering extensive facilities and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace designed for team interaction, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration, fostering a culture of shared innovation.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software, hardware, and potentially specialized prototyping equipment relevant to advanced UX and automotive interface design.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to engage with a diverse group of designers, engineers, product specialists, and other creative professionals, encouraging knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and team needs. As an on-site role, consistent physical presence at the Warren facility is required to leverage collaborative opportunities and access on-site resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a major R&D center like the GM Global Technical Center suggests a work environment rich in resources, specialized equipment, and opportunities for direct, in-person collaboration with a wide array of experts. This is characteristic of large automotive companies where integrated product development relies heavily on co-location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and online portfolio by a recruiter and hiring manager to assess alignment with core qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that best showcase their UX process, systems thinking, visual storytelling, and advanced interaction design skills. Expect to articulate design decisions, challenges, and outcomes.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a design exercise or a deep dive into specific tools (e.g., Figma, ProtoPie) to evaluate practical proficiency. This might involve problem-solving a specific UX challenge.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with members of the HID team, engineering, and product management to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within GM.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall alignment with GM's vision and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate the required skills: end-to-end UX process, systems thinking, visual storytelling, and complex interaction design. Tailor selections to showcase advanced UX concepts relevant to automotive interfaces if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions made, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes or impact. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.

• Highlight Process & Systems: Explicitly show how you approach problem-solving, user research, iteration, and how your designs fit into a larger product or system. Demonstrate your understanding of design systems.

• Showcase Prototyping: Provide interactive prototypes (via links or screen recordings) that clearly illustrate user flows, interaction patterns, and motion behaviors. Emphasize the use of Figma and ProtoPie.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, your experience with cross-functional collaboration, and your understanding of automotive UX trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research current trends in automotive UX, in-vehicle infotainment systems, connected car technology, and GM's design philosophy.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical UX challenges related to automotive interfaces, focusing on user-centric solutions and innovative interaction patterns.

• Articulate Strategy: Practice explaining your design strategy, how you would approach a new design problem, and how you would measure success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong portfolio presentation and the ability to articulate a strategic design process. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate practical skills with Figma and ProtoPie, alongside strong storytelling and collaboration capabilities, reflecting the role's blend of creative vision and cross-functional execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert proficiency required for UI design, collaborative workflows, prototyping, and design system management. This will be the core tool for daily design activities.

• ProtoPie: Advanced proficiency required for creating high-fidelity, interactive prototypes that simulate complex user behaviors, animations, and hardware interactions.

• Sketch: Strong proficiency preferred for broader design tool compatibility and potential legacy project work.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Strong proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator for graphic asset creation, image manipulation, and illustration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, understanding how designs are tested and how user feedback is collected (e.g., through analytics platforms or user testing tools) is beneficial for an iterative design process. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) used for workflow tracking and collaboration with engineering teams is advantageous.

• 3D Modeling Software: Working knowledge of tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max is preferred for creating or visualizing 3D assets.

• Video Editing Software: Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or similar for creating motion studies and narrative visualizations is preferred.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes design and prototyping tools, with Figma and ProtoPie being non-negotiable core requirements. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with 3D modeling and video editing tools are also significant advantages, indicating a role that requires a broad range of digital creative skills to bring advanced UX concepts to life.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore, conceptualize, and implement cutting-edge UX solutions that define the future of mobility.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with diverse cross-functional teams, valuing diverse perspectives to achieve collective goals.

• User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and meeting user needs to create intuitive, inclusive, and emotionally resonant experiences.

• Excellence: A pursuit of high-quality design execution, attention to detail, and continuous improvement in craft and process.

• Impact: A desire to contribute to GM's vision of a safer, more sustainable, and more equitable future through thoughtful design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active engagement with engineering, product, and other design disciplines, fostering open communication and shared understanding of project goals and constraints.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive critique and feedback loops to refine designs and improve processes iteratively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of design insights, best practices, and inspiration across the team and with broader stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture appears to value forward-thinking innovation and deep collaboration, essential for a role focused on advanced concepts within a large organization like GM. The emphasis on user-centricity and excellence aligns with high-stakes product development in the automotive sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Conceptualization of the Unknown: Envisioning and designing for future technologies and user behaviors that are not yet fully defined or widely adopted presents a significant conceptual challenge.

• Balancing Innovation with Feasibility: Translating bold, forward-thinking concepts into designs that are technically feasible within automotive engineering and software development constraints.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Gaining consensus and buy-in from diverse stakeholders (engineering, marketing, product) who may have different priorities and perspectives on future UX.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying ahead of and integrating rapidly evolving trends in UX, AI, VR/AR, and mobility to ensure GM's interfaces remain competitive and cutting-edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Specialization: Opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., UXPA, CHI), workshops, and pursue certifications in emerging areas like AI-driven interfaces, spatial computing, or advanced interaction models.

• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into automotive engineering, software architecture, and the broader mobility ecosystem to gain a holistic understanding of product development.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders and to mentor junior designers, developing leadership and strategic planning skills within a specialized domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to an "Advanced UX" role, requiring significant foresight, adaptability, and strong communication skills to navigate the complexities of future product development. Growth opportunities focus on deepening technical expertise and developing leadership acumen within the specialized field of automotive UX.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing advanced UX concepts for a product that doesn't exist yet. How do you balance blue-sky thinking with technical feasibility?" (Focus on your conceptualization methodology, research techniques for future trends, and how you collaborate with engineering to ground ideas.)

• "Walk us through a complex interaction design challenge you faced in a previous role. How did you use Figma and ProtoPie to prototype and validate your solution?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills, tool proficiency, and iterative design process.)

• "How would you approach designing a scalable design system for in-vehicle experiences that needs to accommodate future feature additions and platform variations?" (Emphasize your understanding of design systems, component-based design, and future-proofing strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the future of automotive UX and General Motors' role in shaping it?" (Showcase your passion for the industry, your understanding of GM's vision, and how your skills align.)

• "How do you collaborate with engineers and product managers who may have different priorities or technical constraints?" (Provide examples of your cross-functional communication and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you stay current with emerging UX, mobility, and consumer technology trends, and how would you bring that inspiration into GM's design process?" (Demonstrate your proactive learning habits and ability to translate external inspiration into actionable design ideas.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, your process, key decisions, challenges, solutions, and impact. Use a consistent story arc.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (sketches, wireframes, mockups, prototypes, motion studies) to illustrate your points. Ensure prototypes are functional and clearly demonstrate the intended user experience.

• Emphasize Advanced UX: If possible, highlight projects that demonstrate forward-thinking concepts, complex interactions, or novel approaches to user experience.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success or impact of your design solutions.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, tool usage, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, advanced UX capabilities, and strong collaborative skills. Candidates must be ready to articulate their design process, showcase tool proficiency, and connect their work to GM's future vision and the specific challenges of automotive UX.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Designer - Advanced UX position at General Motors:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX Design, Product Design, Human Interface Design, and specifically mention your proficiency with Figma and ProtoPie, as well as any experience with automotive or advanced UX concepts. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and showcases 2-3 of your strongest projects that demonstrate end-to-end UX process, systems thinking, visual storytelling, and complex interaction design. Make sure prototypes are easily accessible and functional.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design process, and highlighting your contributions and outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to advanced UX challenges.

• Research GM's Vision: Familiarize yourself with GM's mission ("Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion"), their current design language, and recent advancements in their vehicle technology and UX. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.