Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Timescapes

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for remote, but requires Australian residency)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX design and usability efforts for both core and new product development, driving customer-centric solutions.

• Tackle complex, AI-powered design challenges, experimenting with novel concepts and navigating ML/AI limitations to create market-differentiating capabilities.

• Actively leverage and drive the adoption of AI tools to augment the design process and enhance workflows across the Product & Engineering teams.

• Foster collaborative iteration by working closely with customers, product managers, and engineers from concept to delivery, actively soliciting and incorporating design critiques.

• Focus on the scalability and future direction of the design system, ensuring solutions remain simple and elegant as they expand.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job is listed as "TELECOMMUTE" and "Hybrid," the location requirement is specifically "Australia." This implies that candidates must be Australian residents, and the role might involve a hybrid arrangement within Sydney, or potentially a remote role for those located elsewhere in Australia, with occasional travel to Sydney if needed. The "Hybrid" aspect likely refers to a mix of in-office and remote work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research using diverse techniques to deeply understand customer problems and validate design solutions.

• Develop and iterate on prototypes, from low-fidelity wireframes to high-fidelity interactive mockups, to effectively communicate design concepts.

• Design and refine user interfaces and experiences for complex, AI-driven features, ensuring intuitive interaction and optimal user flow.

• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of implemented solutions post-launch, using data and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the company's design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all products.

• Lead usability testing sessions, focus groups, and other solution testing methodologies to gather critical insights and inform design decisions.

• Actively explore and integrate emerging AI technologies and design tools to enhance product capabilities and streamline the design process.

• Translate complex technical requirements, including those related to machine learning models, into user-friendly and accessible product features.

• Champion a culture of design excellence and continuous learning within the Product & Engineering teams, sharing best practices and fostering collaboration.

• Engage directly with customers to understand their workflows, pain points, and desired outcomes, acting as a strong advocate for the user.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "end to end design" and "complex, AI-powered solutions," indicating a senior-level role that requires significant autonomy and problem-solving capabilities. The expectation to "lead a key portion of our UX design and usability efforts" and "develop concepts for potential new products" further reinforces this. The emphasis on AI tools and "AI-forward design and ideation" suggests a proactive role in integrating cutting-edge technology into the design workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of UX/UI principles and product design methodologies is paramount.

• Formal education in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is considered a plus. Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in product design, with a significant focus on UX design and usability.

• Proven track record of successfully leading design initiatives from concept to launch, particularly for complex digital products.

• Experience working with AI/ML-powered features and understanding the unique design considerations they present.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, startup or scale-up environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to change. Required Skills:

• End-to-End Product Design: Proficiency in the entire design lifecycle, from user research and ideation to prototyping, testing, and implementation.

• UX/UI Design Expertise: Strong command of user-centered design principles, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Advanced skills in creating interactive prototypes using tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Expertise in planning and conducting various research methods (interviews, surveys, usability tests) to gather actionable insights.

• AI/ML Design Acumen: Comfort and experience in designing for AI-powered features, understanding model limitations, and leveraging AI tools in the design process.

• Design System Development: Experience in building, scaling, and maintaining design systems for consistency and efficiency.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering) and solicit/incorporate feedback.

• Customer Interaction & Empathy: Skill in engaging with customers, understanding their needs, and advocating for user-centric solutions.

• Critical Thinking & First Principles: A rigorous approach to problem-solving, breaking down complex issues to their core components.

• Communication & Relationship Building: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and build strong working relationships.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the construction technology (ConTech) or SaaS industry.

• Startup or scale-up experience, including experience as an early hire in a new region.

• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and their application in product development.

• Experience with data visualization and dashboard design.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About you" section strongly emphasizes traits like "value-oriented," "obsessed with the 'why'," and "all about the editing," which translate into a need for designers who are not just technically proficient but also deeply analytical, iterative, and focused on delivering genuine user value. The "Solo operator" bonus skill suggests a need for individuals who can thrive with autonomy and potentially help build out future teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase End-to-End Design Process: Present a minimum of one comprehensive case study detailing a product or feature you've designed from conception through to launch. This should illustrate your approach to user research, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.

• Demonstrate AI/ML Design Experience: Highlight projects where you've tackled complex challenges involving AI or machine learning, explaining your design decisions in relation to the technology's capabilities and limitations.

• Illustrate Design System Contributions: Include examples of your work on design systems, showcasing your understanding of scalability, consistency, and component-based design.

• Highlight Iterative Design: Emphasize how you've iterated on designs based on feedback, data, or changing requirements, demonstrating your "editing" approach.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate the user problems you aimed to solve and the rationale behind your design choices, demonstrating your "obsessed with the 'why'" mindset.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Your portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate your ability to map out and optimize user workflows, ensuring efficiency and intuitiveness.

• System Implementation Standards: Showcase how your designs integrate with or influence underlying systems, particularly when dealing with AI/ML components.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Include examples where you've tracked the success of your designs post-launch, using metrics to inform further iterations and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for "a portfolio or a document highlighting a product / feature that you’ve designed" is crucial. For a Senior Product Designer role, especially one focused on complex and AI-driven solutions, the portfolio needs to go beyond just showcasing final UI. It must demonstrate a deep understanding of the design process, problem-solving methodology, and the ability to articulate design rationale, especially in novel and technical areas.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers with 5-10 years of experience in Sydney, Australia, a competitive salary range would typically fall between AUD $120,000 and $170,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Sydney, the demand for specialized UX/AI design skills, and the hybrid work arrangement. Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation Package: This typically includes a base salary, potential for bonuses or stock options, and other financial incentives.

• Enhanced Parental Leave Offering: This signifies a commitment to supporting employees during significant life events, offering more generous leave than statutory requirements.

• EAP Support (Employee Assistance Program): Provides confidential counseling and support services for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues, promoting well-being.

• Hybrid Work Arrangement: Offers flexibility by blending remote work with in-office collaboration, promoting work-life balance.

• Opportunity for Impact: As part of a growing team, the role offers the chance to directly influence product direction and company trajectory.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. However, the hybrid nature of the role suggests a degree of flexibility in how these hours are structured, provided work is completed effectively and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical Senior Product Designer compensation in Sydney, Australia, considering the company's growth stage and the specialized nature of AI/ML design. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are highlighted as key offerings. The "TELECOMMUTE" and "Hybrid" flags, combined with the Australian location, suggest a flexible work model for residents of Australia.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (SaaS), specifically Construction Technology (ConTech) and Visual Progress Tracking.

Company Size: Small, but growing team of high-performers. This suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: 2017 in New Zealand. This indicates a relatively young company with established roots and a clear vision for growth.

Team Structure:

• The design team is currently small, with this role being the second full-time designer. This implies a collaborative environment where designers work closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

• The reporting structure likely involves reporting to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or a similar senior management role, given the "Senior" title.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with close interaction expected between design, product management, and engineering. Methodology:

• First Principles Thinking: Problems are approached by identifying underlying causes rather than relying on pre-conceived solutions.

• Iterative Design: Products are developed and refined through continuous cycles of feedback, testing, and improvement ("all about the editing").

• Customer-Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding and delivering genuine value to users, with direct customer interaction being key.

• AI-Forward Approach: Proactive integration and exploration of AI tools and capabilities within the product and design process.

• Awareness, Care, and Quality: These are emphasized as core values in their approach to product development, suggesting a focus on thoughtful execution and high standards.

Company Website: https://timescapes.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a culture of "high-performers," "deliberate and thoughtful," and emphasizing "awareness, care and quality." This suggests an environment that values deep thinking, meticulous work, and a strong sense of ownership. The "small, but growing team" context is crucial for understanding the collaborative dynamics and the potential for individual impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This role is positioned as a key individual contributor with leadership potential in design strategy and execution. It involves end-to-end ownership of significant product areas and a role in shaping future product directions.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Head of Product or a similar senior product leadership role. Works very closely with Product Managers and Software Engineers.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer will have a direct and significant impact on the company's trajectory by:

• Enhancing the core product's usability and value proposition, driving customer satisfaction and retention.

• Developing innovative new product features and concepts that expand Timescapes' market reach and competitive advantage.

• Championing the adoption of AI-driven design, positioning Timescapes at the forefront of construction technology innovation.

• Contributing to the scalability and long-term vision of the product and design system. Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Head of Design role as the company scales, mentoring junior designers and defining design strategy.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-powered design, construction technology, or specific areas of UX research and strategy.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Opportunity to gain broader product management or engineering insights through close collaboration.

• Startup/Scale-up Experience: Gain invaluable experience in a rapidly growing tech company, understanding how to build processes and teams from the ground up.

• International Exposure: Contribute to a company with a global presence, potentially influencing product design for diverse international markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as leading "a key portion of our UX design and usability efforts" and developing "concepts for potential new products," indicating significant autonomy and impact. The mention of "thinking about the scalability of our design system and the future directions our products could take" points to strategic contributions beyond immediate feature design. The bonus "Solo operator" skill suggests growth potential in building out teams and establishing new operational functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This implies a mix of remote work and in-office collaboration. The company emphasizes customer interaction, suggesting that some in-office time might be dedicated to collaborative sessions or client-facing activities, while remote work offers flexibility.

Office Location(s): Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. While the specific office location within Sydney isn't detailed, it's the primary hub for this role.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect close working relationships with Product Managers and Engineers, fostering an open exchange of ideas.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools and potentially AI augmentation tools will be integral to the workspace.

• Customer Immersion: The role requires spending time in customer environments, indicating a practical, hands-on approach that goes beyond the office walls.

• Dynamic & Growing: As a scale-up, the environment is likely fast-paced, adaptable, and offers opportunities to shape processes and culture.

Work Schedule: Estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in a hybrid model, allowing for effective management of design tasks and collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement, combined with the specific Australian location, suggests that while remote work is possible within Australia, there's an expectation of in-office presence for key collaborative activities or client engagements in Sydney. The emphasis on "spending time in customers' environments" is a critical aspect of the work environment, extending beyond the typical office setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Deep Dive: A session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on a specific product/feature case study. This will involve in-depth discussions about their design process, rationale, problem-solving approach, and experience with AI/ML.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding.

• Customer Scenario/Problem-Solving Exercise: Potentially a design challenge or case study focusing on a real Timescapes problem, requiring the candidate to articulate their approach and solutions.

• Cultural Fit & Values Assessment: Discussions to ensure alignment with Timescapes' values (awareness, care, quality, first principles, iterative design).

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and potential for growth within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Study: Clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, your key decisions and rationale, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes/impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight the "Why": Be prepared to articulate the reasoning behind every significant design decision. This is crucial given Timescapes' emphasis on "obsessed with the 'why'."

• Showcase Iteration: Demonstrate how your designs evolved based on feedback, testing, or new insights. The "editing" process is key.

• Address AI/ML Challenges: If applicable, explain how you approached designing for complex AI/ML features, including any limitations you navigated.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).

• Tailor to Timescapes: Briefly explain why you are interested in Timescapes and how your skills align with their mission and product.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Timescapes' Product: Familiarize yourself with Timescapes' visual progress tracking solution for construction projects. Understand their target users and the problems they solve.

• Think First Principles: For any given problem, break it down to its fundamental components.

• Consider AI Integration: Think about how AI could be leveraged or how existing AI limitations impact user experience in the construction tech domain.

• Practice Articulating Rationale: Be ready to explain your design choices clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about trade-offs and alternatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end to end design," "complex, AI-powered solutions," and "customer interaction" in the job description directly translates into expectations for the interview and portfolio review. Candidates must demonstrate not just visual design skills but a deep strategic and problem-solving capability, with a clear understanding of how to leverage technology and user insights.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable given industry trends and collaborative needs), Sketch, Adobe XD.

• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), and potentially user interview platforms.

• AI Augmentation Tools: Candidates are expected to leverage AI tools in their design process. This could include AI-powered content generation, image creation, or design assistance tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Pendo to track user behavior, feature adoption, and engagement.

• Data Visualization: Tools for creating dashboards and reports to communicate insights, potentially integrated with BI platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not directly a design tool, understanding how design impacts CRM data and user journeys within a CRM context is beneficial.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Tools such as Jira, Asana, Trello, or Notion for managing design tasks, sprints, and team communication.

• Communication Platforms: Slack for real-time team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role explicitly mentions "leveraging AI tools to augment your design process" and "driving the adoption of AI workflows." This is a key differentiator. While specific tools aren't listed, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AI-assisted design tools and how they integrate them into their workflow. Proficiency in standard UX/UI tools like Figma is a given.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Value-Oriented: Focus on delivering genuine user value above strict adherence to methodologies. Solutions should be effective and beneficial.

• Obsessed with the "Why": A culture of deep inquiry, critical thinking, and a requirement to justify design decisions with clear rationale.

• Editing Mindset: Embracing iteration and refinement as fundamental to great design; understanding that the first version is just the beginning.

• Adaptable & Creative: Openness to the unknown, willingness to try new approaches, and comfort with ambiguity in a scaling environment.

• Awareness, Care, and Quality: A deliberate and thoughtful approach to product development, emphasizing high standards and meticulous execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Close Partnership: Seamless collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers is expected, involving active idea exchange and shared problem-solving.

• Customer-Centric Collaboration: Regularly engaging with customers to inform design decisions and ensure solutions meet real-world needs.

• Design Critique Culture: Proactively seeking and providing constructive design critiques to elevate the quality of work across the team.

• AI Workflow Integration: Collaborative efforts to integrate AI tools and workflows across the Product & Engineering teams, fostering shared learning and adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly states its values: "awareness, care and quality." The "About you" section further elaborates on "value-oriented," "obsessed with the 'why'," and "all about the editing." These are critical cultural pillars that candidates should understand and demonstrate alignment with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Tackling challenging design problems involving AI/ML, novel concepts, and intricate user workflows within the construction industry.

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Developing cutting-edge features while ensuring the design system and overall architecture remain scalable and maintainable.

• Navigating AI Limitations: Designing effective user experiences around the constraints and capabilities of AI/ML models.

• Fast-Paced Scale-Up Environment: Adapting to rapid growth, evolving priorities, and the need to build processes and infrastructure as the company expands.

• Establishing Design Standards: As one of the first dedicated designers, there's an opportunity to shape and formalize design processes and standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & ML Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for advanced technologies, becoming a go-to expert in this niche.

• Product Strategy Contribution: Influence the strategic direction of the product roadmap and future offerings.

• Design System Ownership: Take a leading role in evolving and scaling the company's design system.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor future design hires and contribute to building a strong design culture.

• Industry Exposure: Gain deep knowledge of the construction technology sector and its unique user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly derived from the description of the role's responsibilities, particularly concerning AI, complexity, and the scale-up environment. The growth opportunities are framed around expanding influence, specialization, and leadership within the company's evolving structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you approached a complex problem using first principles. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Assesses first principles thinking)

• "Walk us through a challenging AI-powered feature you designed. What were the unique constraints, and how did you navigate them?" (Assesses AI design experience)

• "How do you balance delivering value to users with adhering to established design best practices or methodologies?" (Assesses value-orientation)

• "Tell us about a time you had to significantly 'edit' a design. What was the situation, and what was your process for making those cuts?" (Assesses iterative design and editing mindset)

• "How do you ensure your designs are scalable and maintainable as a product grows?" (Assesses design system thinking and long-term vision) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Timescapes and our mission to simplify construction?" (Assesses company alignment)

• "How do you foster collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers, especially when there are differing opinions on design?" (Assesses collaboration style)

• "Describe your experience with customer interaction and usability testing. How do you incorporate user feedback into your designs?" (Assesses customer-centricity)

• "How do you stay updated on emerging AI tools and technologies relevant to design?" (Assesses proactive learning and AI adoption) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on One Key Case Study: Select a project that best demonstrates your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and ideally, experience with complex or AI-driven features.

• Tell a Story: Frame your presentation as a narrative: the problem, your journey to the solution, the challenges faced, and the impact.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, trade-offs, alternative solutions considered, and the rationale behind your choices.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, especially if it was a team effort.

• Showcase Iteration: Verbally or visually demonstrate how the design evolved and why.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present metrics to back up the success of your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Construction Domain: Research common challenges and workflows in complex construction projects.

• Think About AI Applications: Consider how AI could genuinely improve visibility, tracking, or communication in construction project management.

• Practice Whiteboarding/Sketching: Be ready to quickly sketch out ideas and user flows to communicate your thought process.

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of different design approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation is tailored to the specific values and responsibilities highlighted in the job description, focusing on first principles, AI, iterative design, and customer collaboration. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes demonstrating the end-to-end process and the "why" behind decisions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest case study that clearly illustrates your end-to-end design process, problem-solving approach, and any experience with AI/ML. Ensure it highlights your rationale and iterative design process.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize experience in UX/UI design, product development, AI-powered solutions, and working in fast-paced environments. Use keywords from the job description such as "end-to-end design," "AI-powered solutions," "design systems," and "customer interaction."

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case study, focusing on storytelling, articulating your "why," and demonstrating how you've iterated and edited designs. Be ready to discuss your approach to complex challenges.

• Research Timescapes: Understand their product, mission, and values. Consider how your skills and approach align with their culture of "awareness, care, and quality" and "first principles thinking."

⚠️ 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.