Senior Product Designer - Heartbeat AI (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Heartbeat AI (m/f/d)

Company: 1KOMMA5°

Location: Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Germany

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote within Germany, with office presence in Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for the flagship B2C Heartbeat AI mobile application, driving innovation in the renewable energy sector.

• Champion an AI-first design methodology, leveraging cutting-edge tools to enhance design processes and outcomes.

• Collaborate intensively with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists to translate complex energy concepts into intuitive and impactful user experiences.

• Elevate product quality from good to excellent through strong UX process, visual design, and UI craft.

• Advocate for user needs within a fast-paced, technical environment focused on sustainability and the energy transition.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for a "Senior Product Designer" with a focus on "Heartbeat AI," indicating a specialized position within the company's product development efforts. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "AI as a force multiplier" suggests a forward-thinking approach to design tooling and workflow automation, which is a key differentiator for operations professionals seeking roles that utilize modern technologies. The target markets (B2C) and the company's mission (energy transition, virtual power plants) provide significant context for the types of user problems and design challenges this role will address.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete design lifecycle for core features within the Heartbeat AI mobile app, from initial problem discovery and user research to final delivery and iteration.

• Integrate and utilize AI tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude) to accelerate ideation, prototyping, and the refinement of design solutions, demonstrating practical application of AI in design workflows.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, usability testing, and surveys, to gather insights and validate design decisions.

• Synthesize complex technical data and user feedback into clear, actionable design strategies and elegant product solutions.

• Proactively partner with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering, Data Science) to ensure alignment, feasibility, and successful product implementation.

• Drive the continuous improvement of the Heartbeat app's user experience, ensuring high standards of visual design, UI craft, and overall product polish.

• Translate intricate energy concepts and market dynamics into simple, understandable, and engaging user interfaces and interactions.

• Visualize complex data sets to inform product decisions and communicate insights effectively to stakeholders.

• Champion user-centric design principles throughout the organization, ensuring the user's voice is central to product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a hands-on, end-to-end ownership model typical of senior design roles within fast-growing tech companies. The explicit mention of specific AI tools and the requirement to leverage them as a "force multiplier" indicates that candidates will be expected to demonstrate practical proficiency and strategic thinking around AI in design. The emphasis on synthesizing complex data and translating technical concepts points to the need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills, crucial for operations-aligned design roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and experience in Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is expected.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in Product Design, with a significant focus on mobile application design and end-to-end feature ownership.

Required Skills:

• AI-First Design: Demonstrated daily use of AI tools within the design process, with tangible examples of how AI has enhanced workflows and outcomes.

• End-to-End Ownership: Proven ability to manage features from initial concept (0 to 1), through messy problem statements, to successful product shipment.

• Mobile App Design Fluency: Proficient understanding and application of mobile app design patterns, best practices, and platform conventions.

• UX Process Mastery: Deep expertise in the entire UX design process, including user research, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Visual Design & UI Craft: Strong aesthetic sensibility and meticulous attention to detail in visual design, typography, and UI element creation.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively and proactively with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and other stakeholders.

• Data Synthesis: Capability to distill complex data and technical information into clear, actionable product decisions and elegant design solutions.

• High Agency & Builder Mindset: Demonstrated initiative in identifying and addressing gaps, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for building tangible products.

• Excellent Communication: Fluency in English (written and verbal) with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• German Language Fluency: A significant advantage for day-to-day communication and deeper integration within the team and company culture.

• Data Visualization Expertise: Skill in creating compelling and informative data visualizations to support product insights and decision-making.

• Familiarity with Energy Sector Concepts: Understanding of renewable energy systems, virtual power plants, or smart home technology can be beneficial.

• Experience with AI Design Tools: Specific experience with tools like Cursor, Claude, or similar AI-powered design assistants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "mold we're hiring for" phrasing indicates that while not all boxes need to be ticked, candidates should strongly align with the described profile. The emphasis on "AI native" and "block-shaped" (referring to a well-rounded skillset across UX, visual, UI, and collaboration) are critical indicators. The "high agency" and "builder mindset" are key cultural and performance indicators relevant to operations roles that require initiative and execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 end-to-end product design case studies, demonstrating ownership from problem discovery to shipped product.

• Include detailed breakdowns of the UX process, user research methodologies employed, and key insights derived.

• Present wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs, highlighting design decisions and their rationale.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, design challenges, your specific contributions, and the impact of your work (quantifiable metrics preferred).

• Demonstrate how AI tools were integrated into the design process, showcasing specific examples of AI-assisted ideation, prototyping, or problem-solving.

• Include examples of data visualization where applicable, explaining how data informed design outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly document the workflow followed, from initial ideation through to delivery and any subsequent iterations.

• Highlight how user feedback and data were synthesized and integrated into the design process to drive improvements.

• Showcase the collaboration process with PMs, engineers, and data scientists, illustrating how cross-functional input was incorporated.

• Clearly define the role of AI tools in streamlining or enhancing specific stages of the design workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "end-to-end ownership," "AI-first design," and "synthesizing complex data," a portfolio that meticulously documents the process, showcases problem-solving, and demonstrates the impact of design decisions (especially those influenced by AI) will be paramount. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio and articulate their thought process, much like an operations professional would present a process improvement initiative.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Senior Product Designer title, 5-10 years of experience, and the company's presence in Germany (Hamburg, Berlin, Munich), a competitive salary range is estimated. For a Senior Product Designer in Germany, this typically falls between €65,000 - €90,000 annually, depending on specific experience, skills, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• International, Dynamic Team: Work with a highly motivated and international group of professionals.

• Climate Impact: Directly contribute to the "energy transition" and have a tangible impact on climate change.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with exceptionally talented colleagues.

• Direct Decision-Maker Access: Engage directly with core decision-makers within the company.

• Career Advancement: Excellent opportunities for full-time employment in a rapidly growing European scale-up.

• Remote Work Flexibility: Option to work remotely within Germany, with access to offices in Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.

• Wellbeing: Access to EGYM Wellpass for a healthy work-life balance.

• Discounts: Benefits and discounts through Futurebens.

• Sustainable Commuting: Job bike leasing options (city or e-bike) for environmentally friendly transportation.

Working Hours: The standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through remote work options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in major German tech hubs. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on impact, professional growth, and work-life balance, which are attractive to operations professionals seeking meaningful and supportive work environments. The remote work option within Germany is a significant draw for talent outside the immediate office locations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software, Energy, Art & Design, Environmental & Sustainability. 1KOMMA5° operates at the intersection of renewable energy technology, software development (specifically AI-driven energy management), and customer-facing services. The company aims to democratize clean energy access.

Company Size: 1KOMMA5° is a rapidly growing scale-up, indicated by "over 3,000 people working towards this every day, at more than 80 locations worldwide." This suggests a dynamic, resource-rich, and ambitious environment.

Founded: The company's founding date is not explicitly stated, but its rapid growth and global presence imply a relatively recent establishment or a period of significant recent expansion. The "About us" section mentions Philipp Schröder (CEO), indicating strong leadership.

Team Structure:

• Product & Tech Team: This role sits within the Product & Tech team, which is described as "international, dynamic, and highly motivated."

• B2C Product Teams: The Senior Product Designer will be embedded directly into B2C product teams, implying agile, cross-functional squads focused on specific product areas.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, senior designers typically report to a Head of Design, Design Lead, or Director of Product. The "direct contact with core decision-makers" suggests a flatter hierarchy or at least significant exposure to leadership.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close partnerships with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists are central to the role's success.

Methodology:

• AI-First Design: A core methodology for this role, emphasizing the use of AI to enhance all stages of the design process.

• Agile Development: Implied by the structure of embedding designers into product teams and the fast-paced nature of a scale-up.

• Data-Driven Decisions: The need to "synthesize complex data into simple, elegant product decisions" points to a data-informed approach.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on user research, advocacy for the user, and delivering excellent user experiences.

Company Website: https://www.1komma5.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission-driven nature ("Living on wind and sunlight forever for free," "accelerate CO2 neutral life") is a significant cultural aspect that will appeal to individuals seeking purpose-driven work. The scale-up environment suggests opportunities for rapid learning, impact, and career progression, similar to high-growth operations teams. The blend of hardware (solar, heat pumps) and software (Heartbeat AI) presents unique design challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a mid-to-late career stage. It signifies a level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor and lead design initiatives. The role demands not just execution but strategic contribution to product direction and design methodology.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will be embedded within B2C product teams, working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists. They will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design, with direct exposure to senior leadership due to the company's scale-up nature and the role's strategic importance.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on revenue and business decisions by directly shaping the user experience of the Heartbeat AI app, which is central to 1KOMMA5°'s virtual power plant strategy and customer engagement. A well-designed app drives user adoption, retention, and satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the company's goal of transitioning millions of households to renewable energy and its associated revenue streams. The designer’s ability to synthesize data and advocate for user needs directly influences product strategy and feature prioritization.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, energy technology UX, or B2C mobile app strategy.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of product management, engineering processes, and data science within the renewable energy sector.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the evolution of 1KOMMA5°'s product vision and design system.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Gain valuable experience in a fast-growing, mission-driven scale-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is significant, moving beyond individual contribution to leadership and strategic influence. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "end-to-end ownership" suggests that individuals who excel here can become key figures in shaping the company's digital product strategy, akin to how senior operations leaders drive efficiency and strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. While remote work within Germany is offered, the presence of offices in Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration, team events, and access to office amenities. This blended approach allows for flexibility while fostering team cohesion.

Office Location(s):

• Hamburg: Neuer Wall 35, 20354 Hamburg

• Berlin: Rollbergstraße C/O Impact Hub 28A, 12053 Berlin

• Munich: 80331 Munich (specific address not detailed, but central)

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes close partnership with PMs, engineers, and data scientists, fostering a highly collaborative and integrated workspace, whether in-person or remotely.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools like Figma, Cursor, Claude, Notion, and Linear, supporting efficient and AI-enhanced workflows.

• Impactful Projects: Working on a flagship consumer product ("Heartbeat app") that directly contributes to a significant global mission (energy transition).

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexibility afforded by the remote work option. This allows for better management of personal time alongside demanding project timelines and the need for deep work sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and multiple office locations provide flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person collaboration, which is often valued in design roles for brainstorming and team building. The availability of specific tools like Cursor and Claude reinforces the AI-centric nature of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: Likely to involve multiple stages typical for senior roles in tech scale-ups:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, potentially including a take-home design challenge or an in-person/virtual whiteboard session focused on problem-solving and design thinking. This stage will heavily scrutinize the application of AI in their process.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and communication effectiveness.

• Hiring Manager/Lead Interview: Discussion with the design lead or hiring manager to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with team culture.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: Potentially a discussion with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CTO) to confirm strategic fit and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly showcase how and why AI tools were used in specific case studies. Quantify the benefits (e.g., time saved, improved iterations, novel solutions).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize case studies logically: Problem -> Research -> Ideation -> Design -> Testing -> Results/Impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Demonstrate End-to-End Ownership: Provide evidence of your involvement from concept to delivery. Explain your specific contributions and decision-making rationale.

• Showcase Complexity Handling: Present examples where you synthesized complex technical or data-driven information into simple, elegant solutions.

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

• Tailor to 1KOMMA5°: Research 1KOMMA5°'s mission, products (Heartbeat app), and target audience. Frame your experience and case studies to resonate with their goals in the energy transition space.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Application: Be prepared for challenges that may involve using AI tools to rapidly prototype or ideate solutions.

• Problem Decomposition: Practice breaking down complex problems (e.g., how to visualize energy consumption data, how to encourage user engagement with energy-saving features) into manageable parts.

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to interpret hypothetical data sets and translate them into design recommendations.

• Communication: Clearly articulate your thought process, design rationale, and any trade-offs considered, especially when collaborating or presenting under time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI native," "end-to-end ownership," and "synthesizing complex data" means interviewers will look for candidates who can not only design but also strategically apply new technologies and manage complex projects with significant impact. The portfolio review will be critical for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The industry standard for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Expected proficiency for creating polished interfaces and design systems.

• Cursor: An AI-first code editor that integrates AI features directly into the development workflow. Its inclusion suggests a strong alignment with AI-native workflows and potentially collaboration with developers using similar tools.

• Claude: A powerful AI assistant from Anthropic, likely used for tasks such as content generation, research summarization, code explanation, and potentially design ideation or refinement.

• Notion: A versatile workspace application for documentation, project management, knowledge sharing, and team collaboration. Expected to be used for design documentation, research notes, and team communication.

• Linear: A modern issue tracking and project management tool designed for software teams. Indicates an agile development environment where designers need to manage tasks, bugs, and feature requests efficiently.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, the role requires synthesizing complex data. Candidates should be comfortable with or capable of learning:
  • Product Analytics Tools: (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude, Google Analytics) for understanding user behavior and feature adoption.
  • Data Visualization Tools: (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or in-app dashboarding tools) for interpreting and presenting data insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for the design role, but understanding how CRM data (e.g., from Salesforce, HubSpot) might inform user segmentation or how design impacts customer journeys within a CRM context could be beneficial. Awareness of automation principles in workflow design is also relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Cursor, Claude, Notion, and Linear highlights the company's commitment to modern, AI-integrated tools. Candidates must be proficient in Figma and demonstrate a willingness and ability to quickly adopt and leverage AI tools like Cursor and Claude to enhance their design output and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• AI-First Mindset: Embracing and actively utilizing AI as a core tool to drive efficiency, innovation, and better design outcomes.

• Impact-Driven: A strong commitment to the company's mission of accelerating the energy transition and contributing to CO2 neutrality.

• User-Centricity: Deep empathy for the user, ensuring their needs and experiences are at the forefront of all design decisions.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and proactive partnership with cross-functional teams, fostering a transparent and supportive work environment.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality design, attention to detail, and continuous improvement of product experiences.

• Builder Mentality: A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving and bringing ideas to life.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers are embedded within agile, cross-functional product teams, working side-by-side with PMs, engineers, and data scientists.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, efficient verbal and written communication to ensure alignment and accelerate decision-making.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions are grounded in user research, data insights, and technical feasibility.

• Feedback Culture: An environment that encourages constructive feedback exchange to elevate the product and individual skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value innovation (AI-first), purpose (impact-driven), user advocacy, and strong teamwork. For an operations professional, this translates to an environment where data-driven insights are valued, efficiency is key, and collaboration is essential for achieving ambitious goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Concepts: Effectively simplifying intricate energy market dynamics and technical data into intuitive user experiences for a B2C audience.

• AI Integration Learning Curve: Mastering and strategically applying new AI design tools to maximize their potential and integrate them seamlessly into the workflow.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Operating in a fast-paced scale-up environment while maintaining high standards of design craft and user experience.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and execution of design vision across diverse teams (product, engineering, data science) with potentially different priorities.

• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong team cohesion and design quality in a hybrid/remote work setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Become a leader in applying AI tools and methodologies to product design.

• Energy Sector Expertise: Gain deep knowledge of the renewable energy market, smart home technology, and virtual power plants.

• Product Strategy Contribution: Influence the strategic direction of a key B2C product in a rapidly growing market.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design function.

• Scale-up Experience: Gain invaluable experience navigating the challenges and opportunities of a high-growth technology company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of senior roles in innovative tech companies, requiring adaptability, strategic thinking, and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths for leadership, specialization, and significant career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used AI tools to significantly improve your design process or outcome. What was the impact?" (Focus on specific tools, process changes, and quantifiable results.)

• "Walk us through an end-to-end product design case study from your portfolio. How did you define the problem, conduct research, arrive at your solution, and measure its success?" (Be ready to detail your process, decisions, and contributions.)

• "How would you approach designing a feature that visualizes complex energy consumption data for a typical homeowner? What data points would be crucial, and how would you make it understandable?" (Demonstrate data synthesis and user-centric simplification.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with improving user engagement with the Heartbeat app. What metrics would you track, what user research methods would you employ, and what design hypotheses would you explore?" (Showcase strategic thinking, data literacy, and user empathy.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about 1KOMMA5°'s mission and the energy transition?" (Connect your personal values and career aspirations to the company's purpose.)

• "How do you see AI transforming the future of product design, and how do you stay current with these advancements?" (Demonstrate your proactive learning and forward-thinking approach.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration dynamic with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists." (Highlight your teamwork, communication, and cross-functional skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• AI Storytelling: Weave the narrative of AI integration throughout your case studies. Show before and after where AI played a role, or how it enabled faster iteration.

• Process Transparency: Clearly articulate your design process, including any pivots or challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

• Impact Focus: Dedicate a section of each case study to the measurable impact of your design solutions. Use data and metrics effectively.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Aim for clear, concise explanations. Use visuals to support your points, but don't let them overshadow your narrative. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your work.

• Enthusiasm & Fit: Convey your passion for design, technology, and 1KOMMA5°'s mission. Show how your skills and approach align with their culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical AI application, strong end-to-end ownership, and the ability to translate complex, data-rich information into user-friendly designs. Candidates should be ready to articulate their strategic thinking and collaborative approach, aligning with the company's values and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the 1KOMMA5° careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with mobile app design, end-to-end product ownership, and any demonstrated use of AI tools in design workflows. Use keywords like "AI-First Design," "UX Process," "Figma," and "Product Delivery."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your end-to-end design process, AI integration, ability to handle complex data, and quantifiable impact. Ensure it is easily navigable and professionally presented.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on your role, decision-making process, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools and the energy sector.

• Research 1KOMMA5°: Understand their mission, products (especially Heartbeat AI), and their position in the energy transition market. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company strategy.

⚠️ 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.