Senior UI Designer – League of Legends (12 Month Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer – League of Legends (12 Month Contract)

Company: Riot Games

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Job Type: Contract

Category: Art & Design / UI/UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual direction and design system for core features within the League of Legends client, ensuring alignment with creative goals and artistic direction.

• Develop and implement visually balanced, intuitive interfaces that prioritize readability, hierarchy, player behavior patterns, and platform consistency.

• Drive the creation and extension of themes across the project by establishing comprehensive style guides, design systems, and conventions.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Art, Game Design, UX Design, and Engineering to craft a compelling and seamless player experience from ideation to in-game implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month contract position, emphasizing the need for candidates who can quickly integrate and deliver high-impact design solutions within a defined timeframe. The focus on "League of Legends" and "Runeterra" indicates a need for deep understanding of established brand aesthetics and player expectations within a fantasy gaming universe.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Shape and define the UI direction for League of Legends features, translating creative and artistic goals into actionable design strategies.

• Create visually engaging and intuitive interfaces, demonstrating a strong understanding of readability, hierarchy, platform considerations, and player interaction patterns.

• Develop and maintain project-wide visual consistency by creating and extending themes through style guides, design systems, and established conventions.

• Collaborate effectively with Art Directors, other artists, Game Designers, UX Designers, and Engineers to ensure a cohesive and compelling visual experience that meets player interaction objectives.

• Produce high-quality assets throughout all development stages, driving concepts from initial ideation through to final implementation within the game engine.

• Leverage deep expertise in systemic design, graphic design, interactivity, layout, typography, color theory, and illustration to deliver seamless player experiences.

• Embrace a growth mindset, actively seeking mentorship from discipline artists and the broader community to continuously improve craft and knowledge.

• Uphold, innovate within, and elevate the quality bar for the visual design discipline within the League of Legends team.

• Work autonomously to maintain best practices in Dublin while empowering local developers and team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "breaking the rules" while understanding existing guides suggests a need for designers who can balance established design language with innovative solutions that push creative boundaries within the game's established aesthetic.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific degree requirements are not listed, but a strong portfolio and relevant professional experience are prioritized. A background in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Interaction Design, or a related field is typically expected for such roles.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience as a Visual Designer, UI Designer, or UI Artist, with hands-on experience contributing to a major feature, game, product launch, or entertainment property.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma for interface design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Demonstrated experience in creating visually balanced and intuitive interfaces.

• Strong understanding of readability, hierarchy, platform consistency, and player behavior patterns.

• Proven ability to create and extend themes through style guides and design systems.

• Deep knowledge of systemic design principles.

• Expertise in graphic design fundamentals, including typography, color theory, and layout.

• Proficiency in illustration techniques relevant to UI elements and game assets.

• Experience in driving design concepts from ideation to implementation.

• A growth mindset and a proactive approach to learning and skill development.

• Ability to work autonomously and uphold craft best practices. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of the game development pipeline, including optimization, localization, and implementation processes.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite products, particularly Photoshop.

• Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

• Experience in a secondary creative area such as motion graphics, illustration, animation, or modeling.

• Experience working within a distributed development environment.

• Understanding of player empathy and a passion for player experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Qualifications" section strongly emphasizes practical, hands-on experience and tool proficiency, particularly with Figma. The "Desired Qualifications" suggest that candidates with broader game development lifecycle knowledge and adjacent creative skills will have a competitive edge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5+ years of professional visual design work, with a strong emphasis on contributions to major feature launches, game titles, or significant entertainment properties.

• Demonstrated expertise in creating visually compelling and intuitive user interfaces, with clear examples of hierarchy, readability, and player behavior considerations.

• Evidence of establishing and maintaining design systems, style guides, and design conventions across multiple projects or a significant product.

• Case studies that illustrate the process of taking a design from early ideation through to final implementation, detailing problem-solving steps and creative decisions.

• Examples showcasing deep knowledge of systemic design, graphic design, interactivity, layout, typography, color theory, and illustration as applied to UI. Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies outlining the design process for at least one major feature or product launch, including initial problem definition, user research insights (if applicable), ideation phases, design iterations, and final implementation.

• Documentation of how style guides and design systems were developed, maintained, and applied to ensure consistency across the project.

• Examples of how the candidate collaborated with cross-functional teams (Art, Game Design, UX, Engineering) throughout the design process, highlighting communication and problem-solving methods.

• Demonstration of how player behavior patterns and platform considerations were integrated into the UI design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of the candidate's craft expertise, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the game development context. It should clearly articulate the candidate's process and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UI Designer (12 Month Contract) in Dublin, Ireland, with 5+ years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between €60,000 - €85,000 annually, commensurate with experience and portfolio. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for contract roles in the gaming and tech sectors in major European cities, considering the specialist nature of the role and the demand for expertise in Figma and game UI design.

Benefits: As this is a contract role, standard benefits may differ from full-time positions. However, typical benefits for contract roles at large tech/gaming companies often include:

• Competitive contract rate.

• Access to company amenities and office facilities.

• Potential for project completion bonuses or extensions.

• Opportunities for professional development and networking within the gaming industry.

• Workplace pension contributions may be applicable depending on contract terms.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely to be 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment in Ireland. The role is hybrid, requiring presence in the Dublin office on specific days, with flexibility for remote work on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate for a 12-month contract role in Dublin, Ireland. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. Benefits are typical for contract positions and may vary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development & Publishing. Riot Games is a leader in the global gaming industry, known for its highly successful titles and commitment to player-centric experiences.

Company Size: Riot Games is a large global company with over 2,500 employees worldwide. This indicates a well-established structure, robust processes, and significant resources available for project development.

Founded: Riot Games was founded in 2006. This history suggests a mature company with extensive experience in developing and maintaining live-service games, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and player engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UI Designer will be part of the League of Legends team in Dublin, reporting to the Production Director.

• They will work closely with an Art Director and collaborate with other visual designers, artists, game designers, UX designers, and engineers.

• The team likely operates with a hybrid model, fostering collaboration through both in-person interactions and digital communication tools. Methodology:

• Riot Games emphasizes a player-first approach, driving decisions based on player needs and experiences.

• The design process likely involves iterative development, incorporating feedback from various disciplines and player data.

• Emphasis is placed on systemic design, allowing for scalable and consistent UI solutions across features.

• Agile methodologies are commonly employed in game development, suggesting a fast-paced, iterative work environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Riot Games is known for its strong player-centric culture and collaborative environment. For a Senior UI Designer, this means understanding the deep connection players have with League of Legends and translating that into intuitive and engaging interface designs. The Dublin office context suggests a significant local team contributing to global projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a requirement for significant autonomy, experience, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers. The role is focused on contributing expert-level UI design craft to a flagship product.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer reports to the Production Director and works closely with the Art Director. This structure provides clear lines of communication and creative oversight, while also allowing for direct collaboration with game design and engineering teams.

Operations Impact: The UI Designer's impact is direct and significant, shaping the player's primary interaction point with League of Legends. High-quality UI design enhances player experience, improves usability, and reinforces the game's brand identity, ultimately contributing to player retention and engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in game UI design, systemic design, and specific areas like motion graphics or illustration within the context of a leading esports title.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design discipline within the Dublin studio.

• Project Variety: While focused on League of Legends, the contract may offer exposure to different feature development cycles and design challenges within the game.

• Industry Exposure: Working on a major title like League of Legends provides valuable experience and networking opportunities within the highly competitive gaming industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, long-term career progression within Riot Games might not be guaranteed but the experience gained is highly valuable. The seniority of the role implies an expectation of leadership in design execution and problem-solving.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Dublin office on a hybrid basis. This suggests a modern office environment equipped for collaboration and creative work, with amenities typical of a large tech/gaming company.

Office Location(s): Dublin, Ireland. Specific location details for the office would need to be confirmed, but it's likely situated in a business district accessible by public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration through planned in-office days, team meetings, and shared digital workspaces.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe CC) and potentially game engines. A robust IT infrastructure supporting creative workflows.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with art, design, and engineering teams, fostering a dynamic and cross-functional work environment.

Work Schedule: The role is likely based on a 40-hour work week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work. This schedule offers flexibility while ensuring team cohesion and collaborative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in Dublin balances the need for in-person collaboration essential for design critique and team bonding with the flexibility that many professionals now expect.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess experience, skill set, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discusses their design process, and answers questions about their experience, problem-solving approach, and understanding of game UI. This is often conducted with the Art Director and/or hiring manager.

• Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially involving a design problem related to League of Legends UI, to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and execution under timed conditions.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Interviews with potential collaborators (e.g., UX designers, game designers, engineers) to evaluate cultural fit, communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a team.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or the Production Director to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in UI design, systemic design, and game interfaces. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process, key decisions, and the outcome. Use visuals and concise explanations.

• Highlight Figma Mastery: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your advanced skills in Figma, including complex components, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.

• Contextualize Designs: Explain how your designs address player needs, enhance usability, and align with the game's aesthetic and brand.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback and iteration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand League of Legends: Familiarize yourself with the current League of Legends client UI, its core features, and its established visual language.

• Practice Design Problems: Work through common UI/UX design challenges, focusing on problem decomposition, ideation, and rapid prototyping.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process clearly and concisely, even under pressure.

• Focus on Player Experience: Frame your solutions around improving the player's experience and achieving game objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role at a company like Riot Games will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on practical skills, problem-solving, and cultural fit. The portfolio is the most critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert-level proficiency required. This will be the primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration within the team. Expect to utilize advanced features like components, variants, auto layout, and collaborative editing.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop): Experience is desired for asset creation, image manipulation, and potentially extending visual styles.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct responsibility, understanding how UI designs impact player engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, task completion times) is beneficial. Familiarity with data-driven design principles is a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role.

Game Engines:

• Unity / Unreal Engine: Familiarity is a plus, indicating an understanding of how UI is implemented and optimized within a game development context. This knowledge aids in designing interfaces that are technically feasible and performant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is paramount. Understanding how designs translate into a game engine environment is a significant advantage, demonstrating a holistic approach to UI development beyond just visual aesthetics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player First: Every decision, including design choices, must prioritize the player's experience and delight.

• Craft Excellence: A commitment to high-quality execution, attention to detail, and continuous improvement in design skills.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, valuing input from all disciplines, and fostering a supportive environment.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, pushing creative boundaries, and seeking novel solutions to design challenges.

• Growth Mindset: A dedication to learning, seeking feedback, and developing professionally.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Art Directors, Game Designers, UX Designers, and Engineers, contributing to a shared vision and problem-solving together.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces constructive criticism and iterative design based on feedback from peers and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, insights, and new techniques within the design team and across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Riot Games fosters a culture where passion for games and player experience is central. Success in this role requires not only technical skill but also the ability to integrate into a passionate, collaborative, and player-focused team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs and Business Goals: Designing interfaces that satisfy a diverse player base while meeting project objectives and technical constraints.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Upholding the established visual identity and player expectations for League of Legends across new features and updates.

• Iterative Design in a Live Service: Adapting designs based on ongoing player feedback, performance data, and evolving game mechanics in a live service environment.

• Technical Implementation Constraints: Designing with an awareness of game engine limitations, optimization requirements, and localization needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Game UI: Gain unparalleled experience in designing for one of the world's most popular games, understanding the nuances of player interaction in a competitive environment.

• Mentorship from Experts: Learn from experienced Art Directors and discipline artists within the Riot Games ecosystem.

• Exposure to AAA Game Development: Understand the end-to-end process of creating and maintaining high-fidelity game interfaces in a AAA studio.

• Networking: Build connections within the gaming industry, particularly with professionals in art, design, and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges due to the high stakes of working on a flagship title, but these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities in specialized game UI design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting design requirements or stakeholder feedback. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on your process, communication, and decision-making.)

• "How do you approach creating a design system or style guide for a complex product like League of Legends?" (Discuss your methodology, tools, and considerations for scalability and consistency.)

• "Walk us through a challenging UI project in your portfolio. What was the problem, your role, your design process, and the outcome?" (Be prepared to deep-dive into your case studies.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and cater to a wide range of player behaviors and preferences?" (Discuss user empathy and inclusive design principles.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about League of Legends and Riot Games specifically?" (Show genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you embody the 'Player First' philosophy in your design work?" (Relate your past experiences to this core value.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with engineers and game designers." (Highlight your ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives with clear beginnings (problem), middles (process, decisions), and ends (solution, impact).

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality mockups and prototypes. Ensure any process diagrams or explanations are easy to understand.

• Focus on Figma: Be ready to demonstrate specific Figma workflows, component usage, and collaborative features.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or metrics to support the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task time). If direct metrics aren't available, speak to the intended impact and why you believe it was achieved.

• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time. Be thorough but concise in your explanations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration capabilities, and a deep understanding of the player experience within the context of Riot Games and League of Legends.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Riot Games careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to game UI design, systemic design, and interfaces for complex applications. Emphasize your Figma proficiency and contributions to major product launches.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience in UI/Visual Design, specifically mentioning experience with games, entertainment properties, or complex digital products. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering strategy and behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples demonstrating your problem-solving skills and player-centric approach.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with League of Legends, Riot Games' culture, and their player-first philosophy. Understand the company's mission and values.

⚠️ 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.