Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: DEPT®

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Job Type: Full-time (implied)

Category: Experience Design / Digital Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: Senior

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of exceptional, end-to-end user experiences for ambitious brands, focusing on digital products and platforms.

• Drive innovation by bringing best practices and cross-industry insights to project teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including IT and UI designers, to translate strategic goals into intuitive and engaging user interfaces.

• Lead and participate in discovery sessions, applying generative methods to uncover user needs, challenges, and opportunities for growth invention.

• Develop and present well-considered user journeys, flows, wireframes, and prototypes, substantiating design choices with clear annotations and user validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly defined as a Senior UX Designer within DEPT®'s "Experience & Engineering" business unit. The emphasis on "Growth Invention," "intersection of technology and marketing," and "partner-led, and first to move" indicates a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. The hybrid model with specific office days suggests a structured approach to collaboration and in-person ideation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate discovery sessions, workshops, and brainstorming activities to define project scope, user needs, and business objectives.

• Develop comprehensive user personas, journey maps, user flows, and information architecture to inform design decisions.

• Create high-fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications using industry-standard tools like Figma.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and A/B testing to validate design concepts and iterate based on feedback and data.

• Collaborate effectively with UI designers to ensure seamless integration of UX principles into the final visual design and user interface.

• Work closely with development teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs and provide ongoing design support throughout the development lifecycle.

• Present design concepts, rationale, and user research findings to clients and internal stakeholders, effectively articulating design choices and handling feedback.

• Bring forward new ideas, best practices, and cross-industry insights to elevate the quality of design solutions and project outcomes.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UX processes, methodologies, and best practices within the DEPT® Experience & Engineering team.

• Ideally, integrate SEO best practices into the design process to optimize for search engine visibility and user discoverability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and strong collaborative and communication skills. The mention of "A-brands" and "renowned brand" experience implies a need for sophisticated design thinking and an understanding of enterprise-level user experience challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design (e.g., Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design), Psychology, or a related field is often preferred for senior roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a UX Designer, with a significant portion gained at a digital agency or a well-respected brand.

• Proven track record of designing successful websites, mobile applications, and complex digital products for prominent clients ("A-brands").

• Demonstrated experience working effectively within multidisciplinary teams comprising product managers, developers, researchers, and UI designers. Required Skills:

• Expertise in user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Proficient in conducting user research, usability testing, and synthesizing findings into actionable design insights.

• Advanced skills in wireframing, user flow mapping, and information architecture design.

• Strong ability to create interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts and gather user feedback.

• Extensive experience with design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma.

• Familiarity with collaborative tools for team communication and project management.

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and influence stakeholders.

• Working proficiency in English and German (written and spoken). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with generative design methods and leading discovery sessions.

• Knowledge of SEO best practices and how they integrate with UX design.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Experience with various user research techniques beyond usability testing (e.g., interviews, surveys, card sorting).

• Understanding of front-end development principles to facilitate collaboration with engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on 5+ years of experience and working with "A-brands" suggests the need for a candidate who can handle complex projects, manage stakeholder expectations, and deliver high-impact design solutions. The requirement for both English and German fluency is critical for client interactions in the Swiss market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, well-curated portfolio (website or PDF) is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of UX design projects.

• Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of the user-centered design process, from research and ideation to final implementation.

• Include case studies that highlight complex challenges, your strategic approach, design solutions, and quantifiable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase your ability to translate user needs and business goals into intuitive user journeys, flows, and wireframes.

• Provide evidence of your proficiency with design tools, particularly Figma, and your ability to create interactive prototypes. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio case studies should clearly articulate the discovery and generative methods used.

• Demonstrate how user journeys, flows, and wireframes were developed and refined.

• Include examples of user validation through prototypes and testing feedback.

• Show evidence of collaboration with UI designers and development teams.

• If possible, include examples of integrating SEO practices into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating practical UX design skills and process. Candidates should focus on showcasing their end-to-end design thinking and problem-solving capabilities, rather than just visual aesthetics. Quantifiable results and impact are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Designer in Basel, Switzerland, with 5+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is approximately CHF 110,000 - CHF 140,000. This can vary based on specific experience, the complexity of projects handled, and the candidate's negotiation skills.

Benefits:

• Flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location).

• 25 days of annual leave, with the option to take unpaid leave.

• Flexible health budget.

• Wellness & personal day.

• Learning & development budget for continuous professional growth.

• Referral bonus program.

• Occasional breakfast & lunch provided at the office, including "Smoothie Tuesday."

• Contribution to health and well-being through the OpenUp platform.

• Access to spacious and barrier-free office locations in Zurich or a well-equipped office in Bern.

• Numerous social events and opportunities for team connection and celebrations.

• Opportunity to work with leading clients and contribute to impactful projects.

• DEPT® Cares Month, offering opportunities for skill-based volunteering.

• Training, development, and certifications to enhance skills.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are typically around 40 hours per week in Switzerland. The hybrid policy suggests flexibility in how these hours are structured, with an expectation of presence in the office for collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for senior UX designer roles in major Swiss cities like Zurich and Basel, considering the cost of living and industry benchmarks. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance, professional development, and employee well-being, which are strong attractors for senior talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Marketing, Digital Transformation, Consulting. DEPT® operates at the intersection of technology and marketing, positioning itself as a "Growth Invention" company.

Company Size: 4,000+ specialists globally. This indicates a large, established, yet agile international organization.

Founded: DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp since 2021, highlighting a commitment to social and environmental responsibility alongside business performance. The company's philosophy is built on "Growth Invention," "partner-led," and "first to move."

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Experience & Engineering" business unit, suggesting a dedicated team focused on delivering digital experiences and technological solutions.

• This unit likely comprises specialists in UX/UI design, front-end development, data analytics, and potentially product strategy.

• The requirement for close collaboration with the IT department indicates strong interdepartmental integration.

• The presence of multidisciplinary teams means you'll work alongside diverse skill sets, fostering a rich learning environment. Methodology:

• DEPT® emphasizes "Growth Invention," suggesting a proactive, innovative, and results-driven approach to client challenges.

• The company culture is built on three core values: "better together," "relentlessly curious," and "get sh*t done."

• Expect a dynamic environment where rapid iteration, data-driven decisions, and a hands-on attitude are prized.

• The focus on "user-centered design" and delivering "exceptional and engaging digital experiences" points to a strong commitment to user satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT®'s culture appears to be professional yet dynamic, with a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to positive impact (B Corp status). The "Growth Invention" ethos suggests a forward-thinking approach to client problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, indicating a level of expertise, autonomy, and leadership potential. Senior designers are expected to mentor junior team members, lead complex projects, and contribute to strategic design decisions. They are key contributors to the "Experience & Engineering" unit's success.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior UX Designer typically reports to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Head of Experience. They will work closely with project managers, product owners, UI designers, and development teams. The close collaboration with the IT department suggests a matrixed reporting or strong dotted-line relationship.

Operations Impact: Senior UX Designers at DEPT® have a significant impact on client success by creating user experiences that drive engagement, conversion, and customer loyalty. Their work directly contributes to the "Growth Invention" mission by ensuring digital products are not only functional but also delightful and effective in achieving business objectives. They are instrumental in shaping how brands interact with their audiences digitally.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, design systems, or accessibility.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles like UX Lead, Design Manager, or Head of Experience, managing teams and overseeing design strategy for multiple projects or clients.

• Client Strategy: Influence client's broader digital strategy through expert UX consultation and thought leadership.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior UX designers, contributing to their professional development.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Gain exposure to marketing, data analytics, and technology aspects of "Growth Invention" through interdisciplinary projects.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to award-winning projects and build a strong reputation within the digital industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a clear path for advancement, either into management or as a principal individual contributor. The company's focus on "Growth Invention" suggests opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and shape innovative digital solutions for major brands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: DEPT® offers a hybrid working policy, with 2 days per week expected in the office. The company provides "spacious and barrier-free" locations in Zurich and a "small but nice and fully equipped office" in Bern. This suggests a modern, functional, and inclusive workspace designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s):

• Zurich: A spacious and barrier-free location, likely offering ample space for collaboration, individual work, and team events.

• Bern: A smaller, well-equipped office providing a focused environment for those working from this location. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on "better together" suggest a workspace designed to facilitate interaction, brainstorming, and team cohesion during office days.

• Technology & Tools: Expect access to modern design software (Figma), collaboration platforms, and necessary hardware for high-level UX design work.

• Team Interaction: Office days will be crucial for in-person collaboration with UI designers, developers, project managers, and potentially clients, fostering a strong team dynamic.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical in Switzerland. The hybrid policy provides flexibility, allowing employees to balance remote work with in-office collaboration, supporting a productive workflow for design tasks and team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is clearly defined with specific office days, indicating a structured approach to work-life balance and in-person collaboration. The description of office spaces suggests a focus on employee comfort, accessibility, and functionality.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.

2. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into your portfolio with a hiring manager or senior design lead. Expect to walk through 2-3 key projects, discussing your process, design decisions, challenges, and outcomes. This stage heavily evaluates your UX methodology and problem-solving skills.

3. Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (e.g., UI designers, developers, product managers) and potentially stakeholders from client-facing teams. This assesses your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into multidisciplinary teams.

4. Design Challenge (potential): You might be given a small design task or case study to complete within a set timeframe, either as a take-home assignment or during an interview session. This tests your practical application of UX principles and your thought process.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within the Experience & Engineering unit to confirm fit and discuss overall career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies like a narrative: the problem, your approach, your solutions, and the results.

• Process Over Polish: While polished visuals are good, focus on demonstrating your thought process, research, iterative design, and problem-solving skills.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or outcomes that show the impact of your design decisions (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you worked with others—developers, product managers, clients—to achieve the best outcome.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and other relevant tools.

• Tailor to DEPT®: Research DEPT®'s clients, work, and values. If possible, tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight projects or skills that align with their focus on "Growth Invention" and their client types.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a challenge, read the brief carefully and ask clarifying questions.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between understanding the problem, ideation, design, and presentation.

• Justify Decisions: Be prepared to explain the rationale behind every design choice you make, linking it back to user needs and business goals.

• Present Clearly: Structure your presentation logically and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, with a strong emphasis on both practical design skills and collaborative abilities. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial, as it serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a required tool. Expect to use it extensively for wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design. Proficiency is essential.

• Collaborative Tools: While not specified, tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, or Asana are commonly used for team communication, project management, and documentation in agency environments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, a Senior UX Designer would benefit from familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics), A/B testing platforms (e.g., Optimizely, VWO), and user feedback tools (e.g., Hotjar, SurveyMonkey). Understanding how to interpret data to inform design decisions is key. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX design responsibilities, but understanding how digital products integrate with CRM systems or marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for a holistic view of the user journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of the tool stack. Candidates should be very comfortable with its features, including its collaboration capabilities. Familiarity with analytics and user feedback tools will enhance a candidate's ability to demonstrate data-driven design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Together: Emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support. Expect a culture where collective success is prioritized, and team members help each other grow.

• Relentlessly Curious: Encourages continuous learning, exploration of new ideas, and a proactive approach to understanding user needs and industry trends. Embrace a mindset of asking "why" and seeking deeper insights.

• Get Sh*t Done: Highlights a bias for action, efficiency, and delivering results. This value suggests a pragmatic, results-oriented environment where initiative is rewarded and execution is key.

• Growth Invention: This overarching company philosophy means a focus on innovation, driving client growth through technology and marketing, and being at the forefront of industry advancements.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Expect to work closely with diverse teams (IT, UI, product, marketing), requiring strong communication and the ability to translate UX concepts for different audiences.

• Client-Facing: The role involves presenting work to clients, requiring clear, persuasive communication and the ability to manage feedback constructively.

• Agile & Iterative: Likely to involve working within agile frameworks, with regular feedback loops and iterative design processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: The culture likely promotes sharing best practices and insights, especially given the "relentlessly curious" value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with DEPT®'s core values is crucial for success. The "Get Sh*t Done" mentality, combined with "Relentlessly Curious," suggests a high-performance culture that values both efficiency and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with User Needs: Navigating client expectations and business goals while advocating for the user experience can be challenging. Strong communication and data-backed arguments are key.

• Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping pace with new technologies, design trends, and user behavior shifts requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Complexity of "A-brand" Projects: Working with large, established brands often involves complex systems, legacy constraints, and diverse stakeholder needs, requiring strategic problem-solving.

• Hybrid Work Integration: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion within a hybrid work model requires proactive communication and intentional team-building efforts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Diverse Projects: Work on a wide range of client projects across various industries, offering broad exposure and skill development.

• Formal Training & Certifications: The "Learning & development budget" and emphasis on "Training, development and certifications" provide opportunities for formal skill enhancement.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and potentially mentor junior team members.

• Industry Events & Conferences: DEPT®'s commitment to "relentlessly curious" may extend to supporting attendance at relevant industry events.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technologies: Working at the intersection of technology and marketing means opportunities to engage with emerging technologies and innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a dynamic agency environment. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly given the company's size, global reach, and focus on innovation and employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements with user needs. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Tests negotiation, user advocacy, and problem-solving).

• "Walk us through a complex UX project from your portfolio. What was the initial problem, your process, the key decisions you made, and the impact of your work?" (Tests end-to-end UX process and communication).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies? How have you applied new learnings in your work?" (Tests continuous learning and adaptability).

• "Imagine you're designing a new feature for [a hypothetical client relevant to DEPT®'s portfolio]. What would be your first steps, and how would you approach the design process?" (Tests practical application of skills and strategic thinking). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DEPT® and our 'Growth Invention' approach?" (Tests research and alignment with company mission).

• "How do you embody our values of 'Better Together,' 'Relentlessly Curious,' and 'Get Sh*t Done' in your work?" (Tests cultural fit and self-awareness).

• "Describe your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration with developers and UI designers?" (Tests teamwork and communication). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your senior-level experience, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your role, the problem, your research methodology, design iterations, user validation, and the final solution.

• Use Visuals Effectively: Show wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final designs, but ensure they support your narrative, not replace it.

• Quantify Results: If possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs, and alternative solutions.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within any time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also strategic thinking, collaborative ability, and alignment with DEPT®'s core values and "Growth Invention" philosophy. The portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features 2-3 complex UX projects that highlight your senior-level experience, strategic thinking, and impact. Tailor your project selection to align with DEPT®'s work with major brands and their focus on "Growth Invention."

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities relevant to designing websites, apps, and digital products for "A-brands." Use keywords from the job description like "UX Design," "Figma," "User Journeys," "Prototyping," and "Discovery Sessions."

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, process, and impact. Prepare to discuss your experience with Figma, collaborative tools, and your understanding of user-centered design principles. Research DEPT®'s values and recent work to demonstrate genuine interest.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with DEPT®'s "Growth Invention" methodology, their client roster, and their commitment to B Corp principles. Understand their "better together," "relentlessly curious," and "get sh*t done" culture to articulate how you would fit in.

⚠️ 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.