Senior UX Designer – Automotive | Södertälje
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Senior UX Designer – Automotive
Company: Sway Sourcing
Location: Södertälje, Stockholm County, Sweden
Job Type: Full-time
Category: UX/UI Design, Automotive Technology
Date Posted: 2026-09-07
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: Hybrid (Primarily Onsite)
🚀 Role Summary
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Design and prototype user interfaces for future automotive Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) using Figma.
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Lead design initiatives from concept through to implementation, ensuring a seamless user experience in technically advanced vehicles.
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Conduct user testing and translate user insights into actionable design improvements to enhance product functionality and usability.
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Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, product owners, and other stakeholders, within a Lean Agile framework.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a Senior UX Designer with deep expertise in the automotive sector, focusing on the critical areas of HMI and ADAS. The emphasis on Figma, user testing, and Lean Agile methodologies indicates a hands-on, iterative design process within a fast-paced development environment. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
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Design and prototype user experiences and interfaces for next-generation automotive systems, with a strong focus on HMI and ADAS features.
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Create high-fidelity prototypes in Figma to effectively visualize and communicate complex design concepts to stakeholders and development teams.
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Plan, execute, and analyze user testing sessions to gather critical user feedback and validate design solutions.
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Translate user research findings and performance data into concrete design improvements and innovative solutions.
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Develop and refine HMI solutions for future vehicles, ensuring intuitive interaction and optimal user engagement.
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Contribute to the design and enhancement of ADAS functionalities and their associated user experiences, prioritizing safety and ease of use.
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Foster strong collaborative relationships with development teams, product managers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure design alignment and successful implementation.
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Act as a design advocate, ensuring that the core design intent is preserved throughout the development and implementation lifecycle.
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Proactively and independently drive design initiatives, taking ownership of deliverables and contributing to continuous process improvement within a Lean Agile environment.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level contribution, expecting the candidate to not only execute design tasks but also to lead and influence design direction. The specific mention of translating insights into improvements and advocating for design intent underscores the strategic impact expected from this role within the automotive product development cycle.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interaction Design, UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
Experience: Extensive professional experience as an Interaction Designer, UX Designer, or UI Designer, with a significant portion dedicated to the automotive industry.
Required Skills:
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Extensive experience as an Interaction Designer, UX Designer, or UI Designer.
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Demonstrated experience within the automotive industry, understanding its unique design challenges and user expectations.
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Proven experience in HMI development specifically within the automotive sector.
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Hands-on experience designing for ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems).
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High proficiency in Figma, including advanced features for design and high-fidelity prototyping.
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Strong experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing user testing and user research to gather actionable insights.
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Ability to independently drive design initiatives, take ownership of design deliverables, and manage projects from inception to completion.
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Practical experience working within Lean Agile development environments.
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Fluency in Swedish and/or English, with strong communication skills in both. Preferred Skills:
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Experience designing for or with Android Automotive operating systems.
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Knowledge and practical experience with ADAS levels L2/L2++ and their user interface requirements.
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Proven track record of delivering user-centered design solutions in fast-paced, iterative development settings.
📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep design expertise, specific industry knowledge (automotive, HMI, ADAS), and technical tool proficiency (Figma). The requirement for independent ownership and Lean Agile experience points to a self-starter who can navigate complex projects and collaborate effectively within agile teams.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 projects, with at least 2-3 prominently featuring automotive HMI and/or ADAS design.
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Demonstrate a clear design process, from initial user research and problem definition to ideation, prototyping, user testing, and final implementation.
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Include examples of high-fidelity prototypes created in Figma, illustrating complex interactions and user flows.
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Showcase how user insights were gathered and directly influenced design decisions, with clear explanations of the impact.
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Highlight experience with iterative design cycles and how feedback was incorporated to refine solutions. Process Documentation:
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Detailed case studies within the portfolio that outline the user research methodologies employed (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing).
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Examples of workflow design and optimization, particularly for complex automotive interfaces.
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Documentation of system implementation considerations, focusing on how the design integrates with automotive software architectures.
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Clear articulation of the ROI or user benefit achieved through the designed solutions, supported by metrics where possible.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role in a specialized field like automotive HMI/ADAS, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just design output but a robust, user-centered design process, with a clear emphasis on automotive-specific applications and the ability to articulate design impact.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Designers with 5-10 years of experience in Sweden, particularly in specialized fields like automotive technology, the estimated annual gross salary range is SEK 550,000 - 750,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, negotiation, and the client company's compensation structure.
Benefits:
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Competitive salary and potential for contract extensions, offering financial stability and opportunity.
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Opportunity to work with cutting-edge automotive technology, contributing to the future of vehicle interfaces.
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Collaborative and innovative work environment within a technically advanced industry.
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Professional development opportunities through exposure to complex projects and cross-functional teams.
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Potential for flexible work arrangements, with primary onsite presence in Södertälje.
Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The contract period is from September 30, 2026, to September 30, 2027, with a possibility for extension. The work arrangement is primarily onsite in Södertälje, with potential for remote work based on mutual agreement.
📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on standard Swedish tech industry rates for senior UX roles and the specialized nature of automotive design. Benefits are inferred from typical contract roles and the nature of working with a recruitment partner like Sway Sourcing, emphasizing project-based opportunities and professional growth.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Automotive Technology, Software Development, User Experience Design. The company is likely a key player or a supplier to major automotive manufacturers, focusing on the digital and interactive aspects of vehicles.
Company Size: Sway Sourcing operates as a recruitment partner, indicating they work with a diverse range of clients, from large corporations to smaller tech firms. The specific client company for this role is not detailed but is implied to be a significant entity in the automotive sector requiring senior UX expertise.
Founded: Sway Sourcing was founded recently (implied by "relatively new actor") with bases in Sweden and Spain, aiming for rapid and effective talent matching. The client company's founding date is not specified but is assumed to be established within the automotive sector.
Team Structure:
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The UX Designer will likely join a dedicated product development team or a specialized UX/Design department within the client company. This team would typically include other designers, product managers, researchers, and software engineers.
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The reporting structure will likely be to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Product Owner, with close collaboration with development teams.
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Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with engineering, product management, HMI specialists, and potentially marketing or testing departments. Methodology:
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The team operates within a Lean Agile framework, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid adaptation.
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Data analysis and insights are crucial, driven by user research, usability testing, and performance metrics to inform design decisions.
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Workflow planning and optimization are key to ensuring efficient design and development processes, especially for complex automotive systems.
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Automation and efficiency practices are likely leveraged where applicable to streamline design and development workflows.
Company Website: https://www.swaysourcing.com
📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided by Sway Sourcing's description suggests a modern, agile recruitment approach. The Senior UX Designer role is embedded within a client company that is at the forefront of automotive technology, demanding a high degree of collaboration and adherence to agile principles.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level, indicating significant autonomy, responsibility, and the expectation to mentor or guide less experienced designers. The focus on HMI and ADAS within automotive suggests a specialization within the broader UX/Product Design field.
Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of UX, or a Product Lead. They will work closely with Product Owners and Engineering Leads in a collaborative, cross-functional team structure.
Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer will have a direct impact on the usability, safety, and overall user satisfaction of critical automotive systems. Their work will influence customer perception of the brand, product adoption rates, and potentially safety compliance by ensuring intuitive and effective HMI and ADAS interactions.
Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization Deepening: Further development in advanced automotive UX, focusing on emerging areas like AI-driven interfaces, autonomous driving experiences, or in-car connectivity.
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Leadership Development: Potential to move into Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Product Owner roles, taking on greater strategic and team leadership responsibilities.
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Skill Expansion: Opportunities to gain expertise in adjacent areas such as user research methodologies, interaction design patterns for embedded systems, or even contributing to design system strategy.
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Industry Exposure: Working on high-profile automotive projects provides valuable experience and networking opportunities within a major global industry.
📝 Enhancement Note: The senior designation implies a path for leadership and deeper specialization. The growth opportunities are framed around advancing within the automotive UX domain, leveraging the specialized knowledge gained.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Primarily onsite in Södertälje, suggesting a traditional office setting that fosters in-person collaboration. The "Hybrid" status allows for some flexibility, but the emphasis on onsite work indicates a preference for face-to-face interaction, crucial for design collaboration.
Office Location(s): Södertälje, Sweden. This location is known for its industrial and automotive presence, suggesting the office is situated within or near a hub of automotive activity.
Workspace Context:
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The environment is expected to be collaborative, with designers working alongside engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders.
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Access to standard design tools and technologies, with a confirmed requirement for Figma proficiency. This implies a modern digital toolkit.
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Opportunities for frequent interaction with the core product development team, facilitating rapid feedback loops and iterative design processes.
Work Schedule: The standard full-time work schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with the possibility of flexibility based on project needs and team agreements, aligning with Lean Agile principles. The contract duration is one year with potential for extension.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on onsite work in Södertälje points to a collaborative, in-person environment typical of engineering-heavy industries like automotive. The hybrid aspect offers a concession to modern work trends while maintaining the benefits of co-location for complex design tasks.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio by Sway Sourcing to assess core qualifications and automotive experience.
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Hiring Manager/Team Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on UX design philosophy, automotive experience (HMI/ADAS), Figma proficiency, and problem-solving skills. Expect behavioral questions about collaboration and handling design challenges.
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Design Exercise/Case Study Presentation: A practical assessment, potentially involving a design challenge or a presentation of a past project from the portfolio, focusing on process, rationale, and outcomes. This will likely involve demonstrating how user insights were leveraged and how designs were iterated upon.
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Final Interview: May involve meeting with key stakeholders or department leads to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Automotive Focus: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your most relevant automotive HMI/ADAS projects. Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project.
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Process Clarity: Walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining your rationale for each decision, especially concerning user research, prototyping, and testing.
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Figma Showcase: Be prepared to demonstrate your Figma skills, perhaps by sharing interactive prototypes or explaining advanced techniques you've used.
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Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs where possible. If direct metrics are unavailable, explain the expected benefits or user improvements based on your design rationale.
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Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio effectively within a limited timeframe, highlighting key achievements and relevant skills.
Challenge Preparation:
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Problem Framing: If given a design challenge, focus on understanding the problem space, defining user needs, and clearly stating your assumptions.
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Iterative Approach: Demonstrate how you would approach the challenge iteratively, outlining potential research, design, and testing phases.
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Communication: Articulate your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, engineers, and product managers.
📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is structured to thoroughly evaluate both design expertise and specific automotive domain knowledge. A strong portfolio is critical, and candidates should be prepared to articulate their process and impact in detail, with a focus on automotive-specific applications.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Figma: Confirmed as the primary design and prototyping tool. Expertise in advanced features, component systems, and collaborative workflows is expected.
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Prototyping Tools: Figma's native prototyping capabilities are key, but familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe XD, Sketch with InVision) might be beneficial for understanding different workflows.
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User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, and user interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).
Analytics & Reporting:
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While not explicitly stated as a primary responsibility for the UX designer, understanding how user data and analytics inform design decisions is crucial. Familiarity with product analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) can be advantageous.
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Experience interpreting data from user testing platforms to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement. CRM & Automation:
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Not directly relevant to the core UX design function in this context, but awareness of how design fits into broader product development workflows and release cycles is important.
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Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, or Trello, commonly used in Lean Agile environments.
📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes design and prototyping tools, with Figma being the cornerstone. The role requires a deep understanding of how these tools facilitate the design process and how user data informs design iterations.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring that design decisions are driven by user needs and behaviors.
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Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and constructive feedback exchange across disciplines (design, engineering, product).
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Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and interaction paradigms to create cutting-edge automotive experiences.
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Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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Efficiency: Embracing Lean Agile principles to deliver value iteratively and adapt quickly to changing requirements.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-functional Integration: The UX designer will work closely with engineers and product managers, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate design intent into technical specifications.
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Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages regular critique sessions and feedback loops to continuously improve designs and processes.
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Knowledge Sharing: A culture where team members share insights, best practices, and learnings, contributing to collective growth and project success.
📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture values a user-first approach, strong collaboration, and a commitment to quality within an agile framework. This suggests an environment where designers are empowered to contribute strategically and work closely with technical teams.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Complexity of Automotive Systems: Designing for sophisticated HMI and ADAS features in a safety-critical domain requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of user behavior and potential risks.
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Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Navigating the trade-offs between ideal user experiences and the technical limitations, regulatory requirements, and development timelines inherent in automotive product development.
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Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of automotive technology, including AI, connectivity, and autonomous driving features, and integrating these into user-friendly designs.
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Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating complex design concepts and user needs to diverse stakeholders, including engineers who may have different technical perspectives.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Specialized Training: Access to training or resources focused on automotive UX, HMI design principles, ADAS interaction patterns, and potentially embedded system design.
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Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant automotive tech or UX conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.
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Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers or product leads within the client organization, fostering professional growth and skill development.
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Exposure to Future Technologies: Working on next-generation vehicle systems offers firsthand experience with emerging automotive technologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the automotive UX field, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise within this specialized domain.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your process for designing an HMI feature for a new ADAS system. What steps would you take, and what are the key considerations?" (Focus on user research, iterative design, safety, and validation.)
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"How do you handle disagreements with engineers or product managers regarding design decisions? Provide an example from your automotive experience." (Highlight collaboration, negotiation, and data-driven argumentation.)
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"Walk us through a challenging UX problem you solved for an automotive project. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio.) Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you specifically about working in the automotive industry and on HMI/ADAS systems?" (Show genuine passion and understanding of the domain.)
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"How do you see yourself contributing to our team's collaborative and Lean Agile environment?" (Emphasize your proactive, communicative, and team-oriented approach.)
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"How do you measure the success of your UX designs in a product context?" (Discuss metrics, user feedback, and business impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling stories, starting with the user problem, detailing your design journey, and concluding with the impact or learnings.
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Visuals & Prototypes: Use high-quality visuals and interactive Figma prototypes to showcase your work. Be prepared to navigate through them smoothly.
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Concise Explanations: Clearly articulate your role, process, and rationale for key decisions without getting bogged down in excessive detail. Focus on what's most relevant to the automotive context.
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Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical constraints you faced, and how you incorporated user feedback.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of automotive UX challenges, strong Figma skills, a robust design process, and excellent collaborative abilities within an agile framework.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:
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Submit your application through the provided link on Sway Sourcing's website.
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Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature automotive HMI and ADAS projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your design process, Figma proficiency, and user-centered approach, with specific examples of how user insights led to design improvements.
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Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your experience in the automotive industry, specific skills in HMI/ADAS design, and proficiency with Figma and Lean Agile methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.
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Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, past project successes, and how you handle challenges, especially in a collaborative, agile environment. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational questions.
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Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sway Sourcing's recruitment approach and any publicly available information about their automotive clients or projects to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their operational context.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
The candidate must have extensive experience in UX/UI or Interaction Design within the automotive industry, specifically with HMI and ADAS. Proficiency in Figma and the ability to independently drive design initiatives from concept to implementation are mandatory.