Senior UX / Digital Product Designer (Mensch)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX / Digital Product Designer (Mensch)

Company: Taikonauten GmbH

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX/Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-31

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end digital product development process, from discovery to delivery, ensuring user-centricity and business alignment.

• Drive strategic and operational aspects of digital product innovation within a dynamic agency setting.

• Master complex problem framing, develop robust UX concepts, and translate them into high-fidelity UI designs and design systems.

• Foster strong collaboration with clients, developers, and interdisciplinary teams to achieve product excellence and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX/Product Designer, implying a significant level of autonomy and responsibility. The "Mensch" in the title emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and individual contribution within the team. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and client-facing consulting skills, typical of senior roles in digital product agencies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the UX and Product Design lifecycle, from initial problem definition and discovery through to final delivery and validation.

• Structure and define ambiguous problem statements, establish project scopes, and formulate clear hypotheses for digital product development.

• Contribute a strong professional perspective and consultative approach to client interactions, building trust and driving design-led solutions.

• Develop robust and scalable UX concepts for complex digital products, considering user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

• Create comprehensive information architectures, detailed user journeys, and end-to-end user flows that map out seamless product experiences.

• Translate diverse requirements into well-defined, testable UX specifications that guide development efforts effectively.

• Plan, execute, and synthesize findings from qualitative research formats, including user interviews, usability tests, and collaborative workshops.

• Systematically synthesize research insights to derive actionable recommendations and inform product strategy.

• Design and articulate visually high-quality UI designs, including component-based design systems that ensure consistency and scalability.

• Facilitate workshops for project initialization, defining strategic goals, and prioritizing product features and development efforts.

• Articulately advocate for UX and design decisions, presenting well-reasoned arguments to clients and internal stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with development teams throughout the implementation phase, ensuring design fidelity and feasibility.

• Independently structure and manage complex project phases, ensuring timely and high-quality output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive end-to-end product design remit, moving beyond isolated design tasks to encompass strategy, research, concept development, UI design, and client consultation. The emphasis on "structuring ambiguity" and "ownership beyond the design role" points to a need for proactive problem-solving and leadership qualities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior-level positions. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum 5-10 years of professional experience in UX and Product Design, with a significant portion gained within an agency environment managing multiple, concurrent client projects. Demonstrable end-to-end experience in digital product development from concept to launch.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in UX and Product Design, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end product development.

• Proven expertise in strategic UX conceptualization and the ability to handle complex problem definitions.

• Deep understanding and practical application of user research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) and data analysis.

• High proficiency in creating information architectures, user journeys, and complex user flows.

• Exceptional UI design skills with a keen eye for visual quality, layout, typography, and the ability to design and implement Design Systems.

• Proven ability to moderate workshops for project initiation, goal setting, and prioritization.

• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively present and defend design decisions.

• Proficient in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Strategic understanding of Digital Strategy and Service Design principles.

• Native or near-native fluency in German (minimum B2, ideally C1) for client communication and workshop facilitation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with complex B2B or Enterprise platforms.

• Data analysis experience, including analytics, conversion optimization, and A/B testing.

• Familiarity with agile frameworks such as Scrum, SAFe, or similar methodologies.

• Basic understanding of technical architecture, including APIs and frontend structures.

• Experience in building or scaling Design Systems.

• Experience working with AI tools and AI-driven processes and workflows.

• International project experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mensch" aspect suggests that soft skills like collaboration, communication, and a proactive, problem-solving attitude are as critical as technical design skills. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates a forward-looking approach to design processes. The preferred skills suggest a desire for candidates who can also contribute to the strategic and technical underpinnings of digital products.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies of end-to-end digital product development projects.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (discovery, research, ideation, concept, design, testing, delivery), key decisions made, and the final outcomes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in structuring ambiguous problems, user research synthesis, and translating insights into actionable design solutions.

• Highlight your ability to create robust information architectures, user journeys, and functional UX flows.

• Include examples of high-fidelity UI designs, prototypes, and ideally, established or contributed-to design systems.

• Showcase your experience in workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement. Process Documentation:

• Clearly illustrate the design process methodologies used in your case studies, emphasizing user-centered design principles.

• Document how you approached problem framing, hypothesis generation, and the validation of design concepts.

• Show evidence of how research findings were synthesized and used to inform design decisions and product strategy.

• Detail the collaboration process with development teams during implementation and how design specifications were communicated.

• Include examples of how you've managed project scope and adapted to evolving requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It needs to demonstrate not just design output but the strategic thinking, process rigor, and collaborative approach that Taikonauten values. The emphasis on "end-to-end" and "structuring ambiguity" means case studies should clearly map the journey from initial concept to final product, highlighting the candidate's ability to navigate complexity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €45,000 - €75,000 per year. This range is competitive for a Senior UX/Digital Product Designer in Berlin, Germany, considering the experience level and agency context. The specific salary within this range will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and the outcome of negotiations.

Benefits:

• Passionate colleagues in an open corporate culture with flat hierarchies.

• Professional and personal development opportunities, with both support and challenges offered.

• Room for autonomy and personal initiative, allowing for the implementation of own ideas.

• Flexible and family-friendly working hours, promoting work-life balance.

• A dedicated team actively shaping a social and environmentally conscious future.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through flexible and family-friendly working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a good starting point for a senior role in Berlin. The benefits package emphasizes a positive work environment, continuous learning, and work-life balance, which are attractive for experienced professionals. The explicit request for salary expectations in the application process indicates that compensation is a key factor for discussion.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Product Development, Consulting, Technology, Finance, FinTech, Mobility, Industrial & Manufacturing. Taikonauten operates within the digital transformation landscape, helping established organizations innovate and develop new digital products and services.

Company Size: Based on typical agency structures and the need for a Senior UX/Product Designer to lead projects, the company likely ranges from 50-200 employees. This size allows for specialized teams while maintaining a relatively flat hierarchy and close-knit culture.

Founded: The company was founded by individuals passionate about digital product development and driving change. Their focus on "digital transformation, product innovation, and acceleration" suggests a company born from a vision to modernize industries through digital means.

Team Structure:

• The UX/Product Design team likely consists of experienced designers who work closely with project managers, strategists, and development teams.

• Reporting is expected to be to a Head of Design, Design Director, or a Project Lead, with direct interaction with senior management and clients.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with designers working seamlessly within interdisciplinary teams comprising client stakeholders, business analysts, developers, and QA testers. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on user research, data analysis, and hypothesis validation to inform design decisions.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated as a rigid framework, the description implies an iterative approach, moving from discovery to delivery with continuous feedback loops.

• User-Centricity: A foundational principle, ensuring that all digital products are developed with a strong focus on real user needs and behaviors.

• Consultative Approach: Proactive engagement with clients to understand their business challenges and guide them through the digital product development journey.

Company Website: http://taikonauten.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Taikonauten appears to be a modern, forward-thinking digital product agency that values both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills ("Mensch"). Their focus on transformation and innovation suggests a dynamic work environment where designers can have a significant impact. The company culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a need for seasoned professionals who can operate independently, lead projects, and contribute strategically. It's a role for individuals who can mentor junior team members and influence client strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/Digital Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, Design Director, or a relevant Project Lead. They will also be expected to interact directly with clients and potentially senior leadership (Geschäftsführung) during the interview process and project execution.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the success of digital products and services developed for clients across various industries. By ensuring user-centricity, strategic alignment, and high design quality, the Senior UX/Digital Product Designer contributes significantly to client satisfaction, product adoption, and ultimately, business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to transition into a Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Principal Designer role, overseeing larger projects or teams.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven design, complex enterprise platforms, or advanced design system architecture.

• Client Strategy: Grow into a strategic consulting role, advising clients on digital transformation and product innovation roadmaps.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, shaping the next generation of talent within the agency.

• Skill Expansion: Continuous learning and application of new technologies and methodologies, including AI tools, data analytics, and advanced agile practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior designation implies a clear path for further career advancement, either through specialization, leadership, or strategic consulting. The company's focus on innovation and transformation suggests a fertile ground for professional growth and skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site" in Berlin, Germany, suggesting a physical office environment. This likely includes collaborative workspaces designed to foster teamwork and client meetings.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. This vibrant city offers a strong tech and design community, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional development.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The agency environment likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces to encourage interaction and idea sharing.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma is a must), potentially other prototyping tools, and collaboration platforms. The mention of AI tools suggests an adoption of modern technology for efficiency.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for brainstorming sessions, design critiques, client presentations, and cross-functional team sync-ups.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is approximately 40 hours, with a strong emphasis on "flexible and family-friendly working hours." This allows for a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule to balance professional responsibilities with personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Berlin, combined with flexible hours, suggests a company that values in-person collaboration and team cohesion while also supporting employee well-being and work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Contact: Submit portfolio, CV, and state salary expectations and availability. A preliminary "Hallo" is requested.

• First Interview: A brief conversation with Nancy, likely to assess initial fit, motivation, and gather basic information.

• Second Interview: Meet with the Team Lead to discuss experience, design approach, and project examples in more detail. This stage often involves a deeper dive into technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Third Interview: Meeting with the Management (Geschäftsführung) to assess strategic thinking, cultural alignment, and overall fit for the company's vision and long