Senior UX / Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX / Product Designer Company: Abbott Location: Milan, Italy Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Date Posted: May 11, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days on-site)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end User Experience (UX) design for complex informatics products within the Diagnostics Division, from initial concept through to post-launch support.
• Design intuitive, engaging, and compliant multi-channel digital experiences across desktop, web, and mobile platforms, translating customer needs into impactful solutions.
• Drive user research and usability testing initiatives, leveraging insights to iterate and refine product designs, ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, R&D, Engineering, and external partners, to deliver high-quality, user-centered solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for Abbott's Diagnostics Division, focusing on informatics products. The emphasis on "multi-channel, interactive digital experiences" and "spoken and unspoken customer needs" highlights a strategic importance of user empathy and comprehensive design thinking. The requirement for compliance with "ADD Informatics Quality System and applicable US and international regulatory standards" is a critical distinction for this role within a regulated industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead UX design activities for informatics products, encompassing user research, concept development, wireframing, prototyping, interaction design, and functional specification creation.
• Conduct comprehensive user research and usability testing, synthesizing findings into actionable design improvements and documenting results effectively.
• Develop and maintain key UX artifacts such as personas, user journey maps, workflow diagrams, and interaction models to guide product development.
• Ensure design consistency, reusability, and scalability of UX assets across various projects and product lines, adhering to established design systems and frameworks.
• Collaborate with Product Managers and R&D leadership to define product requirements, user stories, and design strategies that align with business objectives and customer needs.
• Integrate Human Factors Engineering (HFE) principles into the design process to enhance product usability, safety, and overall user ergonomics.
• Manage and track design project timelines, scope, and potential risks, ensuring timely delivery of design deliverables within Agile/Scrum frameworks.
• Champion best practices in UX design, promoting innovation and the adoption of new design patterns and technologies.
• Ensure all design outputs comply with Abbott's quality management system and relevant global regulatory requirements for medical devices and informatics.
• Communicate design rationale, research insights, and project status effectively to diverse stakeholder groups, including technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a holistic UX ownership, from strategic planning and research to detailed execution and compliance. The explicit mention of "multi-channel, interactive digital experiences" and "desktop, web, and mobile platforms" indicates a need for broad platform expertise. The integration of "Human Factors Engineering (HFE)" is a key differentiator for roles in regulated industries like healthcare diagnostics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Interaction Design, Industrial Design, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Architecture, or a closely related field.
• A Master’s or PhD in a related discipline is considered a significant plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in designing and launching software or informatics products.
• Demonstrated experience in industries with stringent quality and regulatory requirements, such as healthcare, logistics, or defense.
• Proven track record of working effectively within Scrum or Agile development environments.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Proficiency in creating comprehensive UX artifacts, including personas, user journeys, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator), InVision, Axure, or similar.
• Solid understanding of front-end development technologies, including HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, with an awareness of their impact on UX implementation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a creative approach to design challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts and rationale to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience conducting user research and usability testing, and iterating designs based on user feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with SolidWorks, Dreamweaver CC, or PhoneGap Build.
• Familiarity with XAML and native platform design paradigms (iOS/Android).
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements specific to medical devices or healthcare informatics.
• Experience with UX architecture, design systems, and component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "at least 5 years" combined with the "Senior" title suggests a need for demonstrated leadership in design projects and potentially mentorship capabilities. The explicit mention of specific design tools and front-end technologies indicates a hands-on role where practical implementation knowledge is valued. The inclusion of "healthcare, logistics, or defense" as relevant industries points towards a need for experience with complex, regulated, or safety-critical systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX/Product design projects, ideally within regulated industries or complex informatics systems.
• Include case studies detailing the design process, from problem definition and user research through to final design solutions and outcomes.
• Highlight experience with user-centered design methodologies, user research, and usability testing, with clear evidence of how insights informed design decisions.
• Showcase proficiency in creating detailed UX artifacts such as personas, user journeys, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and functional specifications.
• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering) and navigated development cycles (Agile/Scrum).

Process Documentation:

• Examples of well-documented design processes, including workflow diagrams and process optimization strategies.
• Evidence of contribution to or improvement of UX architecture, processes, tools, and templates within a team or organization.
• Demonstrate how you have promoted reuse, consistency, and scalability of UX assets across projects.
• Showcase experience in translating user needs and business requirements into intuitive and scalable digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, the portfolio should not just display finished work but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and collaborative processes behind it. Demonstrating impact through quantifiable results (e.g., improved usability metrics, adoption rates) will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the "Senior" title, 5-10 years of experience, and location in Milan, Italy, a competitive salary range for this role is estimated to be between €55,000 and €80,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/Product Designers in major European cities, considering cost of living and the specialized nature of healthcare informatics design.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision) tailored to European standards.
• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Access to company-provided design tools and software licenses.
• Employee assistance programs and well-being initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid work model requiring 4 days per week on-site in Milan, offering flexibility on the remaining day.
• Potential for occasional overtime, especially during critical project phases, with appropriate compensation or time-off in lieu.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior design roles in Italy and Europe. Specific benefits and exact salary will vary based on Abbott's internal compensation structure, candidate experience, and final negotiation. The hybrid arrangement with 4 days in-office is a key detail for work-life balance considerations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Technology / Diagnostics Company Size: Abbott is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for broad impact. Founded: 1888. Abbott has a long-standing history of innovation and commitment to improving health outcomes.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Diagnostics Division, specifically the CRLB Core Lab (likely referring to Core Laboratory Diagnostics).
• The UX/Product Designer will be part of a product development team, working closely with Product Managers, R&D Engineers, Software Developers, and potentially Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs specialists.
• Reporting is likely to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or R&D Director, with significant cross-functional collaboration expected across various departments.

Methodology:

• Abbott operates under strict quality and regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA regulations), meaning design processes are rigorous and well-documented.
• The company emphasizes a user-centered approach within its product development lifecycle, particularly for informatics products that interface with healthcare professionals and systems.
• Agile/Scrum methodologies are utilized, requiring designers to be integrated into iterative development cycles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Abbott's strong presence in the healthcare industry means that design decisions have a direct impact on patient care and healthcare efficiency. The company's long history suggests a culture that values both tradition and innovation. The integration of UX within a regulated environment is a key cultural aspect to understand.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is positioned as a key individual contributor responsible for leading significant design efforts. It requires a high degree of autonomy and expertise. Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a UX Manager, Design Director, or a senior R&D Lead within the Diagnostics division. Will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads. Operations Impact: The Senior UX/Product Designer's work directly influences the usability, adoption, and effectiveness of critical diagnostic informatics products. This impact extends to improving healthcare delivery, diagnostic accuracy, and operational efficiency for clinical laboratories worldwide.

Growth Opportunities:

• Lead Design Initiatives: Progress to leading design for larger, more complex product suites or new product development programs.
• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, or design systems, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior designers, providing guidance and fostering design talent within the team.
• Management Track: Transition into a UX management or team lead role, overseeing design strategy and team performance.
• Cross-Divisional Mobility: Opportunities to move to other Abbott divisions or product areas based on career interests and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Senior" role, growth often involves increased scope, strategic influence, and leadership. Abbott's size provides a broad platform for such advancement. The emphasis on regulated products means that growth can also involve developing expertise in Human Factors, regulatory compliance, and complex system design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Milan, Italy, at Abbott's Viale Edison facility, which is part of the Edison Park Centre. This suggests a modern office environment conducive to collaboration. Office Location(s): Viale Edison 110, Edison Park Centre, Milan, Italy. Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely to be professional and collaborative, fostering interaction between design, R&D, and product teams.
• Access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially specialized equipment for user testing (e.g., eye-tracking, usability lab facilities).
• Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with colleagues, crucial for rapid iteration and effective problem-solving in a hybrid setting. Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is flexible within the hybrid model, requiring presence on-site four days a week. This allows for focused work time and collaborative sessions as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with 4 days on-site is designed to balance flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, which is particularly important for complex design and development processes in a company like Abbott.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications and conduct a preliminary phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will typically present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, problem-solving approach, and impact. This is often followed by a technical interview focusing on UX principles, design methodologies, and tool proficiency.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially R&D leadership to assess collaboration skills, understanding of development cycles, and alignment with team dynamics.
• HFE/Regulatory Focus: Depending on the team, there may be specific questions or scenarios related to Human Factors Engineering and compliance within regulated environments.
• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader (e.g., Director of R&D, Head of UX) to discuss strategic fit, leadership potential, and overall candidacy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 strong projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to Abbott's needs (informatics, regulated industries).
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process followed (research, ideation, design, testing), key decisions, challenges, and quantifiable outcomes.
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed feedback, and integrated technical constraints.
• Showcase Regulatory Awareness: If applicable, demonstrate how you considered regulatory requirements or safety aspects in your designs.
• Be Ready to Discuss Tools & Methods: Be prepared to talk about the specific tools and methodologies used and why they were chosen.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies, which might involve analyzing a problem, sketching solutions, or outlining a research plan.
• Practice articulating your design thinking clearly and concisely, focusing on user needs and business goals.
• Familiarize yourself with Abbott's products, particularly in the diagnostics and informatics space, to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to "show, not just tell" their design capabilities and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator), InVision, Axure. Experience with SolidWorks (if relevant for hardware interface design) is a plus.
• Collaboration & Workflow: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello for Agile project management and documentation.
• User Research Platforms: Tools for surveys, remote usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and potentially heat mapping or analytics platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) if designing web-based informatics platforms.
• Understanding of how to interpret usage data and metrics to inform design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how informatics products integrate with broader healthcare systems (e.g., LIMS - Laboratory Information Management Systems) is beneficial.
• Awareness of workflow automation principles within diagnostic processes.

Front-End Technologies:

• Strong understanding of HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, sufficient to communicate effectively with developers and understand technical feasibility and constraints.
• Awareness of XAML and native mobile platform technologies (iOS/Android) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool requirements are specific and indicate a need for both creative design software proficiency and a practical understanding of front-end technologies and development workflows. Familiarity with healthcare informatics systems (like LIMS) would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Compliance: A deep commitment to adhering to rigorous quality standards and regulatory requirements is paramount.
• User-Centricity: Placing the needs and experience of healthcare professionals and patients at the forefront of all design decisions.
• Innovation: Driving advancements in diagnostic technology through thoughtful and forward-thinking design.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all aspects of work, especially in a healthcare context.
• Efficiency: Designing solutions that streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency in clinical settings.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring active participation in cross-functional team meetings, design reviews, and sprint planning/reviews.
• Emphasis on open communication, constructive feedback, and a shared responsibility for product success.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment, leveraging both in-person and remote communication tools effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect Abbott's position as a leading healthcare company. A candidate's ability to embrace these values, particularly quality, compliance, and user-centricity, will be critical for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Regulatory Complexity: Designing within strict healthcare regulations (FDA, MDR, etc.) requires meticulous attention to detail and understanding of compliance requirements, which can be time-consuming.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical/Business Constraints: Integrating sophisticated user needs into complex informatics systems while adhering to technical limitations and business objectives requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Designing for Diverse User Groups: Informatics products are used by a wide range of healthcare professionals with varying technical proficiencies, requiring designs that are both powerful and accessible.
• Hybrid Work Environment Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining design momentum in a hybrid setting requires proactive communication and structured interactions.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of digital technologies and user expectations necessitates continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on advanced UX methodologies, user research techniques, and emerging design trends.
• Human Factors Engineering (HFE) Expertise: Opportunities to deepen knowledge and practical application of HFE principles, crucial for medical device design.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant UX, design, and healthcare technology conferences to stay abreast of industry best practices and innovations.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of R&D, product management, and regulatory affairs within the diagnostics field.
• Leadership Development: For those interested in management, opportunities for leadership training and potential progression into team lead or management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the critical nature and complexity of designing for the healthcare industry. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing specialized expertise and leadership within this domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a highly regulated product. What were the key challenges and how did you address them?" - Focus on your understanding of compliance, safety, and user needs in regulated environments.
• "Walk us through a complex informatics product you designed. What was the problem, your process, and the impact?" - Be ready to deep-dive into your portfolio projects, emphasizing your strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• "How do you balance user needs with technical feasibility and business requirements?" - Prepare examples of negotiation, compromise, and creative solutions.
• "How do you approach user research for a new informatics product? What methods would you prioritize?" - Demonstrate a structured approach to understanding user needs in a clinical setting.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Abbott? What interests you about working in the diagnostics field?" - Research Abbott's mission, its impact on healthcare, and specific products.
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from stakeholders?" - Showcase your ability to manage feedback professionally and reach consensus.
• "Describe your experience working in Agile/Scrum teams. What is your role as a designer within these teams?" - Emphasize your collaborative integration and contribution to sprint cycles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling narratives. Start with the problem and user context, detail your thoughtful process, and conclude with the impact and lessons learned.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, professional, and visually represent your design work effectively. Use high-fidelity mockups and clear diagrams.
• Focus on Impact & Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "improved task completion time by X%", "reduced error rates by Y%").
• Demonstrate Process, Not Just Polish: Be prepared to talk about the 'why' behind your decisions, including research insights, design iterations, and trade-offs made.
• Engage with Questions: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, methodologies, and collaboration experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of the healthcare industry's specific demands, including regulatory compliance and user safety.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://abbott.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/abbottcareers/job/Italy---Milan/Senior-UX---Product-Designer_31148873
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with informatics, complex systems, and ideally, regulated industries. Emphasize end-to-end design processes and user-centered methodologies.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of relevant experience, key skills (UX design, product design, user research, Agile, HFE), and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for portfolio presentations and technical interviews by reviewing your past projects, practicing your storytelling, and researching Abbott's diagnostics products and mission.
• Company Research: Understand Abbott's commitment to quality, its role in global healthcare, and the specific challenges and opportunities within the diagnostics informatics space.

⚠️ 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.