Senior UX/UI Design Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Design Lead

Company: teamLFG

Location: United States, Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design Leadership (Gaming)

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design strategy and execution for an unannounced, cutting-edge game project, ensuring a player-centric approach from pre-production through live service.

• Drive product and staffing strategies for the UX/UI discipline, collaborating closely with Directors and Leads to align on vision and resource allocation.

• Translate complex player needs and product goals into intuitive, engaging, and frictionless game interfaces, focusing on core gameplay, social mechanics, monetization, and player progression.

• Champion and evolve robust UX standards, best practices, design systems, and component libraries to enhance development efficiency, consistency, and overall quality across the studio.

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing UX/UI team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive "we" culture dedicated to delivering innovative gaming experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior UX/UI Design Lead within the gaming industry, focusing on live service games. The responsibilities emphasize strategic leadership, team management, and the end-to-end UX/UI development lifecycle for a new franchise at PlayStation, requiring a deep understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain the UX/UI development roadmap, ensuring alignment with the game's overarching vision and product goals, in close partnership with the Game Director.

• Proactively advocate for UX/UI considerations in feature prioritization, goal setting, and strategic discussions, ensuring player experience excellence across all game facets, including core gameplay, social features, monetization strategies, live events, and player progression systems.

• Collaborate with the Art Director to define and execute the visual aesthetic of the user interface, effectively communicating design direction, feedback, and rationale to the UX/UI team.

• Deliver comprehensive UX/UI documentation, including functional wireframes, user flow diagrams, information architecture maps, and interactive prototypes, to drive alignment and clarity among cross-functional teammates.

• Employ a first-principles design approach, deeply understanding the game genre, analyzing competitive references, actively participating in playtesting sessions, and partnering with User Research to uncover player needs, motivations, and address usability concerns.

• Define and uphold rigorous UX standards and best practices across the studio, in coordination with the broader UX/UI department, encompassing UX/UI pillars, design systems, pipelines, and component libraries to boost development efficiency, maintain consistency, and elevate quality.

• Cultivate and manage a healthy, high-performing UX/UI team through strategic staffing planning, effective hiring practices, and external development management, championing a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership role, requiring the candidate to not only design but also to define processes, manage teams, and influence product strategy. The emphasis on live service games and cross-functional collaboration with disciplines like Game Design, Art, and Engineering is critical.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in HCI, Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior leadership roles in this domain. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion focused on game development, particularly live service games. Proven experience in a leadership or direct support of leadership role within an ongoing live service game is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level skills in clear written and verbal communication, including proficiency in crafting Slack messages, presentations, wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and detailed design documentation.

• Expert ability to articulate UX/UI design decisions and collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams, including Game Design, Art, Engineering, and Quality Assurance (QA).

• Expert ability to provide constructive feedback, receive feedback gracefully, and determine actionable next steps for design improvements.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.

• Expert ability to create functional prototypes and accompanying technical documentation that clearly communicates design intent and specifications.

• Strong experience in management, strategy development, planning, and team building within a creative or technical environment.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and human-computer interaction (HCI) best practices.

• Strong understanding of game development pipelines, including the technical constraints and workflows involved in game production.

• Proven experience bridging the gap between technical specifications and user-facing player experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience contributing to or leading UX/UI efforts within global gaming markets and a deep understanding of the competitive gaming and esports landscape.

• Familiarity with development workflows and capabilities using Unreal Engine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is robust and emphasizes "expert" abilities, indicating a high bar for this senior leadership position. The inclusion of specific design tools and the need to bridge technical specs with player experiences are key indicators of the role's demands. The preference for Unreal Engine knowledge is a strong hint at the project's technical foundation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record of previous UX/UI design work specifically within the gaming industry, with a focus on live service titles.

• Demonstrations of end-to-end UX/UI design process, from initial concept and user research to wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final implementation.

• Case studies that illustrate problem-solving capabilities, user-centered design methodologies, and quantifiable improvements driven by design decisions.

• Examples of design systems, component libraries, and style guides created or contributed to, highlighting consistency and scalability in design.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of detailed user flow diagrams and information architecture that illustrate clear navigation and intuitive user journeys within game interfaces.

• Wireframe specifications and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate design intent and functionality to development teams.

• Documentation of user research findings, usability testing reports, and how insights were integrated into design iterations.

• Evidence of experience in establishing and maintaining design pipelines and workflows that enhance team efficiency and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX/UI Design Lead role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just design execution but also strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex projects within the unique constraints of game development, particularly for live service titles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $173,000 - $259,000 USD per year. This range is provided as an example for a Seattle-based employee, as indicated in the job description. Actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, cost of living, and individual qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Matching 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Wellness Program to support employee health and well-being.

• Coveted employee discounts on Sony products.

• Potential eligibility for a bonus package, reflecting performance and company success.

Working Hours: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility often afforded to senior leadership roles to manage project timelines and cross-functional collaboration effectively within a remote setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to a particular location (Seattle) and serves as a benchmark. The compensation for a remote role can vary significantly based on the candidate's location within the US. The benefits package is robust and typical for a large, established tech/gaming company like PlayStation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Gaming and Entertainment (specifically, console and PC gaming, with a focus on live service titles).

Company Size: Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), the parent company, is a global enterprise with thousands of employees. teamLFG, as a specific studio or project team within SIE, likely operates with the agility of a smaller unit while benefiting from the resources of a large corporation.

Founded: Sony was founded in 1946, with PlayStation launching in 1994. This indicates a long history of innovation and a deep understanding of the entertainment market.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team will likely consist of designers, researchers, and potentially UX writers, reporting to this Senior UX/UI Design Lead.

• This Lead will collaborate closely with other discipline leads, such as the Game Director, Art Director, Technical Director, and Leads for Game Design, Engineering, and QA.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing user research, playtesting data, analytics from live services, and competitive analysis to inform design decisions and iterate on player experiences.

• Agile Development: Likely employing agile methodologies for iterative development, allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

• Design Systems & Standardization: Emphasis on creating and maintaining robust design systems and component libraries to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability across the project.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of working within PlayStation implies a high standard of quality, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to creating compelling player experiences. The team culture is described as mission-focused and valuing diversity, which is crucial for innovative game development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior leadership level within the UX/UI discipline. It requires not only deep technical expertise but also strategic vision, people management, and the ability to influence product direction. The scope extends beyond individual contribution to leading a team and defining departmental standards.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Design Lead will report to a Director-level executive (likely a Director of Product, Design, or a Game Director), and will directly manage a team of UX/UI designers and potentially user researchers.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Lead's impact is critical to the success of the game. They are responsible for the primary player-facing experience, directly influencing player engagement, retention, monetization success, and overall player satisfaction. Effective UX/UI design is fundamental to building and maintaining a thriving live service community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a Director of UX/UI or a broader Head of Design role overseeing multiple projects or studios.

• Product Strategy Influence: Deeper involvement in overall game strategy, product vision, and franchise development.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like player psychology, accessibility design, or advanced live service player engagement mechanics.

• Mentorship: Developing leadership and mentorship skills by guiding and growing junior and mid-level designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant leadership trajectory within the gaming industry. The ability to shape a new franchise from its inception provides a unique opportunity for impact and career advancement, moving beyond execution to strategic product definition.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This offers flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere within the United States.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the mention of a Seattle-based pay range suggests a potential anchor point or a significant hub for the team. However, the primary work environment is digital.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: The workspace is primarily digital, relying on online tools for communication, collaboration, and project management.

• Tooling: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Slack, etc.) is essential.

• Team Interaction: While remote, there will be structured opportunities for team interaction through video calls, virtual meetings, and potentially virtual team-building activities. The emphasis on a "we" culture suggests proactive efforts to foster connection despite the distance.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, but the remote nature and senior leadership level may allow for some flexibility in managing hours, particularly when coordinating with teams across different time zones or responding to urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote aspect is a key feature, demanding strong self-discipline, excellent asynchronous communication skills, and proactive engagement to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for relevant experience and qualifications.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, walking through key projects and discussing their design process, decision-making, and impact. This will be followed by technical questions related to UX/UI principles, game design, and problem-solving.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with other Leads (Game Design, Art, Engineering) to assess collaboration style, communication, and ability to integrate UX/UI into the broader development process.

• Leadership & Behavioral Interview: Focus on team management, strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and cultural fit with PlayStation's values.

• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall vision and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Showcase projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and measurable impact, not just aesthetic execution. Prioritize live service game examples.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the outcomes/learnings.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, or influenced product direction.

• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iteration.

• Design Systems Focus: If applicable, showcase your experience with creating or contributing to design systems and component libraries.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience with multiplayer genres, live services, and cross-platform design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve critiquing an existing interface, proposing solutions for a specific game mechanic, or outlining a UX strategy for a new feature.

• Situational Questions: Anticipate questions about handling difficult team dynamics, managing conflicting stakeholder priorities, or driving alignment on design decisions.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss your philosophy on player-centric design, building communities, and the role of UX/UI in live service success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role, even at a senior leadership level. Candidates must be ready to defend their design decisions and demonstrate their strategic vision.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable), Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar industry-standard tools for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms for day-to-day team communication and asynchronous collaboration.

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar tools for tracking tasks, sprints, and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• In-game Analytics Tools: Experience with tools that track player behavior, engagement metrics, retention rates, and monetization performance is crucial for live service games. Specific tools may vary but understanding the principles is key.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for analyzing and presenting data insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how player data is managed and how user profiles are built is relevant. Experience with player feedback platforms and community management tools may also be beneficial.

• Version Control: Familiarity with systems like Git for managing design assets and collaborating with engineering teams.

Game Development Specific:

• Unreal Engine: Preferred, indicating familiarity with its UI/UX development capabilities.

• Game Engines: General understanding of how UI elements are integrated into game engines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools is a baseline requirement. The ability to leverage data analytics for design decisions is a critical differentiator for a live service game role. Familiarity with Unreal Engine is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving player needs, ensuring all design decisions prioritize a positive and engaging player experience.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect among all disciplines.

• Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries, explore new interaction paradigms, and deliver unique gaming experiences that delight players.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to high standards in all aspects of design and execution, ensuring polished and professional user interfaces.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Valuing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to foster creativity and ensure games resonate with a global audience.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Transparent: Encouraging open dialogue, sharing work early and often, and providing clear, constructive feedback.

• Iterative: Embracing a cycle of design, test, and refine, where feedback is seen as an opportunity for improvement.

• Cross-Disciplinary: Working closely with engineering, art, design, and production to ensure seamless integration of UX/UI into the overall game development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "we" culture and valuing diverse backgrounds suggests a progressive and inclusive work environment. The core values align with creating successful, long-term live service games that build strong communities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Effectively integrating complex social mechanics, monetization strategies, and live event systems while maintaining a frictionless and enjoyable player experience.

• Leading a Remote Team: Fostering strong team cohesion, communication, and productivity in a fully remote environment.

• Defining a New Franchise: Establishing the UX/UI vision and standards for an unannounced project from the ground up, requiring foresight and strategic planning.

• Managing Technical Constraints: Navigating the technical limitations and development pipelines of game engines like Unreal Engine to realize ambitious design visions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone skills in product strategy, team building, and cross-functional leadership.

• Deep Dive into Live Service Design: Gaining extensive experience in the nuances of designing for player retention, community engagement, and ongoing content updates.

• Industry Influence: Contributing to the development of a new PlayStation franchise, potentially setting new benchmarks for UX/UI in gaming.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from experienced leaders within Sony Interactive Entertainment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to strategic leadership and the complexities of live service game design, but these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth and learning opportunities within a leading gaming company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building the UX/UI roadmap for a brand new live service game, considering potential unknowns and the need for iteration?" (Focus on your strategic planning, research integration, and iterative design approach.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., Game Design vs. Engineering vs. Business goals). How did you reach a resolution and ensure a positive player experience?" (Highlight your collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about PlayStation's IPs and the potential for this unannounced project?" (Show research on PlayStation's portfolio and express genuine interest.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive culture within a remote design team?" (Discuss your strategies for communication, team building, and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, key decisions, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Highlight Leadership & Strategy: Emphasize instances where you led initiatives, mentored others, or contributed to product strategy.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Pixels: Demonstrate your understanding of user research, wireframing, prototyping, and iteration, and how these informed your final designs.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, technical considerations, and how you handled feedback.

• Connect to Live Services: Explicitly link your portfolio examples to the demands of live service games and community building.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, a deep understanding of game UX/UI for live services, and strong collaborative and communication skills, particularly within a remote context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Design Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your most relevant work, especially live service game design, multiplayer experiences, and any leadership examples. Tailor your case studies to highlight strategic thinking and measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, leadership roles, specific achievements in game UX/UI, and proficiency with key tools and technologies mentioned. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and strategic approach to game UX/UI. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and answer behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PlayStation's current and past game titles, their approach to live services, and their stated company values to demonstrate alignment and genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.