Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: DEPT®

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Job Type: Temporary (6-month fixed-term contract, with likelihood of extension)

Category: UX/UI Design, Digital Product Design

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and execution of complex AI platforms, merging user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design with a focus on technical design.

• Develop and implement scalable design systems and high-fidelity visual frameworks that integrate brand identity with functional logic for AI-driven products.

• Create sophisticated motion-based prototypes to define interaction patterns and system feedback, ensuring seamless user engagement with advanced technologies.

• Lead design projects from initial concept through to final delivery, demonstrating ownership and a keen eye for detail in all aspects of product development.

• Drive high standards of craft and execution by mentoring junior and mid-weight designers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the Global Studios team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly focused on AI platforms, requiring a deep understanding of how to design intuitive and effective user experiences for complex artificial intelligence systems. The emphasis on "technical design execution" suggests a need for designers who can bridge the gap between conceptual design and practical development implementation, particularly with motion and intricate UI elements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable design systems and comprehensive frameworks specifically tailored for AI-driven digital products, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

• Develop high-fidelity visual systems and interfaces that artfully blend DEPT®'s brand identity with the functional requirements of AI applications.

• Create compelling motion-based prototypes using tools like After Effects or Lottie to establish nuanced interaction patterns and provide clear system feedback to users.

• Take full ownership of design projects, managing them from the initial ideation and concept phases through to the final delivery and implementation.

• Collaborate closely with development teams to ensure precise implementation of motion design, UI elements, and overall user experience, maintaining the integrity of the design vision.

• Mentor and guide junior and mid-weight designers, fostering their growth and ensuring a consistently high standard of craft and execution across the design team.

• Lead client workshops to gather requirements, ideate solutions, and effectively present design logic and rationale to project stakeholders, building consensus and trust.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design (design systems, frameworks) and tactical execution (high-fidelity visuals, motion prototypes). The emphasis on "ownership" and "client workshops" indicates a senior role that requires not only design expertise but also leadership, client-facing skills, and project management capabilities within a fast-paced agency environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and a deep understanding of design principles is paramount.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive digital design experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked within an agency setting, particularly those specializing in digital product development and technology solutions.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in UI design, creating visually appealing and highly functional interfaces for digital products.

• Proven experience in UX design, with a strong understanding of user-centered design principles, user flows, and information architecture.

• Proficiency in building and maintaining comprehensive design systems and frameworks using Figma.

• Strong capabilities in motion design, with practical experience using tools such as After Effects, Lottie, or advanced Figma animation features.

• A robust portfolio showcasing multidisciplinary skills, including UI design, systems design, and art direction, with a focus on digital products.

• Experience in creating digital products that successfully balance aesthetic appeal with functional logic, particularly for complex platforms.

• Ability to manage complex design projects, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet rigorous deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of clearly articulating design logic and rationale to both internal teams and external clients. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for AI platforms or complex technical systems.

• Illustration skills, adding an extra dimension to visual design capabilities.

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Experience in leading client workshops and facilitating design thinking sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and motion design tools (After Effects, Lottie) indicates a need for hands-on proficiency. The preference for agency experience suggests the candidate must be comfortable with client-facing work, rapid iteration, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. The "multidisciplinary skills" requirement points towards a T-shaped designer profile, with deep expertise in UI/UX and broad capabilities in systems and art direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that prominently features case studies demonstrating end-to-end design ownership for complex digital products, with a specific focus on AI or technically intricate platforms.

• Demonstrate the development and implementation of scalable design systems, showcasing how you've established design frameworks, component libraries, and style guides.

• Include examples of high-fidelity visual designs and detailed UI mockups, illustrating a strong command of aesthetic principles and user interface best practices.

• Showcase motion design work, such as interactive prototypes, animations, or micro-interactions, highlighting your ability to establish clear interaction patterns and system feedback.

• Present evidence of your ability to manage complex projects, detailing your process, decision-making, and how you navigated challenges to deliver successful outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user research and analysis, outlining how you gather insights to inform design decisions for complex systems.

• Illustrate your workflow for creating and iterating on design concepts, from wireframing and prototyping to high-fidelity mockups and developer handoff.

• Provide examples of how you collaborate with developers, outlining your process for ensuring accurate implementation of designs and managing technical constraints.

• Show how you've measured the success of your designs, including any metrics or user feedback used to iterate and improve digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX/UI Designer role, especially one focused on AI platforms, the portfolio needs to go beyond aesthetics. It must clearly articulate the candidate's design process, their ability to build and scale systems, their collaborative approach with engineering, and their impact on product success. The emphasis on "ownership" means expecting to see projects where the candidate was the primary design driver.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $85,000 – $120,000 CAD. Salary is based on relevant experience, expertise, and organizational impact.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working: A flexible, hybrid/remote working policy allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive mental health support and a company sick pay scheme to ensure employee well-being.

• Time Off: 15 days of paid holiday annually, in addition to public holidays, for rest and rejuvenation.

• Office Perks: Refreshments are provided in the office throughout the week, enhancing the in-office experience.

• Family Support: Enhanced family-friendly policies designed to support new parents.

• Social Engagement: Regular social and cultural events provide opportunities to connect with colleagues.

• Professional Development: Inspirational Talks from guest speakers and dedicated Learning and Development opportunities support continuous growth.

• Onboarding Support: A Buddy Programme pairs new hires with an experienced colleague to aid in their initial weeks.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid/remote working policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $85,000 - $120,000 CAD for a Senior UX/UI Designer in Vancouver is competitive and reflects the experience level and specialized skills required. The benefits package is robust, emphasizing work-life balance, employee well-being, and professional development, which are attractive to senior-level talent. The "fixed term employee contract" status is important to note.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

Company Size: Over 4,000 specialists globally, indicating a large, well-established, and resource-rich organization with a significant international presence.

Founded: Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021, highlighting a strong commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices, and social responsibility. This ethos likely permeates the company culture.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the new, specialized department within DEPT®'s Global Studios team, which focuses on building best-in-class digital experiences.

• The team is likely structured to support large-scale digital product development for major tech clients, requiring close collaboration between designers, developers, and potentially product managers.

• Expect a hierarchical structure where senior designers mentor junior staff, and project leads manage client engagements. Methodology:

• DEPT® emphasizes a "Growth Invention" approach, suggesting a focus on innovation, rapid execution, and data-driven strategies to drive client growth.

• Their "50|50 tech and marketing" approach implies a strong integration of technical expertise with strategic marketing insights.

• The company culture values being "first to move," indicating a preference for proactive, agile, and decisive team members.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT®'s identity as a "Growth Invention" company and a certified B Corp suggests a culture that balances high performance and innovation with ethical practices and social responsibility. This is a significant differentiator that candidates should understand and align with. The "Global Studios" team implies a focus on delivering high-quality, complex digital products for major clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX/UI Designer. This level signifies a seasoned professional expected to lead complex design initiatives, mentor others, and manage client relationships. The role requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of design principles and technical execution.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or a Director within the Global Studios team. They will also be responsible for mentoring junior and mid-weight designers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the quality and success of digital products developed for DEPT®'s high-profile clients, particularly in the realm of AI platforms. The designs created will influence user engagement, brand perception, and ultimately, client growth and satisfaction. The ability to translate complex AI functionalities into intuitive user experiences is critical to this impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into Design Lead or Art Director roles, managing larger teams and more significant projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI platform design, systems design, or motion graphics, becoming a go-to specialist within the organization.

• Client Strategy: Develop stronger client management and strategic consulting skills through direct engagement and workshop facilitation.

• Mentorship Expansion: Further refine leadership and coaching skills by formally leading design teams or training programs.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunity to work on diverse projects across various industries and technologies, broadening professional experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title coupled with the "Global Studios" context and client-facing responsibilities implies a role with significant strategic input and potential for leadership. The fixed-term nature of the contract should be considered, though extensions are likely, suggesting a performance-based pathway to more permanent roles or continued contract work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: DEPT® offers a hybrid working policy, suggesting a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work. The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration and creativity, with amenities like refreshments provided.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in Vancouver, BC, Canada. DEPT® is a global company, but this specific role is tied to the Vancouver location for hybrid work.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for designers to interact with developers, project managers, and other creative professionals.

• Access to relevant design tools and technology, including Figma, After Effects, and potentially other AI-specific design or prototyping software, is implied.

• The culture encourages "Inspirational Talks" and social events, indicating a dynamic and engaging work environment where team members can connect and be inspired.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the flexibility provided by the hybrid model allowing for some autonomy in managing the daily schedule, balanced with the need for team collaboration and client availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be prepared for a blend of remote and in-office work in Vancouver. The emphasis on collaboration and social events suggests an active and engaged company culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you present your portfolio, focusing on key case studies, design process, and your experience with complex digital products and AI platforms. Be prepared to discuss your approach to systems design and motion graphics.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a deep dive into your proficiency with tools like Figma and After Effects. This might involve discussing how you'd approach a specific design problem related to AI.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Interviews with hiring managers and team members to assess your communication skills, leadership potential, ability to mentor, and alignment with DEPT®'s values (better together, relentlessly curious, get sh*t done).

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your multidisciplinary skills, particularly those involving complex systems, AI platforms, or advanced motion design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process (research, ideation, iteration), the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes or impact achieved. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Systems & Motion: Dedicate specific sections or examples to demonstrate your expertise in building design systems and your proficiency in motion design. Show how these elements contributed to the overall product success.

• AI Focus: If possible, include projects that touch upon AI, machine learning, or complex data visualization, explaining the unique design challenges and your solutions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle feedback, your collaboration style, and your experience mentoring others.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the core problem and DEPT®'s likely business objectives.

• Emphasize your process: how you'd approach research, ideation, and rapid prototyping.

• Showcase your ability to think strategically about user needs and business goals in the context of AI.

• Be ready to articulate your rationale clearly and concisely, even if you don't complete the entire design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative that highlights their ability to handle complex technical designs, particularly for AI, and communicate their process effectively. The emphasis on mentorship and client workshops suggests these will be key areas of assessment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and building comprehensive design systems. High proficiency expected.

• After Effects: Key for creating sophisticated motion design, animations, and prototypes.

• Lottie: Valuable for exporting animations from After Effects for web and mobile use, ensuring efficient implementation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as design tools, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) and A/B testing tools may be beneficial for understanding user behavior and validating design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX/UI Designer role, but understanding how designs integrate into broader CRM or marketing automation systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are Figma for design systems and UI, and After Effects/Lottie for motion. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate mastery of these tools and their application in creating complex, dynamic user interfaces and interactions, especially for AI products.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Together: Emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support across teams and disciplines. For a designer, this means actively participating in cross-functional discussions and valuing diverse perspectives.

• Relentlessly Curious: Encourages continuous learning, exploration of new technologies (like AI), and a proactive approach to understanding user needs and industry trends.

• Get Sh*t Done: Highlights a bias for action, efficiency, and delivering tangible results. Designers are expected to be productive, meet deadlines, and drive projects forward with a focus on execution.

• Growth Invention: This overarching theme implies a culture of innovation, pushing boundaries, and creating novel solutions that drive client growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with developers, strategists, and client teams.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are likely integral to the process, especially within the Global Studios team known for its high craft.

• The mentoring aspect of the role suggests a culture where knowledge sharing and skill development are actively encouraged and practiced.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should align with DEPT®'s core values. Demonstrating a proactive, collaborative, and results-oriented mindset, combined with a genuine curiosity for new technologies like AI, will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI Complexity: Translating abstract AI functionalities into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces presents a significant design challenge. This requires understanding user expectations of AI and designing for trust, transparency, and control.

• Technical Constraints & Implementation: Ensuring that sophisticated motion and UI designs are accurately implemented by developers, especially within the context of new AI platforms, can be challenging.

• Rapid Iteration & Client Demands: Working in an agency environment for major tech clients often means facing tight deadlines and the need for rapid iteration based on feedback.

• Maintaining High Craft Standards: As part of the Global Studios team, there's an expectation to consistently deliver work of exceptional quality, which requires meticulous attention to detail and continuous skill development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: The role offers a direct path to becoming an expert in designing user experiences for cutting-edge AI technologies.

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Opportunities to deepen skills in Figma, After Effects, Lottie, and potentially explore new design and prototyping tools relevant to AI.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Develop leadership capabilities by mentoring junior designers and potentially leading design streams.

• Client Strategy & Presentation: Enhance skills in client workshop facilitation, strategic design thinking, and impactful stakeholder presentations.

• Industry Exposure: Work on diverse projects for world-leading tech companies, gaining broad experience and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lie in mastering the design of complex AI platforms. Candidates who are eager to tackle novel design problems and stay at the forefront of technological innovation will find this role particularly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex digital system. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure scalability and usability?" (Focus on design systems, process, and problem-solving).

• "How would you approach designing an intuitive interface for a new AI-powered predictive analytics tool? What are the critical user considerations?" (Assess AI design thinking, user empathy, and technical understanding).

• "Walk us through a project where you had to collaborate closely with developers to implement a complex UI or animation. How did you ensure the final product matched your vision?" (Evaluate collaboration, communication, and technical handoff skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DEPT®'s 'Growth Invention' approach and its commitment to being a B Corp?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company values).

• "How do you embody DEPT®'s values of 'Relentlessly Curious' and 'Get Sh*t Done' in your daily work?" (Provide specific examples).

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers and contributing to a team's overall craft quality?" (Assess leadership potential and collaborative spirit). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a strong overview of your career and core strengths. For each case study, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem, your process, the solution, and the outcome.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals and concise text. For motion design, ensure smooth playback and clear explanations of its purpose. For design systems, show component libraries, style guides, and examples of their application.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced task completion time, positive feedback).

• AI & Complexity Focus: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to handle complex technical challenges or design for AI, explaining the unique considerations.

• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, articulate, and ready to answer detailed questions about your design decisions and process. Make it a conversation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of technical design skills, strategic thinking for complex platforms like AI, and strong collaborative and leadership capabilities. The portfolio is the primary tool, so its presentation must be polished and insightful.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the DEPT® careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of digital design experience, specifically mentioning agency work, UI/UX, systems design, and any experience with AI platforms or complex technical products. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 3-5 strong case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end design process, system design capabilities, motion design skills, and ability to handle complex projects. Prioritize projects showcasing AI or technical innovation.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on storytelling, quantifying impact, and clearly explaining your design rationale, especially for AI-related challenges.

• Research DEPT®: Familiarize yourself with DEPT®'s "Growth Invention" philosophy, their B Corp status, core values, and recent work. Understand their client base and the types of digital experiences they deliver.

⚠️ 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.