Sr. UX Designer

Abbott Laboratories
Full-timeβ€’$78k-156k/year (USD)β€’Madison, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Designer

Company: Abbott Laboratories

Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Experience

Date Posted: August 28, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role is crucial for defining and driving innovative, customer-centric journeys across all Abbott's digital and physical touchpoints, focusing on enhancing customer experiences.

  • You will be instrumental in translating business, user, and technology requirements into seamless, intuitive user experiences for one or more key customer journeys.

  • This position involves a deep collaboration with cross-functional teams, including strategy, research, product, and engineering, to design and deliver integrated service design solutions.

  • The Sr. UX Designer will leverage human-centered design principles and modern UX methodologies to create impactful information architectures, design systems, and prototypes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the job title is Sr. UX Designer, the responsibilities and focus on "Customer & Digital Experience (CDX)" and "Service Design" indicate a strong alignment with operations-adjacent roles that bridge product design with customer journey optimization and process integration. The emphasis on OKRs and cross-functional collaboration suggests a role that is deeply embedded in strategic business outcomes.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with CDX Strategists, Researchers, and Experience Management teams to produce comprehensive Service Design deliverables, such as Service Blueprints, for integrated, cross-touchpoint customer journeys.

  • Assist in the design, execution, and incorporation of user research findings into the iterative design process for customer journeys.

  • Facilitate the use of Design Thinking, storytelling, and conceptual prototypes to effectively communicate the vision, flow, and features of designed products and services.

  • Create and champion the adoption of design systems, information architectures, user task flows, and screen designs, transforming complex information into easily understandable visualizations.

  • Develop low- and medium-fidelity prototypes to test proposed journey concepts and gather user feedback.

  • Support the adaptation and advocacy of enterprise-wide UX best practices, standards, principles, and design thinking processes for UX, Product, and Engineering teams.

  • Foster active collaboration across Strategy, Product, and Engineering teams to remove impediments and ensure the delivery of the overall Experience vision and OKRs.

  • Advocate for the User Experience vision of assigned customer journeys.

  • Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.

  • Comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.

  • Act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process definition (Service Blueprints, task flows), system integration (design systems), and cross-functional collaboration, which are core tenets of operations roles. The emphasis on OKRs and delivering on business objectives positions this UX role as a strategic partner in achieving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction goals.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Design, Marketing, Business, Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field; OR a High School Diploma/General Education Diploma with 4+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree. Experience:

  • 4+ years of professional experience working as a UX Designer.

  • Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or Kanban methodologies.

  • Experience applying modern user experience design, discovery, and delivery techniques.

  • Proven expertise with design/user experience platforms and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, and Miro.

  • Strong knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

  • Demonstrated understanding of the current web and mobile technology landscape.

  • Profound understanding of human-centered design and design thinking methodologies.

  • Experience in creating accessible, inclusive, and equitable designs.

  • Experience utilizing design systems (e.g., Material, Carbon, Fluent).

  • Proven problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills with the ability to evolve UX strategy based on research, data, and industry trends.

  • Experience translating complex user, business, operational, and technical requirements into clear, accurate, and compelling user experience deliverables.

  • Experience in relationship building, motivation, and fostering curiosity for creative thinking and collaborative solutioning.

  • Experience working constructively and collaboratively with strategists, product managers, engineers, researchers, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to various audiences from team members to senior leadership.

  • Organizational and time management skills with a proactive and logical approach to workload and the ability to work independently or within a team.

  • Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.

  • Authorization to work without sponsorship. Required Skills:

  • UX Design & Strategy

  • Service Design Principles

  • Information Architecture

  • Prototyping (Low to Medium Fidelity)

  • User Research Integration

  • Design Thinking Methodologies

  • Agile/Scrum/Kanban Frameworks

  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript

  • Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro Preferred Skills:

  • Mentoring junior UX Designers

  • Healthcare, wellness, or digital health industry experience

  • Experience with service design encompassing both digital and physical touchpoints and operations

  • Experience with both B2C and B2B products/services

  • Experience with React framework

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The required skills list is comprehensive, covering both technical design proficiencies and critical operational competencies like Agile methodologies, translating complex requirements, and cross-functional collaboration. The preference for healthcare experience and service design with operations integration directly aligns with Abbott's industry and the role's strategic function.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 4+ years of UX design work, demonstrating a progression of skills and responsibilities.

  • Include case studies that highlight the process from problem identification through to solution delivery, emphasizing user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

  • Present examples of how you've translated complex business, user, and technical requirements into intuitive user experiences.

  • Demonstrate experience with designing for both digital and physical touchpoints, if applicable, particularly in service design contexts.

  • Provide evidence of creating accessible, inclusive, and equitable designs. Process Documentation:

  • Document your approach to user research, including how you integrate findings into the design process.

  • Illustrate your methods for creating information architectures, user task flows, and wireframes/prototypes.

  • Detail your experience with design systems, including contribution to or utilization of established systems.

  • Showcase your understanding and application of Agile/Scrum/Kanban methodologies in your workflow.

  • Provide examples of how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Strategy) to achieve project goals.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a Sr. UX Designer role with operational implications, a portfolio should not only showcase visual design but also the strategic thinking, process adherence, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities. Emphasize case studies that detail problem-solving within complex business contexts and demonstrate an understanding of how UX impacts operational efficiency and customer journey optimization.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,000.00 - $156,000.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with company matching.

  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Life and disability insurance.

  • Employee assistance programs.

  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education.

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration schedules. Travel of 5-10% may be required.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The provided salary range ($78,000 - $156,000 USD) is typical for a Sr. UX Designer in a major US metropolitan area, reflecting the mid-to-senior level experience required. While specific benefits are not detailed in the raw input, standard corporate benefits for a company of Abbott's size and industry are assumed. The travel requirement is noted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare and Medical Devices. Abbott Laboratories is a global leader in healthcare, providing a diverse portfolio of life-changing technologies across diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines. This industry context means a strong emphasis on quality, regulatory compliance, patient safety, and innovation.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (115,000+ employees globally). This size implies a structured environment with established processes, dedicated departments for specialized functions (like UX, Product, Engineering, Operations), and opportunities for career advancement within a vast organization.

Founded: Abbott Laboratories was founded in 1888. This long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a well-established corporate culture.

Team Structure:

  • The Customer & Digital Experience (CDX) team is a specialized unit within Abbott, responsible for customer journeys across all channels.

  • This role will likely be part of a broader UX or Digital Experience team, reporting to a UX Manager or Director, and collaborating closely with CDX Strategists, Researchers, Product Managers, and Engineering leads.

  • The team structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with designers working alongside business stakeholders to achieve defined Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Methodology:

  • The team employs a customer-centric, digital-first approach to designing user experiences and service blueprints.

  • Design Thinking, iterative usability testing, and rapid prototyping are core methodologies.

  • Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) are utilized for project management and delivery.

  • Data analysis and user research are integral to informing design decisions and evolving UX strategy.

Company Website: https://www.jobs.abbott/us/en

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Abbott's industry and size suggest a culture that values rigorous processes, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to quality and innovation. The CDX team's focus on customer journeys implies a strategic alignment with business objectives, making this UX role a critical component of the company's operational success.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is designated as a "Sr. UX Designer," indicating a mid-to-senior level role. It requires a solid foundation in UX principles and methodologies, coupled with the ability to work independently, lead design initiatives within specific journeys, and contribute to strategic UX vision.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX Designer will likely report to a UX Manager or Director within the Customer & Digital Experience (CDX) team. They will collaborate closely with peers in Strategy, Research, Product Management, and Engineering, forming cross-functional project teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is significant, directly influencing how customers interact with Abbott's products and services. By creating intuitive and effective digital and physical journeys, this role contributes to:

  • Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

  • Increased adoption rates of digital tools and services.

  • Enhanced operational efficiency through streamlined customer interactions.

  • Stronger brand perception and market competitiveness.

  • Achievement of key business objectives and OKRs defined for customer experiences. Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as Service Design, Design Systems, Accessibility, or UX Research.

  • Leadership Development: Transition into a Lead UX Designer role, mentoring junior designers and taking ownership of larger, more complex journeys or experiences.

  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Move into related roles within Product Management, Digital Strategy, or Customer Experience Operations, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and business processes.

  • Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge within Abbott's specific healthcare domains (diagnostics, medical devices, etc.).

  • Management Track: With proven leadership and strategic contribution, potential to move into management roles overseeing UX teams or specific experience areas.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The Sr. UX Designer role at Abbott offers a clear path for growth within the UX discipline and broader operational functions. The emphasis on service design and customer journeys suggests opportunities to develop expertise in operational process optimization and strategic customer relationship management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in Madison, Wisconsin. This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration is valued.

Office Location(s): Madison, Wisconsin. This location is part of Abbott's broader operational footprint.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, suggesting an open or shared workspace designed to foster interaction, brainstorming, and rapid iteration.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro) will be provided. This environment supports the use of modern UX technologies essential for creating sophisticated digital experiences.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with UX peers, researchers, product managers, and engineering teams will be integral to the daily workflow. This facilitates knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and alignment on project goals.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While on-site, the nature of UX work often involves focused individual work time alongside collaborative sessions. Flexibility may be available, but the primary expectation is consistent presence and contribution during core business hours. Travel of 5-10% is also a factor.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Madison, WI, for a Sr. UX Designer emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for complex design challenges and cross-functional alignment, which is common for large enterprises like Abbott. This setting fosters a dynamic environment where design thinking and operational integration can thrive.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on your experience, approach to UX design, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

  • Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where you will present 2-3 relevant case studies from your portfolio. Expect to discuss your design process, rationale, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is where you demonstrate your ability to translate complex requirements and collaborate effectively.

  • Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Interviews with peers from Product, Engineering, Strategy, and potentially Operations to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and how you contribute to team dynamics.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select case studies that best demonstrate your experience with complex journeys, service design, cross-functional collaboration, and impact on business objectives. Highlight projects that showcase your problem-solving process and ability to deliver measurable results.

  • Focus on Process & Rationale: Beyond visuals, emphasize your thought process: how you identified the problem, conducted research, ideated solutions, iterated based on feedback, and collaborated with stakeholders.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction scores).

  • Tailor to Abbott: If possible, subtly align your case study examples with healthcare or complex B2B/B2C scenarios, showcasing your ability to handle diverse user needs and business goals.

  • Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle constructive criticism, your collaboration style, and your understanding of human-centered design principles.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Exercise: You may be given a hypothetical design challenge or asked to critique an existing interface. Prepare to think aloud, articulate your thought process, and propose solutions based on user-centered principles.

  • Service Design Scenario: Given the role's focus, be ready to discuss how you would approach designing or improving a specific customer journey that involves both digital and physical touchpoints.

  • Collaboration Simulation: Be prepared to discuss how you would navigate disagreements or align diverse stakeholder perspectives to achieve a common design goal.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Sr. UX Designer at a company like Abbott will heavily emphasize practical application of design skills, strategic thinking, and collaborative capabilities. A strong portfolio showcasing process, impact, and cross-functional engagement is paramount.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Miro (for collaboration and ideation).

  • User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (specific tools may vary but include platforms like UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

  • Design System Management: Experience with or understanding of how to work within established design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics: Understanding of how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to inform design decisions and measure impact.

  • Data Visualization: Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable visualizations and charts.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not a primary focus for UX, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms influence customer journeys and digital touchpoints can be beneficial.

  • Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is required for understanding technical constraints and possibilities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The role also requires an understanding of collaboration tools like Miro and an appreciation for data analytics to inform design decisions and measure outcomes, aligning with operational efficiency metrics.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Customer-Centricity: A fundamental value, driving all design and strategic decisions to ensure positive and effective customer journeys.

  • Innovation: A commitment to exploring new technologies and methodologies to create leading-edge customer experiences.

  • Integrity & Quality: Upholding high standards in design, user experience, and adherence to company quality management systems, especially crucial in the healthcare sector.

  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.

  • Accountability: Taking ownership of design outcomes and contributing to the achievement of defined OKRs.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively collaborates with Product Management, Engineering, Strategy, Research, and potentially operational teams to ensure holistic journey design.

  • Constructive Feedback: An environment where constructive criticism is shared and incorporated to refine designs and improve processes.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, insights, and learnings across the team and wider organization.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: A culture that values using research and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Abbott's culture, particularly within its CDX team, will likely reflect a blend of corporate stability and a drive for innovation, especially in digital transformation. The emphasis on teamwork and customer-centricity is paramount for success in this role, mirroring the collaborative nature of effective operations.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Diverse Needs: Integrating the needs of various customer types (patients, providers) and stakeholders (business, technology) into cohesive user experiences.

  • Navigating Complex Systems: Designing for intricate healthcare ecosystems with regulatory considerations and established operational workflows.

  • Driving Adoption of New Designs: Ensuring that newly designed journeys are effectively implemented and adopted by users and internal teams.

  • Staying Ahead of Technology: Keeping pace with evolving digital technologies and user expectations in the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Alignment: Facilitating alignment and shared understanding between design, product, engineering, and business operations teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Training: Access to courses and workshops in advanced UX techniques, service design, accessibility standards, and emerging design technologies.

  • Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading UX and digital experience conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

  • Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders or to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.

  • Exposure to Healthcare Innovation: Gaining deep insights into the cutting edge of healthcare technology and patient care through project work.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about various aspects of the business, from product development to marketing and operations, through collaborative projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical for a Sr. UX Designer at a large enterprise, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for professional development and specialization within the healthcare and digital experience domains.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to translate complex business requirements into a user-friendly design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, problem-solving, and ability to simplify complexity).

  • "How do you approach designing for multiple customer types with potentially conflicting needs within a single journey?" (Demonstrate your understanding of user segmentation and service design).

  • "Discuss your experience with design systems. How do you contribute to or leverage them to ensure consistency and efficiency?" (Highlight your understanding of scalable design and operational efficiency).

  • "How do you ensure your designs are accessible, inclusive, and equitable?" (Showcase your commitment to ethical design principles). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Abbott Laboratories and its mission in healthcare?" (Demonstrate your research and alignment with the company's purpose).

  • "How do you collaborate with product managers, engineers, and strategists? Describe a challenging collaboration and how you resolved it." (Focus on your teamwork and communication skills).

  • "What are your thoughts on the importance of service design in a company like Abbott?" (Show your understanding of holistic customer experiences and their operational implications). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role -> Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing) -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact (with metrics if possible).

  • Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with different teams and stakeholders.

  • Showcase Process: Detail your iterative process, including how you incorporated feedback and adapted your designs.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs you made, and how your work contributed to business goals.

  • Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be prepared to answer questions directly and thoughtfully.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Preparing for this role means showcasing not just design skills but also strategic thinking, operational awareness, and strong collaborative capabilities. Emphasize how your UX work contributes to business objectives and customer satisfaction in a complex industry.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. UX Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the Abbott Laboratories careers portal.

  • Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience with UX design, service design, digital transformation, Agile methodologies, and specific tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro). Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your process, problem-solving skills, cross-functional collaboration, and impact. Ensure it aligns with the requirements of a Sr. UX Designer role in a large enterprise, especially in healthcare.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, narrative flow, and demonstrating your strategic thinking and collaborative approach.

  • Research Abbott: Familiarize yourself with Abbott's mission, values, products, and recent initiatives, particularly in digital customer experience. Understand their position in the healthcare industry.

⚠️ 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

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, along with 4+ years of professional UX design experience. Proficiency in modern design tools, web technologies, and human-centered design methodologies is required.