Sr. UX Designer, Connect

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Designer, Connect

Company: PlayStation Global

Location: San Mateo, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX/Product Design (GTM Operations Support)

Date Posted: 2026-09-18

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design of core platform surfaces and end-to-end player journeys across console, mobile, and web for PlayStation's Connect team.

• Translate complex technical, platform constraints, and policy requirements into intuitive, scalable, and performant user experiences.

• Drive design strategy and execution for critical areas such as account management, onboarding, identity, privacy, safety, and family management.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, Research, Policy, Legal, and regional stakeholders to balance usability, trust, compliance, and business objectives.

• Contribute to and evolve platform design systems and standards to ensure global consistency and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a UX Designer, its focus on platform ecosystems, account services, safety policies, and cross-device continuity positions it as a critical support function for Go-To-Market (GTM) operations. The ability to design secure, scalable solutions that build trust across regions and devices directly impacts user acquisition, retention, and overall customer lifecycle management, which are key GTM operational concerns. The role requires a deep understanding of systems thinking and the ability to translate complex business and policy requirements into seamless user experiences, a hallmark of effective GTM operations support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end UX design process for key platform surfaces, system features, or player journeys within the Connect ecosystem.

• Lead design initiatives from concept ideation through successful product launch across console, web, and companion mobile experiences.

• Define and refine interaction models, navigation patterns, and scalable UI frameworks that support a global, multi-surface product strategy.

• Partner closely with Product Management and Engineering to define product roadmaps and feature strategies, ensuring user-centricity and technical feasibility.

• Reduce ambiguity and define structure for emerging or evolving platform capabilities through rapid prototyping, user research, and validation.

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and evolution of PlayStation's platform design systems and standards.

• Facilitate design critiques, provide constructive feedback, and drive high-quality design execution across multidisciplinary teams.

• Mentor junior designers, fostering a culture of craft excellence, consistency, and advanced systems thinking within the design team.

• Clearly articulate and present design decisions, rationale, and outcomes to cross-functional partners and leadership stakeholders.

• Balance innovation and user experience with critical requirements for usability, accessibility, performance, and platform consistency across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "owning UX for a core platform surface, system feature, or end-to-end player journey" and "leading design from concept through launch" indicates a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. The requirement to "translate complex technical and platform constraints into intuitive, performant user experiences" and "define interaction models, navigation patterns, and scalable UI frameworks" points to a need for strong information architecture and systems design skills, crucial for maintaining consistency in a large ecosystem. The mention of "balancing innovation with usability, accessibility, performance, and platform consistency" highlights the need for a pragmatic approach that considers both user needs and business/technical realities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BA/BS in Interaction Design, Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of professional product or UX design experience, with a significant focus on platform-level or systems-design work.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in systems thinking and complex problem-solving within digital product environments.

• Strong interaction design skills with a proven ability to create intuitive and efficient user flows.

• Proven experience shipping complex, multi-surface user experiences (e.g., console, mobile, web, connected devices).

• High proficiency in Figma, including advanced capabilities like component libraries, auto-layout, interactive prototyping, design tokens, animation, and plugin utilization.

• Ability to operate independently and thrive in ambiguous, technically complex, and fast-paced environments.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale clearly to diverse audiences.

• Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional partners, including Product Managers, Engineers, and User Researchers.

• Understanding of user-centered design principles, usability, and accessibility standards. Preferred Skills:

• Deep understanding of the PlayStation ecosystem, its platform strategy, and the broader service landscape.

• Demonstrated history of successfully leading products from early concept development through to successful large-scale launch.

• In-depth knowledge of player behaviors, gaming culture, and current industry trends within the entertainment and technology sectors.

• Proven ability to design and deliver scalable, localized user experiences tailored for diverse international markets.

• Experience operating effectively within globally distributed, cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5+ years of product or UX design experience, including platform or systems-level work" clearly defines the seniority of the role. The emphasis on Figma proficiency is critical, as it's a primary tool for collaboration and design system management. The ability to "operate independently in ambiguous, technically complex environments" is a key differentiator for senior roles, indicating a need for self-direction and problem-solving prowess. The "bonus" qualifications highlight a desire for candidates with domain expertise in gaming and a proven track record of end-to-end product ownership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing thoughtful, simple, deliberate, and intuitive design solutions.

• Examples demonstrating extraordinary interaction design, motion design, and visual design craft.

• Case studies detailing the design process for complex, multi-surface experiences (console, web, mobile).

• Evidence of systems thinking, including contributions to or utilization of design systems and scalable UI frameworks.

• Prototypes demonstrating interaction models and user flows for complex journeys.

• Examples that highlight how user research and data informed design decisions.

• Designs that address technical constraints and platform-specific considerations. Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you have translated complex requirements (technical, policy, business) into user-centric solutions.

• Demonstrate your approach to defining and evolving design systems and UI frameworks for scalability and consistency.

• Provide examples of your process for rapid prototyping and validation in ambiguous or technically complex areas.

• Illustrate your collaboration process with Product, Engineering, and Research teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Present how you have measured the impact of your designs, ideally with quantifiable outcomes related to usability, engagement, or efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role, the portfolio is paramount. It must go beyond just showcasing final UI to demonstrating the thought process, systems thinking, and ability to handle complexity. The emphasis on "platform or systems-level work" and "multi-surface experiences" means the portfolio should clearly articulate how the candidate has managed design consistency and user flow across different devices and platforms. Proficiency in Figma should be evident in the portfolio's presentation and interactivity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated base pay range for this role is $199,100 to $298,700 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.

• Matching 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Comprehensive Wellness Program.

• Coveted employee discounts on Sony products.

• Potential eligibility for a bonus package.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility expected based on project needs and hybrid work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range ($199,100 - $298,700 USD) is at the higher end for senior UX Design roles in the US, reflecting the seniority, specialized skills (systems thinking, platform design, Figma mastery), and the company's standing in the tech/gaming industry. The San Mateo, CA location is also a high-cost-of-living area, which typically influences salary benchmarks. The benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with industry standards for major tech companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment, Technology, Software Development.

Company Size: PlayStation Global is part of Sony Group Corporation, a large multinational conglomerate. The immediate team (Connect) is part of a broader design organization within SIE.

Founded: Sony Interactive Entertainment traces its roots back to the launch of the original PlayStation in 1994, evolving significantly over decades of innovation in the gaming industry.

Team Structure:

• The Sr. UX Designer will be part of the "Connect" design team, focusing on player-facing platform experiences.

• This team is embedded within the larger Sony Interactive Entertainment design organization, fostering collaboration with other design disciplines.

• The role operates in a hybrid capacity, requiring collaboration both in the San Mateo office and remotely.

• Designers will work within multidisciplinary squads, partnering closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, Policy specialists, and Legal teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are grounded in research, experimentation, and measurable outcomes.

• Systems Thinking: Emphasis on understanding and designing for complex, interconnected ecosystems.

• Agile Development: Collaboration within cross-functional teams to iterate and deliver features efficiently.

• Global Collaboration: Working with diverse teams across different regions to ensure localized and consistent experiences.

• Craft Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design execution, interaction, and visual polish.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PlayStation Global operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving entertainment technology sector. The company culture likely emphasizes innovation, a passion for gaming, and a commitment to delivering premium player experiences. The "Connect" team's focus on foundational platform services suggests a culture that values robust infrastructure and seamless user journeys as critical components of the overall PlayStation ecosystem. The hybrid work model indicates a modern approach to workplace flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with remote autonomy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer, indicating a level of expertise and leadership within the design function. It requires significant autonomy, the ability to tackle complex and ambiguous problems, and a track record of shipping impactful products. This level often involves mentoring junior team members and influencing strategic design decisions.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX Designer will report into a Design Lead or Manager within the Connect team, who is part of the broader Sony design organization. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on a day-to-day basis.

Operations Impact: The work of the Sr. UX Designer directly impacts the player's journey across the entire PlayStation ecosystem. By designing intuitive and secure account management, onboarding, and safety features, this role is instrumental in:

• User Acquisition & Onboarding: Ensuring new players can easily set up accounts and start using PlayStation services.

• Customer Retention: Fostering trust and satisfaction through reliable and user-friendly account and safety features.

• Ecosystem Engagement: Facilitating seamless cross-device experiences and social connections that encourage continued platform use.

• Brand Trust & Reputation: Upholding PlayStation's reputation for quality and player safety through robust design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in platform design, systems thinking, and advanced Figma capabilities.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially move into a Lead Designer or Design Manager role.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Gain experience shaping product strategy and influencing roadmaps across multiple disciplines.

• Broader Ecosystem Exposure: Work on diverse aspects of the PlayStation ecosystem, from console to mobile and web services.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to a globally recognized brand and potentially influence design trends in the gaming industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Connect" team's focus on foundational elements like accounts, safety, and family management means this role has a direct impact on the core operational health and user trust within the PlayStation ecosystem. A strong performance here can lead to significant career advancement within SIE's design or product organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in San Mateo, CA, and is a hybrid position. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, with dedicated workspaces and meeting areas.

Office Location(s): San Mateo, CA, United States. This location is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, a major hub for technology and gaming companies.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, private meeting rooms, and collaboration zones conducive to brainstorming and cross-functional teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations, design software (Figma), and other necessary tools for creative work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for spontaneous interactions with colleagues, design critiques, and team-building activities, alongside structured hybrid meetings.

• Hybrid Model: A structured approach to hybrid work, likely involving specific days in the office for key collaborative activities, balanced with remote work flexibility.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours. However, the dynamic nature of product development in the gaming industry may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or launch timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in a tech hub like San Mateo suggests a workplace that values both focused individual work and collaborative team synergy. For a UX designer, access to a well-equipped office space that fosters creative ideation and peer feedback is crucial, alongside the flexibility afforded by the hybrid arrangement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio with the hiring manager or senior designers. This may include a presentation of key projects and potentially a design exercise or challenge focused on systems thinking or solving a complex UX problem relevant to the Connect team's mandate.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially Researchers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

• Leadership Interview: A final interview with a Design Director or Senior Leader to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with the PlayStation design organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase systems thinking, complex problem-solving, and multi-surface design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your design decisions (and the rationale behind them), and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Demonstrate how your designs fit into a larger ecosystem, how you handled constraints, and how you contributed to or utilized design systems.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: If possible, include interactive prototypes or demonstrate your use of advanced Figma features in your presentation.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction scores).

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, decision-making process, and how you handle ambiguity and feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with the PlayStation ecosystem, its core services, and common user journeys (account creation, profile management, privacy settings, family accounts).

• Practice Systems Thinking: Be ready to deconstruct a complex system and outline how you would approach designing for it.

• Figma Practice: Ensure you are comfortable with Figma's advanced features and can quickly create prototypes to illustrate ideas.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex design decisions or trade-offs.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, even for hypothetical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio that showcases thoughtful, simple, deliberate & intuitive design, with extraordinary interaction, motion, and visuals" and "complex, multi-surface experiences" means candidates should prepare to present projects that clearly demonstrate these attributes. The "Connect" team's focus implies a need to showcase experience with account management, identity, safety, or family-related features if possible.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: High level of proficiency required, including advanced features like components, auto-layout, prototyping, design tokens, animation, and plugins. This is the core tool for design and collaboration.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping, potentially supplemented by other tools for advanced interactions or user testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a UX role, understanding how to interpret user data and analytics will be beneficial. Experience with tools like Amplitude, Google Analytics, or internal SIE analytics platforms would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design function, but an understanding of how user data flows through systems (e.g., CRM, identity management platforms) can inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a required skill with a high level of proficiency. This indicates it's not just a tool but a core part of the design workflow and collaboration strategy for the team. While analytics tools are not primary requirements, a UX designer at this level should be comfortable interpreting data to inform design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs and desires of PlayStation players.

• Innovation: Constantly seeking new and better ways to enhance the player experience through technology and design.

• Excellence & Craft: A dedication to high-quality execution, attention to detail, and polished user experiences.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Trust & Safety: Prioritizing player privacy, security, and well-being in all design decisions.

• Systems Thinking: Approaching design challenges with a holistic view of the ecosystem and its interconnected components.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product, Engineering, Research, Policy, and Legal teams is essential.

• Iterative Design: Embracing feedback loops and iterative development to refine designs based on insights and testing.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas can be shared freely, and constructive critiques are welcomed.

• Global Mindset: Considering diverse user needs and cultural contexts when designing for a global audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "systems thinking," "ambiguity," and "translating complex technical and platform constraints" points to a culture that values analytical rigor and problem-solving. The "player-centricity" and "craft excellence" values align with the core mission of PlayStation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Navigating and simplifying intricate platform systems, policies, and technical constraints to create intuitive user experiences.

• Global Scalability & Localization: Ensuring designs are effective and culturally appropriate across diverse international markets and languages.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Synthesizing requirements from multiple departments (Product, Engineering, Policy, Legal, Regional) with competing priorities.

• Ambiguity & Emerging Tech: Defining user experiences for new or evolving platform capabilities where established patterns may not exist.

• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive and consistent user experience across console, web, and mobile touchpoints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Systems: Contributing to and leveraging sophisticated design systems for large-scale platforms.

• Platform Strategy: Gaining deep insights into the strategic direction and technical architecture of the PlayStation ecosystem.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Working closely with engineers, researchers, and policy experts to broaden understanding of different functional areas.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to both receive mentorship from experienced designers and provide guidance to junior team members.

• Industry Exposure: Staying at the forefront of UX trends in gaming and entertainment technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges due to the complexity of the PlayStation ecosystem, but these challenges also translate into substantial growth opportunities for a designer eager to make a broad impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex system with many constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on systems thinking, problem decomposition, and trade-offs.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are scalable and consistent across multiple platforms (console, web, mobile)?" (Highlight your approach to design systems, pattern libraries, and cross-device strategy.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance user needs with technical limitations or policy requirements." (Demonstrate your ability to negotiate and find effective solutions.)

• "How do you approach designing for privacy, safety, or account management features, considering user trust and compliance?" (Showcase awareness of sensitive user data and regulatory considerations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at PlayStation and specifically on the Connect team?" (Research PlayStation's mission, recent product launches, and the Connect team's stated goals.)

• "How do you handle feedback from stakeholders with differing opinions on design direction?" (Emphasize your collaborative approach and data-driven rationale.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or contributing to design team culture." (Showcase leadership potential and collaborative spirit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of the project and its goals, followed by your specific role and contributions.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate your design process, showing how you moved from understanding the problem to delivering the solution. Include research insights, ideation, iteration, and testing.

• Visuals & Prototypes: Use high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes to showcase the user experience. Highlight key interactions and UI elements.

• Systemic Thinking: Explain how your design fits into the larger product ecosystem and how you ensured consistency.

• Impact & Learnings: Conclude with the measurable impact of your design and key learnings for future projects.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; aim to present 1-2 projects in depth rather than rushing through many.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, systems-level understanding, and strong collaborative capabilities. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions, backed by data and user insights, will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your experience with platform design, systems thinking, complex UX challenges, and specific tools like Figma. Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your skills in interaction design, systems thinking, multi-surface experiences, and your ability to handle ambiguity. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link).

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. Be ready to present and discuss your designs in detail.

• Research PlayStation & Connect: Understand the company's mission, its products, and the specific goals of the Connect team. This will help you articulate your interest and tailor your responses during interviews.

⚠️ 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.

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