Staff Product Designer, AI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Product Designer, AI Company: Durable Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / AI UX Date Posted: May 08, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and craft intuitive, intelligent user experiences for business owners and entrepreneurs leveraging Durable's AI capabilities.
• Develop and prototype directly with cutting-edge AI models, exploring their potential to create innovative user interfaces and agentic workflows.
• Collaborate across teams to define and deliver the future of AI User Experience (UX), ensuring a high standard of quality and execution.
• Translate complex AI functionalities into user-friendly interfaces, focusing on prompt engineering, automated outputs, and multi-modal interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping with AI models and a strong understanding of generative AI capabilities, indicating a shift from traditional UI design to a more integrated AI-UX approach. This is a "Staff" level position, suggesting a need for significant autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence design direction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design of AI-powered features, ensuring seamless integration of agentic workflows with traditional user interface elements.
• Directly prototype and experiment with large language models (LLMs) and other AI technologies to uncover novel UX opportunities and validate design concepts.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product management, and AI research teams to define product roadmaps and translate technical capabilities into user-centric solutions.
• Develop and maintain robust design systems and component libraries that scale across current and future product iterations, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
• Champion a user-centered design process, conducting research, user testing, and iterative design based on customer feedback and AI model performance.
• Contribute to defining Durable's brand identity within the product, potentially extending to marketing materials, with a focus on exceptional brand design and motion.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw description mentions "prototyping directly with the latest models," this responsibility expands on that by emphasizing the collaborative and strategic aspects of translating AI capabilities into product features and maintaining design system integrity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for Product Designer roles. Relevant professional experience may substitute for formal education.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of product design experience, with a proven track record of shipping B2C products. Experience designing AI or generative experiences is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Product Design: Extensive experience in end-to-end product design for B2C applications, from concept to launch.
• AI UX Design: Deep understanding and practical experience designing interfaces for AI-driven features, including prompt interfaces, automated content generation, and multi-modal interactions.
• Prototyping: Proficiency in rapid prototyping tools and methods, with a strong ability to translate concepts into interactive prototypes. Specific experience prototyping directly with AI models is a key differentiator.
• Coding/AI-Assisted Coding: Comfort and ability to produce designs using code or AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code, or similar).
• Generative AI Tooling: Fluency with current generative AI creative tools (image, video, voice generation) and a strong point of view on their strategic application.
• Systems Thinking: Ability to design scalable design patterns and component libraries that support a growing product ecosystem.
• Portfolio: A strong, in-depth portfolio showcasing shipped B2C products and specific examples of AI/generative design work.

Preferred Skills:

• Brand Design & Motion Graphics: An eye for exceptional brand aesthetics and experience with motion design to enhance the user experience.
• Startup Experience: Prior experience working in a fast-paced startup environment or having personally launched a product.
• User Research: Experience conducting user research and translating insights into actionable design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "producing in code or with AI-assisted coding tools" and "prototyping directly with the latest models" is a critical differentiator for this role, moving beyond traditional visual design to a more technically integrated approach. The "Staff" title implies a need for strong systems thinking and the ability to mentor or guide others.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Shipped B2C Products: A comprehensive collection of at least 2-3 significant B2C products you've designed, detailing your role and impact.
• AI/Generative Design Case Studies: Specific examples showcasing your experience designing with AI, including prompt interfaces, output refinement, and multi-modal interactions. Clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the AI tools/models used, and the outcome.
• Prototyping Examples: Demonstrations of your prototyping skills, ideally including examples where you've directly experimented with AI models or integrated AI functionalities.
• Design System Components: Evidence of your ability to create and maintain scalable design systems, including pattern libraries and component documentation.
• Code/AI-Assisted Code Integration: If applicable, showcase examples where your design work leveraged code or AI-assisted coding tools for implementation or rapid prototyping.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Case studies that detail how you identified user pain points, designed AI-driven solutions, and optimized workflows for efficiency and user satisfaction.
• AI Experimentation & Iteration: Documentation of your process for experimenting with AI models, iterating on prompts, and refining generative outputs based on user feedback and technical constraints.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Examples of how you collaborated with engineering, product, and AI teams throughout the design process, including communication strategies and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For AI-focused roles, a portfolio needs to clearly demonstrate not just aesthetic design but also the strategic application of AI, the ability to prototype with AI models, and an understanding of how AI impacts user workflows. The "Staff" level implies a need to showcase how you've influenced design processes and scaled design systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 – $180,000 CAD per year, depending on seniority and experience.

Benefits:

• Equity: Stock options or grants, providing ownership in Durable's growth.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Standard health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Professional Development: Budget for conferences, training, and learning resources to enhance skills, particularly in AI and design.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid model with in-office collaboration days.
• Team Events & Culture: Opportunities for team building and social activities.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered within the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided for Vancouver-based candidates. The "Staff" designation suggests the higher end of this range might be applicable to candidates with extensive experience in AI UX and product leadership. The inclusion of equity is a significant component of startup compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / SaaS (Software as a Service), specifically focused on AI-powered business solutions for entrepreneurs. Company Size: Durable is a growing startup, likely in the Seed to Series A/B funding stage, indicating a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. Founded: Durable was founded with a mission to leverage AI to help businesses start and grow, aiming to democratize entrepreneurship.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is likely integrated within product development, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers. As a "Staff" designer, you may have a leadership role or influence over design direction.
• Collaboration with AI researchers and engineers is crucial, given the AI-centric nature of the product.
• Expect a flat hierarchy typical of startups, encouraging open communication and direct access to leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by user data, A/B testing, and AI performance metrics.
• Agile Development: Iterative design and development cycles to quickly respond to market feedback and technological advancements.
• AI Integration: A core philosophy of embedding AI intelligently into user workflows to enhance productivity and capabilities.

Company Website: https://durable.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: Durable's focus on AI and entrepreneurship suggests a culture of innovation, rapid iteration, and a strong mission-driven approach. The "Staff" designer role implies a need for someone who can not only execute but also contribute strategically to the company's AI vision.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Product Designer, AI. This level typically signifies a senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy and influence. It suggests expertise in a specialized area (AI UX) and the ability to tackle complex, ambiguous problems.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Head of Design, VP of Product, or a similar senior leadership role. You'll collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, your primary impact is on user experience, customer acquisition/retention, and product adoption. For Durable, this translates directly to how effectively new and existing businesses can leverage AI to start and grow, impacting revenue and market penetration. Your work will directly shape how users perceive and interact with AI, which is core to Durable's value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI UX, prompt engineering, and generative AI design patterns.
• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team and setting design strategy for specific product areas.
• Product Strategy: Contribute more broadly to product strategy, influencing the direction of Durable's AI offerings.
• Industry Influence: Become a recognized expert in AI UX through contributions to the company's innovative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title is a key indicator of career growth potential, often representing a senior IC track that rivals management paths in terms of impact and compensation. This role is ideal for someone looking to deeply specialize in AI UX within a product context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a requirement to be in the Vancouver office 2 days per week (Mondays & Thursdays). This indicates a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, BC, Canada. Specific office details (e.g., amenities, neighborhood) would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The in-office days are likely designed for brainstorming, workshops, and team syncs, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
• Modern Tooling: Access to cutting-edge AI tools, design software, and potentially specialized hardware for prototyping.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with engineers, product managers, and AI specialists, promoting a holistic understanding of product development.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, with flexibility expected around core collaboration days. The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely, balanced with in-person team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory in-office days are specifically noted as Mondays and Thursdays, suggesting a structured approach to hybrid work designed to maximize team interaction and alignment on key days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application & Portfolio Review: Initial screening based on resume and portfolio. The portfolio is critical for demonstrating AI UX capabilities and shipped B2C products.
• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Screen: A conversation to assess initial fit, experience alignment, and understand your motivations.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise, likely involving a prompt-based design problem related to AI UX, or a deep dive into one of your portfolio case studies. Expect to discuss your process, rationale, and how you'd prototype and iterate with AI.
• Team Interviews: Meetings with other designers, product managers, and engineers to assess technical skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit. You'll likely discuss your approach to systems thinking and AI integration.
• Final Round: Potentially a conversation with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• AI-Centric Narrative: Ensure your case studies clearly articulate the AI problem, your approach to designing for AI, and the results achieved. Highlight your direct experience with AI models and tools.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Provide interactive prototypes or detailed walkthroughs that demonstrate your design process and the user experience.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user adoption, task completion rates, efficiency gains).
• Code/AI Tooling Examples: If you have examples of using code or AI-assisted tools in your design process, showcase them.
• Systems Thinking: Clearly present how your designs fit into a larger design system or product ecosystem.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI UX Fundamentals: Brush up on core AI UX principles, common patterns, and the capabilities/limitations of current generative AI models.
• Prompt Engineering Basics: Understand how to craft effective prompts and how prompt design influences user experience.
• Durable's Product: Thoroughly research Durable's current offerings and understand their target audience and mission. Think about how AI could further enhance their product.
• Prototyping Strategy: Be ready to discuss how you would prototype an AI-driven feature, including the tools and methodologies you'd employ.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "prototyping directly with the latest models" and "producing in code or with AI-assisted coding tools" means interviewers will likely probe deeply into your hands-on technical design capabilities and your comfort level working at the intersection of design and code/AI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (or similar industry-standard tools like Sketch, Adobe XD) for UI design and wireframing.
• Prototyping with AI: Directly using AI models via APIs or specialized platforms (e.g., OpenAI Playground, Claude, custom internal tools). Experience with tools like Cursor or similar AI-assisted coding environments.
• Generative AI Creative Tools: Familiarity with image generation (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E), video, and voice AI tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics to understand user behavior and product performance.
• A/B Testing Platforms: Tools for conducting experiments to optimize UX and feature adoption.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's tool, an understanding of CRM (like Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms can provide context for B2C user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "producing in code or with AI-assisted coding tools" and "prototyping directly with the latest models" signifies a need for proficiency beyond traditional design software. Expect to discuss your comfort level with code-based prototyping and direct interaction with AI APIs or development environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Experimentation: A willingness to push boundaries, experiment with new AI technologies, and embrace the unknown.
• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving real customer problems for entrepreneurs.
• High Standards: Maintaining exceptional quality in design execution, user experience, and the application of AI.
• Collaboration: Open communication and teamwork across disciplines to achieve shared goals.
• Impact-Driven: Focus on delivering tangible value to users and the business through thoughtful design and AI integration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are embedded within product teams, working closely with Engineering and Product Management.
• Feedback Loops: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iteration based on diverse perspectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in design critiques, sharing insights on AI UX trends, and contributing to the team's collective knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values individuals who are proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. The "Staff" level implies an expectation of contributing to the team's collaborative processes and potentially mentoring junior designers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Keeping pace with the constant advancements in AI technology and applying them effectively to user needs.
• Designing for Ambiguity: Creating intuitive experiences for novel AI functionalities where user mental models are still forming.
• Balancing AI Capabilities with User Needs: Ensuring AI features genuinely solve problems and enhance usability, rather than adding complexity.
• Technical Prototyping: Bridging the gap between design concepts and direct prototyping with AI models and potentially code.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI UX Specialization: Immersion in cutting-edge AI UX research and best practices.
• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen coding skills or proficiency with AI development tools.
• Product Strategy Influence: Contributing to high-level product decisions and roadmap planning.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or lead design initiatives within specific product areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI UX design, tackling complex challenges that define the future of how businesses interact with AI. The growth opportunities are tied to becoming a recognized expert in this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing an AI-powered feature from ideation to implementation. How do you ensure it's user-centric?"
• "Walk us through a portfolio case study where you designed an AI-driven experience. What were the key challenges, your design decisions, and the outcome?"
• "How do you approach prototyping with AI models? What tools do you use, and what are the benefits and limitations of your approach?"
• "How do you balance the capabilities of AI with user needs and potential ethical considerations?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Durable's mission and its use of AI for entrepreneurs?"
• "How do you see your skills contributing to our hybrid work environment and collaborative culture?"
• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders on a design decision, especially concerning new technology like AI."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (problem), middle (process, AI integration), and end (solution, impact).
• Focus on AI: Dedicate significant time to explaining your AI design process, your direct experience with AI models/tools, and the specific user benefits derived from AI.
• Demonstrate Technical Comfort: Be prepared to discuss your experience with coding or AI-assisted coding tools and how they informed your design execution.
• Interactive Elements: If possible, show interactive prototypes or live demos that highlight the AI functionality.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, trade-offs made, and how you measure success for AI-driven features.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interview questions to heavily probe your direct experience with AI models, your ability to prototype using code or AI-assisted tools, and your strategic thinking around AI UX. The "Staff" level implies a need for articulate explanations of complex design decisions and their business impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Product Designer, AI position:

• Submit your application through the Durable careers portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest B2C product design projects, with at least one clearly showcasing your AI/generative design experience. Ensure your portfolio highlights your process, direct AI model interaction, and any code-based prototyping.
• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 3+ years of B2C product design experience, specific skills in AI UX, generative AI tooling, and proficiency with AI-assisted coding. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, your approach to AI UX, and how you would contribute to Durable's mission and culture. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies.
• Research Durable: Understand their product, target market, and recent news. Prepare thoughtful questions about their AI strategy, design challenges, and team dynamics.

⚠️ 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.