UI designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Designer

Company: Koffeecup

Location: United Kingdom

Job Type: Contractor/freelance

Category: Design - UI/UX

Date Posted: 2026-08-18T10:33:10.360407

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Crafting clean, intuitive, and beautifully designed interfaces for digital experiences, with a strong emphasis on user interaction and visual appeal.

• Developing game-ready assets and ensuring that all designs align with the game's creative vision and overarching business strategy.

• Collaborating closely with developers, creative leads, and UX designers to facilitate seamless implementation and maintain design accuracy.

• Managing project timelines and working independently to meet project goals, while also being receptive to feedback for continuous design refinement.

• Staying abreast of the latest UI trends, design best practices, and emerging technologies to continuously enhance design output and problem-solving capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for a UI Designer within the game industry, focusing on visual interface design and asset creation. The hybrid nature implies a need for on-site collaboration while allowing for remote flexibility. The contractor/freelance status suggests a project-based engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently conceptualize and create high-fidelity UI designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, adhering strictly to brand guidelines and the game's unique creative direction.

• Design and produce game-ready assets, ensuring they meet technical specifications and contribute to an immersive user experience.

• Develop interactive prototypes to clearly communicate design concepts, user flows, and intended functionality to stakeholders and development teams.

• Act as a key liaison between design, development, and UX teams, ensuring a unified approach to product creation and problem-solving.

• Provide essential support to developers during the implementation phase, offering clear guidance and assets to guarantee design accuracy, pixel-perfect execution, and overall consistency across the interface.

• Proactively manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, effectively balancing scope, timelines, and resource allocation to achieve project milestones.

• Continuously research and integrate current UI design trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices into design workflows to drive innovation and elevate product quality.

• Engage constructively with feedback and critiques from peers and stakeholders, leveraging insights to iterate on designs and achieve optimal outcomes.

• Propose innovative and practical solutions to complex design challenges, ensuring that user experience and usability are never compromised.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant ownership over the UI creation process, from concept to implementation support. The emphasis on "game-ready assets" and "creative vision" points to a specialized application within the gaming sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often implied by the required experience and skill set.

Experience: 4-6 years of dedicated experience within the game industry, with a proven track record of designing user interfaces for video games or interactive entertainment.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in UI Design, with a strong focus on creating intuitive and engaging interfaces for digital products, particularly within the gaming sector.

• Proven ability to create high-quality, game-ready assets that meet specific technical and aesthetic requirements.

• Demonstrated proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), Figma, and Sketch.

• A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of UI design projects, with a clear emphasis on creativity, problem-solving, and successful implementation.

• Solid understanding of design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and development best practices, with a keen eye for pixel-perfect detail.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in English.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a creative mindset, capable of devising innovative solutions for complex design challenges.

• Demonstrated ability to manage project timelines efficiently and work autonomously to achieve project objectives. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UX design principles and methodologies, enabling a deeper understanding of user needs and behaviors.

• Familiarity with AR/VR technologies and their application in user interface design.

• Experience or a strong interest in video game design beyond UI, including gameplay mechanics and narrative.

• Proficiency in creating design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across multiple projects.

• Experience with prototyping tools beyond basic wireframing, such as InVision, Axure, or advanced Figma prototyping features.

• Understanding of Agile development methodologies and how design integrates into sprint cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is specifically tied to the "game industry," which is a critical differentiator. The portfolio requirement is paramount, emphasizing creativity and problem-solving. Proficiency in specific design tools is non-negotiable.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a minimum of 4-6 years of UI design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to the game industry.

• Showcase a variety of UI design projects, highlighting the evolution from initial concept to final execution, including user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Include examples of "game-ready assets" created, demonstrating an understanding of technical constraints and visual quality for game environments.

• Present case studies that detail the problem-solving process, design rationale, and the impact of your UI solutions on user experience and project goals.

• Evidence of working within a design system or contributing to its development is highly valued. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the UI design lifecycle, from user research and concept development through to high-fidelity design, prototyping, and developer handoff.

• Showcase experience in collaborative design processes, including working with cross-functional teams (developers, UX designers, product managers) and incorporating feedback.

• Highlight experience in creating and managing design documentation, such as style guides, component libraries, and UI specifications, to ensure design consistency and facilitate developer implementation.

• Provide examples of how you have managed project timelines and delivered on-time, showcasing organizational and project management skills within a design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "game-ready assets" and the specific "4-6 years in the game industry" requirement means the portfolio must strongly reflect this specialization. The ability to document and articulate design processes is crucial for a freelance/contract role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance/contractor role based in the United Kingdom, the salary will vary based on experience, project scope, and specific hourly/daily rates. A competitive rate for a UI Designer with 4-6 years of game industry experience in the UK could range from £30-£60 per hour, or approximately £240-£480 per day, depending on the specific demand and complexity of the projects. This equates to an annual equivalent of £62,400 - £124,800 if working full-time for 52 weeks.

Benefits:

• As a contractor/freelancer, standard employee benefits (health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans) are typically not included.

• Potential for flexible working hours and the ability to choose projects that align with personal interests and career development.

• Opportunity to gain diverse experience across different projects and potentially contribute to multiple titles within the game industry.

• Professional development through exposure to new design challenges, technologies, and collaborative environments.

• Direct engagement with creative leads and development teams, fostering strong professional relationships.

Working Hours: The job description mentions managing timelines and working independently, implying a standard full-time workload of approximately 40 hours per week. However, as a contractor, the specific hours and schedule may be negotiable based on project requirements and mutual agreement, with potential for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on general UK freelance rates for experienced UI designers in creative industries. Actual rates will depend on negotiation, client budget, and the exact nature of the contract. Benefits are typically limited for contract roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Gaming. Koffeecup operates within the dynamic and creative video game industry, a sector known for its passion, innovation, and demanding pace. This industry requires a blend of artistic vision and technical execution.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size. However, the nature of a freelance/contract role often suggests engagement with companies of various sizes, from startups to established studios. The focus on independent work and collaboration implies a structure that can accommodate external talent efficiently.

Founded: The founding date of Koffeecup is not provided.

Team Structure:

• The role involves joining a "design team," suggesting a dedicated group of design professionals within Koffeecup.

• Collaboration is expected with "developers, creative leads, and UX designers," indicating a cross-functional team environment where designers work alongside engineers and other creative specialists.

• The "freelance/contractor" nature means the UI Designer will be an external contributor, likely integrated into existing project teams rather than a permanent member of a large internal department. Methodology:

• Emphasis on "design systems" and "pixel-perfect UI" points to a structured approach to design, ensuring consistency and quality.

• The need to create "confident prototypes" suggests a process that involves iterative design and testing of concepts.

• "Following the game’s creative vision and business strategy" indicates that design decisions are guided by broader project goals and market considerations.

• A willingness to "take feedback and critique constructively" highlights a culture that values continuous improvement and collaborative refinement.

Company Website: koffeecup.net (derived from the source domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry (gaming) heavily influences its culture, likely fostering creativity, passion for games, and a drive for high-quality visual output. The freelance nature suggests a need for adaptability and strong self-management skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the UI Design discipline. The "4-6 years of experience" requirement and the responsibility for independent creation, asset production, and collaboration with leads suggest a level of autonomy and expertise beyond junior roles. It's a hands-on contributor role, not a management position.

Reporting Structure: As a contractor, the UI Designer will likely report to a Creative Lead, Lead UI Designer, or Project Manager within Koffeecup. The reporting line will be project-specific, focusing on the successful delivery of UI design tasks and assets.

Operations Impact: The UI Designer's impact is direct and critical for the user experience of the game. High-quality, intuitive, and visually appealing interfaces are essential for player engagement, retention, and overall game success. The design directly influences how players interact with the game, perceive its quality, and enjoy the overall experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in game UI design, AR/VR interfaces, or UX research through project work and continuous learning.

• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio with diverse game titles and complex UI challenges, increasing marketability for future high-profile projects.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gain insights into game development processes, programming constraints, and UX principles by working closely with other disciplines.

• Networking: Establish valuable professional connections within the game industry through collaboration with Koffeecup's teams and potentially other external contributors.

• Contract to Hire Potential: Depending on performance and company needs, successful contractors may be considered for full-time employment opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, "growth" is primarily defined by skill enhancement, portfolio building, and expanding professional networks within the industry, rather than traditional internal career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of on-site work at a Koffeecup office (presumably in the United Kingdom) and remote work. The exact split will depend on Koffeecup's policy and project requirements.

Office Location(s): United Kingdom. Specific office locations are not detailed, but candidates should expect to work from a Koffeecup facility for a portion of their time.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration with design and development teams, fostering idea exchange and team cohesion. Remote work offers flexibility and focused individual work time.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch) is expected. While not explicitly stated, it's likely that Koffeecup provides or expects designers to have their own licensed software for contract work.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with creative leads, developers, and UX designers is a key aspect of the role, facilitated through meetings, design reviews, and collaborative sessions, both in-person and virtually.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and contractual agreements. The hybrid nature requires balancing on-site presence with remote workdays, potentially requiring coordination with team schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires candidates to be comfortable working both independently from a remote location and collaboratively in an office setting. Understanding Koffeecup's specific hybrid policy will be important.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you present your portfolio, discussing your design process, problem-solving approaches, and specific contributions to past projects. This will likely include questions about your proficiency with design tools and your understanding of game UI/UX principles.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be given a small design task or a more complex challenge to assess your practical design skills, creativity, and ability to meet project brief requirements within a given timeframe.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members (e.g., Creative Lead, Developers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Koffeecup.

• Final Discussion: A wrap-up with the hiring manager to discuss contract terms, project scope, and answer any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest UI design projects, prioritizing those with clear relevance to the game industry and demonstrating problem-solving.

• Tell a Story: For each project, walk through the problem statement, your design process, key decisions, challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Game-Specific Work: Emphasize any projects that involved creating game-ready assets, adhering to a game's creative vision, or solving complex interaction challenges within a gaming context.

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and iterations to demonstrate your thought process, not just the final polished designs.

• Be Ready to Discuss Details: Prepare to answer specific questions about your tool proficiency, design rationale, and how you handle feedback and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly analyze the brief. Understand the user, the problem, and the desired outcome.

• Focus on demonstrating your core strengths: UI design principles, creativity, problem-solving, and efficiency.

• For a UI role, prioritize clear visual hierarchy, intuitive navigation, and aesthetic appeal, all within the context of the challenge.

• If time permits, consider creating a simple prototype or user flow to illustrate your solution.

• Be prepared to articulate your design decisions and trade-offs clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component. Candidates should be prepared to deeply discuss their design process and rationale, especially concerning game-specific UI challenges and asset creation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for creating and editing graphics, illustrations, and visual assets. Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is highly expected.

• Figma: A leading collaborative interface design tool, widely used for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. High proficiency is a strong asset.

• Sketch: Another popular vector-based design tool for macOS, commonly used for UI design and prototyping. Experience here is also valuable.

Analytics & Reporting: While not core to the UI designer role, an understanding of how UI impacts user engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, conversion rates, session duration) can be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms is a plus but not typically a requirement for this specific function.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the UI Designer role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are standard for UI design. The emphasis on Figma and Sketch highlights their importance in modern collaborative design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong drive to push creative boundaries and develop novel design solutions that captivate players.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and prioritizing the player experience, ensuring interfaces are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: An obsession with detail, aiming for pixel-perfect execution and a polished final product that reflects high standards.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open dialogue, constructive feedback, and effective teamwork across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Adaptability: Embracing change, learning new technologies, and responding effectively to evolving project requirements and industry trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with developers, UX designers, and creative leads, ensuring design intent is understood and accurately implemented.

• Feedback Loop: Actively participating in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive critique to foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, best practices, and learnings with team members to elevate the collective skill set.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identifying potential design issues early and collaborating with the team to find efficient and effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be fast-paced, creative, and collaborative, typical of the gaming industry. Emphasis on quality, user experience, and teamwork will be paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Designing visually stunning interfaces that are also feasible for development within game engine limitations and project timelines.

• Managing Diverse Project Requirements: Adapting design style and approach to fit different game genres, target audiences, and brand identities.

• Effective Communication with Remote/Hybrid Teams: Ensuring clear and consistent communication of design intent and feedback across different working locations and time zones.

• Staying Ahead of Evolving Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, game engines, and user interface paradigms in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Game UI Workshops/Courses: Opportunities to attend industry events or online courses focused on advanced game UI design techniques.

• Exposure to New Game Engines/Platforms: Gaining experience with the UI implementation pipelines of various game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) or emerging platforms (e.g., VR/AR).

• Mentorship from Senior Designers: Learning from experienced creative leads and UI designers within Koffeecup or through industry networking.

• Contributing to Design Systems: Developing expertise in building and maintaining scalable design systems, a highly sought-after skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the creative and technical nature of game UI design, particularly in a hybrid/contract setting. Growth opportunities are focused on skill enhancement and industry experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI challenge you faced in a game project and how you solved it. What was your process?" (Focus on problem-solving, iteration, and outcomes.)

• "How do you ensure your UI designs are both visually appealing and user-friendly, especially for a target audience you may not be familiar with?" (Discuss user-centric design, research, and testing.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating game-ready assets. What are the key considerations?" (Detail your workflow, tool usage, and understanding of game asset pipelines.)

• "How do you approach working with developers to ensure seamless implementation of your UI designs?" (Highlight communication strategies, handoff processes, and collaboration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Koffeecup and this specific UI Designer role within the game industry?" (Research Koffeecup's portfolio, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism and feedback on your designs?" (Provide examples of how you've used feedback to improve your work.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UI trends and technologies in the gaming world?" (Discuss your methods for continuous learning and industry engagement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction, Project 1 (Problem, Process, Solution, Outcome), Project 2, etc., Conclusion.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, and even short video clips where appropriate. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.

• Narrative: Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions. Tell a compelling story about each project.

• Metrics: If possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., improved usability, increased engagement).

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's impactful and within the allotted duration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate not just design skills but also your understanding of the game development lifecycle, collaborative processes, and how your UI work contributes to the overall success of a game.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Designer position:

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

• Curate and refine your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features your strongest UI design work, with a clear emphasis on game industry projects and the creation of game-ready assets. Tailor your selection to highlight the skills and experience Koffeecup is seeking.

• Optimize your resume: Highlight relevant experience (4-6 years in game UI design), technical skills (Adobe Suite, Figma, Sketch), and key responsibilities such as asset creation and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation: Practice walking through 2-3 key projects, detailing your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss specific design decisions and challenges.

• Research Koffeecup: Familiarize yourself with their games, company mission, and any recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their work.

⚠️ 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.