UI/UX Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI/UX Product Designer

Company: Droplight

Location: Zionsville, IN

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Design / UI/UX

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement the core buyer and seller user experience for a peer-to-peer resale marketplace focused on country and outdoor lifestyle products.

• Develop a lightweight, on-brand design system to ensure a cohesive and authentic visual identity for the mobile application.

• Collaborate directly with the engineering team in real-time to refine product designs and ensure the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is launch-ready within a tight 90-day target.

• Focus on mobile-first design principles to optimize browsing, buying, and listing flows, incorporating innovative features like AI-assisted listing and AI negotiation agents.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hands-on, individual contributor focused on rapid MVP development rather than a strategic design leadership position. The emphasis on real-time collaboration with engineers and a tight launch window indicates a need for strong execution skills and adaptability. The specific niche of the target audience (country and outdoor lifestyle families) is a critical differentiator for this role, requiring genuine cultural fluency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and optimize mobile-first user flows for key marketplace actions, including browsing, purchasing, and listing items.

• Develop intuitive UI elements and interactions for distinctive features such as "Snap-to-List" (AI-assisted listing), AI negotiation agents, and multi-item bundling.

• Establish and document a lightweight design system encompassing colors, typography, and reusable components to maintain brand consistency.

• Iterate on designs based on real-time feedback from beta testers and direct input from the engineering team.

• Implement UI elements that build trust, such as robust buyer/seller protection features, review systems, and clear condition reporting.

• Translate complex e-commerce dynamics, including escrow-based payments and dispute resolution, into user-friendly interfaces.

• Collaborate closely with developers proficient in a modern JavaScript stack (Express.js/PostgreSQL) to ensure design feasibility and efficient implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach, requiring the designer to not only conceptualize but also actively refine and document designs in close partnership with the development team. The emphasis on "real-time" refinement and "launch-ready" MVP suggests a fast-paced, iterative design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience in UI/UX and product design is essential.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in UI/UX and product design, with a significant focus on mobile application development and e-commerce platforms. Proven experience in shipping early-stage products and working within tight deadlines is critical.

Required Skills:

• Comprehensive UI/UX design expertise, encompassing both user flow mapping, wireframing, and high-fidelity visual design.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools, with a strong likelihood of Figma being the primary tool for collaboration and prototyping.

• Experience in establishing and maintaining design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Deep understanding of mobile-first design principles and best practices for app interfaces.

• Proven ability to design for complex e-commerce marketplaces, including checkout, payment, and trust-building mechanisms.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively alongside engineering teams.

• Experience in rapid iteration and incorporating user feedback into design adjustments.

• Familiarity with modern JavaScript development environments (Express.js/PostgreSQL) to facilitate technical discussions. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing for niche marketplaces or communities, particularly those related to western wear, workwear, or outdoor gear.

• Genuine cultural fluency or a demonstrated ability to authentically design for the specific target audience (country and outdoor lifestyle families).

• Experience with AI-driven features within a user interface.

• Understanding of security best practices in application design.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Category & Culture Fluency" is a significant differentiator. Candidates are expected to possess or quickly develop an authentic understanding of the target audience's culture, extending beyond generic e-commerce design to resonate specifically with western wear, workwear, and outdoor enthusiasts. This implies a need for designers who can grasp nuances like brand credibility and trust within this specific demographic.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase relevant marketplace or e-commerce work, demonstrating an understanding of transactional user journeys and trust mechanisms.

• Highlight projects where you have owned both UX (flows, wireframes) and UI (visual design), illustrating generalist capabilities.

• Include examples of establishing or contributing to design systems, demonstrating consistency and component-based design thinking.

• Provide case studies that detail your process from problem identification to solution implementation, emphasizing user-centered design decisions. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in creating clear and concise documentation for user flows, wireframes, and final UI designs.

• Show examples of how you have collaborated with developers, potentially including annotations or specifications provided to engineering teams.

• Include insights into how you have iterated on designs based on user feedback or technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application specifically requests portfolio items highlighting "relevant marketplace or e-commerce work" and a "short note on your experience taking a product from prototype to a launched MVP." This indicates a strong preference for practical, execution-oriented portfolio pieces that showcase the ability to deliver a functional product under pressure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract position for a 6-8 week engagement, the compensation will be discussed in terms of an hourly or project rate. Based on industry standards for experienced UI/UX Product Designers in the Zionsville, IN area with specialized marketplace and MVP development experience, a typical range for a contractor could be between $50 - $85+ per hour, depending on the depth of experience and negotiation.

Benefits:

• As a contractor, standard employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not included.

• Opportunities for direct collaboration with a founding team and significant impact on a new product launch.

• Potential for future engagements or a full-time role if the project is successful and the candidate is a strong fit.

• Exposure to innovative features like AI-assisted listing and negotiation agents.

Working Hours: This role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week to meet the aggressive 90-day launch target for the MVP. While the exact schedule may offer some flexibility, the fast-paced nature of the project and the need for real-time collaboration with engineers will likely necessitate consistent availability during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on average contractor rates for experienced UI/UX designers in the Indianapolis metropolitan area (which includes Zionsville) for specialized, short-term project work. The "AI_experience_level" of "5-10" years strongly supports this rate. Benefits are generally minimal for contractors, so the focus is on the project itself and potential future opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the E-commerce and Technology sector, specifically focusing on a peer-to-peer resale marketplace.

Company Size: Droplight is likely a startup or early-stage company, indicated by the focus on MVP development, lean design team, and the need for a hands-on, generalist designer. Company size is typically small in such scenarios, potentially under 50 employees.

Founded: The exact founding date is not provided, but the context of rebuilding a mobile application and targeting a 90-day MVP launch suggests an active, growth-oriented phase.

Team Structure:

• The design function is currently a single-contributor role, emphasizing the need for a self-sufficient and impactful designer.

• Close collaboration with a core engineering team, likely composed of front-end and back-end developers working with a JavaScript stack.

• Direct interaction with founders or product leadership for strategic direction and decision-making.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, bridging the gap between product vision, user needs, and technical implementation. Methodology:

• Agile or iterative development methodologies are implied by the rapid iteration and 90-day launch target.

• A strong focus on user-centered design, particularly for the core buyer and seller experience.

• Pragmatic decision-making is key, prioritizing launch-readiness over extensive feature development for the MVP.

• Data-driven refinement will likely occur post-MVP launch, with the initial phase focused on core functionality and usability.

Company Website: droplight.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's niche focus on the "trading post for country America" is a defining characteristic of its culture and product strategy. This suggests a brand that values authenticity, community, and practicality, aiming to serve an audience that may be underserved by mainstream resale platforms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior individual contributor level within the Product Design discipline. It requires a blend of strategic thinking for core flows and UI/UX generalist execution. The designer will operate with significant autonomy over the product's user-facing aspects.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report directly to a Head of Product, CTO, or a founder, given the early-stage nature of the company and the focus on MVP development.

Operations Impact: The UI/UX Product Designer will have a direct and substantial impact on Droplight's success by shaping the foundational user experience. Their work will be critical in attracting and retaining users in a competitive resale market, directly influencing buyer and seller engagement, transaction volume, and ultimately, revenue. The quality of the design will be a key factor in the MVP's success and the platform's ability to build trust within its target community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deep involvement in the foundational stages of a growing marketplace platform.

• Opportunity to influence product strategy and user experience from the ground up.

• Potential to transition into a full-time role with expanded responsibilities as the company scales, possibly leading to a Design Lead or Head of Design position.

• Development of expertise in designing for niche cultural markets and leveraging AI in user interfaces.

• Building a strong portfolio piece with a successful MVP launch under tight constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as a critical, short-term engagement with significant potential for future growth, assuming successful project delivery and company trajectory. The emphasis is on immediate impact and the ability to deliver tangible results within a compressed timeframe.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office environment located in Zionsville, IN. This suggests a need for local candidates or those willing to relocate/commute.

Office Location(s): Zionsville, Indiana, United States. This location is part of the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace where real-time interaction with the engineering team is expected and facilitated.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, likely including standard design software and communication platforms.

• An environment that values rapid iteration, direct feedback, and a hands-on approach to product development.

• The culture is likely startup-oriented, emphasizing agility, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to the launch target.

Work Schedule: The role is described as having approximately 40 hours per week. Given the "On-site" requirement and the tight MVP launch deadline, a structured work week during standard business hours is anticipated, with potential for occasional extended hours as the launch approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is a key factor for candidates to consider. While not explicitly stated, the nature of collaborative, real-time design work often implies a dynamic and potentially fast-paced office environment typical of startups.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of portfolio/case studies, MVP summary, and availability/rate to CultureTeam@Droplight.com.

• Portfolio Deep Dive: A review of submitted work, focusing on relevant marketplace/e-commerce experience, generalist capabilities (UX/UI), design system work, and MVP development examples.

• Skills & Cultural Fit Interview: Likely a conversation with the hiring manager (CTO or founder) to assess technical fluency, understanding of e-commerce/marketplace dynamics, and crucially, cultural fit and understanding of the target audience.

• Technical Collaboration Exercise (Potential): A brief exercise or discussion simulating real-time collaboration with an engineer to assess problem-solving and communication skills.

• Final Discussion: Confirmation of rate, availability, and project scope.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Prioritize marketplace, e-commerce, or mobile app projects. Highlight your role in user flow design, UI implementation, and system building.

• Showcase MVP Experience: Be ready to discuss your specific contributions to taking a product from concept/prototype to a live MVP, emphasizing pragmatic decisions made under pressure.

• Demonstrate Generalist Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows both your UX (wireframes, flows) and UI (visual design, components) capabilities.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you worked with developers or stakeholders to bring designs to life.

• Address Cultural Fit: For this role, explicitly mention or showcase any experience or understanding related to western wear, workwear, outdoor gear, or similar niche communities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing specific flows (e.g., listing an item with AI assistance, an AI negotiation process).

• Think about how you would establish a "lightweight" design system quickly for an MVP.

• Consider how you would balance user needs with tight deadlines and technical constraints.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of trust signals in online marketplaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is direct via email, bypassing a typical ATS. This suggests a more personal approach from Droplight, and thus, a tailored application is crucial. The emphasis on portfolio and MVP summary indicates these are the primary screening tools.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable as the industry standard for collaborative design, especially in fast-paced environments). Other tools like Sketch or Adobe XD might be acceptable but Figma is often preferred for team collaboration.

• Wireframing & Flow Mapping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar tools.

• Design System Management: Figma's component features, or potentially a dedicated style guide tool if a more mature system exists.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics implementation, the designer should be aware of common tools used for mobile apps to understand how user behavior will be tracked post-launch. This could include tools like Google Analytics for Firebase, Mixpanel, or Amplitude. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding that the platform will need to handle user accounts, listings, and transactions implies backend processes. Development Stack Context:

• Backend: Express.js (Node.js framework)

• Database: PostgreSQL

• Language: JavaScript (likely for both frontend and backend)

• This context is important for the designer to understand the technical environment and potential constraints or capabilities when discussing design feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific design tools aren't listed, Figma is the de facto standard for collaborative, modern UI/UX design and prototyping, making it the most likely tool. The mention of the JavaScript stack (Express.js/PostgreSQL) is crucial context for the designer to understand the technical environment they'll be working within.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity: Designing for the specific culture of country and outdoor lifestyles requires genuine understanding and avoiding generic approaches.

• Pragmatism: Making decisive calls and focusing on MVP launch readiness over perfection or over-engineering.

• Collaboration: Working hand-in-hand with engineering, providing real-time feedback and iteration.

• Speed & Agility: Moving fast to meet aggressive development and launch timelines.

• User-Centricity: Focusing on creating seamless and trustworthy experiences for buyers and sellers within this specific niche.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly interactive and iterative, with constant communication between design and engineering.

• Direct feedback loops are essential, with the designer expected to refine designs based on developer input and testing feedback.

• A flat hierarchy is likely, encouraging open communication and direct problem-solving.

• Emphasis on shared ownership of the product's success, particularly for the MVP launch.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly states a need for "Category & Culture Fluency," indicating that understanding and respecting the target audience's values and aesthetic is paramount. This goes beyond typical design considerations and taps into brand authenticity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Tight Deadline: The 90-day launch target for the MVP is a significant challenge, requiring extreme focus and efficiency.

• Niche Audience Design: Authentically designing for a specific cultural segment (country/outdoor lifestyle) requires deep understanding and can be challenging if not familiar with the demographic.

• Real-time Collaboration: Working directly with engineers in real-time requires adaptability, quick decision-making, and clear communication to avoid design bottlenecks.

• MVP Scope Management: Balancing the need for a functional, user-friendly MVP with innovative features like AI requires careful scope prioritization.

• Building Trust: Establishing buyer and seller trust in a new peer-to-peer marketplace is critical and relies heavily on UI/UX design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gain practical experience in rapid MVP development and launch cycles.

• Develop expertise in designing for niche cultural markets and understanding their unique user needs.

• Enhance skills in collaborating closely with engineering teams in an agile, iterative environment.

• Contribute to the foundational design of a unique resale marketplace and potentially shape its future growth.

• Deepen understanding of AI-driven features and their integration into user interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the compressed timeline and the need for a designer who can deliver high-quality, culturally resonant work under pressure. The growth opportunities are significant for someone who thrives in a startup environment and wants to make a tangible impact on a new product.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Product Vision: "How would you approach designing an AI-assisted listing flow for users who might not be tech-savvy?" (Focus on simplicity, clear instructions, and visual cues).

• User Experience: "Describe your process for designing trust signals in an online marketplace, especially for a new platform." (Discuss reviews, seller verification, secure payment indicators, clear dispute resolution UI).

• Technical Collaboration: "How do you ensure your designs are technically feasible when working with developers on a specific stack like Express.js/PostgreSQL?" (Discuss communication, understanding constraints, iterative feedback).

• Cultural Nuance: "How would you ensure our design feels authentic to the country and outdoor lifestyle audience, differentiating it from mainstream fashion resale apps?" (Discuss research, visual language, tone, avoiding generic elements).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Droplight's mission and its target audience?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the niche).

• "Describe a time you had to make tough design decisions due to tight deadlines or scope limitations for an MVP." (Highlight your problem-solving and prioritization skills).

• "How do you approach building a design system from scratch for an early-stage product?" (Focus on lightweight, scalable components). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight MVP Case Studies: Select 1-2 projects that best demonstrate your ability to take a product from concept to launch under constraints.

• Focus on Process & Rationale: For each project, clearly explain your thought process, the problems you were solving, the user research (if any), design decisions, and the outcomes.

• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with developers, product managers, or other stakeholders.

• Address Cultural Fit: If you have relevant experience or insights into the target demographic, be prepared to discuss them.

• Be Ready for Real-Time Design Discussion: Anticipate being asked to sketch out a flow or discuss design elements on the spot.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating both technical design skills and a deep understanding of the company's specific niche and fast-paced environment. The ability to articulate design rationale and cultural sensitivity will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI/UX Product Designer position:

• Submit your application by emailing the required items directly to CultureTeam@Droplight.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant marketplace or e-commerce projects. If you have experience with MVP development or niche audiences, highlight these specific case studies.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your generalist UI/UX skills, experience with mobile-first design, design systems, and any direct experience in e-commerce or marketplace platforms. Quantify achievements where possible.

• MVP Summary Preparation: Craft a concise note detailing your experience in taking a product from prototype to a launched MVP, focusing on your role, challenges overcome, and outcomes.

• Rate & Availability Confirmation: Clearly state your confirmed hourly rate and earliest start date for a 6-8 week engagement. Be prepared to discuss flexibility if needed.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Droplight's mission and target audience. Research competitor resale platforms to understand market dynamics and potential design differentiators.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. Specific details regarding scope, timeline, and compensation should be confirmed directly with Droplight during the application process. The "date_posted" is a placeholder from input data and should not be relied upon as the actual posting date.