UX Designer

Brainlake Advertising LLC
Full-timeAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Brainlake Advertising LLC

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is a hybrid of UX and UI design, with a strong emphasis on UX (approximately 80% UX, 20% UI).

  • Focuses on understanding complex requirements and translating them into user-centered digital product experiences.

  • Requires the strategic application of AI-powered design tools to enhance efficiency and innovation in the design process.

  • Involves end-to-end design ownership, from conceptualization and user flows to wireframing, prototyping, and UI execution.

  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including researchers, service designers, product managers, and engineers, is a key aspect.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw listing specifies "UX Designer," the detailed responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a hybrid role with a strong UX foundation and a need for UI execution capabilities, particularly in complex digital products and services. The emphasis on AI tools suggests a forward-thinking agency environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Translate intricate business requirements, user research findings, and user needs into clear, actionable UX solutions.

  • Define comprehensive user journeys, user flows, task flows, navigation structures, and information architecture for complex digital products and services.

  • Create detailed low- and high-fidelity wireframes across web, mobile, and responsive design contexts.

  • Design complex, multi-faceted journeys involving multiple users, roles, steps, scenarios, and decision points.

  • Specify detailed interaction patterns, behaviors, states, validations, and edge cases to ensure robust user experiences.

  • Develop interactive prototypes to effectively communicate and validate experience concepts with stakeholders and users.

  • Proactively identify usability issues, friction points, and unnecessary complexity, proposing innovative and improved solutions.

  • Collaborate closely with researchers and service designers to seamlessly translate insights into intuitive digital experiences.

  • Partner with product, business, and technical teams to ensure that proposed solutions are practical, feasible, and align with business objectives.

  • Clearly present UX decisions and their underlying rationale to clients and internal stakeholders, fostering understanding and buy-in.

  • Produce polished UI designs when required, ensuring consistency with established design systems and brand guidelines.

  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems, including components, patterns, and reusable libraries.

  • Strategically leverage AI-powered design tools to accelerate UX exploration, wireframing, prototyping, interface generation, and other repetitive design tasks.

  • Experiment with and integrate new AI design workflows to enhance both the speed and overall quality of the design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a mid-level to senior UX designer in a digital agency setting, emphasizing problem-solving, user advocacy, and cross-functional collaboration. The explicit mention of AI tools is a significant differentiator and suggests a need for candidates comfortable with emerging technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 4+ years of hands-on experience in UX design, with a proven track record of designing complex digital products, platforms, or services.

Required Skills:

  • A robust portfolio that is clearly UX-heavy, showcasing user flows, information architecture, wireframes, interaction design, and evidence of complex problem-solving.

  • Demonstrated ability to translate ambiguous or complex requirements into simple, structured, and intuitive user experiences.

  • Strong proficiency in Figma, including advanced features such as Auto Layout, components, variables, prototyping capabilities, and design system management.

  • Comprehensive understanding of usability principles, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), responsive design techniques, and human-centered design methodologies.

  • Good foundational knowledge of visual design principles, including typography, visual hierarchy, spacing, and layout.

  • Ability to produce high-quality UI designs when required, demonstrating an understanding of visual aesthetics and brand consistency.

  • Experience utilizing AI-powered design tools to accelerate various stages of the UX and UI workflow.

  • Proven ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and consistently deliver high-quality work against deadlines. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working in an agency environment, particularly within advertising or digital product development.

  • Familiarity with user research methodologies and the ability to synthesize research findings into design decisions.

  • Experience with or contribution to established design systems.

  • Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate collaboration with engineering teams.

  • Experience with other design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "UX-heavy" portfolio is critical. Candidates should prioritize showcasing their process, problem-solving skills, and information architecture work over purely aesthetic UI examples. The explicit mention of Figma suggests it's the primary tool, so deep proficiency is expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong UX foundation, including detailed user flows, information architecture diagrams, wireframes, and interaction design examples.

  • Case studies that clearly articulate complex problems, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the resulting outcomes, with a focus on user experience improvements.

  • Examples of designing for complex digital products, platforms, or services that highlight the ability to manage intricate requirements and user journeys.

  • Evidence of utilizing AI-powered design tools within the design workflow, showcasing how they were used to enhance efficiency or explore new possibilities.

  • Clear documentation of how usability, accessibility, and responsive design principles were applied in past projects. Process Documentation:

  • Showcasing well-defined user journey mapping and information architecture structures.

  • Demonstrating the creation of interactive wireframes and prototypes to communicate experience concepts effectively.

  • Illustrating the process of iterating on designs based on feedback, research, or usability testing.

  • Highlighting contributions to or creation of design systems and reusable components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. It needs to clearly and demonstrably showcase the candidate's UX thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and experience with complex systems, not just aesthetic UI skills. The inclusion of AI tool usage in case studies would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract role in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and specific salary information is not provided, a competitive rate is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX Designers with 4+ years of experience in a major UAE city, the estimated range for a contract position could be between AED 20,000 - AED 35,000 per month, depending on the specific scope of work, project duration, and the candidate's expertise.

Benefits:

  • Contract-based employment, offering flexibility and potential for project-based work.

  • Opportunity to work on diverse and complex digital products for various clients within an advertising agency setting.

  • Exposure to cutting-edge AI-powered design tools and workflows.

  • Potential for professional development through challenging project assignments.

  • Collaboration with a dynamic and creative team environment.

Working Hours: The role is listed as an on-site position. While specific hours are not detailed, a standard full-time work week in the UAE is typically 40 hours, often with flexibility. Contract roles may have more defined project-based hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical contract rates for experienced UX Designers in Abu Dhabi, considering the cost of living and market demand. The benefits are inferred from the nature of a contract role within an agency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Digital Services. Brainlake Advertising LLC operates within the dynamic advertising and digital services sector, likely focusing on creating and implementing digital solutions for clients. This industry requires innovation, agility, and a strong client-service orientation.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated but is likely a small to medium-sized agency given the "LLC" designation and typical agency structures. This often translates to a more collaborative, hands-on environment where individuals can have a significant impact.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company is active on Workable, suggesting an established presence.

Team Structure:

  • The UX Designer will likely be part of a broader digital design or product development team.

  • This team may include UI designers, researchers, service designers, project managers, and account managers.

  • Close collaboration with product managers and technical leads from client organizations will also be expected.

  • Reporting structure will likely be to a Head of Design, Creative Director, or a senior project lead. Methodology:

  • The team likely employs agile or hybrid methodologies for project delivery, common in agency settings.

  • Emphasis on human-centered design principles, user research, and data-driven decision-making.

  • Integration of AI tools into design workflows is a stated priority, indicating a focus on efficiency and innovation.

  • A collaborative approach to problem-solving, with regular design reviews and feedback sessions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As an advertising LLC, Brainlake likely serves multiple clients. This implies a fast-paced environment with diverse project types and a need for adaptability. The emphasis on AI tools suggests they are aiming to be at the forefront of design technology.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level to Senior UX Designer, requiring 4+ years of experience. It demands a significant level of autonomy, problem-solving ability, and the capacity to lead design initiatives for complex projects. The focus is on delivering high-quality UX solutions and contributing to the agency's design capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a Design Lead, Creative Director, or a Senior Project Manager. They will work closely with client-side product managers and development teams, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is direct on client project success, influencing user satisfaction, engagement, and conversion rates for digital products. They are crucial in ensuring that client business objectives are met through effective and user-centered design solutions. Their ability to leverage AI tools can also drive efficiency gains for the agency and its clients.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in complex UX problem-solving, AI-driven design workflows, or contribute significantly to design system development.

  • Project Leadership: Potential to lead design efforts on larger, more complex client projects, taking on more strategic responsibilities.

  • Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills through presenting designs and advocating for UX best practices.

  • Agency Contribution: Influence the agency's design processes and technology adoption, potentially mentoring junior designers or championing new tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, "growth" might be more project-specific or focused on skill acquisition rather than a linear career path within the company. However, successful contract engagements can lead to repeat business or longer-term opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a physical office presence is required in Abu Dhabi. This suggests a traditional agency office environment.

Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Specific details about the office amenities or exact location within Abu Dhabi are not provided, but it's assumed to be in a professional business district.

Workspace Context:

  • A collaborative office environment where face-to-face interaction with colleagues and potentially clients is expected.

  • Access to necessary design software and hardware, including Figma and potentially AI design tools.

  • Opportunities for spontaneous brainstorming and problem-solving sessions with team members.

  • Exposure to a fast-paced agency culture, working on multiple client projects simultaneously.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are likely, with potential flexibility common in agency environments. As a contractor, the specific schedule and duration will be defined by the contract agreement.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in an agency typically means a dynamic, sometimes demanding, but often rewarding environment focused on client delivery and creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's UX focus and AI tool requirement.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, focusing on UX case studies, problem-solving approaches, and how they've used AI tools. Expect questions about their design process, decision-making rationale, and experience with complex projects.

  • Technical/Skills Assessment: A practical exercise or discussion may be included to evaluate Figma proficiency, wireframing skills, or ability to translate requirements into design concepts.

  • Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Conversations with potential team members and/or hiring managers to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Prioritize UX: Ensure your portfolio prominently features UX-heavy projects. Detail your process, problem definition, user flows, information architecture, and wireframing.

  • Showcase Complexity: Select case studies that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex digital products and services with intricate user journeys.

  • Highlight AI Integration: Clearly explain how you've used AI-powered design tools. Detail the tools used, the specific tasks they aided, and the impact on your workflow and outcomes.

  • Demonstrate Problem-Solving: For each case study, articulate the problem, your approach, the rationale behind your design decisions, and the measurable results or lessons learned.

  • Clarity and Conciseness: Present your work clearly, concisely, and with a strong narrative. Ensure it's easy for reviewers to understand your contribution and thought process.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for potential design challenges that test your ability to quickly understand requirements, define user flows, and create wireframes or prototypes.

  • Practice articulating your design decisions and their strategic justification under pressure.

  • Familiarize yourself with common AI design tools and be ready to discuss their potential applications and limitations in a UX context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tools suggests interviewers will probe deeply into how candidates leverage these technologies. Candidates should have specific examples and be able to articulate the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into their design process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential. Proficiency required in Auto Layout, components, variables, prototyping, and design system management.

  • AI-Powered Design Tools: Explicitly required. Examples could include tools for AI-assisted wireframing, content generation, image creation, or workflow automation within the design process. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific tools and their applications.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly listed as a primary requirement, understanding how designs impact user behavior and metrics is crucial. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) and their implications for UX design is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly specified as a requirement for this UX role, but understanding how digital products integrate with backend systems or CRM platforms can be advantageous for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a need for candidates who are not only skilled in current design software but also proactive in exploring and adopting emerging technologies to enhance productivity and creativity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user's needs and experience.

  • Innovation & Efficiency: Embracing new technologies like AI to drive creative solutions and streamline design processes.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, clients, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

  • Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying and resolving complex design challenges.

  • Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to delivering polished, well-executed, and high-quality design work.

Collaboration Style:

  • Expect a highly collaborative environment, typical of an agency, involving frequent interaction with designers, project managers, account managers, and client teams.

  • Open communication and constructive feedback are likely encouraged as part of the design iteration process.

  • A proactive approach to sharing insights and design rationale will be valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The agency context implies a focus on client satisfaction, fast turnaround times, and a dynamic team environment. Values around innovation and efficiency are particularly relevant given the explicit mention of AI tools.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing UX and UI: Effectively managing the 80/20 UX/UI split and ensuring both aspects of the design are cohesive and high-quality.

  • Complex Requirements: Translating often ambiguous or intricate client requirements into clear, user-friendly digital experiences.

  • AI Integration: Successfully integrating AI-powered design tools into existing workflows without compromising design thinking or quality, and staying ahead of rapid advancements in AI.

  • Client Management: Navigating diverse client expectations and presenting design rationale effectively to stakeholders with varying levels of design understanding.

  • Fast-Paced Agency Environment: Adapting to multiple projects, tight deadlines, and the dynamic nature of agency work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced AI Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and master new AI tools and workflows, becoming an expert in AI-assisted design.

  • Complex Problem-Solving: Gaining experience with a wide range of challenging design problems across different industries and platforms.

  • Design System Contribution: Deepening expertise in building and maintaining scalable design systems.

  • Client Presentation Skills: Developing strong public speaking and persuasive communication skills through client interactions.

  • Cross-Functional Learning: Gaining exposure to the work of researchers, service designers, and developers, broadening overall product development understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lie in mastering and integrating AI tools into the design process, which is a key differentiator for this role and the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex digital product or service you've designed. Walk us through your UX process, focusing on how you structured the experience and managed intricate requirements." (Preparation: Prepare a detailed UX case study, emphasizing information architecture, user flows, and problem-solving.)

  • "How have you leveraged AI-powered design tools in your workflow? Provide specific examples of tools used, tasks supported, and the impact on your efficiency and design outcomes." (Preparation: Have 2-3 concrete examples ready. Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of AI in design.)

  • "Imagine you're presented with a vague business requirement for a new feature. How would you approach understanding the user needs, defining the problem, and translating it into design solutions?" (Preparation: Outline your process for requirements gathering, user research, and initial ideation.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working at Brainlake Advertising, and what do you know about our work or our approach to digital design?" (Preparation: Research Brainlake's website, portfolio, and any recent news. Understand their industry and client base.)

  • "This role requires a strong UX focus with some UI execution. How do you balance these two aspects, and how do you ensure consistency between your UX strategy and final UI implementation?" (Preparation: Discuss your approach to maintaining UX integrity while executing visually appealing UI, referencing your portfolio.)

  • "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in UX/UI design, especially concerning AI and emerging technologies?" (Preparation: Be ready to discuss your learning habits, sources of information, and any recent technologies you've explored.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, key decisions, solutions, and outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

  • Emphasize UX Process: Show your thinking – sketches, wireframes, user flows, IA diagrams, prototypes – and explain the rationale behind each step.

  • Showcase AI Integration: Dedicate a section or highlight within case studies how AI tools were used, what they achieved, and what you learned.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, trade-offs, and problem-solving approaches.

  • Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or evidence of how your designs improved user experience or met business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will likely probe heavily into the candidate's experience with complex UX challenges and their practical application of AI design tools. A well-curated portfolio that directly addresses these points is crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

  • Submit your CV and portfolio to careers@brainlake.com.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features UX-heavy case studies, detailing your process for complex digital products and highlighting your experience with AI-powered design tools. Tailor your presentation to showcase the specific skills and experiences Brainlake Advertising is seeking.

  • Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 4+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing your proficiency in Figma, understanding of human-centered design principles, and any experience with AI design tools. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your UX thought process, problem-solving abilities, and how you've integrated AI into your design workflow. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex projects and your approach to balancing UX and UI.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Brainlake Advertising LLC, understanding their client work, industry focus, and any stated design philosophies. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least 4 years of hands-on UX design experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating complex problem-solving and information architecture. Proficiency in Figma and a solid understanding of human-centred design principles are essential for this role.