UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Paradox Interactive

Location: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Game Development

Date Posted: 2026-09-30T08:54:33

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and iterate on intuitive and engaging user interfaces for complex game features, ensuring a seamless player experience.

• Actively advocate for player needs by translating user research and behavioral insights into actionable design recommendations.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design systems and documentation, ensuring consistency and scalability across game titles.

• Collaborate closely with game designers, UI artists, sound designers, and programmers to integrate UX designs effectively into the game engine and gameplay mechanics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly focused on UX Design within the gaming industry, specifically for Paradox Interactive's portfolio of management, simulation, and strategy titles. The emphasis on "complex design systems" and "integrating designs into our game engine" suggests a need for practical, hands-on experience in a game development environment. The "advocate for player needs" and "mapping out player journeys" points to a user-centric approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create detailed mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes for new game interfaces and features, visualizing complex user flows.

• Conduct user experience evaluations of existing interfaces and gameplay mechanics, identifying areas for improvement and proposing data-informed solutions.

• Map out player journeys for game features, aligning player motivations and behaviors with interaction design principles and technical feasibility.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including game designers, UI artists, and programmers, to ensure successful implementation of UX designs.

• Present design concepts, wireframes, and prototypes to various disciplines and stakeholders, effectively communicating design rationale and gathering feedback.

• Contribute to and maintain the company's design system, ensuring consistency in UI elements, patterns, and user flows across multiple game titles.

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and design tools, actively learning and applying new methods to enhance the user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, strategic thinking, and collaborative execution. The need to "integrate those designs into our game engine" implies a practical understanding of game development pipelines and potential technical constraints, which is a significant aspect for operations professionals in game studios.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical UX design skills and experience is paramount. A degree in HCI, Design, Computer Science, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in UX design, with a significant portion focused on interactive products or the gaming industry. Proven experience with design systems, wireframing, and prototyping complex interactions.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with UX design principles and methodologies.

• Proficiency in creating wireframes and interactive prototypes to visualize user flows and interactions.

• Experience in maintaining and utilizing design systems for complex projects.

• Strong proficiency with Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Proven ability to learn new technologies and design tools quickly.

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

• Capacity to work independently on assigned tasks and take ownership of delivery according to project schedules.

• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback to maintain the game's vision and quality. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in the games industry, specifically with management, simulation, or strategy titles.

• Familiarity with game engines and their implications for UX design implementation.

• Experience with user research methodologies and translating findings into design solutions.

• Understanding of UI art principles and how they complement UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "complex design systems" and a "passion for management, sim, or strategy game titles" suggests that candidates with experience in large-scale, intricate applications and a genuine interest in Paradox's genre will be highly favored. The requirement for Figma proficiency is a critical technical skill.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, with a focus on complex interactive systems and user flows.

• Demonstrations of wireframing and prototyping capabilities, illustrating the process from concept to interactive output.

• Case studies detailing the application of design systems, highlighting how consistency and scalability were achieved.

• Examples of user journey mapping and how player motivations were translated into design decisions.

• Projects that exhibit collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholder management. Process Documentation:

• Documentation of the design process used for key projects, including research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases.

• Examples of how design systems were developed, maintained, or utilized to ensure UI consistency.

• Evidence of iterative design processes, showing how feedback was incorporated to refine interfaces and gameplay mechanics.

• Clear articulation of how UX designs were integrated into the game development pipeline, including any challenges encountered and solutions implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role in game development, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase visual design but also the strategic thinking, user-advocacy, and process-oriented approach required to deliver robust in-game experiences. Demonstrating an understanding of the game development lifecycle and how UX fits within it is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The starting salary for this position is 36,000 SEK per month. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the requirements of the role. This translates to an annual starting salary of 432,000 SEK.

Benefits:

• 30 days of paid vacation annually, allowing for ample rest and rejuvenation.

• Access to a supportive and creative work environment with a focus on employee well-being.

• Opportunities for professional development and learning new technologies and design tools.

• The chance to work on highly anticipated and successful game titles within a passionate team.

• Potential for ownership and responsibility in driving innovative UX solutions.

• A collaborative team culture that values individual contributions and feedback.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. While the core hours are likely aligned with standard business operations (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM CET), Paradox Interactive emphasizes freedom and responsibility, suggesting potential for some flexibility within project deadlines and team coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided starting salary of 36,000 SEK per month is a baseline. For a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Stockholm, this is a competitive but entry-level to mid-range figure. The final offer will heavily depend on the depth of experience, specific skills (like Figma and game design systems), and demonstrated ability to handle complex projects. Stockholm's cost of living is high, so this salary should be considered within that context.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Game Development. Paradox Interactive is a renowned publisher and developer known for its deep, complex strategy, simulation, and management games. They operate in a highly competitive and innovative global market.

Company Size: Paradox Interactive is a significant player in the gaming industry. While the exact number of employees in the Stockholm office isn't specified, the company as a whole is large enough to support dedicated UX teams and complex development pipelines. This size offers stability and opportunities for specialized roles.

Founded: Paradox Interactive was founded in 1997. This long history signifies a stable company with a proven track record in game development and publishing, allowing for established processes and a mature understanding of their player base.

Team Structure:

• The UX Team at Paradox Interactive is a specialized unit focused on user experience design. It likely comprises several UX Designers, potentially a UX Lead, and works in close coordination with UI Artists.

• The reporting structure for a UX Designer would typically be to a Head of UX, Design Director, or a Project Lead, with direct collaboration lines to Game Directors, Producers, and individual programmers and artists on specific game projects.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, requiring constant interaction with Game Designers, UI Artists, Sound Designers, Programmers, and Producers to ensure cohesive game development. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While not explicitly stated for UX, it's implied that the team uses player feedback, analytics (if available), and user behavior patterns to inform design decisions.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role involves mapping player journeys and optimizing interfaces, indicating a structured approach to workflow design and iterative improvement.

• Automation and Efficiency: The use of tools like Figma and design systems points towards a desire for efficient workflows and reusable components to speed up development and maintain consistency.

Company Website: https://career.paradoxplaza.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Paradox Interactive's focus on strategy and simulation games implies a player base that values depth, complexity, and long-term engagement. The UX team's role is crucial in making these complex systems accessible and enjoyable, requiring a deep understanding of player psychology and a commitment to iterative refinement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of dedicated experience. It involves hands-on design work, system maintenance, and significant collaboration, but likely without extensive team management responsibilities, unless a specific lead track is offered.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a senior member of the design or UX team, such as a Lead UX Designer, Design Director, or Producer. They will work closely with game directors and project leads to align UX efforts with overall game vision and development roadmaps.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is direct and significant, influencing player engagement, satisfaction, and retention. By creating intuitive interfaces and streamlined player journeys, they directly contribute to the perceived quality and playability of Paradox Interactive's games, which is critical for their long-term success and player loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in UX for strategy and simulation games, becoming a go-to expert within the company for these genres.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Designer or Lead UX Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to UX strategy.

• Skill Development: Expand skills into areas like user research, accessibility design, or interaction design for specific game mechanics. Opportunity to learn new tools and technologies relevant to game development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain deeper insights into game design, programming, and art pipelines, fostering a holistic understanding of game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, especially in creative industries like gaming, growth often comes from specialization and demonstrated impact. The "freedom and trust and ownership" mentioned in the company's intro suggests that proactive individuals can carve out unique growth paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Stockholm, Sweden. Paradox Interactive likely offers a modern, creative office environment conducive to collaboration and innovation, typical for game development studios.

Office Location(s): The office is located at Magnus Ladulåsgatan 4, Stockholm, 118 66, Sweden. This location in Stockholm offers access to a vibrant city with good public transportation links.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues across various disciplines.

• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology, including Figma, will be provided, supporting efficient workflow and creative output.

• Team members are encouraged to engage in frequent communication and feedback sessions, contributing to a dynamic and supportive atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. While on-site, the company culture emphasizes freedom and responsibility, suggesting a degree of flexibility in managing work hours, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a creative studio like Paradox Interactive typically means a highly collaborative and sometimes fast-paced environment. The emphasis on "freedom, trust and ownership" suggests a culture that empowers individuals within a structured development process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you will present your portfolio, discussing your design process, problem-solving approaches, and experience with design systems and Figma. Expect questions about your understanding of UX principles and their application in game development.

• Team Collaboration Exercise/Interview: You may be asked to participate in a collaborative exercise or interview with team members (game designers, UI artists, programmers) to assess your communication, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with hiring managers or senior leadership to finalize the decision, focusing on your overall fit with the company culture and strategic alignment with Paradox Interactive's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your experience with complex systems, wireframing, prototyping, and design systems, ideally within gaming or similar interactive fields.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, design decisions, and the methodologies you employed for each project. Explain why you made certain choices.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Include examples that specifically showcase your advanced use of Figma for design and prototyping.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you collaborated with other disciplines (programming, art, design).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the positive impact of your UX designs.

• Tailor to Paradox: Show an understanding of Paradox Interactive's game genres and player base, perhaps by including a speculative design or by framing your existing work in a relevant context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study, which might involve analyzing an existing game interface or proposing UX solutions for a new feature.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Familiarize yourself with Paradox Interactive's current game titles and their UI/UX to understand their design language and player expectations.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with "complex design systems" and how you would approach integrating UX into a game engine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a UX role in gaming is heavily portfolio-driven. Candidates must be able to visually and verbally communicate their design thinking and process, demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also strategic problem-solving and collaborative ability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is a mandatory requirement, used extensively for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design work. Proficiency in Figma's advanced features, including component libraries, auto-layout, and interactive prototyping, is expected.

• Design System Tools: Experience with creating, maintaining, and utilizing design systems within Figma or similar platforms. This includes understanding component-based design, style guides, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a requirement, understanding how to interpret user feedback, playtest results, or game analytics to inform design decisions is beneficial. Familiarity with tools that might provide such data (e.g., game analytics platforms, survey tools) would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX Design role, as it is not an operations or sales-focused position. However, understanding project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) used by development teams would be advantageous for workflow coordination.

• Game Engines: Familiarity with the implications of game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine, though Paradox may use proprietary engines) on UI implementation is highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and "complex design systems" is critical. Operations professionals should note that while this is a design role, the emphasis on systems and integration suggests a need for a structured, process-oriented approach to design, akin to operations in other fields.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value is advocating for the player, ensuring that designs are intuitive, engaging, and meet player expectations.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A drive for excellence and a commitment to producing high-quality games that fans will praise.

• Innovation & Vision: Aiming to be the best in the business, setting sights high, and driving innovation in user experience.

• Freedom, Trust, and Ownership: Employees are given the freedom and responsibility to take charge of tasks and deliver results.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages individuals to raise issues, continuously strive for improvement, and inspire teammates.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: UX Designers work hand-in-hand with game designers, UI artists, and programmers, requiring constant communication and mutual understanding.

• Feedback Culture: The team values the ability to both give and receive constructive feedback, essential for iterating on designs and maintaining the game's vision.

• Knowledge Sharing: Working in a team environment implies sharing insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the collective skill level and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "freedom, trust and ownership" combined with a drive for "quality" and "innovation" suggest a culture where motivated individuals can make a significant impact. For operations professionals, this translates to an environment where process improvements and efficiency gains are likely welcomed, provided they align with quality standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Complexity and Usability: Paradox games are known for their depth. A key challenge will be making intricate systems accessible and intuitive without sacrificing the depth that players expect.

• Technical Integration: Bridging the gap between design concepts and their implementation within the game engine requires understanding technical constraints and collaborating effectively with programmers.

• Iterative Design in a Fast-Paced Environment: Game development can be dynamic. Adapting to changing requirements and iterating on designs under tight deadlines is a common challenge.

• Maintaining Design System Consistency: Ensuring that design systems are effectively adopted and maintained across multiple complex game projects requires strong governance and communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Genre Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for grand strategy, simulation, and management games, a niche but highly rewarding area.

• Tool & Technology Mastery: Become an expert in Figma and potentially explore related tools for prototyping, animation, or user research.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Gain a deeper understanding of game design principles, programming pipelines, and art asset creation.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and contribute to mentoring junior team members as you grow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the gaming industry and complex software development. For operations-minded individuals, these challenges present opportunities to apply process optimization, system thinking, and data-driven decision-making to design workflows.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a player-centric design decision that conflicted with a stakeholder's initial vision. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your communication, data-backed arguments, and negotiation skills).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a complex feature from initial concept to a functional prototype. How do you ensure usability?" (Highlight your systematic approach, wireframing, prototyping, and testing).

• "How do you approach building or maintaining a design system for a large project or multiple projects? What are the key considerations?" (Emphasize modularity, scalability, documentation, and collaboration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Paradox Interactive and our genre of games?" (Research their titles, player community, and company mission).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Showcase your openness to iteration and improvement).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with programmers or game designers. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and shared problem-solving). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your process, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. Demonstrate your wireframes, prototypes, and final designs. If possible, show interactive prototypes.

• Explain Your "Why": Be ready to articulate the rationale behind every design decision. Why Figma? Why this layout? Why this interaction?

• Highlight System Design: Specifically showcase any experience with design systems, component libraries, and maintaining consistency.

• Discuss Collaboration: Explain how you worked with other teams and incorporated their feedback.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time. Focus on your most impactful projects and key learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only possesses strong UX design skills but also understands the nuances of game development, can collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team, and aligns with Paradox Interactive's culture of quality and player focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Paradox Interactive careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects demonstrating your expertise in wireframing, prototyping, design systems, and Figma. Tailor your case studies to highlight your understanding of complex interactive systems, ideally within gaming or similar fields.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, specific skills (Figma, design systems, UX methodologies), and any relevant experience in the gaming industry or with strategy/simulation titles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, preparing to discuss your design process, problem-solving approaches, and collaborative experiences. Be ready to answer strategy and behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Paradox Interactive, its games, and its company culture. Understand their target audience and the types of experiences they aim to create. This will help you tailor your application and responses.

⚠️ 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.