UX Designer (Research & Insight) til Polaris Media

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (Research & Insight)

Company: Polaris Media (via LHH Recruitment)

Location: Trondheim, Norway; Gothenburg, Sweden

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Development / UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T22:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-Level (implied by AI experience level 2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on driving user-centric product development within a newly established, cross-border Nordic product organization by deeply understanding user needs and behaviors.

• The core function involves planning and executing both qualitative and quantitative research to gather actionable user insights that will inform product strategy and design.

• A key responsibility is translating research findings and user insights into concrete concepts, testable hypotheses, and tangible product improvements for digital content experiences.

• The position requires contributing to the entire design process, from initial concept ideation and research through to testing and validation of final solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-generated experience level of '2-5 years' suggests this is a mid-level UX Designer role. The emphasis on "særlig tyngde innen brukerinnsikt og konseptutvikling" (particular weight in user insight and concept development) indicates a specialized focus beyond general UI design, requiring strong analytical and strategic thinking skills. The role is situated within a new Nordic product organization, implying a dynamic environment with opportunities to shape processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive user research plans, employing a mix of qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability testing) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics) methodologies to uncover user needs, pain points, and behaviors across target demographics.

• Systematically analyze, synthesize, and structure research findings into clear, compelling narratives and actionable insights tailored for product teams, stakeholders, and leadership.

• Proactively translate research insights into innovative concepts, well-defined hypotheses, and specific, prioritized product improvements that enhance user experience and engagement with journalistic content.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and developers throughout the product development lifecycle, contributing user-centric perspectives from ideation to final solution delivery.

• Plan and conduct rigorous user testing and validation activities to iterate on designs and ensure that developed solutions effectively meet user needs and business objectives.

• Actively participate in the continuous development and refinement of UX research methodologies, best practices, and knowledge sharing within the product organization to foster a strong insight-driven culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive and strategic approach to UX research, moving beyond simply executing tasks to driving product direction. The "omsette funn til konkrete anbefalinger, konsepter og produktforbedringer" (translate findings into concrete recommendations, concepts, and product improvements) highlights the expectation for this role to be a key driver of product innovation based on user data.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in HCI, Psychology, Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically preferred for UX roles with an emphasis on research and insight.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in UX design, with a significant focus on user research, insight generation, and concept development. Proven experience in applying both qualitative and quantitative research methods in a product development context.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in planning and conducting qualitative user research methods, including in-depth interviews, contextual inquiries, and focus groups.

• Proficiency in designing and executing quantitative research, such as surveys, A/B testing, and analyzing usage data.

• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data, identify patterns, and synthesize findings into actionable insights.

• Proven ability to translate research insights into compelling concepts, user stories, and product improvement recommendations.

• Experience with user testing methodologies, including usability testing, prototype validation, and iterative design based on feedback.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate research findings and their implications to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.

• A proactive and self-driven attitude, with the ability to take ownership of research initiatives and drive them to completion.

• Experience working in cross-functional product teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring user needs are integrated into development processes. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AI technologies and their impact on user behavior and digital experiences.

• Experience with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to visualize concepts and test ideas.

• Knowledge of agile development methodologies and experience integrating UX research within agile sprints.

• Experience working within the media or publishing industry.

• Understanding of Nordic markets and user behaviors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description emphasizes "særlig tyngde innen brukerinnsikt og konseptutvikling" (particular weight in user insight and concept development), making these core requirements. The mention of AI and evolving user behavior suggests a need for candidates who are forward-thinking and adaptable. The AI-derived experience level of '2-5 years' is a strong indicator of the expected seniority for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record in UX research and concept development.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end process of user research projects, from problem definition and methodology selection to insight generation and impact.

• Examples of how user insights were translated into concrete product concepts, design iterations, and measurable improvements.

• Evidence of applying both qualitative and quantitative research methods, clearly outlining the approach and rationale for each.

• Documentation of user testing and validation processes, including how feedback influenced design decisions. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrable experience in defining and documenting UX research processes, including planning, execution, analysis, and reporting stages.

• Examples of how research findings were effectively communicated and integrated into product development workflows.

• Evidence of contributing to the development and refinement of UX methodologies within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with "særlig tyngde innen brukerinnsikt og konseptutvikling," the portfolio must heavily feature case studies that highlight the candidate's ability to uncover deep user needs and translate them into innovative solutions. The emphasis on "omsette funn til konkrete anbefalinger, konsepter og produktforbedringer" means the portfolio should clearly show the impact of the candidate's research on actual product outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the locations (Trondheim, Norway and Gothenburg, Sweden) and the mid-level experience implied (2-5 years), a competitive salary is expected.

• Trondheim, Norway: For a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience, the average salary can range from NOK 500,000 to NOK 700,000 annually, depending on specific skills, company size, and benefits.

• Gothenburg, Sweden: For a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience, the average salary can range from SEK 400,000 to SEK 600,000 annually.

This role likely falls within these ranges, with potential for variation based on the candidate's specific qualifications and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work on products used by hundreds of thousands of people daily.

• Influence on how journalism is delivered and experienced digitally.

• A central role in a newly established, Nordic product organization with significant influence over user experience development.

• Collaboration with skilled and engaged colleagues who value a good work environment and teamwork.

• Potential for professional development and growth within a dynamic product team.

Working Hours: The job is listed as Full-Time. A standard full-time work week in Norway and Sweden is typically 37.5 to 40 hours, often with some flexibility around start and end times, though the role is specified as on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for UX Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Norway and Sweden. The provided benefits are directly extracted from the job description's "Hvorfor velge Polaris?" section and are tailored to highlight their relevance to operations and product professionals. The standard working hours are inferred from typical full-time employment in these regions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Publishing, Digital Content Services. Polaris Media operates 78 media houses across Norway and Sweden, focusing on delivering local and regional news. The company is actively consolidating product development to foster innovation in digital content experiences, suggesting a blend of traditional media values with a forward-thinking digital strategy.

Company Size: Polaris Media is a large media conglomerate, owning 78 media houses. While the specific size of the product organization is not detailed, the parent company's scale implies a significant operational footprint and resources.

Founded: Polaris Media has a long history in media publishing, with its constituent media houses dating back many decades. The establishment of a unified Nordic product organization is a recent strategic initiative, indicating a culture of adaptation and innovation within a well-established industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a newly established, cross-border Nordic product organization focused on centralizing product development.

• This organization comprises product leaders, designers, developers, and editorial teams working collaboratively.

• The UX Designer will be embedded within product teams, working closely with product managers and developers.

• Reporting structure is not explicitly detailed but implies collaboration across Norway and Sweden. Methodology:

• The organization is adopting a collaborative approach to product development, emphasizing close teamwork between product, design, and editorial functions.

• A key methodology will be user-centric design, driven by research and insight generation.

• The strategy involves developing "fremtidens digitale innholdsopplevelser" (future digital content experiences), suggesting an experimental and iterative approach informed by user behavior, including the impact of AI.

Company Website: https://www.polaris.no/ (Note: The provided URL karrieresenteret.lhh.no is for the recruitment agency, LHH. The corporate website for Polaris Media is likely polaris.no or similar.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a significant strategic shift for Polaris Media towards a unified, cross-border product organization. This suggests a culture that is embracing change and investing in future digital capabilities. The emphasis on "produktutviklingen på tvers av landegrensene" (product development across borders) points to a collaborative and potentially complex international working environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Designer role is positioned at a mid-level, indicated by the AI-derived experience range of 2-5 years. The emphasis on "særlig tyngde innen brukerinnsikt og konseptutvikling" signifies a specialized path within UX, focusing on strategic insight generation rather than purely execution. The role is described as "sentral i den nye organisasjonen" (central in the new organization), suggesting significant influence and visibility.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, the role is part of product teams collaborating across Norway and Sweden. The UX Designer will likely report to a Product Lead, Head of Design, or a similar senior role within the new product organization, with close collaboration with product managers and engineering teams.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, as it directly influences the user experience of digital content consumed by "hundretusener av mennesker hver dag" (hundreds of thousands of people every day). By ensuring user needs are at the forefront of product development, the UX Designer contributes to increased user engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, the success of Polaris Media's digital journalism. The role is key to shaping "fremtidens digitale innholdsopplevelser" (future digital content experiences).

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in user research methodologies, concept development, and potentially delve into areas like AI's impact on user behavior.

• Leadership Potential: As a central figure in a new organization, there's an opportunity to grow into a lead UX researcher or principal designer role, shaping the direction of insight-driven product development.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Develop a strong understanding of product management and editorial strategies, potentially leading to roles with broader product ownership or strategic responsibilities.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers or researchers as the product organization matures.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping how journalism is consumed digitally across a large Nordic media group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "central role in our new Nordic product organization" and the focus on shaping "future digital content experiences" suggest significant opportunities for impact and growth. The role is positioned to influence strategic decisions by providing critical user insights, which is a key differentiator for career progression in product and design fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "on-site," indicating a preference for in-office work. The job description mentions potential work locations in Trondheim, Norway, and Gothenburg, Sweden, suggesting that the new product organization will have physical hubs in these locations.

Office Location(s):

• Trondheim, Norway (Ferjemannsveien 6 or Bassengbakken 4)

• Gothenburg, Sweden (Polhemsplatsen 3)

Candidates are expected to work from one of these locations, with collaboration extending to colleagues in both countries.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as collaborative, with "dyktige og engasjerte kolleger med høye ambisjoner" (skilled and engaged colleagues with high ambitions).

• Emphasis is placed on building "gode samarbeid på tvers av miljøer" (good collaborations across environments), indicating a cross-functional and international team dynamic.

• The setup within a new product organization suggests an environment that is likely dynamic, evolving, and focused on innovation.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 37.5-40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, which is common in Scandinavian work cultures, though specific details are not provided. The focus is on delivering results and fostering collaboration within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" designation is crucial for candidates evaluating their preferred work arrangement. The mention of two distinct office locations implies that the chosen candidate will be based in one, but will actively collaborate with teams in the other, requiring strong remote collaboration skills despite the on-site requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by LHH Recruitment (Trude Støren or Karina Dørheim) to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Focused on UX research methodologies, concept development skills, and experience translating insights into product improvements. Expect questions about specific research projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their work, showcasing their process, methodologies, and the impact of their research. Expect to discuss how you approach user needs, test hypotheses, and iterate on designs.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a practical exercise or discussion about how you'd approach a specific research challenge related to Polaris Media's products.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or key stakeholders to assess strategic thinking, cultural fit, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Insight-to-Action: Clearly demonstrate how your research led to tangible product improvements or new concepts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) within your case studies.

• Methodology Clarity: Explain why you chose specific research methods and how they helped answer your research questions.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times). If exact metrics aren't available, articulate the qualitative impact clearly.

• Tailor to Polaris: Research Polaris Media's products and target audience. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can address their specific challenges in delivering digital journalism.

• Visual Storytelling: Use wireframes, mockups, user journey maps, and data visualizations to support your narrative and make your process easy to understand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Research Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach understanding user needs for a specific type of digital content or a new feature.

• AI & Future Trends: Be ready to discuss how emerging technologies like AI might influence user behavior and how you'd incorporate this understanding into your research.

• Collaboration & Communication: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with product managers, developers, and editorial teams to integrate user insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "brukerinnsikt og konseptutvikling" means that the portfolio review will likely scrutinize how well candidates can move from raw data to actionable product strategy. The interview process will probe for depth in research methodology and the ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Tools: Proficiency in qualitative research platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze for remote testing) and quantitative survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms).

• Analytics & Reporting: Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and measure impact. Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for presenting insights.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: While not the primary focus, familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is beneficial for creating prototypes for testing and visualizing concepts.

• Collaboration Tools: Standard tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for project management and cross-functional communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience integrating user research findings with quantitative data from analytics platforms to form a holistic understanding of user behavior.

• Ability to report on user engagement metrics, conversion funnels, and other key performance indicators relevant to digital content consumption. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, an understanding of how user data is managed and potentially used to personalize content experiences may be beneficial. Awareness of marketing automation principles could also be relevant for understanding user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description strongly emphasizes research and insight. Therefore, tools supporting qualitative and quantitative research, alongside analytics platforms for understanding user behavior and measuring impact, are key. While design tools are secondary, they are important for prototyping and communication within the product development cycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and behaviors in all product decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from research and analytics to inform strategy and product development.

• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with product managers, developers, and editorial teams to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and constantly refine products and processes.

• Curiosity & Learning: An ongoing desire to understand people, emerging technologies (like AI), and how they impact user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• The new organization emphasizes "tett samarbeid" (close collaboration) between product leaders, designers, developers, and editorial teams.

• The UX Designer is expected to take "eierskap, sikrer godt samarbeid og gode prosesser" (take ownership, ensure good collaboration, and good processes).

• This suggests an environment where open communication, proactive engagement, and shared responsibility are highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are inferred from phrases like "nysgjerrig på mennesker," "motivert av å forstå hva som skaper gode brukeropplevelser," and the emphasis on building "gode samarbeid på tvers av miljøer." These highlight a culture that prioritizes user understanding, collaborative problem-solving, and a proactive approach to product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing New Processes: As part of a newly formed Nordic product organization, the challenge will be to help define and implement effective UX research processes from the ground up.

• Cross-Border Collaboration: Navigating cultural nuances and time zone differences while working closely with teams in Norway and Sweden.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively advocating for user needs while ensuring alignment with business objectives and editorial mission in a media context.

• Rapidly Evolving Landscape: Keeping pace with changes in user behavior, driven by new technologies like AI, and adapting research strategies accordingly.

• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible value of UX research and insights to product success in a complex media environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Expertise: Deepen knowledge in advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques, and explore new methodologies.

• Product Strategy Acumen: Gain a broader understanding of product management, business strategy, and the editorial landscape of a large media group.

• Leadership in a New Org: Opportunity to shape the UX function and potentially mentor others as the organization matures.

• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of digital content consumption trends, including the impact of AI and evolving user expectations.

• Cross-Cultural Experience: Develop strong skills in international collaboration and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of a new organizational structure and the evolving media landscape. The growth opportunities focus on developing specialized skills and gaining strategic experience within a large, international media company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research to significantly influence a product decision. What was the outcome?" (Focus on insight-to-action and impact.)

• "How would you approach understanding user needs for a new type of digital news format, considering the impact of AI?" (Assess strategic thinking and adaptability.)

• "Walk us through your process for planning and executing a mixed-methods user research study." (Evaluate methodological rigor and planning skills.)

• "How do you ensure your research insights are understood and acted upon by cross-functional teams like development and editorial?" (Assess collaboration and communication effectiveness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Polaris Media and our mission to deliver digital journalism?" (Show research into the company and industry.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you foster strong working relationships?" (Assess cultural fit and teamwork.)

• "How do you stay updated on emerging trends in user behavior and technology, such as AI?" (Evaluate continuous learning and forward-thinking approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the methods used, key insights, the proposed solutions, and the measured impact.

• Highlight Your Unique Contribution: Emphasize your specific role in the research and insight generation process.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, prototypes, personas, journey maps) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and how you handled challenges or unexpected findings.

• Connect to Polaris: Frame your experience in a way that shows how you can contribute to Polaris Media's specific goals and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating both technical UX research expertise and strategic thinking. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, highlight impact, and show how they can contribute to a new, evolving organization in the media industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer (Research & Insight) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the LHH recruitment portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience in user research, insight generation, and concept development. Use keywords such as "qualitative research," "quantitative analysis," "user testing," "concept development," and "product improvement." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your expertise in user insight and concept development. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your research process, the insights you uncovered, and how those insights translated into product improvements or new concepts.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly, focusing on the impact of your work. Be ready to articulate your methodology and decision-making process.

• Research Polaris Media: Understand their media landscape, target audience, and strategic goals for digital content experiences. Familiarize yourself with their existing products.

• Contact Recruitment Partners: If you have questions, reach out to Trude Støren or Karina Dørheim for a confidential discussion.

⚠️ 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.