UX Designer (Zwolle)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Keen Design B.V.

Location: Zwolle, Netherlands (with potential for work in Utrecht)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: June 4, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4-6 years professional experience)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design user-centric digital products that address significant business needs for large organizations.

• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to deliver impactful user experiences and translate design concepts into actionable developer handoffs.

• Focus on improving the usability and effectiveness of digital products for diverse user groups.

• Utilize advanced design tools and methodologies to create intuitive and engaging user interfaces.

• Contribute to projects with substantial depth, allowing for thorough problem-solving and impactful delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "UX Designer (Zwolle)" combined with the Utrecht address suggests a hybrid or client-site primary location in Zwolle, with the company's operational base or a significant client presence in Utrecht. The emphasis on "projects that matter" and "large organizations" indicates a consultative role where the designer will be placed on client engagements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for digital products, from ideation and user research to wireframing, prototyping, and final UI design.

• Conduct user research, including usability testing, user interviews, and persona development, to gather insights and inform design decisions.

• Design for complex B2B or B2C work processes, ensuring seamless integration into existing user workflows.

• Create detailed design specifications and documentation for developers, facilitating efficient implementation.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment on design vision and project goals.

• Advocate for user needs and best practices in usability and accessibility throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the team and for client projects.

• Maintain a strong understanding of business objectives and translate them into effective user experience solutions.

• Present design concepts and rationale clearly and persuasively to internal teams and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are centered on UX Design, the emphasis on "complex work processes" and "transferring designs to developers" highlights an expectation for practical, implementable design solutions suitable for enterprise-level applications. The mention of "organizations in various domains" implies a need for adaptability across different industries.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• University Master’s degree in Industrial Design, or a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Multimedia Design, or a comparable field. Experience:

• Minimum of 4 to 6 years of professional experience as a UX Designer in a corporate or agency setting.

• Proven experience designing for complex work processes (B2B or B2C) and successfully handing off designs to development teams. Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design.

• Figma Proficiency: Extensive experience using Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• User Research Methodologies: Ability to plan, conduct, and analyze user research, including usability testing and interviews.

• Complex Workflow Design: Demonstrated ability to design intuitive solutions for intricate business processes.

• Developer Handoff: Experience in creating clear and comprehensive design specifications for development teams.

• Language Proficiency: Excellent/fluent command of the Dutch language (written and spoken).

• English Language Skills: Proficient command of the English language (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Accessibility Design: Experience designing for accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with other prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Agile/Scrum Environments: Experience working within agile development methodologies.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Master's in Industrial Design or a Bachelor's in Communication and Multimedia Design points towards a strong emphasis on structured design thinking and visual communication skills. The specific mention of Figma and the dual language requirement are critical. The "4 to 6 years of experience" positions this as a mid-to-senior role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of complex digital product design projects, highlighting your role, process, and impact.

• Problem-Solution-Outcome: Clearly articulate the user problem, your design process, the solutions you devised, and the measurable outcomes or business impact.

• Figma Work Samples: Include examples of your work within Figma, demonstrating your proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design.

• Process Documentation: Illustrate your design process, including user research methodologies, iteration cycles, and collaboration with development teams.

• Accessibility & Usability: Demonstrate examples where accessibility and usability were key considerations in your design.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user research, from planning and recruitment to analysis and synthesis of findings.

• Illustrate your wireframing and prototyping workflow, showing how you iterate on designs based on feedback.

• Explain your methods for effectively handing off designs to developers, including the types of documentation and assets you provide.

• Showcase how you incorporate user feedback and data into iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a structured design process, problem-solving abilities, and tangible results, rather than just a collection of visually appealing mockups. The "complex work processes" and "developer handoff" aspects are crucial to highlight.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The company states "a market-conform salary." Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Designer with 4-6 years of experience in the Netherlands, a typical range would be between €45,000 and €65,000 gross per year, depending on specific experience, client project complexity, and negotiation.

• For Zwolle/Utrecht region, this range is competitive, considering cost of living and typical Dutch compensation standards for tech roles. Benefits:

• Full-time employment (32-40 hours per week).

• Initial one-year contract with a strong intention to convert to a permanent contract.

• 25 vacation days (based on full-time employment).

• 8% holiday allowance.

• Travel allowance.

• Reimbursement for telephone costs.

• Good pension scheme.

• Company laptop.

• Flexible working hours.

• Opportunities for remote work (hybrid model).

• Personal development budget for training and competency development.

• Access to a coach for personal growth.

• Possibility to attend work-related courses.

• Quarterly team days for learning and team building.

• Access to an office workspace, when client projects allow for it. Working Hours:

• Flexible working hours are offered, with a standard expectation of 32-40 hours per week. This flexibility is beneficial for balancing client demands and personal time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "market-conform salary" is a standard phrase; candidates should be prepared to negotiate based on their experience and the specific client engagements. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on professional development, which is a key differentiator for attracting talent in the design field. The hybrid nature of the work arrangement is also explicitly mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design & Consulting Services, Technology Solutions. Keen Design B.V. operates within the technology consulting sector, specializing in UX/UI design and digital product development.

Company Size: The description suggests a medium-sized consultancy (likely 50-200 employees based on the emphasis on team days and a structured development program), capable of managing large organizational projects while maintaining a close-knit team environment.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the company's focus on structured development (TMA) and professional services implies a mature organization with established processes.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of a multidisciplinary team at Keen Design, likely consisting of other designers, possibly project managers, and potentially strategists.

• This team collaborates on client projects, which are the primary focus of daily work.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Design Lead or Head of Design within Keen Design, with project-specific reporting lines to client stakeholders. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using tools like TMA for personal development and implied use of user research data to inform design decisions.

• Collaborative Process: Multidisciplinary teams and quarterly team days suggest a strong emphasis on teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Consultative Approach: Working with "large organizations" indicates a client-focused methodology where understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions is key.

Company Website: https://careers.keen.design

📝 Enhancement Note: Keen Design B.V. positions itself as a consultancy that prioritizes both client impact and employee development. The culture appears to be one of professional growth, collaborative problem-solving, and delivering high-quality design services to significant clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior UX Designer. It requires significant autonomy and the ability to manage complex design challenges independently, while also being a strong team player. The expectation is for designers who can drive projects forward and mentor junior colleagues implicitly.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager or lead within Keen Design B.V. and will work closely with client teams on specific projects. This dual reporting implies a need for strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the success of digital products by enhancing user experience, which in turn influences user adoption, satisfaction, and potentially revenue or efficiency for client organizations. The focus is on creating "impactful" designs that "truly contribute."

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, accessibility, or design systems.

• Client Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of industries and project types, broadening design experience and problem-solving capabilities.

• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, opportunities may arise for leading design initiatives on client projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Professional Development: Structured support through the TMA method, personal development budget, coaching, and work-related courses fosters continuous learning and career advancement within the design field.

📝 Enhancement Note: Keen Design B.V. explicitly invests in employee development. This role offers a clear path for a UX Designer to gain diverse project experience and refine their skills, with structured support for career progression. The "impact" is measured by the success of client digital products.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company has an "appealing office" which serves as a base, but the primary work environment will often be client-site depending on project needs. This suggests a blend of office-based collaboration at Keen Design and on-location work for clients.

Office Location(s): While the company address is in Utrecht, the role is specifically targeting designers "in or near Zwolle." This implies that client projects may be located in or around Zwolle, or that the designer would travel to client sites from Zwolle, potentially using the Utrecht office as a hub when needed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Keen Design office in Utrecht provides a space for team collaboration, training, and connection with colleagues.

• Client Environments: Work at client sites will offer direct immersion into their organizational context, fostering a deeper understanding of their challenges and workflows.

• Technology & Tools: A company laptop and potential access to necessary design software will be provided.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key benefit, allowing designers to manage their time effectively, balancing client project demands with personal needs. The hybrid nature means a mix of remote work and on-site presence at client locations or the company office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and the specific mention of Zwolle as a target location for the designer, despite the Utrecht office, are important. Candidates should clarify the expected balance between remote work, travel to client sites (potentially in or near Zwolle), and visits to the Utrecht office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you present selected case studies from your portfolio, explaining your design process, rationale, and impact. This will likely involve discussing your Figma skills and experience with complex workflows.

• Skills Assessment: Potential technical exercises or scenario-based questions to evaluate your UX design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and approach to user research and accessibility.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with team members or management to assess alignment with Keen Design's values and collaborative style.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership or hiring manager to discuss the role, terms, and answer any final questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience with complex B2B/B2C workflows and successful developer handoffs.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Clearly outline the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the design solutions, and the tangible outcomes or lessons learned. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Figma Skills: Be prepared to walk through specific Figma files or prototypes to demonstrate your proficiency and design system thinking.

• Emphasize Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction). If not quantifiable, articulate the qualitative impact.

• Address Accessibility: If you have examples of designing with accessibility in mind, highlight them.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle feedback, and how you collaborate with technical teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with common UX design challenges related to complex systems and user workflow optimization.

• Be prepared to articulate your design philosophy and how you approach new problems.

• Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical constraints or trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their past projects, focusing on process, problem-solving, and impact, particularly concerning complex workflows and practical implementation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Mandatory and central to the role for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for surveys, interviews, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, SurveyMonkey) is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and inform design iterations.

• Experience with tools that provide insights into user workflows and system performance. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM systems or other business applications is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is non-negotiable. The role implies a need to work within a tech stack that supports user research, analytics, and development collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A core value is creating designs that genuinely matter and contribute to client success.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and working effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Continuous Improvement: Dedication to personal and professional growth, with a focus on learning and development.

• Professionalism: Delivering high-quality work with integrity and clear communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Working seamlessly with developers and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback, constructive criticism, and transparent dialogue.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in team days, intervisions, and informal knowledge exchange to uplift the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Keen Design B.V. emphasizes a culture that balances client delivery with employee well-being and growth. The collaborative spirit is key to their success in consultancy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs and Design Best Practices: Navigating client expectations, technical constraints, and delivering high-quality, user-centered designs simultaneously.

• Adapting to Diverse Industries and Workflows: Quickly understanding and designing for complex processes in unfamiliar sectors.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing feedback from various client stakeholders with different priorities.

• Transitioning Between Projects: Seamlessly shifting focus and context when moving from one client project to another.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Specific Industries: Gaining expertise in sectors such as finance, healthcare, or government through client work.

• Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge UX methodologies and tools.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced colleagues and potentially mentoring junior designers as you grow.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications in UX design or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a consulting role, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are well-supported by the company's stated commitment to professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed for a complex B2B workflow. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?"

• "Walk me through your process for conducting user research for a new digital product. How do you synthesize findings into actionable design insights?"

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Can you provide an example?"

• "Explain your approach to collaborating with developers. How do you ensure a smooth design handoff and address implementation challenges?"

• "Tell me about a time you received critical feedback on your design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Keen Design B.V. and our approach to UX design?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a multidisciplinary team?"

• "How do you approach continuous learning and professional development?"

• "What are your expectations regarding work-life balance and flexible working hours?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Annotate key design decisions.

• Figma Demonstration: Be prepared to share your screen and navigate through a Figma file, explaining your system, components, and prototyping setup.

• Conciseness: Practice explaining your projects within a set timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes per case study).

• Authenticity: Be honest about your contributions and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not just design skills, but also a structured problem-solving approach, strong communication, and a collaborative mindset, all demonstrated through your portfolio and interview responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Keen Design careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with complex workflows, B2B/B2C environments, and successful developer handoffs. Showcase your Figma skills prominently.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 4-6 years of professional UX experience, key skills (especially Figma, user research, Dutch/English fluency), and relevant educational background. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your process, design decisions, and impact. Prepare answers for behavioral and situational questions related to UX challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Keen Design B.V.'s work, client portfolio (if available), and their emphasis on personal development and collaborative culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding specific project types, client locations, and exact work arrangements, should be verified directly with Keen Design B.V. during the application process.