UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Pavago

Location: Costa Rica

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: May 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Own the complete product design lifecycle, from initial user research and conceptualization through to high-fidelity interface design and developer handoffs.

• Drive product usability, engagement, and conversion improvements by solving complex user problems and designing intuitive digital experiences across web and mobile platforms.

• Collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Engineers, and Stakeholders to ensure clean, scalable, and user-friendly design solutions.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of robust design systems, component libraries, and style guides to ensure consistency across all product touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Product Designer with a strong emphasis on UX/UI, indicating a need for a candidate who can think holistically about the product development process, not just visual aesthetics. The "U.S. Client Business Hours" requirement suggests a need for timezone adaptability and proactive communication.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to deeply understand user behavior and translate findings into actionable personas, user journeys, and user flows.

• Analyze user behavior using tools such as Hotjar, FullStory, and Google Analytics to identify areas for improvement and inform design decisions.

• Create detailed low-fidelity wireframes, high-fidelity prototypes, and interactive product flows using industry-standard tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.

• Design modern, responsive interfaces with a keen eye for typography, layout hierarchy, color systems, and interaction consistency, ensuring adherence to WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.

• Build and maintain scalable design systems, component libraries, and style guides to ensure design consistency and efficiency across all digital products.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and QA teams to deliver clear design specifications, assets, and interaction documentation, facilitating smooth developer handoffs.

• Support developer handoff processes using tools such as Figma Dev Mode, Zeplin, or InVision.

• Participate actively in design reviews, product feedback cycles, and A/B testing initiatives to continuously optimize user flows, onboarding experiences, feature usability, and overall product conversion performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a product-centric approach, emphasizing user research, problem-solving, and data-driven iteration over purely aesthetic UI work. The mention of specific analytics tools (Hotjar, FullStory) and collaboration tools (Zeplin, InVision) suggests a need for hands-on experience with a well-defined MarTech/ProductTech stack.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is often preferred for Product Design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of dedicated UX/UI or Product Design experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Figma (primary), Adobe XD, or Sketch.

• Proven experience in wireframing, prototyping, and creating interactive product flows.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, product usability, and user experience best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to design for accessibility, specifically adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

• Experience in building and maintaining design systems, component libraries, and style guides.

• Familiarity with responsive design principles for both web and mobile applications.

• Excellent understanding of user behavior analysis and its application in design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for SaaS platforms, mobile applications, or e-commerce products.

• Basic understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML/CSS).

• Experience with user testing platforms and tools.

• Familiarity with analytics tools like Hotjar, FullStory, or Google Analytics for user behavior analysis.

• Experience working with large-scale design systems.

• Knowledge of interaction design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to Have" section implies a preference for candidates who can contribute beyond core design tasks, such as understanding front-end code or leveraging analytics tools for deeper insights. This suggests an opportunity for growth within a data-informed design culture.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2 years of UX/UI or Product Design work.

• Demonstrations of strong UX thinking, including problem definition, user research, and user flow mapping.

• Case studies that highlight product problem-solving capabilities and the rationale behind design decisions.

• High-quality UI execution examples, demonstrating modern aesthetics, responsiveness, and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should clearly articulate the design process, including:

  • User research methodologies and findings.

  • Wireframing and prototyping iterations.

  • UI design rationale and visual execution.

  • Collaboration with engineering and product teams.

  • Consideration of accessibility and usability standards.

  • Examples of how designs improved key metrics (e.g., engagement, conversion, reduced friction).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component. Candidates must be prepared to walk through their design process, articulate their decision-making, and demonstrate how their work directly contributed to business objectives and user satisfaction. Emphasis on "product problem-solving" means case studies should focus on the challenge, solution, and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a mid-level UX/UI Designer in Costa Rica with U.S. client hours, an estimated annual salary range would be between $35,000 - $55,000 USD. This is an estimate, and the actual salary will depend on experience, skills, and specific qualifications.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment with a remote work arrangement.

• Opportunity to work with U.S. clients and potentially gain exposure to international business practices.

• Collaborative team environment with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Potential for growth into senior designer or lead roles.

• Contribution to impactful digital products.

Working Hours: Full-time, requiring flexibility for U.S. Client Business Hours, including potential for sprint reviews, launches, and developer handoffs outside of standard Costa Rican business hours. Approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for UX/UI designers in Costa Rica, adjusted upwards due to the requirement to work U.S. client hours, which often commands a premium. Benefits are inferred from the job type and remote status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Staffing/Consulting (Pavago connects talent to companies). The client is likely in a sector requiring digital product development (e.g., SaaS, E-commerce, Tech).

Company Size: Pavago is a company that facilitates hiring for other businesses. The direct team the designer will work with is likely within the client company, which could range from a startup to a larger established organization.

Founded: Pavago was founded in 2015. This indicates an established company that understands the remote talent market.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will typically report to a Product Manager or Design Lead within the client organization.

• Close collaboration is expected with a cross-functional team including Product Managers, Software Engineers, QA Testers, and potentially other designers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design approach, utilizing analytics and user feedback to inform decisions.

• Agile development methodologies are implied, focusing on iterative design and development cycles.

• Emphasis on user-centered design, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of product development.

Company Website: https://pavago.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: While Pavago is the hiring facilitator, the culture and team structure will be dictated by Pavago's client. The "U.S. Client Business Hours" strongly suggests the client is U.S.-based, implying a culture that values direct communication, responsiveness, and alignment with North American business practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level (2-5 years) Product Designer. It requires independent work on design tasks, the ability to manage significant parts of the design lifecycle, and contribution to strategic product discussions.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Product Manager or a Design Lead within the client company. They will collaborate closely with engineers and other product stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts user experience, product adoption, engagement, and conversion rates, which are critical for the client's business success. They are instrumental in translating business goals into user-friendly products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Product Designer or Lead UX/UI Designer roles within the client organization.

• Potential to specialize in specific areas like user research, interaction design, or design systems.

• Opportunity to mentor junior designers as the team grows.

• Development into UX leadership positions such as UX Manager or Head of Design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions a growth path into "Senior Product Designer," "UX Lead," and "Product Design Manager," indicating clear career progression potential within the client organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This means the work environment is home-based, requiring self-discipline and effective remote collaboration tools.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, candidates must be located in Costa Rica to align with local employment regulations and potentially time zone coordination for certain aspects of the role.

Workspace Context:

• A home office setup with reliable internet connectivity is essential.

• The environment will be highly digital and collaborative, relying on video conferencing, chat platforms, and project management tools.

• Access to design software and collaboration platforms will be provided or expected to be managed by the candidate.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a requirement to align with U.S. Client Business Hours. This implies a need for flexibility, potentially working overlapping hours with U.S. colleagues for critical meetings and handoffs. A standard 40-hour work week is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Costa Rica-based remote work suggests a focus on compliance and potentially easier onboarding for the client. The U.S. hours alignment is a key factor for time management and work-life balance considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Phone Screen: A brief call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Video Interview with Recruiter: A more in-depth discussion about experience, skills, and expectations.

• Portfolio Review + Practical Task: This is a crucial stage. Candidates will present their portfolio, explaining their design process, decision-making, and impact. A practical design task (e.g., designing a 3-screen onboarding flow) will likely be assigned, requiring candidates to demonstrate their skills in a real-world scenario.

• Client Interview: Final interview with the client's team (e.g., Product Manager, Engineering Lead) to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and fit with the client's team and projects.

• Offer & Background Verification: Standard offer and background check process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Pixels: Clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your research methods, your design iterations, and the rationale behind your final UI.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs on user behavior, engagement, or business goals.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your skills in user research, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and design systems, aligning with the job description's requirements.

• Be Prepared for the Practical Task: Practice designing a short user flow or interface under timed conditions, focusing on clarity, usability, and a user-centered approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and other design tools in detail.

• Prepare to explain how you approach user research and translate findings into design solutions.

• Think about how you balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints in your design process.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and the "why" behind them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The practical task during the portfolio review is a significant indicator of the company's desire to see hands-on application of skills. Candidates should prepare a concise and compelling narrative for their portfolio projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and design system management.

• Adobe XD / Sketch: Alternative or complementary tools for design and prototyping.

• Zeplin / InVision: Tools for design handoff and collaboration with developers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Hotjar / FullStory: For user behavior analysis (heatmaps, session recordings).

• Google Analytics: For tracking website/app performance and user behavior metrics.

CRM & Automation: While not directly a UX/UI tool, understanding how CRM and automation platforms impact user journeys and data collection can be beneficial.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Slack / Microsoft Teams: For team communication.

• Jira / Asana / Trello: For project management and task tracking within Agile workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is clearly highlighted as a core requirement. Familiarity with analytics tools is a strong plus, indicating a data-informed design culture. Understanding of collaboration and project management tools is also key for effective remote teamwork.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Data-Informed Decisions: Relying on user research, analytics, and testing to guide design choices.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to iterate and enhance product experiences based on feedback and performance data.

• Scalability & Quality: Designing solutions that are robust, maintainable, and high-quality.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative and communicative, especially in a remote setting.

• Expectation of active participation in Agile ceremonies (stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives).

• Openness to feedback and constructive criticism during design reviews.

• Proactive communication regarding design progress, challenges, and dependencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "thinking like a product designer, not just a visual designer" and balancing "user needs, business goals, and product constraints" points to a culture that values strategic thinking and a holistic approach to design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and collaboration across time zones and without in-person interaction.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing competing priorities and feedback from Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders.

• Translating Complex Data into Simple Interfaces: Designing intuitive experiences for potentially complex functionalities or data sets.

• Keeping Pace with U.S. Client Hours: Adapting work schedule and availability to align with client business hours.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in user research methodologies, advanced prototyping, and design system architecture.

• Industry Exposure: Working with U.S. clients provides exposure to different market demands and best practices.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways into senior design roles, leadership, and specialization.

• Tool Proficiency: Gaining advanced skills in leading design and collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the remote nature of the work, the need for strong communication, and the adjustment to U.S. business hours. The growth opportunities are clearly outlined, providing a strong incentive for ambitious candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting user research and how you translate findings into design solutions." (Focus on methodology, tools, and impact.)

• "Walk me through a challenging product design project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a concise case study focusing on problem-solving and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive?" (Discuss WCAG standards and your practical application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about this role and Pavago?" (Research Pavago and the client industry if possible.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers?" (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills.)

• "Describe your experience working within an Agile development environment." (Emphasize your adaptability and participation in Agile ceremonies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process, the solutions, and the impact.

• Highlight UX/UI Integration: Show how your UI design directly supports the user experience and solves the identified problems.

• Emphasize Data & Iteration: If possible, show how data or user feedback informed your iterations and led to improvements.

• Be Ready for Live Design Exercises: Practice designing a simple flow or component quickly and clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and practical application. Candidates should focus on telling a compelling story about their design process and demonstrating tangible results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume and Portfolio: Ensure your resume highlights your 2+ years of relevant experience and relevant keywords. Customize your portfolio to showcase projects that best align with the job description's emphasis on user research, product problem-solving, and UI execution within a full product lifecycle.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your case studies, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the impact of your designs. Be ready to discuss specific tools like Figma and your experience with design systems.

• Research Pavago and the Client: Understand Pavago's mission and the potential industry of their client to better tailor your responses and demonstrate interest.

• Practice for the Practical Task: Be prepared to tackle a design challenge (e.g., designing an onboarding flow) efficiently and effectively, showcasing your core UX/UI skills.

⚠️ 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.