Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer

Company: Bjak (ActAI)

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Visual Design / UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

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

Remote Status: Remote (within the United States)

🚀 Role Summary

• Shape the visual language and design system for AI-native applications, focusing on clarity and trust.

• Design intuitive UI components and patterns to help users understand dynamic AI content and system behavior.

• Translate interaction flows into polished, accessible visual designs for web and mobile platforms.

• Build and maintain a robust design system to ensure speed, consistency, and clarity across the product.

• Create visual standards for various states (error, empty, loading, task) and AI-generated output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on visual design within the context of AI applications, which presents unique challenges and opportunities in communicating system behavior, reliability, and complex information. The emphasis is on making AI interfaces understandable and trustworthy, rather than purely aesthetic appeal.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and evolve the core visual language, design system, and UI components for ActAI's AI-native product suite across web and mobile interfaces.

• Design innovative visual patterns that enable users to effectively parse AI-generated content, differentiate system states, and interpret confidence and reliability signals.

• Strategize and execute designs that manage information density and hierarchy in complex AI interfaces where content is inherently dynamic, variable, and sometimes uncertain.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and UX Designers to translate intricate interaction flows into visually compelling, user-friendly, and accessible designs.

• Architect, implement, and maintain a comprehensive design system that accelerates development cycles, ensures brand consistency, and enhances overall product clarity.

• Define precise visual standards and guidelines for all interactive states, including error states, empty states, loading states, task progression, and the presentation of AI-generated output.

• Produce detailed visual assets and design specifications that enable engineering teams to achieve accurate implementation and maintain design integrity.

• Engineer AI-heavy interfaces to feel clear, structured, and comprehensible without overwhelming the end-user.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strategic thinking in visual design, particularly in how visual cues can mitigate user apprehension towards AI. The emphasis on "designing for information density and hierarchy" and "visual patterns that help users parse AI-generated content" indicates a focus on complex problem-solving beyond standard UI design tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Design, HCI, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience as a Visual Designer or UI Designer, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual designs for web and mobile products. Experience in designing for complex applications, particularly those involving AI or dynamic content, is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in visual design principles, including typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Strong proficiency in Figma for design, prototyping, and design system development.

• Proven experience in building, maintaining, or contributing significantly to design systems.

• Ability to design for dynamic content and variable AI output, adapting visual elements to diverse formats, tones, and reliability levels.

• Solid understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG) and experience designing for legibility, contrast, and inclusivity.

• Comfort and proficiency in designing within ambiguous environments with evolving product requirements.

• Experience collaborating effectively with product managers and UX designers in fast-paced, agile teams.

• Awareness of how visual cues can effectively communicate AI system behavior, user trust, and confidence levels. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion design principles to enhance user experience and convey system feedback.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and how to integrate user feedback into visual design iterations.

• Experience in designing for complex workflow management or productivity applications.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS) to facilitate better collaboration with engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level (2-5 years) suggests a role that requires independent contribution and a solid foundation in visual design principles, coupled with the ability to adapt to novel design challenges presented by AI interfaces. The emphasis on "designing under ambiguity" points to a need for resilience and problem-solving skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating expertise in visual and UI design for web and mobile applications.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, your specific contributions, and the impact of your design solutions.

• Highlight projects involving complex information architecture, dynamic content display, or AI-driven features.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, including examples of interactive prototypes and contributions to design systems.

• Clearly present your approach to typography, color palettes, layout, and visual hierarchy within your project examples. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, outline the iterative design process, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and usability testing phases.

• Detail your methodology for translating complex requirements into clear visual designs, especially for AI-generated content and system states.

• Provide examples of how you established or utilized design system components and guidelines to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Quantify the impact of your design solutions where possible, using metrics related to user engagement, task completion, or system understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only display aesthetic capabilities but also a deep understanding of how visual design can enhance user comprehension and trust in AI products. Emphasis on design systems and the ability to document a structured design process are critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Visual Designer with 2-5 years of experience in New York City, the estimated salary range is between $85,000 and $120,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for mid-level design roles in high-cost-of-living areas like New York, considering the specialized nature of AI product design.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including access to design conferences, workshops, and online courses.

• Stock options or equity participation.

• Flexible work arrangements, supporting remote work within the US.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Stipend for home office setup and maintenance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours. While remote, core working hours will likely align with US Eastern Time (ET) to facilitate collaboration with the New York-based team. Flexibility in scheduling is provided, allowing for adjustments to accommodate personal needs, provided that project deadlines and team collaboration are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on regional data for New York City and the specified experience level for a Visual Designer role. The specialized nature of AI product design may command a premium. Benefits are typical for tech companies of this nature and location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development. ActAI is focused on building AI-native applications for everyday use, aiming to bring intelligence to conversations, errands, and workflows with minimal user prompting. This positions them at the forefront of making AI more accessible and practical for a broad user base.

Company Size: ActAI is described as a "small, world-class team" with "high talent density." This suggests a startup environment where individual contributions have significant impact, and collaboration is close-knit.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly provided, but the company's mission to build AI-native applications for basic user tools implies a relatively recent establishment, likely within the last 5-10 years, aligning with the rapid advancements in AI technology.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is likely small and highly collaborative, comprising individuals with specialized skills in AI, product development, UX, and visual design.

• Reporting structures are probably flat, with direct access to leadership and a focus on collective decision-making.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working intimately with product managers, UX designers, and engineers to bring products to life. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and iterative development are core to their approach, balancing high-quality output with continuous learning.

• A hands-on, execution-oriented mindset is essential, with an emphasis on independent judgment and rapid execution.

• The focus is on shipping high-quality, "truly magical" products that offer practical benefits to billions of users globally.

Company Website: https://bjak.my/en/about-us (Note: This URL appears to be for Bjak, the parent organization. ActAI might be a division or project within Bjak, or a separate entity using Bjak's career portal.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as high-performance and collaborative, typical of innovative tech startups. The "ActAI" branding suggests a specific focus on AI product development, implying a need for designers who are not only skilled but also curious about AI's potential and challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Visual Designer (2-5 years of experience). It requires a solid foundation in visual design principles and the ability to work independently on complex design challenges, particularly those related to AI interfaces. The scope involves shaping the product's visual language and contributing to the design system, indicating a significant level of responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or potentially a Product Lead, depending on the team's specific structure. Given the "small, world-class team" and "flat" reporting structure, close collaboration with UX designers and product managers is expected.

Operations Impact: The Visual Designer's impact is direct and critical. They are responsible for the user's perception of the AI product's reliability, usability, and trustworthiness through visual cues. Effective visual design will directly influence user adoption, engagement, and overall satisfaction with AI-driven features, ultimately contributing to the product's success and ActAI's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for AI interfaces, focusing on areas like trust signals, dynamic content visualization, and human-AI interaction.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Visual Designer or Art Director role, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and influencing product strategy.

• Skill Expansion: Develop skills in areas like motion design, UX research, or even front-end development to become a more versatile product designer.

• Impact Expansion: Take on ownership of larger product areas or lead the evolution of the company's design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Visual Designer at ActAI is likely tied to the company's growth and the increasing complexity of AI product design. The emphasis on AI interfaces suggests a unique opportunity for specialization and leadership in a nascent but rapidly evolving field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as TELECOMMUTE and remote, with the primary location being New York, United States. This indicates a fully remote work setup, offering flexibility to work from anywhere within the US.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company is likely based in or has a significant presence in New York, as indicated by the location data. This suggests that while the individual will work remotely, there might be opportunities for occasional in-person collaboration or team meetups if the company organizes them.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the culture emphasizes collaboration. Expect frequent virtual meetings, use of collaborative design tools (like Figma), and active participation in team discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), project management tools, and communication platforms (Slack, Zoom) is expected. The company likely provides necessary licenses and support.

• Team Interaction: Regular check-ins, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions will be integral to the remote workflow, ensuring designers remain connected and aligned with team goals.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). As a remote position within the US, the work schedule will primarily align with US Eastern Time (ET) to facilitate seamless collaboration with the core team. However, there's an expectation of flexibility, allowing individuals to manage their time effectively, provided deliverables are met and availability for critical meetings is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role necessitates strong self-discipline and communication skills. While location-based in New York, the remote aspect offers significant flexibility. The emphasis on collaboration implies a need for proactive engagement in virtual team activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Begin by submitting your application, which must include a strong portfolio showcasing relevant visual and UI design work.

• Initial Screening: The team will review applications and portfolios to identify candidates with a strong fit for the role and company culture.

• Round 1 Interview: A virtual meeting with a member of the design team to discuss your background, design philosophy, and experience, with a focus on your portfolio.

• Design Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study, potentially involving a specific problem related to AI interface design, to evaluate your problem-solving skills and design approach.

• Round 2 Interview: A more in-depth discussion, potentially with design leadership and/or product management, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate.

• Final Decision: Prompt feedback and a decision will be provided following the interviews.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to design for complex, dynamic interfaces, especially those involving AI or information-heavy content. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your design process (including challenges and solutions), and the tangible outcomes or impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Include examples of interactive prototypes and your contributions to design systems. Clearly label your specific contributions if it was a team project.

• Highlight AI/Dynamic Content Experience: If you have direct experience designing for AI or highly dynamic content, make this prominent. Explain how you addressed challenges related to uncertainty, information density, and user trust.

• Accessibility & Clarity: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates a commitment to accessibility standards and your ability to create clear, structured interfaces.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research ActAI's mission, product vision, and the unique challenges of designing for AI-native applications.

• Focus on AI Interface Design: Prepare to discuss how visual design can enhance user trust, manage complexity, and communicate AI behavior. Think about potential UI patterns for error states, confidence levels, and dynamic content.

• Design System Thinking: Be ready to discuss your experience with design systems, their importance, and how you would contribute to or evolve one.

• Problem-Solving Approach: Practice articulating your design process for tackling ambiguous problems and evolving requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a portfolio review and a practical design assessment. Candidates should prepare to discuss their design process in detail and demonstrate how they can translate complex AI concepts into user-friendly visual designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool. Proficiency in Figma for UI design, prototyping, component creation, and collaboration is essential. Experience with its advanced features like auto layout, variants, and interactive components is highly valued.

• Design System Platforms: Familiarity with tools or methodologies for managing and scaling design systems (e.g., Storybook integration, Zeroheight, or Figma's own capabilities).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for a Visual Designer, understanding how design impacts user behavior metrics is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel, and how to interpret data related to UI element performance, can be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Generally not directly used by Visual Designers, but understanding how design integrates with user journeys managed within CRMs or marketing automation platforms can provide valuable context for designing user-centric experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around design tools, with Figma being the paramount requirement. The role doesn't heavily rely on CRM or automation tools, but an understanding of how design contributes to the broader user journey is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the user, ensuring that AI applications are not only intelligent but also accessible, intuitive, and trustworthy.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive to produce "high quality work" and "truly magical products," emphasizing meticulous attention to detail in design execution.

• Innovation & Curiosity: An eagerness to explore the frontiers of AI and its application, constantly seeking new ways to leverage technology for user benefit.

• Collaboration & Transparency: A belief in collective decision-making, open communication, and mutual support within a small, high-talent team.

• Efficiency & Speed: Balancing the need for rapid iteration and shipping with the development of robust, well-considered solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-on and Direct: Expect a collaborative environment where team members actively contribute and engage directly with each other's work.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with product managers, UX designers, and engineers, fostering a shared understanding of goals and challenges.

• Feedback-Rich: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative improvement, where design critiques are seen as opportunities for growth.

• Agile and Iterative: Embracing rapid prototyping, testing, and refinement to quickly adapt to evolving product requirements and user insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes high performance, collaborative problem-solving, and a strong focus on user value, particularly in the context of making AI accessible. Designers are expected to be proactive, communicative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI Ambiguity: Visually representing the nuances of AI behavior, confidence levels, and potential inaccuracies in a way that builds trust and avoids user confusion.

• Information Density: Creating clear and structured interfaces for AI applications that process and present large amounts of dynamic, variable information without overwhelming the user.

• Evolving Product Requirements: Adapting designs quickly to rapidly changing AI capabilities and product strategies in a fast-moving startup environment.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Ensuring that visually appealing designs also serve to effectively communicate complex system states and support user workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Interface Design Specialization: Become an expert in a cutting-edge field, developing unique skills in communicating AI behavior and fostering user trust.

• Design System Leadership: Grow to lead the development and expansion of ActAI's design system, influencing product consistency and scalability.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain deeper insights into AI technology, user experience research, and product strategy through close collaboration with diverse teams.

• Industry Exposure: Participate in relevant design conferences or workshops focused on AI, HCI, or product design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the novelty of AI product design, requiring innovative solutions to communicate complex and sometimes uncertain information. Growth opportunities lie in specializing in this emerging field and taking on leadership roles within a growing tech company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing visual cues to indicate the confidence level of an AI-generated response?"

• "Describe a time you had to design for highly dynamic or uncertain content. What was your process, and what were the outcomes?"

• "How do you balance information density with clarity in complex UI designs, particularly for AI-driven applications?"

• "Walk us through your process for building or contributing to a design system. What are the key principles you follow?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about ActAI's mission to make AI applications more accessible?"

• "How do you collaborate with UX designers and product managers to ensure a cohesive product experience?"

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, iterative startup environment. How do you handle evolving requirements?"

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for a diverse user base?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an overview of ActAI and the role, then present 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly state the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (with visual aids), and the impact/results.

• Focus on AI/Dynamic Content: Emphasize projects that showcase your ability to handle complex, variable data and communicate system behavior. Explain the visual choices you made to address these challenges.

• Demonstrate Figma and Design System Skills: Show interactive prototypes and explain how you utilized or contributed to a design system. Be prepared to discuss specific components and their rationale.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, problem-solving approach, and how you'd tackle hypothetical design challenges specific to ActAI's product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating a clear design process, demonstrating problem-solving skills related to AI interfaces, and showcasing practical experience with Figma and design systems. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby HQ. Ensure your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and tailored to this role.

• Portfolio Customization: Select and arrange projects within your portfolio that best highlight your experience in visual design for web/mobile, especially any work involving dynamic content, complex information architecture, or AI interfaces.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "Visual Design," "UI Design," "Figma," "Design Systems," "AI Interfaces," and "Accessibility." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to specific challenges mentioned in the job description (e.g., AI ambiguity, information density), and be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research ActAI's mission, product, and the challenges of AI-native applications. Understand how your design skills can directly contribute to their goals and user trust.

⚠️ 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.