Werkstudent*in (m/w/d) UX/UI Design – Design System & Produkt-Guidelines

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent*in (m/w/d) UX/UI Design – Design System & Produkt-Guidelines

Company: abcfinlab GmbH

Location: Köln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Werkstudierende (Part-Time Student Role)

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-24

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Entry-Level/Student)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the enhancement of a cutting-edge, web-based leasing application (Lease Seven) by translating existing screens into a new, user-centered design library.

• Develop and implement reusable UI components within Figma, focusing on typical leasing use cases like contract overviews, calculations, and approval processes.

• Create comprehensive product guidelines that define the consistent application of components and design patterns across the platform.

• Collaborate closely with UX, Product Management, and Development teams to integrate design improvements and new features into the product roadmap.

• Contribute to the evolution of Lease Seven, a key driver of growth and efficiency in the leasing sector, processing over half a billion euros in leasing volume.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically positioned as a "Werkstudent*in," indicating a part-time position for enrolled students. The focus on "Design System & Produkt-Guidelines" suggests a strong emphasis on establishing and maintaining design consistency and scalability within the Lease Seven application, aligning with principles of product operations and design governance. The target is to elevate the application's design to a "next design stage," implying a significant impact on user experience and product maturity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate existing application screens into the new design library, implementing user-centered design principles and iterative improvements.

• Build and maintain a library of functional, reusable components in Figma, tailored for common leasing workflows such as contract summaries, financial calculations, and authorization procedures.

• Develop and document clear product guidelines that dictate the appropriate usage of components, design patterns, and interaction models across the Lease Seven platform.

• Actively participate in design reviews and cross-functional team meetings, contributing a unique UX/UI perspective to discussions with Product Management and Engineering.

• Conduct conceptual reviews of existing solutions, identify areas for improvement, and propose design enhancements that can be directly integrated into the product.

• Ensure design consistency and adherence to the established design system across all new and existing user interfaces.

• Assist in the creation of design documentation and specifications for development handoff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize hands-on design work within Figma, including the creation of components and guidelines, which are foundational elements of a robust design system. The role requires not just implementation but also critical evaluation and conceptual redesign, indicating a level of autonomy and creative input expected from the student. Close collaboration with Product Management and Development is highlighted, suggesting that this role is integral to the product development lifecycle, not merely an auxiliary design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled as a student in a relevant design-focused degree program.

• Preferred fields include Interaction Design, UX/UI Design, Communication Design, Media Design, Digital Media Design, or related disciplines like Informatics or Human-Computer Interaction with a design specialization. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience, with a focus on practical application during studies.

• Demonstrated experience with Figma, including proficiency in creating and utilizing components, variants, and Auto Layout features. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and the ability to articulate and justify design decisions.

• Keen eye for visual consistency, meticulous attention to detail, and proficiency in structuring information logically.

• A proactive and analytical approach to problem-solving, with a willingness to question existing solutions and propose improvements.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both German and English.

• Familiarity with design systems or component libraries. Preferred Skills:

• Prior exposure to the financial services sector, specifically leasing or financing.

• Experience with complex B2B (Business-to-Business) enterprise applications.

• Knowledge of prototyping tools beyond Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Werkstudent*in" designation implies that formal experience requirements are minimal, with academic projects and Figma proficiency being key indicators of capability. The emphasis on "questioning existing solutions" and "conceptual reworking" suggests that the company values critical thinking and proactive contribution, even from junior team members. The dual language requirement (German and English) is standard for many German companies, especially those with international aspirations or diverse teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of Figma proficiency, specifically demonstrating the creation and application of components, variants, and Auto Layout.

• Examples of user-centered design processes, illustrating how user needs were identified and translated into design solutions.

• Visual documentation of a design system or component library, highlighting reusability and consistency.

• Case studies that detail the conceptualization and execution of UI/UX improvements, including before-and-after comparisons. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating product guidelines or style guides that ensure design consistency and facilitate collaboration.

• Documentation of workflow design and optimization phases, particularly for user interfaces.

• Examples of how design decisions were communicated and justified to stakeholders or development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, the portfolio should emphasize academic projects, personal projects, or contributions to open-source design initiatives. The focus should be on demonstrating practical skills in Figma and an understanding of design system principles and user-centered design methodologies, rather than extensive professional project portfolios. The ability to document the process behind the design is as crucial as the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As a "Werkstudent*in" (student working student), the salary will be commensurate with German labor laws for student employment and the specific responsibilities of the role. Based on typical rates for student positions in Cologne with similar responsibilities in the tech/design sector, a range of €13-€17 per hour is a reasonable estimate. This typically translates to approximately €208 - €272 per week for a 20-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on general knowledge of student employment regulations and market rates in Germany, specifically for the Cologne region. The exact rate will depend on the number of hours worked per week (usually capped at 20 hours during the semester for full-time student status benefits) and the candidate's specific qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours: Designed to accommodate academic schedules, allowing for seamless integration of work and study.

• Mentorship and Guidance: Close support from a small, experienced UX team, providing hands-on training and feedback.

• Hybrid Work Model: Combines the benefits of remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration and networking opportunities.

• Wellhub Membership: Access to a platform offering a wide range of fitness, wellness, and sports activities.

• Engaging Work Environment: Opportunity to work on a product that drives significant business impact and innovation.

• Friendly Colleagues: Integration into a positive and supportive work environment in their Cologne office.

Working Hours:

• Part-time, typically up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester, with potential for more hours during university breaks, subject to agreement.

• Flexible scheduling to align with academic commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits are tailored towards students, emphasizing flexibility and professional development. The Wellhub membership is a modern perk that supports employee well-being. The hybrid model offers a balanced approach to work location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech) / Digital Business Models within Financial Services. abcfinlab operates as an innovation hub for the abcfinance Gruppe, focusing on developing digital and innovative business models.

Company Size: Part of the larger Werhahn-Gruppe, but abcfinlab itself is likely a growing, agile unit. The description suggests a "small UX team" and an "innovationsmotor," indicating a dynamic, startup-like environment within a larger corporate structure.

Founded: abcfinlab is an "Innovationsmotor and developer of digital and innovative business models" for the abcfinance Gruppe. The Werhahn-Gruppe has a long history, but abcfinlab's specific founding date isn't provided, suggesting it's a more recent initiative focused on digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• UX Team: A small, dedicated, and collaborative team responsible for the user experience of digital products like Lease Seven. This team provides close mentorship and guidance to junior members.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role explicitly mentions working closely with UX, Product Management, and Development teams, indicating a highly integrated and collaborative product development process.

• Innovation Hub: As part of the Werhahn-Gruppe's innovation efforts, abcfinlab likely fosters a culture of experimentation and rapid iteration.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A core principle guiding the design and development process, ensuring user needs are paramount.

• Agile Development: Implied by close collaboration between design, product, and development, and the focus on iterative improvements and integrating ideas directly into the product.

• Digital Mindset: A company-wide ethos focused on leveraging technology and digital solutions to create innovative business models.

• Data-Driven Insights: While not explicitly stated for this role, operations and product development in FinTech often rely on data analysis to inform decisions.

Company Website: abcfinlab.de (derived from the domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is presented as a blend of innovation and structure, with abcfinlab acting as a digital incubator for a more established group. The "rheinische gute Laune" (Rhineland good humor) suggests a friendly, approachable, and potentially informal work atmosphere. The emphasis on diverse competencies highlights an inclusive environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is an entry-level student role, offering foundational experience in UX/UI design and product development. It's an opportunity to gain practical skills within a professional setting.

Reporting Structure: The Werkstudent*in will report to a member of the UX team, who will provide direct supervision and mentorship. This structure ensures close guidance and learning opportunities.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue operations, this position contributes to the operational efficiency and user experience of a critical business application (Lease Seven). By improving the design system and product guidelines, the student directly impacts the scalability, maintainability, and user adoption of the product, indirectly supporting growth and efficiency drivers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in Figma, design systems, user-centered design methodologies, and product development processes.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable insights into the FinTech industry and the specific domain of digital leasing solutions.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced UX professionals within a supportive team environment.

• Product Contribution: Directly contribute to a product that has already achieved significant business success, providing tangible project experience.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful performance in this Werkstudent role could lead to further opportunities within abcfinlab or the broader abcfinance Gruppe, depending on business needs and academic progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth is primarily focused on skill acquisition and practical experience relevant to UX/UI design and product development. For a student role, the emphasis is on learning and contributing, with the potential for future career advancement being a long-term prospect rather than an immediate guarantee.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, meaning a combination of remote work and in-office presence.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring 2, 50672 Köln, Germany. This is a central location in Cologne.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is described as having "vielen freundlichen Kollegen" (many friendly colleagues), suggesting a positive and social atmosphere conducive to teamwork.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma is implied. The role involves working with a "new Design Library" and building "fachliche Komponenten," indicating a modern digital workspace.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for regular in-person interaction with the UX team, Product Management, and Development, fostering strong working relationships and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible working hours are a key benefit, designed to align with the student's academic schedule.

• Part-time commitment, typically up to 20 hours per week during the semester.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers a balanced approach, allowing students to leverage the benefits of both remote work (focus, flexibility) and in-office collaboration (team building, direct interaction). The office location in Cologne is a significant point for candidates based in or willing to relocate to the region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Review of application materials (CV, cover letter, portfolio) to assess qualifications and fit.

2. First Interview (likely with UX Team): Focus on design skills, Figma proficiency, understanding of user-centered design, and conceptual thinking. This may involve a discussion of academic projects or a brief design challenge.

3. Portfolio Review & Case Study Discussion: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design decisions, and problem-solving approaches. For this role, expect to discuss how you would approach translating existing screens or building components.

4. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, communication skills, and overall enthusiasm for the role and company. This may also involve further discussion on how you'd integrate into the team and contribute to product guidelines.

5. Offer: Extension of a job offer to the selected candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Figma Skills: Clearly showcase your proficiency with components, variants, and Auto Layout. Use annotated screenshots or interactive prototypes to demonstrate your understanding.

• User-Centered Process: For each project, explain your design process. How did you identify user needs? What research did you conduct (even if informal)? How did your designs address those needs?

• Design System Thinking: If you have examples of creating style guides, component libraries, or applying design systems, emphasize these. Explain the benefits of consistency and reusability.

• Conceptual Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach redesigning existing screens or creating new components for a specific functional area (e.g., contract overview).

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present your portfolio in a well-organized and easy-to-navigate format. Focus on quality over quantity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mini Design Challenge: Be prepared for a small, time-bound design task, potentially involving a hypothetical scenario related to leasing processes or UI component creation.

• Conceptualization Exercise: You might be asked to sketch out ideas for a new component or discuss how you would approach documenting a design pattern.

• Figma Proficiency Test: While not always formal, expect questions or tasks that gauge your comfort level with Figma's core features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a Werkstudent role will likely be less rigorous than for a full-time position, but the emphasis on a portfolio and practical skills remains. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work with design tools and apply design principles, especially in the context of building scalable design systems.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The central tool for UI design, component creation, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in components, variants, Auto Layout, and collaborative features is essential.

• Design System Tools: Figma's capabilities for design systems, including component libraries and style guides.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a responsibility for this role, an understanding that product decisions are data-informed is beneficial. The company likely uses analytics tools to track user behavior and product performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX/UI role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical requirement is Figma. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with Figma's advanced features and how they contribute to building and maintaining design systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Digital Mindset: A drive to create new, digital business models and leverage technology for efficiency and growth.

• User Focus: Commitment to designing user-centered solutions that meet the needs of sales partners and leasing customers.

• Efficiency & Automation: A passion for digitalizing and automating processes to enhance business operations, as demonstrated by Lease Seven.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in working together, valuing diverse competencies, and fostering a supportive environment.

• Quality & Detail: An appreciation for meticulous design, consistency, and the impactful details that elevate a product.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Close working relationships between design, product, and development, fostering shared ownership and understanding.

• Open Feedback Culture: The UX team actively seeks and values feedback, creating an environment where junior members feel comfortable contributing.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights and best practices, particularly within the UX team and across product development.

• Rhineland Good Humor: A friendly, approachable, and positive interpersonal dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a forward-thinking, collaborative, and results-oriented approach, with a strong emphasis on digital innovation and user satisfaction. The "rheinische gute Laune" adds a touch of local culture, suggesting a positive and informal team atmosphere.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Existing Screens: Adapting legacy screens to a new design system requires careful analysis, compromise, and strategic thinking to maintain consistency without sacrificing usability.

• Building Reusable Components: Designing components that are flexible enough to cover various leasing use cases while remaining simple and consistent can be complex.

• Balancing Design Vision with Technical Constraints: Integrating new designs into an existing codebase and working within development realities requires pragmatic problem-solving.

• Navigating Complex B2B Domain: Understanding the specific needs and workflows of B2B users in the leasing sector can be challenging for those new to the domain.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Design Systems: Gain hands-on experience in building, maintaining, and applying a design system in a real-world product.

• User-Centered Design Practice: Hone skills in user research, persona development, and user journey mapping within a professional context.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Understand how UX/UI design integrates with Product Management and Engineering in an agile environment.

• FinTech Industry Exposure: Learn about the business models, regulations, and user needs within the financial technology and leasing sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, encouraging the candidate to see complex tasks as learning experiences. The growth opportunities are focused on practical skill development and industry knowledge acquisition.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach translating an existing, complex screen into a new design system component?" (Focus on process, considerations for reusability, and potential challenges.)

• "Describe a time you had to justify a design decision to someone who disagreed. How did you handle it?" (Assesses communication, persuasion, and handling of feedback.)

• "What are the key benefits of having a well-defined design system and product guidelines for a web application like Lease Seven?" (Tests understanding of scalability, consistency, and efficiency.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about abcfinlab and its mission to create innovative financial services?" (Assesses research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our UX team and the company culture?" (Evaluates cultural fit and self-awareness.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI design trends and Figma best practices?" (Gauges commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Process: For each project, begin by explaining the problem, your role, and your approach.

• Highlight Figma Usage: Explicitly point out where you used components, Auto Layout, and other advanced Figma features.

• Showcase Design System Elements: If you have relevant projects, clearly demonstrate your understanding of creating reusable elements and guidelines.

• Focus on Impact: Even for academic projects, try to articulate the intended or actual impact of your design decisions.

• Be Ready for Live Tasks: Have Figma open and be prepared to quickly sketch out an idea or build a simple component if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical Figma skills, understanding of design system principles, and the ability to articulate design rationale. Candidates should be ready to discuss their thought process and how they approach problem-solving in a design context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Werkstudent*in (m/w/d) UX/UI Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the abcfinlab jobs portal.

• Tailor your CV and Cover Letter: Highlight your relevant academic background, Figma proficiency, and any projects that demonstrate your understanding of user-centered design and component-based design systems.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong projects that showcase your Figma skills (components, Auto Layout), your design process, and any experience with style guides or product guidelines. Ensure it is easily accessible online.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research abcfinlab, the Werhahn-Gruppe, and the Lease Seven application. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and articulate your design thinking process.

• Understand the Role: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach the primary responsibilities, such as translating existing screens or building components for the design system.

⚠️ 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.