The Senior Product Designer at Cradle is responsible for shaping the product direction and creating user-centric interfaces that empower scientists in protein design. This includes owning the design process from research to implementation, developing visualizations, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to drive product strategy.

Candidates applying for the Senior Product Designer role at Cradle should have experience with design processes, complex applications involving data visualization, and the ability to create clear user interfaces. A strong portfolio demonstrating thoughtful design solutions is essential, and familiarity with scientific or B2B applications is highly desirable.

At Cradle, the design process for a Senior Product Designer encompasses the entire journey from problem exploration to feature launch. This includes user research with scientists, iteration based on feedback, and close collaboration with engineers to ensure the product not only looks good but is functional and effective in meeting user needs.

Cradle is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing that talent takes many forms. For the Senior Product Designer position, we prioritize passion and potential, and actively seek to create a team where everyone can thrive, regardless of background or experience.

As a Senior Product Designer at Cradle, you can expect a collaborative and supportive team culture focused on innovation and problem-solving. With a distributed team across Zurich and Amsterdam, we emphasize open communication, shared goals, and collective growth, creating an environment where creativity and expertise flourish.

When answering this question, detail a project where you took charge of the entire design process. Discuss the challenges you encountered, how you gathered user feedback, and the impact your design had on the final product. Highlight your skills in managing timelines and collaborating with teams to showcase your comprehensive understanding of product design.

In your response, emphasize your methodology for conducting user research, such as interviews, surveys, or usability testing. Discuss how you adapt these strategies to suit scientific users, ensuring their workflows and pain points are deeply understood, which then informs your design decisions.

Mention your favorite prototyping tools and explain why you prefer them. Talk about their features that enable you to create interactive prototypes quickly and how they facilitate collaboration with cross-functional teams during the design process.

Discuss specific principles and methods you follow to create accessible designs, such as color contrast considerations, alternative text for visuals, and usability testing with diverse user groups. This demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity in the design process.

Share a specific example of how you received constructive feedback on your design. Detail how you assessed the feedback, made necessary changes, and the positive outcome that resulted, showcasing your ability to adapt and improve your work.

Explain your approach to cross-departmental collaboration, focusing on open communication and iterative feedback. Highlight any tools or methods you use to ensure that design constraints and objectives align with engineering possibilities, fostering a smooth cooperation.

Outline your strategy for prioritizing features, which may include user impact assessment, business goals, and technical feasibility. Discuss how you might engage stakeholders in this process to ensure that the final product aligns with both user needs and company objectives.

Share a specific project focusing on the complexities you faced and your approach to making data understandable. Discuss the tools or techniques you used, as well as the outcomes and feedback you received from users, illustrating your problem-solving capabilities.

Describe how you incorporate user feedback throughout the design process. Highlight the importance of user testing and how feedback informs revisions, reinforcing your commitment to creating user-centered designs.

Express your enthusiasm for contributing to advancing biotechnology and your passion for designing user-friendly tools. Mention how Cradle’s mission resonates with you and your eagerness to be part of a dynamic team that's driving scientific innovation.