Principal Product Designer

As a Principal Product Designer at Credit Genie, you will take ownership of the end-to-end design process. This includes conducting user research, creating wireframes and prototypes, testing designs with users, and crafting final UI designs. Your role will require collaboration with product and engineering teams to transform complex financial concepts into intuitive user experiences while maintaining a strong design aesthetic aligned with the brand. You will also advocate for user needs and mentor junior designers.

Credit Genie seeks candidates with 7-10 years of professional experience in product design, notably in consumer-facing apps. A strong portfolio demonstrating your design successes is essential, along with proficiency in design tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. Previous leadership experience in design roles is preferred, especially if it includes fintech sector exposure. Strong collaboration and communication skills are also critical.

At Credit Genie, we value flexibility while also fostering team connections. The Principal Product Designer position follows a hybrid work model, requiring in-office attendance three days a week. This setup allows you to collaborate directly with your team while also giving you the autonomy to work from home, creating a balanced work-life approach that's beneficial for creativity and productivity.

Credit Genie provides a comprehensive benefits package to the Principal Product Designer, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage fully paid for you and your dependents. Additionally, we offer unlimited PTO, a 401K program with a company match, flexible work hours, and equity opportunities through stock options. We strive to ensure our employees feel valued and supported in every aspect.

The base salary for a Principal Product Designer at Credit Genie ranges from $200,000 to $275,000 depending on your experience, skills, and qualifications. Beyond base pay, this role may qualify for discretionary bonuses and various other benefits, enhancing your overall compensation. We aim to provide competitive and equitable remuneration for our employees.

In my design process, I prioritize user research to inform my design decisions. I start by understanding user pain points and needs through interviews and usability tests, followed by wireframing and prototyping to visualize solutions. Testing these prototypes with real users helps me refine my designs before finalizing the UI, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal align with user expectations.

I believe feedback is vital to the design process. I approach feedback with an open mind, viewing it as an opportunity for improvement. I actively seek feedback from stakeholders during various phases of my designs and welcome constructive criticism. This collaborative approach often leads to stronger, more effective design solutions.

To simplify complex design issues, I first break down the problem into smaller, more manageable components. I utilize user personas and journey mapping to visualize user interactions and pain points, focusing on core user needs. Encouraging open communication within cross-functional teams also allows diverse perspectives to aid in finding streamlined design solutions.

Mentoring a junior designer involves a blend of guidance and support. I would start by understanding their strengths and areas for growth, then provide constructive feedback on their work. In addition, I would encourage them to participate in user research and design discussions, fostering a collaborative environment where learning can happen organically.

In a previous role, I worked alongside engineers to implement a new feature in our application. By maintaining open lines of communication between our teams, we ensured the design was feasible and aligned with technical capabilities. Weekly syncs allowed us to address challenges in real-time, resulting in a successful launch that met user needs effectively.

Storytelling is integral to my design approach. It allows me to communicate the vision and purpose behind my designs effectively. By framing complex financial concepts into relatable narratives, I can create a bridge between user needs and design solutions, ensuring that stakeholders understand and resonate with the final product.

Staying updated with design trends involves a mix of research and community engagement. I follow industry-leading publications, attend webinars and conferences, and participate in local design meetups. Engaging with fellow designers also helps exchange ideas, keeping me aware of emerging trends and innovative solutions in fintech.

User testing is a cornerstone of my design process. I conduct testing sessions throughout various design stages to gather feedback on usability and functionality. The findings from these sessions guide me in refining my designs, ensuring that they meet user expectations and address pain points effectively before the final implementation.

I prefer using Figma for its collaborative features and real-time editing, which facilitate teamwork and speed up the design process. Additionally, I utilize Adobe Creative Suite for its versatility in creating high-fidelity prototypes and visual assets. These tools have proven essential for maintaining efficiency while ensuring quality in my designs.

I advocate for user-centered design by presenting user research findings and data during project discussions. By showcasing user needs and behaviors, I can make a strong case for design choices that enhance usability and overall user experience. Promoting discussions around user empathy within teams also helps maintain a focus on user-centric solutions.