UX Designer - job 1 of 2

As a UX Designer at DEPT® in Amsterdam, your key responsibilities include applying generative methods to identify challenges and opportunities, translating strategic insights into user journeys, flows, and wireframes. You will also create simple prototypes and ensure they are validated with users. Presenting your designs to clients and collaborating closely with visual designers for final product delivery is essential.

To become a UX Designer at DEPT®, you should have at least 4 years of experience in Interaction/UX design, ideally within an agency setting. A strong portfolio demonstrating your work with A-brands is required, along with a working proficiency in English. Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and a strong appreciation for aesthetic design are also important qualifications.

DEPT® highly values employee development for UX Designers by offering the DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu, which includes tailored courses and special programs designed to enhance your skills. Additionally, you'll have the chance to work with a diverse array of clients, allowing for a rich learning experience as you tackle various design challenges.

DEPT® promotes a flexible, hybrid work policy for UX Designers, allowing you to choose to work from the office or remotely based on your preferences. With 24 vacation days plus the option to purchase unlimited extra days, you can achieve a fulfilling work-life balance. Additionally, you can work abroad for 13 weeks a year, providing even more flexibility.

DEPT® is a fantastic place for a UX Designer due to its innovative culture, commitment to diversity, and focus on collaboration. Recognized as a Great Place to Work and a Certified B Corp®, DEPT® fosters a nurturing environment where creativity flourishes. You'll work alongside talented individuals, engage with varied projects, and experience growth opportunities that help you thrive in your career.

When approaching a new project as a UX Designer, I usually start by conducting thorough user research to understand the target audience and their pain points. I then translate those insights into user journeys and initial wireframes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Throughout the process, I involve stakeholders and users to validate designs and iterate based on their feedback.

I view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement. During design presentations, I actively listen to feedback and seek clarification if needed. I ensure to thank the stakeholders for their insights and demonstrate how their suggestions can be incorporated into the design, illustrating my adaptability and commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes.

To validate design prototypes, I often employ usability testing with real users, observing how they interact with the design and collecting their feedback. Additionally, I use A/B testing to compare different design approaches, employing analytics tools to measure user engagement and effectiveness, providing valuable insights for refinement.

Ensuring accessibility is a priority in my design process. I adhere to established guidelines such as WCAG and incorporate features like keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast visuals. I also conduct accessibility evaluations throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring that all users, regardless of ability, can engage with and benefit from the digital product.

I stay current with the latest UX design trends by following industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in design conferences. Networking with fellow professionals and joining online forums also provides insight into emerging technologies and practices that can enhance user experience.

A challenging design problem I faced involved a complex user flow for a client’s e-commerce platform. The initial design resulted in user confusion and drop-offs. To address this, I conducted user testing sessions, gathered insights, and refined the flow to reduce friction points. By simplifying navigation and enhancing visual cues, we successfully increased user engagement and conversion rates.

User personas are integral to my design process. They provide a clear representation of the target audience, allowing me to understand their behaviors, motivations, and needs. These personas guide my design decisions, ensuring that I create user-centered experiences tailored to specific segments, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction and product effectiveness.

Collaboration with visual designers begins early in the project. I share my wireframes and prototyping ideas and seek their input on aesthetics. Throughout the design process, we maintain open communication to ensure that user experience and visual appeal align, allowing us to produce a cohesive final product that meets both functional and aesthetic requirements.

I prefer using tools like Figma and Adobe XD for creating wireframes and prototypes due to their user-friendly interfaces and collaborative functionalities. These tools enable me to iterate quickly and incorporate feedback in real-time, ensuring that stakeholders are engaged and aligned with the design vision throughout the development process.

To measure the success of my designs, I establish specific KPIs before implementation, such as user engagement rates, conversion metrics, and user satisfaction scores. Post-launch, I analyze user feedback and utilize analytics tools to assess performance, identifying any areas requiring optimization to enhance the overall user experience.