GAIN Experience - Mid-Weight UX Designer

The Design Project; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job description

GAIN Experience - Mid-Weight UX Designer

This is Gain Ltd

Full_time

Job Title: Mid-Weight UX DesignerCompany: This is Gain LtdLocation: Bristol, England, United Kingdom / London, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)Job Type: Full-TimeCategory: User Experience (UX) Design / Product DesignDate Posted: February 11, 2026Experience Level: Mid-Weight (3-5 years)Remote Status: Hybrid (with remote options)

• Lead end-to-end interaction design for significant client projects, focusing on user-centered experiences that drive measurable business impact in both public and private sectors.
• Take creative ownership of complex design challenges, leveraging expertise in user-centered design principles, behavioral psychology, and usability heuristics to solve strategic problems.
• Develop sophisticated interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, ProtoPie, Principle, or Framer to articulate intricate user journeys and micro-interactions.
• Design and document scalable design systems, interaction patterns, and component libraries to ensure consistency across large-scale digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Designer," the responsibilities, required experience, and tool proficiency (Figma, ProtoPie, etc.) strongly indicate a focus on interaction design and product design within a UX framework. The emphasis on leading projects, mentoring juniors, and client-facing work aligns with a "mid-weight" to "senior-lite" profile. The hybrid nature and specific mention of Bristol/London as potential locations, coupled with remote flexibility, are key aspects for candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete interaction design lifecycle for client projects, from initial concept development and user flow mapping through to the creation of high-fidelity prototypes and detailed design specifications.
• Strategically address complex design challenges by applying established user-centered design principles, insights from behavioral psychology, and recognized usability heuristics.
• Craft sophisticated, interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools such as Figma, ProtoPie, Principle, or Framer to effectively demonstrate interaction models, intricate micro-interactions, and multi-step user journeys.
• Design and meticulously document scalable design systems, reusable interaction patterns, and comprehensive component libraries to maintain a high degree of consistency and efficiency across large-scale digital products.
• Collaborate intimately with UX researchers to translate user insights, feedback, and testing findings into actionable design improvements and strategic recommendations for clients.
• Engage actively with development teams throughout the build phases, conducting thorough implementation reviews, proactively problem-solving technical constraints, and ensuring the fidelity of interaction designs.
• Lead client-facing design presentations and interactive workshops, clearly articulating design rationale, confidently defending creative decisions, and facilitating productive feedback sessions to foster alignment.
• Mentor and guide junior designers, providing constructive critique, sharing best practices, and actively contributing to raising the overall craft quality and expertise within the design team.
• Champion accessibility and inclusive design principles by conducting audits and embedding WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards into every phase of the design process.
• Contribute expertise to new business pitches and proposal development, assisting in shaping project approaches and effectively demonstrating the company's design capabilities.
• Maintain a keen awareness of industry trends, emerging interaction patterns, AI-enhanced interfaces, and new design tools, bringing thought leadership to internal discussions and client work.
• Support the continuous evolution of the company's design practice by contributing to internal processes, refining toolkits, and participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities describe a proactive role where the designer not only executes but also influences project direction and client strategy. The breadth of tasks, including client presentations, mentoring, and contributing to new business, suggests a mid-weight designer expected to operate with significant autonomy and strategic input.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and practical experience are prioritized. Candidates with degrees in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or related fields will find their background beneficial.

Experience: 3–5 years of dedicated experience in interaction design, UX design, or product design, ideally within an agency, consultancy, or a dynamic product team environment.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end interaction design on diverse client projects, showcasing strategic thinking, sophisticated interaction craft, and a track record of delivering measurable impact.
• Expert-level proficiency in Figma, with a proven capacity to build complex, component-based design systems and create sophisticated interactive prototypes.
• Deep, practical understanding of core interaction design principles, the psychology of user behavior, and established usability heuristics, with the ability to apply them strategically across various project contexts.
• Proven experience designing responsive, multi-device experiences that feature intelligent interaction patterns adapting seamlessly across different screen sizes and breakpoints.
• Strong knowledge of accessibility standards, specifically WCAG AA, and practical experience integrating inclusive interaction design for users with diverse needs.
• Experience in direct collaboration with development teams, understanding technical constraints, and producing clear, implementable design specifications for efficient handoff.
• Excellent stakeholder management and presentation skills, with demonstrated comfort in leading workshops, presenting to senior clients, and diplomatically navigating feedback.
• A strong capacity to work autonomously, effectively manage multiple concurrent projects, and prioritize tasks efficiently within a fast-paced agency environment.
• Previous experience in mentoring or providing support to junior designers, fostering their professional development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience leading design initiatives on projects within regulated industries such as healthcare, life sciences, financial services, or the public sector, where compliance and user trust are paramount.
• Advanced prototyping skills utilizing tools like ProtoPie, Principle, Framer, or After Effects for demonstrating complex interaction behaviors and sophisticated animated transitions.
• Experience designing interfaces for AI-enhanced applications, intelligent search systems, personalization engines, or adaptive user experiences.
• Familiarity with analytics and user testing platforms (e.g., Hotjar, Maze, UserTesting.com) and a history of leveraging quantitative and qualitative data to validate design decisions.
• Proficiency with Agile or Lean UX methodologies and experience designing within sprint-based development workflows.
• Experience contributing to or leading the development of large-scale design system initiatives.
• Exposure to motion design principles and an understanding of how animation can enhance usability and brand expression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expert-level proficiency in Figma" alongside advanced prototyping tools highlights the technical demands. The requirement for a strong portfolio showing "strategic thinking, interaction craft, and measurable impact" is crucial. The distinction between "essential" and "desirable" skills provides clear guidance on candidate priorities.

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates end-to-end project ownership, emphasizing strategic thinking, sophisticated interaction craft, and a tangible record of measurable impact across a diverse range of projects.
• Case studies that detail the design process, from initial problem definition and user research insights through to the final implemented solution, highlighting key design decisions and their rationale.
• Demonstrations of complex interactive prototypes created in Figma or other advanced prototyping tools, showcasing intricate user flows, micro-interactions, and responsive behaviors.
• Examples of scalable design systems, component libraries, or pattern libraries designed for consistency and efficiency in large-scale digital products.
• Evidence of how user insights and testing findings were translated into actionable design improvements and strategic recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation within case studies illustrating the workflow design and optimization phase, including user journey mapping, wireframing, and prototyping stages.
• Examples of how processes for implementation and automation of design elements were managed, including collaboration with development teams and ensuring design fidelity.
• Demonstration of how designs were measured for performance and user satisfaction, utilizing analytics or user testing data to inform iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-weight UX/Interaction Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond visual polish to showcase strategic problem-solving, a deep understanding of interaction principles, and the ability to translate research into effective designs with demonstrable results. The focus on "end-to-end ownership" and "measurable impact" is key.

Salary Range: As this is a mid-weight role in a competitive London/Bristol market, a typical salary range for a Mid-Weight UX Designer with 3-5 years of experience would be approximately £45,000 - £65,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK, considering the agency environment and the specific skill set required.

• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for medical needs, providing peace of mind.
• BUPA Life Assurance: Financial security for dependents in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• Income Protection: Support to cover essential living costs if unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: A salary sacrifice scheme to purchase bicycles and cycling equipment, promoting health and sustainability.
• Tech & Wearables Scheme: Salary sacrifice options for purchasing the latest technology and wearable devices.
• Octopus EV Scheme: Opportunity to lease electric vehicles through a salary sacrifice program, aligning with environmental goals.
• Discounts and Deals: Access to a wide range of discounted services and products, including hotels, holidays, cinema tickets, gym memberships, and will writing.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically around 40 hours per week, common for full-time roles in the UK. The hybrid nature of the role offers flexibility, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical UK agency rates for this experience level and location. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, financial security, and lifestyle perks, including attractive salary sacrifice schemes.

Industry: The company operates within the creative, technology, and consulting sectors, focusing on blending data, technology, and creativity to deliver user-centered experiences and measurable business impact. They serve both public and private sector organizations.Company Size: With a presence in both London and Bristol and a focus on specialized teams (Creative Studio, Conversion, Customer Science, Experience, Performance), the company likely falls into the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) category, possibly ranging from 50-200 employees. This size often fosters a collaborative and agile environment.Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company's description suggests a modern, forward-thinking organization that has evolved to integrate data, tech, and creativity as a "united force."

Team Structure:

• The "Experience" team is a specialized unit within GAIN, likely comprising UX researchers, UX/Interaction designers, and potentially UI designers.
• The reporting structure involves reporting to a Lead UX Designer or Design Director, indicating a clear hierarchy for design leadership and mentorship.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working closely with UX researchers, visual designers, developers, and client stakeholders to ensure cohesive product development.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insight generation are core to their approach, fueling creativity and informing design decisions.
• Workflow planning and optimization are central to the UX design process, ensuring efficient and effective user journeys.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed to streamline design processes and tool usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company positions itself as an innovative agency that leverages data and technology. The "GAIN Experience" business unit suggests a structured approach to service delivery. The company size likely means a more intimate culture where individual contributions are highly visible.

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Mid-Weight," indicating a designer with 3-5 years of experience who is capable of taking ownership of projects, executing complex tasks independently, and beginning to mentor junior colleagues. They are expected to bridge the gap between strategic direction and detailed execution.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Lead UX Designer or Design Director. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, crucial for professional development and alignment with team standards.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to creating user-centered experiences that drive "measurable business impact" for clients. This includes improving conversion rates, enhancing user satisfaction, and ensuring complex digital products effectively solve real business problems.

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in interaction design, specialized areas like AI-enhanced interfaces, and advanced prototyping tools, with potential to lead design on more complex or regulated industry projects.
• Leadership Development: Progression from mentoring junior designers to potentially leading design sprints, client workshops, or even smaller project teams, with a path towards a Senior UX/Interaction Designer role.
• Strategic Influence: Growing influence on client strategy, contributing to new business pitches, and playing a role in shaping the company's internal design processes and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "GAIN Experience" unit and the reporting structure suggest a clear career path within the design discipline. The emphasis on mentoring and contributing to internal processes indicates a growth trajectory that extends beyond individual project contribution.

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, with potential for either Bristol or London as a base. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused individual work, complemented by remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Bristol, England, United Kingdom and London, England, United Kingdom. These are vibrant cities with strong creative and tech scenes.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model and focus on collaboration imply a workspace that supports cross-functional interaction and team synergy, essential for design sprints and workshops.
• Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma, ProtoPie, etc.) and potentially advanced prototyping software is expected, supporting high-quality design output.
• Opportunities for team interaction will likely include design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) with hybrid flexibility. This allows for structured workdays while accommodating personal needs and promoting work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a significant draw for many professionals. The description of the company as "creative-led" and "insight-driven" suggests an environment that values both creative output and analytical rigor.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skill alignment, and the quality of your design work. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrable end-to-end project ownership and strategic thinking.
• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You will likely be asked to present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through your process, explain design decisions, articulate the problem you solved, your approach, and the impact of your work. Focus on strategic rationale and craft.
• Skills Assessment/Workshop: This may involve a practical exercise, a design challenge, or a discussion simulating client interactions or problem-solving scenarios. It will assess your interaction design skills, strategic thinking, and ability to articulate rationale under pressure.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversations with team members and potentially senior leadership to assess your collaboration style, ability to mentor, and alignment with GAIN's values (curiosity, pushing boundaries, imagination, making it happen, putting people first).
• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your interaction design expertise, strategic problem-solving, and ability to deliver measurable impact. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the client's business problem, your role and responsibilities, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions made, challenges overcome, and the ultimate outcome or impact.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes (links are ideal), high-fidelity mockups, and any relevant data or metrics that demonstrate results.
• Highlight Interaction Craft: Demonstrate your understanding of micro-interactions, animations, and how they enhance usability and user delight.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data, metrics, or testimonials to prove the success of your designs.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, your rationale, alternative approaches you considered, and how you collaborated with others.
• Articulate Rationale: Be ready to explain your decisions, assumptions, and trade-offs clearly and concisely.
• Consider Constraints: Think about technical feasibility, business objectives, and user needs when developing your solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is clearly geared towards assessing practical design skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate effectively. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert-level proficiency is essential for interface design, component-based design systems, and creating complex interactive prototypes.
• Advanced Prototyping Tools: ProtoPie, Principle, or Framer are desirable for demonstrating sophisticated interaction behaviors, micro-interactions, and multi-step user journeys that go beyond Figma's native capabilities.
• Design System Tools: Experience with tools and methodologies for building and maintaining scalable design systems and component libraries.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Maze, UserTesting.com, or similar platforms for validating design decisions through user feedback and performance data.
• Behavioral Analytics Tools: Knowledge of platforms like Hotjar or Google Analytics to understand user behavior on digital products and identify areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for this role, an understanding of how UX design integrates with CRM systems and automation workflows within client projects would be beneficial, especially for B2B or enterprise platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma as "expert-level" is critical. The inclusion of advanced prototyping tools and analytics platforms highlights the need for a designer who can deliver sophisticated interactions and validate their work with data.

Operations Values:

• Constant Curiosity: A drive to critically analyze data, understand user behavior, and investigate problems to find effective solutions. This encourages a proactive and analytical approach to design challenges.
• Pushing Boundaries: Utilizing technology efficiently and proactively suggesting process improvements to enhance design output and client value. This fosters innovation and a forward-thinking mindset.
• The Power of Our Imagination: A commitment to creative problem-solving, going the extra mile to find the best approaches for clients and deliver impactful results. This emphasizes the blend of creativity and strategic execution.
• Making It Happen: A proactive attitude, taking responsibility for decisions and actions, and using sound judgment to drive projects forward and make a tangible difference. This values ownership and accountability.