Senior Product Designer

The Design Project; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mission-driven AI company in Bristol seeks a Senior Product Designer to lead product design efforts and impact user experience significantly. This role emphasizes user research and design for neurodivergent individuals, driving KPIs for an AI platform related to ADHD and Autism support. The position requires 5-10 years of relevant experience with strong competencies in behavioural psychology and product design strategy. An excellent command of Figma is essential, contributing to impactful user experiences in both mobile and web environments.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Wellbeing support

Professional coaching

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of senior product design experience with a proven track record.
• Expertise in designing for mobile applications on iOS and Android.
• Experience conducting user interviews and usability testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead product design function and influence product strategy.
• Own subscription and retention KPIs for the AI platform.
• Conduct user research and design user interfaces that are accessible.

Skills

Behavioural psychology understanding

End-to-end product design

User research methodologies

Mobile application design

Proficiency in Figma

Education

Background in psychology or human-computer interaction

Tools

Figma

User research platforms

Product analytics tools

Job description

Senior Product Designer - Mission Driven AI Startup

Spicy Minds Ltd

Full_time

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Mission Driven AI StartupCompany: Spicy Minds LtdLocation: Bristol, England, United KingdomJob Type: FULL_TIMECategory: Product Design / User Experience (UX/UI)Date Posted: 2026-01-22Experience Level: 5-10 YearsRemote Status: Hybrid (2+ days in office)

• Lead the entire product design function, directly influencing product strategy and user experience for a mission-driven AI startup.
• Drive key business outcomes by owning subscription and retention KPIs for an AI platform focused on ADHD & Autism support.
• Conduct rigorous continuous discovery processes, including user interviews, diary studies, and usability testing, with neurodivergent individuals and relevant organizations.
• Design and deliver pixel-perfect, accessible mobile (iOS & Android) and desktop (web) user interfaces and experiences, ensuring adherence to WCAG AA standards.
• Manage and evolve the company's design system, component library, and brand book to ensure consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on Product Design, the emphasis on KPIs, user research, and evidence-based support suggests a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) operations and customer lifecycle management. The role requires a blend of creative design, analytical rigor, and strategic thinking, common in advanced operations roles that bridge product and market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and drive key subscription and retention Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the AI support platform.
• Execute a comprehensive Continuous Discovery framework, conducting 3+ user interviews weekly, diary studies, usability testing, and analyzing session replays and product analytics.
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative research data into actionable insights to inform product strategy and development.
• Design end-to-end product experiences, focusing on user flow optimization and intuitive user journey mapping.
• Develop high-fidelity, accessible User Interface (UI) designs for both mobile applications (iOS & Android) and desktop web experiences.
• Maintain and expand the company's design system, component library, and brand guidelines to ensure brand consistency and design scalability.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and Tech Lead to shape product strategy and roadmap based on user needs and business objectives.
• Define and document clear acceptance criteria for engineering teams to ensure accurate implementation of design specifications.
• Run experiments to validate product assumptions across desirability, usability, feasibility, business viability, and ethical considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in the entire product lifecycle, from initial discovery through to shipped products and ongoing optimization. This level of ownership over KPIs and user research is characteristic of senior roles that directly impact revenue and customer success, aligning closely with GTM operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of behavioural psychology is a must, suggesting a preference for candidates with backgrounds that include psychology, human-computer interaction, or related fields.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of senior product design experience, with a proven track record of taking products from user research through to successful market launch.

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding of behavioural psychology principles and their application in product design.
• Extensive experience in end-to-end product design, encompassing user research, UX/UI design, and product strategy.
• Proven expertise in conducting user research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, usability testing, diary studies, and session replay analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in designing for mobile applications on both iOS and Android platforms.
• Expert proficiency in Figma, including experience with design systems, component libraries, advanced prototyping, and pixel-perfect UI design.
• Ability to thrive and deliver effectively in ambiguous, early-stage startup environments, working autonomously.
• Experience in synthesizing complex research data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the healthcare or regulated industry, such as medical devices or digital health.
• Expertise in accessibility standards (WCAG AA) and designing for neurodivergent users, particularly in stressed or complex situations.
• Previous experience working in a startup environment, understanding the pace and challenges.
• Familiarity with Continuous Discovery frameworks and their practical application.
• Experience designing products that incorporate AI or Large Language Models (LLMs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "senior product design experience with strong portfolio (user research → shipped products)" indicates a need for candidates who can demonstrate a complete product development lifecycle within their portfolio, a key differentiator for roles that bridge design and GTM impact.

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a clear progression from initial user research and problem definition to shipped, impactful products.
• Case studies demonstrating experience in driving key metrics such as subscription growth and customer retention.
• Examples of user research methodologies applied, including how insights were synthesized and translated into design solutions.
• Demonstrations of mobile app (iOS/Android) and web interface design, highlighting user flow and UI execution.
• Evidence of proficiency in Figma, specifically showcasing the creation and management of design systems, component libraries, and advanced prototyping.

Process Documentation:

• Clear documentation of the user research process, from planning and recruitment to synthesis and insight generation.
• Workflow examples illustrating how user needs and business requirements were balanced during the design process.
• Demonstrations of how design decisions were validated through experimentation and testing.
• Documentation of how design systems and brand guidelines were managed and evolved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "user research → shipped products" within the portfolio requirement is crucial. For operations-minded candidates, this means showcasing not just design aesthetics but also the strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and measurable impact that drove the product's success and contributed to business objectives.

Salary Range: Based on the Senior Product Designer role, hybrid work arrangement, and location in Bristol, UK, a competitive salary range would typically fall between £55,000 - £80,000 per annum. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for senior design roles in the UK tech sector, considering the early-stage startup context and the required specialized skills.

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, providing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.
• Comprehensive wellbeing support, including resources and programs to support mental and physical health.
• Professional coaching services to aid in personal and career development.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development, including training, workshops, and potential conference attendance.
• Support for obtaining a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Working Hours: Full-time or fractional role with flexible working hours around core office hours of 9 AM to 3 PM. This offers a blend of structure and autonomy, allowing operations professionals to manage their workflows effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on market data for senior-level design roles in the UK, particularly in tech hubs like Bristol, and factoring in the specific responsibilities and the "mission-driven" aspect which can sometimes influence compensation. The flexible working hours are a key benefit for operations professionals who often need to balance deep work with collaborative sessions.

Industry: Technology (AI), Healthcare (Mental Health Support), Social Services. The company operates at the intersection of cutting-edge AI technology and critical social needs, aiming to provide immediate, evidence-based support for individuals with ADHD and Autism.

Company Size: Early-stage startup. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individuals have significant influence and the opportunity to shape processes and culture. For operations professionals, this means a high degree of autonomy, direct impact, and the need for adaptability.

Founded: The company is a relatively new entity, indicated by its early-stage startup status and the mention of "Sylva" (current platform) and "Hazel" (earlier prototype), suggesting a journey of iterative development and market validation.

Team Structure:

• The immediate team will be small and highly collaborative, consisting of the CEO, Tech Lead, and the Senior Product Designer.
• This structure demands close cross-functional partnership and direct communication, typical of lean startup operations.
• The designer will be instrumental in bridging the gap between user needs, business strategy, and technical implementation.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on continuous discovery, user research, and analytics to inform product strategy and design. Operations professionals will find a culture that values empirical evidence.
• Agile & Iterative Development: The startup environment and focus on experimentation suggest an agile approach to product development and process refinement.
• User-Centric Design: A core tenet of the company's mission is to provide a "lifeline," indicating a strong focus on understanding and serving the needs of neurodivergent individuals and their families.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to support individuals with ADHD and Autism is a significant cultural driver. Operations professionals joining Spicy Minds will likely be motivated by social impact, requiring a blend of business acumen and a genuine commitment to the user base.

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior-level individual contributor position, offering significant autonomy and strategic influence. It is a pivotal role in an early-stage company, providing a unique opportunity to build and scale the design function from the ground up. For those looking to transition from specialized design roles into more strategic, GTM-adjacent positions, this role offers a strong foundation in product strategy and user-centric business impact.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report directly to the CEO and work in close partnership with the Tech Lead. This direct line of communication allows for rapid decision-making and strategic alignment, crucial in a startup environment.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and profound. By owning subscription and retention KPIs, the designer's work will directly influence the company's revenue generation and long-term sustainability. The focus on user research and product experience ensures that the platform effectively meets user needs, driving adoption, engagement, and ultimately, mission success.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to build and lead the design team as the company scales.
• Strategic Influence: Contribute directly to product strategy, roadmap planning, and overall business direction.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI product design, accessibility for neurodivergent users, and continuous discovery methodologies.
• Impactful Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families.
• Startup Equity: Potential for equity participation, aligning personal growth with company success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "owner" mentality required for this role is highly valuable for operations professionals. It fosters a sense of accountability for business outcomes beyond just design execution, preparing individuals for broader leadership roles in GTM or product operations.

Office Type: The company operates a hybrid model, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week in their Bristol office. This suggests a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate team interaction, brainstorming, and focused work.

Office Location(s): Bristol, England, United Kingdom. The office provides a central hub for the team to connect, collaborate, and engage in focused work sessions, balancing the benefits of in-person interaction with the flexibility of remote work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Bristol office serves as a nexus for team synergy, allowing for spontaneous idea generation and problem-solving sessions.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to modern design tools and potentially other technologies supporting AI development and user research.
• Direct Team Interaction: The hybrid model ensures regular opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with the CEO, Tech Lead, and potentially other early team members, fostering strong working relationships.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are available around core office hours (9 AM - 3 PM). This flexibility is ideal for operations professionals who often need to manage deep work sessions, client interactions, and team meetings efficiently. The hybrid setup allows for optimal time management between focused individual tasks and collaborative team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on core office hours (9-3) is a practical consideration for hybrid environments. Operations professionals should consider how this structure supports their workflow for collaborative sessions, stakeholder meetings, and critical analysis tasks.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess alignment with required skills and experience.
• Portfolio Deep Dive: A detailed review of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate user research, impact on KPIs (subscription, retention), and the end-to-end design process. Expect to discuss design decisions, challenges, and outcomes.
• User Research & Strategy Session: An interview focusing on the candidate's approach to continuous discovery, user research methodologies, and how they translate insights into product strategy. This may involve discussing hypothetical scenarios or past projects.
• Technical & Behavioral Interview: Assessment of Figma proficiency, understanding of behavioural psychology, accessibility expertise, and ability to thrive in an early-stage, ambiguous environment.
• Final Interview: Conversation with the CEO and Tech Lead to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall vision for the role and company.
• Highlight Impact: Clearly articulate the business impact of your design work, specifically linking it to subscription growth, retention, or other relevant KPIs. Quantify results wherever possible.
• Showcase Process: Detail your end-to-end design process, from problem identification and user research to solution design, testing, and iteration. Explain why you made certain decisions.
• Demonstrate Research Rigor: Provide specific examples of user research conducted, including methodologies used, participant profiles, and how insights were synthesized and acted upon.
• Emphasize Accessibility: If applicable, showcase your expertise in designing for accessibility, particularly for neurodivergent users.
• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your design system, component library, and advanced Figma features.
• Hypothetical Design Challenge: You may be asked to tackle a design problem relevant to the company's mission, requiring you to outline your research approach, potential solutions, and how you would test them.
• Strategy Discussion: Be ready to discuss your thoughts on product strategy, user acquisition, and retention within the context of a mission-driven AI startup.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to work autonomously, handle ambiguity, collaborate effectively, and your understanding of behavioural psychology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "subscription and retention KPIs" in the responsibilities means candidates should actively highlight portfolio examples that demonstrate their contribution to these specific business metrics. This is a critical differentiator for operations-minded candidates.

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all aspects of UI/UX design, including wireframing, prototyping, design systems, and collaborative workflows. Expert-level proficiency is required.
• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting interviews, usability testing, diary studies, and analyzing user behavior (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar, Amplitude, Mixpanel).
• Design System Management Tools: Integrated within Figma or specialized platforms for managing components and style guides.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: For tracking user behavior, engagement, and conversion funnels (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics). The role requires synthesizing data from these sources.
• Session Replay Tools: For understanding user interactions and identifying usability issues (e.g., Hotjar, FullStory).

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for the designer, an understanding of how design impacts CRM data and user automation workflows within the product would be beneficial. Familiarity with how design elements can influence conversion rates and customer journey automation is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding how design tools integrate with broader GTM and customer success platforms (like CRMs and marketing automation) is a significant advantage. Highlighting experience with tools that provide user behavior analytics and feedback loops is key.

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A deep commitment to the company's purpose of supporting individuals with ADHD and Autism. Operations professionals should align with this social impact goal.
• Data-Informed & User-Centric: Decisions are driven by user research, behavioural psychology, and measurable data, ensuring the product is both effective and user-friendly.
• Autonomy & Ownership: Employees are empowered to take ownership of their work, drive initiatives, and operate with a high degree of independence.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close partnership with leadership (CEO, Tech Lead) are expected.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Thriving in an early-stage startup environment requires flexibility, a proactive approach to challenges, and the ability to pivot quickly.
• Close Partnership: Direct and frequent collaboration with the CEO and Tech Lead on product strategy, user insights, and design execution.
• Cross-Functional Integration: While the immediate team is small, the role implies close interaction with potential future engineers, researchers, and marketing/support functions, requiring clear communication and shared understanding.
• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in both product and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding how the company's values translate into daily workflows—particularly regarding data analysis, process optimization, and user feedback loops—is essential for cultural fit and long-term success.

• Ambiguity in Early Stage: Navigating the inherent uncertainties of an early-stage startup, including evolving priorities and undefined processes. Operations professionals can leverage their process-building skills here.
• Balancing Mission and Business: Ensuring the product is both deeply supportive of its user base and commercially viable (achieving subscription and retention goals).
• Design System Scalability: Building and maintaining a robust design system that can scale with the product and company growth.
• Ethical AI Design: Designing with AI responsibly, ensuring fairness, transparency, and ethical considerations are paramount, especially for a vulnerable user group.
• AI Product Design: Gaining specialized experience in designing for AI-powered products.
• Accessibility Expertise: Deepening knowledge in designing for neurodivergent users and adhering to stringent accessibility standards.
• Continuous Discovery Mastery: Becoming an expert in cutting-edge user research and validation methodologies.
• Startup Leadership: Developing strategic thinking, business acumen, and leadership skills within a high-growth environment.
• Impactful Career: Contributing to a product that provides a vital service and improves lives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals can frame their interest in these challenges by highlighting how their skills in process optimization, data analysis, and strategic planning can contribute to mitigating risks and driving successful outcomes in these areas.

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building a product strategy for a new feature aimed at increasing user retention for our ADHD/Autism support app?" (Focus on research, KPIs, and iterative design).
• "Describe your process for conducting continuous discovery. What are the key metrics you track, and how do you prioritize user feedback?" (Demonstrate structured research and insight synthesis).
• "How would you ensure our product's UI/UX is accessible and supportive for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those experiencing stress or cognitive overload?" (Highlight accessibility knowledge and empathy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you drawn to our mission of supporting individuals with ADHD and Autism?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the social impact).
• "How do you approach working autonomously and managing ambiguity in a startup environment?" (Provide examples of self-direction and problem-solving).
• "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with business objectives or technical constraints. How did you navigate it?" (Show strategic thinking and compromise).
• Start with the 'Why': Begin each case study by explaining the problem and the target user, setting the context for your work.
• Quantify Impact: Present metrics clearly, showcasing how your design decisions influenced subscription rates, user engagement, retention, or other relevant KPIs.
• Detail Your Process: Walk through your user research, ideation, design, and testing phases, explaining your rationale at each step.
• Highlight Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with stakeholders (CEO, Tech Lead, engineers) and incorporated their feedback.
• Address Challenges: Be transparent about any challenges faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused candidates, framing portfolio presentations around the business impact and process efficiency of their design work will resonate strongly. Connecting design decisions to measurable outcomes like conversion rates and customer lifetime value is key.

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best showcase your end-to-end product design process, user research rigor, and demonstrable impact on business metrics (especially subscription and retention KPIs). Tailor the descriptions to highlight your understanding of behavioural psychology and accessibility.
• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key skills (Figma, user research, mobile design, behavioural psychology), and achievements, using keywords from the job description. Quantify accomplishments wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, your approach to continuous discovery, and your passion for the company's mission. Be ready to discuss your portfolio items in detail and answer strategic questions about product development and user experience.
• Research Spicy Minds Ltd: Understand their mission, target audience, and the specific challenges of providing AI-driven support for ADHD and Autism. Consider how your design expertise can uniquely contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have a solid understanding of behavioural psychology and senior product design experience with a strong portfolio. Experience in user research, mobile app design, and expert skills in Figma are essential.

Annual Leave, Wellbeing Support, Professional Coaching, Professional Development