Product Design Specialist

At Lancaster University, we’re reshaping how students and staff interact with our digital services, using research-driven, human-centred UX practices to design experiences that are accessible, intuitive and informed by genuine user insight.

We’re looking for a Product Design Specialist to join our Design & Innovation Team in Information Systems Services (ISS). In this role you’ll help uncover user insights through research, turn them into practical, user-centred design outcomes and contribute to services that truly work for the people who use them.

What you’ll do:

• Plan and carry out UX research, including interviews, usability testing and surveys, to understand staff and student behaviours, needs and challenges.
  
• Synthesise findings into actionable insights, helping shape priorities, problem definitions and user-centred solutions.
  
• Facilitate co-design sessions, workshops and feedback activities to explore and evaluate ideas collaboratively.
  
• Develop artefacts such as personas, journey maps, wireframes, mock-ups and prototypes to explore and communicate design approaches.
  
• Iterate designs through evidence-based testing and stakeholder feedback, ensuring they are both usable and inclusive.
  
• Ensure all designs meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2, PSBAR) and align with the University’s visual and brand guidelines.
  
• Collaborate with developers and colleagues across the digital ecosystem to bring ideas to life effectively and consistently.
  
• Contribute to an evolving design library / design system, UX principles and shared practices across the wider digital community.

Who we’re looking for:
We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have experience in designing user-centred digital services, particularly through UX research and prototyping.
  
• Confidence conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research and synthesising insights into clear, evidence-based design decisions.
  
• Proficiency with design and collaboration tools such as Figma, FigJam, Miro, or similar.
  
• Have a solid grasp of accessibility, inclusive design and interaction best practices.
  
• Have good communication skills, with the ability to present and explain your work to a range of audiences.
  
• Are committed to collaborative design; open to critical feedback, discussion and iteration as part of a cross-functional team.
  
• Work closely with users, developers, product teams and stakeholders - not just to share ideas, but to co-create, iterate and deliver solutions that meet real needs.
  
• Are open-minded and approach problems with curiosity, not fixed opinions.
  
• Value evidence over instinct and enjoy translating user research into design decisions.
  
• Work transparently and communicate clearly, sharing ideas early, listening to feedback and iterating together.
  
  Why join us at Lancaster University?
  This role is part of a collaborative, human-centred team where research, discussion and feedback shape the work - not personal preference or opinion. You’ll be part of a supportive, research-led team that’s improving digital services across a complex, meaningful environment. This is a chance to apply your UX expertise where it really matters; enhancing everyday experiences for thousands of students and staff and contributing to the future of digital in Higher Education.
  
  Location and flexibility:
  The role is based at Lancaster University’s Bailrigg campus, with flexible hybrid working arrangements. We expect team members to be on campus for at least two days a week.