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."