UI/UX Designer Contract Position

Product Development

Reports to Head of Product

9 Dots is an educational technology non-profit aiming to provide K-6 students from Title I elementary schools with the opportunity to engage in a transformative computer science (CS) education. We are especially committed to creating empowering CS experiences for our female, Latinx, Black, and low-income students. We create learning environments that engage every student, foster joy, and promote fearlessness in problem-solving. And we build sustainably by providing teachers with the support and tools they need to lead exceptional computer science learning experiences.

As a UI/UX designer, you will play a crucial role in shaping the user experience and visual design of our interactive learning platform and game-based lessons. Our vision is a learning platform that seamlessly allows teachers to take students on immersive learning experiences. As you design, you will explore the needs and challenges faced by public school teachers and students. Your work will center on crafting and refining user interfaces and experiences that make educational tools accessible and enjoyable to use. By focusing on simplicity, clarity, and joy, you aim to transform the daily interactions teachers have with our platform into positive and empowering experiences.

Responsibilities

User Research & Testing: Conduct user research to gather insights into user needs and behaviors. Perform usability testing to validate design concepts and iterate based on feedback. Collaborate with other 9 Dots researchers to gain valuable insights.
Design & Prototyping: Design both low- and high-fidelity mockups and prototypes for mobile, and web applications, integrating the visual appeal of UI and the functional aspect of UX into the design process.
Collaboration: Work closely with the creative director, product leads, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure a cohesive vision and execution of product design from concept to implementation. Ensure efficient and clear communication with the rest of the team pertaining to design decisions.
User-Centered Design Advocacy: Advocate for user-centered design principles and methodologies across the team, ensuring that user experience considerations are integrated into all stages of the project lifecycle.
Visual & Interaction Design: Develop and maintain visual design guidelines, including typography, color schemes, and design patterns. Create wireframes, storyboards, user flows, and site maps to communicate interaction and design ideas.
Feedback & Iteration: Incorporate feedback from user testing and stakeholder reviews into design improvements. Be adaptive and responsive to changing project priorities and user needs.
Practicing Continuous Improvement: Stay current with the latest UI/UX trends, tools, and technologies to continually improve design processes and outputs.

Requirements

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in UI design, UX research, or related fields. Equivalent experience in digital product design, interaction design, graphic design, or other areas closely related to UI/UX is also highly valued. We encourage candidates with diverse professional backgrounds who demonstrate a strong portfolio and a user-centered design approach to apply.
Design Tools Proficiency: High proficiency in visual design and wire-framing tools (e.g., Balsamiq, Figma).
Understanding of Web Technologies: Basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. While not primarily a coding role, familiarity with these technologies is beneficial for effective communication with the development team.
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and to articulate design concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Adaptability: The ability to manage multiple projects and remain flexible through multiple revisions while paying keen attention to detail.
Has transportation public or personal

Bonus Qualifications

Experience in designing for kids in K-12.
Experience in conducting user research and usability testing, with the ability to translate findings into design decisions.
Experience with designing UI for web-based video games.
Has an informed perspective with the student population we serve and/or the teachers we support.

Start Date: Ideally the candidate is able to start late April although we are willing to be flexible

Location: Los Angeles, CA / Hybrid

This role will be required to be present on-site for crucial activities, such as conducting user testing sessions with teachers and students, to directly observe, interact, and gather valuable insights. Outside of these key in-person engagements, the candidate will have the flexibility to work remotely,

Contract Benefits

Competitive hourly industry compensation
Professional Development reimbursement
Experience within a nimble and rapidly growing organization
Open and collaborative environment

To apply:

We are now accepting applications. Use this form to apply.
If you have any questions, please contact the hiring manager at recruiting@9dots.org.

9 Dots is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the California Consumer Reporting Agencies Act and Los Angeles’s Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

9 Dots encourages all applicants to apply and seeks to hire qualified staff who reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We define diversity in broad terms to include race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, geography, socio-economic status and other unique attributes that make us who we are.

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UI/UX Designer Contract Position