DESIGN RESEARCHER

Essential is a leading innovation and design consultancy located in Boston, helping clients to develop physical products, digital experiences, and new services. We are seeking Design Researchers to join our Innovation Strategy group, working in a collaborative studio environment, to practice design thinking through inventive data gathering, thoughtful analysis, and insightful recommendations.

As a part of the team, you will work in a diverse group that interprets user needs, defines new opportunities, visualizes future scenarios, and develops compelling products and services. This individual will work closely amongst other researchers, product designers, engineers, and UX designers, as well as client teams, to engage users in strategic and creative problem-solving.

The ideal candidate is proactive and curious, with a passion for making things better. This role requires the ability to develop original research programs including project scoping, implementation, analysis, and delivery of meaningful outcomes to project teams. Program goals range from front-end exploratory outcomes, to setting strategic direction, to concept and usability assessments.

SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS

• assisting in identifying research goals and developing research protocols and test stimuli
• coordinating research activities (scheduling, recruitment, vendor negotiations)
• developing research plans such as discussion guides, co-creation toolkits, workshop activities, etc.
• active data gathering and support in dedicated facilities or in contexts-of-use (industrial sites, homes, hospitals, etc.)
• conducting interviews, workshops, site visits, and focus groups
• organizing raw, incoming information for in-depth analysis
• analyzing and structuring primary data to build descriptive frameworks
• data processing (data tagging/coding, video editing, etc.)
• writing; synthesis of findings
• interacting with client teams
• authoring and defending client deliverables
• presenting study findings, insights, and opportunities
• identifying design implications, developing recommendations, and brainstorming solutions

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• degree in social or cognitive sciences, human factors, design planning, or related field
• strong verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to create and deliver compelling, succinct presentations
• self-starter with attention to detail; ability to work flexibly, collaboratively, and independently
• enthusiastic, positive attitude with dedication to high-quality work
• strategic and conceptual thinker able to communicate unique ideas
• working with small teams, taking on tasks above and below one's experience level
• willingness to travel intermittently
• eagerness to advance research skills, strategic thinking, and consulting expertise
• understanding and developing conceptual models and descriptive frameworks
• life-long learner interested to engage with the broader innovation and design community

CONTACT US

Please send a resume with link to online portfolio and/or PDF with project samples, plus an introductory cover letter (not more than one page) giving us a sense for your professional goals and why you might be a fit with the role. We look forward to hearing from you. Please include “Design Researcher” in the subject line of your e-mail. No phone calls, please.

MORE ABOUT US

Essential has developed an award-winning portfolio in collaboration with clients from consumer, commercial, and healthcare domains, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500s. Our work bridges physical and digital products and services; our team thinks holistically about user experiences. A cross-section of our work can be seen here: http://essentialdesign.com/case-studies/. Our studio, located downtown, is a friendly and casual atmosphere with convenient access to public transit.