About Company
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a large, dynamic university based in Preston, Lancashire, with a global reach. Committed to delivering academic excellence and research that makes a real difference to the lives of people, communities, and economies, UCLan serves over 30,000 students and staff. We pride ourselves on our innovative approach to education and our vibrant, inclusive community. Our digital teams are at the forefront of enhancing user experiences across all our platforms, from student portals and learning environments to public-facing websites and internal systems, ensuring accessibility, usability, and engaging design for all stakeholders.
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Job Description
Are you a creative and empathetic UI/UX Designer passionate about crafting intuitive and visually stunning digital experiences? UCLan is seeking a talented UI/UX Designer to join our expanding Digital Services team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in shaping the user journeys and interface designs for a wide array of digital products and services that impact students, staff, and external partners. You will work within a collaborative, agile environment, translating complex requirements into elegant, user-centred solutions.
This role demands a blend of strong aesthetic sensibilities, a deep understanding of user behaviour, and technical proficiency in design tools. You’ll be involved in every stage of the design process, from initial research and ideation to wireframing, prototyping, and user testing, ensuring that our digital touchpoints are not only functional but also delightful to use. We are looking for someone who thrives on problem-solving, is eager to advocate for the user, and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and design excellence. Join us in making a significant impact on the university’s digital landscape, contributing to a modern, accessible, and engaging experience for everyone interacting with UCLan. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your design expertise within a meaningful and diverse institutional context.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to deeply understand user needs, behaviours, and pain points.
- Develop detailed user personas, user flows, journey maps, and information architecture diagrams to define optimal user experiences.
- Create wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for various digital platforms, including responsive web interfaces, mobile applications, and internal systems.
- Design and maintain a consistent design system and style guide in close collaboration with development teams and other designers.
- Translate complex functional and business requirements into intuitive, engaging, and accessible user interfaces.
- Collaborate closely with product owners, project managers, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the entire product development lifecycle.
- Present design concepts, research findings, and rationale to internal teams and stakeholders, gathering constructive feedback.
- Iterate on designs based on user feedback, analytical data, accessibility audits, and evolving business objectives.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest UI/UX trends, tools, methodologies, and best practices to continually enhance our design approach.
- Act as an advocate for user-centred design principles and best practices within the organisation.
- Participate in design critiques and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the design team.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in leading design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP).
- A strong online portfolio showcasing UI/UX design experience across a range of projects and platforms.
- Demonstrable understanding of user-centred design principles, information architecture, and usability best practices.
- Solid experience with various user research methodologies and practical usability testing.
- Excellent visual design skills with a keen eye for detail, typography, colour theory, and layout.
- Ability to create clear, concise, and comprehensive design documentation.
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively.
- Proven experience working effectively within an Agile/Scrum development environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field.
- Experience designing for accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) and an understanding of inclusive design principles.
- Familiarity with front-end development technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to understand design feasibility and limitations.
- Experience with motion design, animation, and micro-interactions to enhance user engagement.
- Previous experience working within the education sector or a large public sector organisation.
Perks & Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement, including bank holidays and closure days.
- Defined-benefit pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
- Extensive access to professional development and training opportunities to support career growth.
- Flexible working options, including a hybrid work model, to support work-life balance.
- Comprehensive employee assistance program and wellbeing support services.
- Access to on-site facilities including cafes, restaurants, a modern sports centre, and a vast library.
- Attractive discount schemes with local and national retailers and service providers.
- A vibrant, diverse, and inclusive campus environment fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Opportunity to make a tangible impact on the educational experience of thousands of students and staff.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV, a detailed cover letter outlining their suitability for the role, and a link to their online portfolio showcasing relevant UI/UX design projects. Please click on the application link below to apply directly through the University of Central Lancashire’s official careers portal. Ensure your portfolio effectively demonstrates your process and impact.
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