Design Research Lead

Design Research Lead

We are looking for a Design Research Lead, interested in shaping, crafting and engaging in research activities across multiple programs in one of IDEO’s fastest growing studios. This role is dedicated to large-scale client relationships and strategic programs in the media, entertainment, and technology space. Our team is positioned as a Strategic Growth partner for a leading brand in the creative entertainment & technology space and we are looking for a leader who is interested in learning about the future of the digital media landscape but also helping to shape it through innovation strategy.

This Design Research Lead will guide our teams and clients through developing insights that inform, inspire, and fuel great design work. This role will report to one of our North American Studios and requires heavy collaboration with clients in both Pacific & Japan time zones. IDEO proudly supports flexible work, proximity to IDEO SF or ChIDEO is a bonus but not required (we have space, people and snacks there.)

Travel to one of our studios for periodic in-person collaboration will be expected.

IDEO creates impact through design, creating outcomes for our clients that are desirable, viable, feasible, and responsible. Design Researchers help our teams and clients understand the lives of everyday people and culture to inform interdisciplinary teams. They treat research as a medium to discover, create, interpret, and communicate opportunities in an inspiring way, while contributing to all phases of the design process.

Design Researchers at IDEO must think expansively and creatively about what kind of research is needed at different phases of the process; create compelling plans; contribute to creating prototypes; execute research; synthesize into opportunities, concepts, and strategies; and guide emotionally resonant storytelling. They are empathic, curious, and humble as they bring design teams and organizations closer to people’s lives.

• Lead interdisciplinary project teams who have different design backgrounds
• Develop cutting edge research plans tailored to each unique set of project outcomes and run the gamut from individual/group behaviors to broad cultural patterns
• Execute a wide variety of research methods and guide interdisciplinary teams in that process
• Lead teams through analysis and synthesis of findings in order to develop actionable, grounded insights
• Direct human-centered strategy and storytelling that stays grounded in the outcomes of design research
• Contribute to prototypes and design concepts at all stages of the project: from early “sacrificial” ideas to more detail design work

• Direct experience developing products, services, and experiences in digital media and entertainment, specifically in gaming, interactive entertainment, and emerging technologies
• Have an understanding of how entertainment businesses work (how value flow through a complex system) and interest in media consumption trends and consumer behavior
• Direct experience conducting research with a variety of fandoms / fan communities
• Have 5-7 years of design/UX research, writing, or adjacent career experiences (e.g. journalism, content strategy, interaction design), or relevant lived experiences
• Depth in all qualitative methods, including ethnographic observation, interviews, diary studies, prototyping, etc.
• Are comfortable and conversant in best practices for quantitative methods, such as social media analysis, surveys, analytics, A/B or multivariate testing, and are eager to learn more.
• Have global research experience working with diverse communities both domestically and internationally.
• Have played a hands-on role in helping turn insights into tangible products other designed outcomes (we’re looking for more than decks and research reports)
• Have knowledge of, and experience with, inclusive research practices
• Have exceptional written communication and storytelling skills, especially to clients unfamiliar with design research. Fluency in multiple media for storytelling is a bonus
• Have a point of view on the role of new AI technologies…