Design Researcher Job at i3 Product Development in Middleton

Overview

Join to apply for the Design Researcher role at i3 Product Development.

Are you passionate about human-centered design and uncovering insights that drive meaningful innovation? i3 Product Development is seeking a Design Researcher to lead strategic research efforts across a diverse range of industries—from med tech to agriculture to consumer goods.

Join our multidisciplinary team of designers and engineers working on 100+ projects annually. With in-house prototyping, rapid iteration cycles, and a deep commitment to collaboration, every day offers something new.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive design research initiatives that align business objectives with user needs.
• Plan and conduct qualitative and quantitative research including interviews, surveys, field studies, and usability tests.
• Translate insights into actionable design strategies and product opportunities.
• Run design thinking and ideation sessions to foster collaboration, create clarity, & drive decision making.
• Perform competitive and comparative analysis to identify market trends and opportunities.
• Collaborate with UI/UX designers, industrial designers, engineers, and product teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Create test plans that validate ideas with users and stakeholders.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly through storytelling, documentation, and client-facing presentations.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of design research or strategic design experience, preferably in a consultancy or fast-paced product development environment.
• A portfolio demonstrating research leadership and the ability to translate human insight into business and design outcomes.
• Mastery of research planning, facilitation, and synthesis methods (qual and quant).
• Proficiency in design thinking frameworks and workshop facilitation.
• Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills; confident presenter to both internal teams and clients.
• Familiarity with product development, business strategy, and innovation practices.
• Experience managing or mentoring team members and leading concurrent projects.

Why Join i3?

• Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with diverse projects and tangible outcomes.
• Be part of a tight-knit team that values creativity, curiosity, and execution.
• Enjoy robust benefits including:
  • $0 deductible health insurance with low premiums
  • 401(k) with up to 6% match
  • Employee stock purchase program
  • Company-paid disability and life insurance
  • Paid holidays, PTO, and charitable match programs

Ready to Discover What’s Next?

If you’re driven to uncover insights that fuel innovation and love bringing clarity to complexity, we’d love to meet you.