Design Researcher Job at i3 Product Development in Middleton

Design Researcher

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 industriesfrom 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.

What You'll Do

• 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, and 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.

What You Bring

• 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

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