Design Researcher (5979)

Leads future-focused research that translates cultural signals and human needs into actionable insights and innovation opportunities for next-gen products and experiences. RUN Studios, and its client partner, a large online retailer headquartered in Seattle, are seeking a Design Researcher to join for an approximate 6-month project with the potential to extend! We're looking for a researcher to help drive cultural and innovation research work streams. Our team's work helps our design and product partners situate emerging technologies within a deep understanding of enduring and emerging human needs, cultural trends, and broader systems (e.g., STEEP analysis). We identify the shifts and needs that will shape the future relationships people will have with technologies in the next 3–5 years and the opportunities for device and service innovation within them. As a Design Researcher, You Will Analyze primary qualitative and quantitative research data, turning that data into clear, compelling insights, recommendations, or other durable frameworks. Craft visually compelling, persuasive presentations with the insights using Figma, other visual design programs, or other AI platforms. Help socialize and activate the research and its impact within the organization through presentations, workshops, working sessions, or creative artifacts (e.g., speculative concepts, design briefs). Collaborate with product and design partners as needed to translate long-term insights and implications into near-term experiences and actions. Collaborate with research partners to learn from their existing research and knowledge and identify opportunities to extend the team's work into research questions or topics of exploration for product-line research roadmaps As an Applicant, You Bring 7+ years of experience in the field of research, with a focus on early, generative design research that informs long-term business strategy, ideally in the digital products and services industry. Experience translating and creatively activating insights via design principles, strategic frameworks, scenarios, design provocations, and immersion workshops. Working knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, with deep expertise in ethnographic, semiotic, co-design, and design research methods. Ability to travel internationally to conduct in-context, in-person research (e.g., home, workplace, office) as needed. A portfolio that illustrates how your research has informed strategic decision-making, with a focus on innovation initiatives. Excellent written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively across different audiences and varying levels of the organization. Strong design acumen and comfort working with AI and other design tools to create research outputs (e.g., Figma-based presentations, trend reports) and activation materials (e.g., scenarios, design prompt cards). Experience with emerging technologies (e.g., AI, XR) and multimodal device interaction (e.g., touch, voice, and mediated control) Additional Position Details Supervisory Responsibilities None. Physical Demands Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Work Environment Typical for an office setting or home environment. Remote. Travel None. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. At RUN Studios we recognize our ultimate success depends on our talented and dedicated workforce. We understand, value, and are grateful for the invaluable contributions made by each employee. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive program of evolving competitive benefits specifically designed to support the needs of our employees and their dependents. Compensation Pay Range: $58.75 - $81.75 (Hourly) The successful candidate’s pay will be based on various factors such as individual qualifications and work location. Benefits Benefits and perks may vary depending on location and nature of the work, but eligible employees have access to medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, other telehealth and wellness benefits, a minimum of seven paid holidays per year, accrual of at least 6.5 days (Temporary Employment) to at least 15 days (Regular Employment) of paid time off per year, a 401k plan with company match, discretionary bonuses dependent on company, team or individual performance, and referral bonuses for eligible hired referrals. As an equal opportunity employer, RUN Studios is committed to pay equity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.