Job Title: Senior Research Assistant (Senior Lead Design Innovator) in the Design Innovation team of SUTD

Position Summary:

As a Senior Lead Design Innovator, you will be a key leader in driving creative and forward-thinking design solutions. You will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing innovative design strategies that align to the Team's vision, brand, and objectives. Leveraging your extensive experience and expertise in design, you will lead the team and collaborate with stakeholders to create impactful products, services, and experiences.

Key components of the job are design competencies, in particular those involving users, user needs, conceptual design, prototyping, industrial design, analytical design, digital design, data-driven design, and user validation, and the ability to liaise with internal and external partners and stakeholders on a regular basis.

You will be leading the Design Innovation team and are expected to contribute to its vision, aims and programs - Design Education, Design Guidance, and Design Incubation – as well as design research, with an emphasis on Design Guidance. You are also expected to participate in SUTD events, support the organization, and support the work of other members of the DI team, as and when required.

If you imagine and dream of an employment opportunity with empathy, creativity, mindfulness, inclusivity, passion, autonomy, daring, and excellence in outcomes at its heart and soul, then this is the opportunity for you.  Its realization depends on your willingness to embrace and grow boundlessly within these characteristics and mindsets.

Responsibilities:

Design Strategy and Leadership:

• Develop and communicate a clear design vision that aligns with the organization's overall strategic goals.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers and creative professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Stay updated with design trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to conceptualize and create groundbreaking products and services.

Training Program/Projects Delivery and Development:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to design, develop, and enhance comprehensive design thinking and innovation training programs tailored to various levels and functions within the organization.
• Lead engaging and interactive workshops and training sessions to teach design thinking concepts, techniques, and tools.
• Continuously evaluate and improve training materials, exercises, and case studies to ensure the content remains relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship to individuals and teams, guiding them through design thinking projects and helping them apply the principles effectively.

Business Development:

Effectively communicate design concepts, strategies, and outcomes and articulate the value of design innovations in business terms and its impact on user satisfaction and company success to stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 8 years of practical design experience in areas of relevance to Design Innovation.
• Proven track record of leading successful design projects and delivering impactful solutions.
• Able to work to strict deadlines, apply a user-centred design approach with rigor, deliver high quality studies, concepts and prototypes, and work on multiple projects in parallel.
• Strong understanding of design thinking principles and user experience methodologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at various levels of the organization.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a passion for exploring new ideas and technologies.