Senior UX Researcher, Retail Hardware

Job Description

At Shopify, we care deeply about making commerce better for everyone. This mission began when our founders started an online business selling snowboards. Existing software was expensive and so hard to use that it made their dream of entrepreneurship feel impossible. So they changed their focus and started developing Shopify to enable anyone with something to sell to easily start, run, and grow their business. Today, Shopify empowers more than 1 million merchants from all over the world to succeed at entrepreneurship. Our mission is ambitious and we're looking for great people to join us. 🚀 About the UX Research team The UX Research team guides and informs the company towards designing and building better products and experiences for people using a variety of research methods. Researchers work with teams to incorporate people-centric thinking from problem definition to post-launch iteration. We ask thoughtful research questions, conduct contextual research, frame problems, synthesize insights, evaluate concepts or prototypes, and assist with launches and releases. We value diversity and learning from one another, so you’ll be joining a team of researchers from various backgrounds (e.g. anthropology, engineering, human-computer interaction, psychology). You’ll have opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute to meaningful work. About the Retail UX team As a Senior UX Researcher, you'll be part of Shopify’s Retail UX team, which focuses on merchants selling in-person, be it at brick and mortar stores or at pop-ups and markets. You’ll work with our Industrial Designers to inform the design and development of new products and experiences for Shopify’s retail hardware, including our Point-of-Sale stands, payment devices, docks, cases, and more. Check out the links below for some examples of what our Industrial Design team has worked on in the past: Shopify Point of Sale Hardware Shopify Retail Kit video

You'll be working on:

• Conducting generative and evaluative research to drive the design of Shopify’s hardware products as well as the packaging and out-of-box experience
• Identifying and analyzing trends in retail experiences and in-person selling as well as device design and usage to help inform the product roadmap
• Identifying the best UX research methods and tools to use depending on project objectives and constraints, including contextual inquiries, hardware usability testing, form factor research, beta programs and product roll-out initiatives
• Synthesizing and summarizing findings using multiple data sources to inform product, UX, engineering, and marketing decisions
• Mentoring other disciplines, levelling up our research team, and helping evolve our tools and research best practices to continually grow and improve the discipline

You'll need to have:

• Experience conducting evaluative research on physical products
• Knowledge of ergonomics and experience applying best practices
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of the year
• Experience applying a range of research methods with creativity, scrappiness, and critical thinking. Example research methods may include observations and in-depth interviewing, usability and accessibility testing, diary studies, eye tracking, surveys.
• A degree in Anthropology, Ergonomics, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Industrial Engineering, Psychology, or a related field or equivalent practical experience.

The right person for this role will:

• Put merchants first: Our UX team is focused on creating user-centric, high impact, high quality experiences. We have a deep empathy for our merchants and understand that we design and build products for them.
• Build for the long-term: You’ll work with your team to prioritize what problems to explore and address by critically evaluating merchant impact, product vision, and technical capabilities.
• Work collaboratively: You understand that great experiences come from collaborative decision-making with other disciplines. You’ll build strong working relationships with peers and stakeholders to act in our merchants’ best interests.
• Be self-directed: Shopify is at the intersection of two exciting industries, tech and commerce. Every day is different and we thrive on ambiguity. You’ll adapt to shifting approaches, situations and priorities, and use your experience and judgement to create the best possible solutions.

Here’s how to apply... We know that applying to a new role takes a lot of work (...we've been through this interview process after all 😏) and we truly value your time. Chris is looking forward to reading your application. If you’re interested in helping us shape the future of commerce, click the “Apply now” button to submit your application. At Shopify, we are committed to building and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. Our belief is that a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion enables us to truly make commerce better for everyone. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities. Closing date: Monday, December 23rd at 9am EDT. Please note: Due to the holiday season, interviews for this role will begin in January 2020. Applicants will be contacted no later than Wednesday, January 15th. Apply for this job