UX Researcher

Job Description

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play —it’s also the Best Place to Work. We’ve thrilled gamers since 1994, when we launched the original PlayStation. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in interactive and digital entertainment. The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation.

UX Researcher

San Francisco, CA

This is an excellent opportunity to join the UX Research Team and become a key player in impacting the direction and strategy of PlayStation’s products and services, and the future of interactive entertainment! As User Experience (UX) Researcher, you are responsible for leading and supporting a broad range of research projects. In collaboration with UX Design, Product Management, Engineering and other partners, you will identify the appropriate research methods/activities for each project and coordinate user research activities across numerous products, services, and platforms.

As an ideal candidate, you are experienced in Generative Research (qualitative and quantitative), Concept Research, and Evaluative Research. Your role is to complement business strategy, drive product and design direction, and help deliver outstanding innovative user experiences. You let your passion shine by consistently advocating for user needs and collaborate with cross-functional partners to implement the best solutions to user problems. You provide valuable feedback to both peers and managers to help grow the team at all levels. You have an excellent understanding of the UX Design process, principles and patterns, and technological capabilities/limitations.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Own and conduct end-to-end UX Research - from foundational research to concept and usability testing to drive product direction.
• Present findings in impactful UX deliverables including user personas, journey maps, user-flows, etc.
• Translate development goals and strategies into research opportunities.
• Ensure research deliverables are high quality and meet the established standards and guidelines.
• Coach and mentor other researchers toward innovative and creative thinking when approaching research challenges.
• Lead and support initiatives to create new and evolve existing research methods and processes by staying up-to-date with innovations in the industry.
• Work closely with partners, including designers, product managers, project managers and engineers inside various divisions.
• Partner with agencies and consultants, directing their efforts through clear input and feedback to ensure quality results that suit the needs of internal partners.

Requirements:

• Minimum BA/BS degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Social Sciences, UX Design, related field or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of UX Research, and related experience, demonstrated in a portfolio of projects.
• Proven track record of conducting research at all stages of product development
• A robust understanding of industry-standard UX research methods including ethnographic methods, in-depth interview, group interviews, evaluative methods (e.g. concept testing, in-lab/remote usability testing, tree testing, etc.), and quantitative methods (surveys, behavioral analytics, etc.).
• Expert-level knowledge of multiple UX research techniques. Proficiency in quantitative techniques and applied statistics is a plus.
• Experience providing research and deep insights leading to compelling and quality interfaces.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build and sustain internal and external partnerships.
• Deep experience working within a technical (preferably agile) environment.
• Knowledge of, and passion for gaming, media and software industries is desirable.

#LI-LF1

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, legally protected physical or mental disability, covered veteran status, status in the U.S. uniformed services, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information or membership in any other legally protected category.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

We sincerely appreciate the time and effort you spent in contacting us and we thank you for your interest in PlayStation.

PRIVACY NOTICE TO SIE LLC’S JOB APPLICANTS

This Privacy Notice explains what personal information we at Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC collect from you, and why we collect it and use it. This Notice covers our practices regarding the personal information of all applicants to our job positions. Please review it carefully.

Categories of personal information we collect from you

We collect personal information about you throughout the recruiting process, in particular the following categories. Generally, we obtain this information through our Recruiting Team:

A. Identification and contact information

1. 1. Direct identifiers such as your first and last name.
   2. Indirect identifiers such as a government ID, your Social Security, work permit or passport #.
   3. Contact information such as your email address, mailing address, telephone number.

B. Other information about you or that can be associated with you such as:

1. Sensitive/Protected Data. During the recruitment process, you may (voluntarily) provide us with your ethnicity, gender, military service information, or physical or mental health information, as well as your national origin and citizenship.
2. Professional or job position-related information , including your past professional experience, references; background verification; talent management and assessment; information regarding any conflicts of interests; and the terms and conditions of your job offer.
3. Non-public education information , including information about your education records, such as grades and transcripts.