IBM is hiring an Associate to contribute to human-centered design work for client projects. The role supports visual design, user research, prototyping, collaboration with Agile teams, and exploration of AI-enabled design practices.
Visual Design & Systems Thinking: Create visual assets, UI components, design systems, and brand-aligned experiences for enterprise digital products. Apply typography, color theory, layout, and accessibility best practices to deliver polished, consistent interfaces
Human-Centered Research & Synthesis: Support user research activities including interviews, usability testing, journey mapping, and persona development. Translate research findings into actionable design insights that inform product strategy and client recommendations
Prototyping & Iteration: Design and iterate on wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard tools. Present design concepts and rationale to clients and cross-functional teams, incorporating feedback to continuously improve solutions
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside experienced designers, strategists, developers, and client stakeholders within Agile delivery teams. Participate in design reviews, workshops, and co-creation sessions to ensure human-centered design thinking is embedded throughout the project lifecycle
AI-Enabled Design Practice: Explore how Artificial Intelligence and automation tools are shaping the future of design — from AI-assisted content generation and personalization to accessible, data-driven experience design at scale
Qualification
Required
Currently completing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Design, Visual Communication, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Digital Media, or a related field
Demonstrated ability to apply design principles including typography, color, layout, and visual hierarchy to create clear, compelling, and user-centered digital experiences through coursework, personal projects, internships, or extracurricular work
Experience working with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms through academic projects, internships, or self-directed learning
Foundational understanding of user experience (UX) design principles, human-centered design methodologies, and how design decisions impact the end-user experience
Strong visual communication and storytelling skills — ability to present design concepts clearly and compellingly to both peers and stakeholders
Strong analytical thinking, collaborative mindset, and curiosity to solve complex problems at the intersection of human behavior, technology, and business strategy
Experience gained through academic projects, internships, design competitions, student organizations, freelance work, or personal creative projects that demonstrate craft and design thinking
Preferred
Exposure to enterprise design systems, accessibility standards (WCAG), or inclusive design principles through coursework, personal projects, or internship experience
Familiarity with front-end concepts (HTML/CSS basics) and how design decisions translate into technical implementation, supporting stronger collaboration with development teams
Interest in Artificial Intelligence, emerging design technologies, and how AI tools can enhance creativity, personalization, and experience design at scale
Benefits
Hands-on experience on real client projects
Professional and technical mentorship
Career coaching
Access to certification opportunities
Industry-recognized certifications
Hybrid work arrangement
Hakkoda, an IBM Company, is a modern data consultancy, helping companies harness cloud platforms and AI capabilities.