Staff Design Researcher

Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payments transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose – to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.

Visa is heavily investing in its Global Product Design Team to help support its growing digital product ecosystem, which is comprised of four specializations: Consumer, Commercial Money Movement, Value-Added Services, and Platforms. We are looking for a Staff Design Researcher to join our Platforms Team.

We believe that great design has the ability to engage and inspire users, and we strive to rethink and redefine how users interact with Visa's products and services. Our team members are innovative thinkers and strategic problem solvers who are as analytical as they are creative. We value hard work, accountability and collaboration, and we prize proven skills and team success over personal gain.

In this role, you will work closely with UX designers, developers and product managers to create research strategies driven by business goals and priorities. You must be results-oriented and have the ability to work independently, prioritizing many competing needs and effectively navigating ambiguity.
Responsibilities: 

• Propose and execute on Design Research roadmaps.
• Work closely with product owners, managers, designers, and other stakeholders to create Design Research strategies that align with business goals and priorities.
• Plan and lead usability tests (Desktop and Mobile), as well as a full spectrum of evaluative, generative, and iterative design research activities, including such as card sorting, diary studies, interviews, surveys, usability tests, and tree tests.
• Analyze existing and new digital products and services for usability issues and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Propose possible solutions to experiential issues to guide Design.
• Manage stakeholder, partner, and vendor relationships.
• Create, analyze, and validate information architecture.

Essential Functions:

• Experience with web analytics or data visualization a plus.
• Experience with tools like dScout, Figma, Mural, and UserTesting.com.
• Experience managing legal and privacy considerations and processes for user research.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative Design Research techniques such as card sorting, diary studies, interviews, surveys, usability tests, and tree tests.
• Knowledge of accessibility guidelines and best practices.
• Expert knowledge of interaction and visual design principles with an eye for detail and consistency.
• Ability to communicate insights and recommendations confidently to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to navigate complex, cross-functional product and business teams to ensure alignment and project success.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Fully fluent in English and able to understand and be easily understood in spoken and written English.
• Ability to self-manage time and work independently or as part of a product team.

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Basic Qualifications
-5 or more years of relevant work experience with a Bachelors Degree or at least 2 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 0 years of work experience with a PhD

Preferred Qualifications
-6 or more years of work experience with a Bachelors Degree or 4 or more years of relevant experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or up to 3 years of relevant experience with a PhD
-Min 4 years work experience
-Minimum of 6-8 years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree, at least 4 years of work experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters/MFA/MBA, etc. preferably working in agencies, digital product, or established startups.
•Bachelor's Degree in Human Factors, Design, Psychology, Sociology or related field.

Work Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements: This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local law, including the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

U.S. APPLICANTS ONLY: The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is 124,700.00 to 180,650.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.