Visual Interaction Designer

About FutureUnit

FutureUnit is a multidisciplinary design studio focused on industrial design, interface design, and human-centered research. Our philosophy is driven by curiosity, foresight, and craftsmanship. We strive to transform technology into straightforward products and interfaces that individuals can use daily. Collaborating closely with founders and teams developing innovative hardware and software, we help shape their product story, form, and interaction to provide meaningful experiences for users.

Role Overview

We are supporting a partner to design the interface for a novel type of computer that operates autonomously. It continuously observes its environment, learns about its user over time, and takes proactive actions. This position emphasizes invention over refinement, ideal for those intrigued by language models, personal assistant agents, and pioneering human-machine interaction methods. The primary mission is to rethink the chat interface so that communicating with this computer is more akin to talking with an agent rather than traditional software use.

Key Responsibilities

• Rapidly conceptualize and prototype interaction ideas using various tools such as Origami, Framer, SwiftUI, physics-based simulations, traditional design tools, and AI-enhanced software.
• Improve conversational experiences by addressing mechanical aspects of current chat interfaces and incorporating subtle details that enliven communication.
• Design for authentic conversational dynamics featuring overlapping messages, interruptions, and real-time adjustments, ensuring the agent can manage and acknowledge these naturally.
• Introduce subtle signals indicating the computer’s engagement, thought process, or focus shifts, such as color gradients or visual cues that help users understand the system's behavior.
• Develop foundational concepts and systematic approaches for dynamic user interface components.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to deliver refined, high-quality interactive experiences.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Exceptional precision and detail orientation.
• Strong background in Human-Computer Interaction or Interaction Design focused on crafting straightforward and effective user experiences.
• Skilled in contemporary design and prototyping platforms.
• Proven ability to create and refine prototypes spanning from rough wireframes to sophisticated interactive models.
• Good visual design sense to produce coherent, accessible, and polished interface layouts and visual frameworks.
• Experience partnering with engineering teams and product stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience in designing digital interfaces or products is advantageous.

Additional Details

Contract Duration: 3 to 6 months
Compensation: $8,000 to $11,000 per month
Location: Onsite in Los Angeles Metropolitan Area