Junior Design Researcher

Job Description The Mission Dubai Design Lab is an action lab under the Dubai Future Foundation, harnessing the power of design and creativity to position Dubai among the world's most livable cities. The lab (re)designs, prototypes, and tests policies, strategies, and systems aligned with Dubai's vision; creating a platform where individuals and organizations come together to imagine and shape a better future. By combining experimentation, collaboration, and human-centered design, the lab drives innovation and contributes to Dubai's growth as a leading global hub. Overview The Junior Design Researcher plays a key role in uncovering human insights that inform, inspire, and guide the design of impactful policies, experiences, and systems. Working within multidisciplinary teams, the Junior Design Researcher will conduct qualitative and mixed-method research, synthesize insights into compelling stories, and translate findings into actionable design opportunities that support Dubai's vision for the future. This role is suited for individuals who are curious about people, passionate about design, and motivated by the potential of creativity to drive meaningful societal change. Role Research and Insight Development (40%) - Plan, conduct, and analyze qualitative and mixed-method research including interviews, fieldwork, and co-creation sessions. - Explore user behaviors, motivations, and needs through ethnographic and human-centered approaches. - Synthesize findings into clear insights, opportunity areas, and design principles. - Translate research insights into creative direction, influencing concept development and prototyping. Design Collaboration and Prototyping (30%) - Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across design, strategy, and policy. - Participate in iterative prototyping and user feedback loops to test and refine ideas. - Support the development of tools, frameworks, and narratives that bridge research and design outcomes. - Contribute to documentation, presentations, and storytelling that communicates insights and impact. Community and Knowledge Engagement (20%) - Contribute to workshops, design sprints, and exhibitions that foster dialogue and creativity. - Engage with academic, government, and industry partners to expand design research impact. - Support the lab's role as a thought leader by curating and sharing insights within the wider design community. Learning - (10%)Learn from and collaborate with senior researchers and designers to grow research and facilitation skills. - Participate in lab knowledge-sharing initiatives, design critiques, and reflective learning sessions. - Support the development of internal research resources and documentation. What We're Looking For - 1 to 3 years of experience in design research, anthropology, sociology, or a related field a master's is a plus. - Demonstrated experience in qualitative research and familiarity with mixed methods. - Curiosity and empathy for understanding people's needs, behaviors, and motivations. - Strong synthesis and storytelling skills the ability to craft narratives that influence design decisions. - Comfort working within iterative, ambiguous, and experimental processes. - Interest in working across diverse sectors and engaging in complex, multi-stakeholder contexts. - Excellent communication and facilitation skills. - Passion for human-centered design and the role of creativity in shaping future cities. Professional Attributes - Future-Oriented and Passionate: Demonstrates curiosity and optimism about the future. - Rigorous and Accountable: Strives for excellence and precision in research and design. - Empathetic and Collaborative: Builds trust, fosters inclusion, and mentors others. - Experimental and Curious: Embraces iteration and uncertainty as tools for innovation. - Adaptable and Decisive: Balances flexibility with clarity in complex environments. - Story-Driven and Connective: Communicates insights through compelling narratives and connections.