Description Robert Half is partnering with our client, a global, customer-focused technology organization known for delivering innovative digital products and experiences at scale, in search of a highly strategic and creative Design Research Strategist to drive innovation research initiatives for a remote 6-month contract.Location: REMOTE
Hours: 40 hours/week
Duration: 6-month contract
Pay Rate: $65-75/hour
Position Overview:This role will focus on qualitative, generative research that explores emerging technologies, cultural trends, and evolving human needs to inform future product and service experiences. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in qualitative design research, excels in storytelling and visual communication, and is comfortable working in ambiguity to uncover insights that shape long-term innovation strategy. This individual will partner closely with design, product, and research teams to translate forward-looking insights into actionable opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead end-to-end qualitative, generative research initiatives, including in-person and in-context studies, to uncover deep human insights and emerging behavioral trends
- Synthesize research findings into clear, actionable insights, strategic frameworks, and opportunity areas that inform long-term innovation
- Develop compelling, visually driven storytelling artifacts and presentations that effectively communicate insights and inspire stakeholders
- Translate research into strategic outputs such as design principles, future scenarios, and innovation concepts that guide product and experience development
- Facilitate workshops, working sessions, and presentations to activate research and drive alignment across cross-functional teams
- Partner closely with product, design, and business stakeholders to connect future-focused insights to near-term product opportunities
- Collaborate with research teams to build on existing knowledge, identify gaps, and inform forward-looking research roadmaps
- Deliver high-quality, polished work with strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in all outputs
- Communicate proactively and effectively across stakeholders, building trust through collaboration and insight-driven recommendations
- Produce impactful deliverables that influence decision-making and shape strategic direction across the organization
Requirements Required Qualifications:- 6-7+ years of experience in design research, design strategy, or a related field, with a focus on qualitative and generative research
- Proven experience conducting in-person, in-context research (e.g., ethnographic studies, field research)
- Strong expertise in qualitative research methodologies, including ethnographic, co-design, semiotic, and design research methods
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex ideas and insights
- Strong visual storytelling and presentation skills, with an eye for design and detail
- Experience working in applied, cross-functional environments alongside product, design, and engineering teams to inform innovation and new product development
- Ability to manage ambiguity, operate proactively, and deliver polished, high-quality work with strong attention to detail
- Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Design Research, Social Sciences, or a related field
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience working with emerging technologies such as AI, AR/VR/XR, or connected devices
- Familiarity with future-focused research methodologies (e.g., trend analysis, foresight, STEEP frameworks)
- Proficiency with modern design and AI tools used for research synthesis and storytelling
- Experience creating strategic artifacts such as scenarios, speculative concepts, or innovation frameworks
Innovation starts with people.
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