Job Description

As a Design Researcher, you will be the chief advocate for the users and beneficiaries of our products. You will reveal what our users need from our solutions by conducting primary research and exploring their behaviors and motivations. You will work with cross-functional teams spanning product & program management, research and engineering to develop new products and prototypes. You will also work closely with external partners/customers such as government agencies, nonprofits, and corporates. Human-centric design is central to our approach and will be at the forefront of how we create effective, intuitive, impactful solutions for social good. Our users and beneficiaries come from a variety of geographies, cultures and backgrounds and your work will yield insights that will guide the design of the products and services we create for these diverse groups.
ABOUT US The Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Wadhwani AI) is an independent nonprofit institute developing AI-based solutions for underserved communities in developing countries. We work with over 40 partners including key government agencies, international development organizations, NGOs, and research organizations to identify real-world challenges, create and deploy innovative AI solutions to reach intended users and beneficiaries – with the objective of creating sustainable, scalable impact. Our projects are supported by leading philanthropies such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, and Google.org. Our accolades include winning the Google AI Impact Challenge (one among 20 out of 2600 competitors globally) as well as multiple awards at the 2021 Fast Company World Changing Ideas. Our current portfolio of initiatives spans tuberculosis, maternal, newborn & child health, Covid-19 and cotton farming.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct user research activities (e.g. domain research, field research, surveys, ethnographic studies, expert interviews, etc)
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineers, Product & Project Managers and Researchers to overcome various challenges and prioritize user experience.
• Assist in developing and testing prototypes, proof of concept trials, etc.
• Share research findings with diverse audiences through written reports and presentations.
• Identify new research methods, tools and techniques in order to improve our products and solutions.

• 3-7 years of experience doing human-centred design, preferably as a service designer
• Design research experience with users from diverse backgrounds, preferably including some experience with rural, underprivileged, or other vulnerable groups
• Willing to travel extensively and excited to get on the ground in rural settings
• Must be fluent in speaking Hindi; multiple Indian languages is a plus
• Knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as lab-based usability studies, field research, usability inspections, creation of user profiles or personas, participatory design, survey research, experiment design and statistical analysis.
• Understanding of the strengths and shortcomings of various research methods, including when and how to apply them during each product phase.
• Effective interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.