UI/UX Designer

We are a small independent team building a narrative-driven minigame — a high-quality visual novel that combines interactive storytelling with thematically integrated mechanics. The game explores the immigrant experience in America through three sequential stories, each following a shared emotional arc from illusion to awakening. The core design philosophy is mechanics as message: every system the player touches is designed to make them feel what the characters feel. We are in the Early Production → Vertical Slice transition and building toward a full production pipeline. Role Overview We are looking for a UI/UX Designer to producce the game's interface design from foundation to execution. You will define the UI/UX direction grounded in the Game Design Document, establish visual and interaction standards, and deliver production-ready designs across all game layers — narrative UI, minigame interfaces, and system-level flows. You will work closely with the Game Producer/Director and collaborate with an external UI/UX Consultant in an advisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Own UI/UX direction for the project based on the Game Design Document; define and maintain the design system and visual interaction standards
• Design and deliver wireframes, interaction flows, and high-fidelity mockups for all major interface systems: narrative presentation, player choice UI, minigame HUDs, and system layers
• Collaborate with the Narrative Designer and programmer to ensure UI supports story pacing, emotional tone, and mechanical clarity
• Plan and conduct lightweight user testing; synthesize findings into actionable design decisions
• Collaborate with the Art Director to ensure all UI output adheres to the established Style Guide; maintain visual consistency between interface elements and the game's overall art direction
• Produce asset-ready specifications for handoff to the development pipeline (Unity)
• Participate in weekly design reviews and iterate based on team feedback

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in game UI/UX design, with shipped titles in portfolio
• Strong command of interaction design fundamentals: information hierarchy, feedback loops, affordance, and spatial layout
• Proficient in Figma or equivalent prototyping tools
• Ability to work from a Game Design Document and translate system requirements into clear interface solutions
• Demonstrated ability to design within a defined style guide; experience working in close collaboration with artist to maintain cross-discipline visual consistency
• Self-directed; comfortable operating in an early-stage indie environment with limited oversight
• Communicatve and easy to reach.
• Available for regular synchronous collaboration within US time zones

Nice to Have

• Experience with visual novels or narrative games
• Familiarity with Unity UI pipeline (uGUI or UI Toolkit)
• Sensitivity to culturally specific visual language and experience designing for diverse audiences

Additional Details

• Type: Part-Time / Contract
• Location: US time zones (PST / MST / CST / EST) Preferred
• Engagement: Part-time, contract

How to Apply

Send your portfolio and a brief note on your game UI work. We review portfolios first — please ensure your submission includes shipped game projects.