The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is a prominent public university in Singapore, renowned for its applied learning approach and strong industry partnerships. Established in 2009, SIT aims to provide a distinctive education by integrating academic knowledge with real-world skills. This model helps produce graduates who are highly employable and equipped to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
Adopting a user-centric model, Design Factory@SIT (DF@SIT)seeks to support industry partners through collaborative innovation projects, thereby creating authentic interdisciplinary and collaborative learning opportunities for students and enhance the workplace learning continuum.
As a member of the Design Factory Global Network, DF@SIT will collaborate with a network of innovation hubs in universities and research organizations across five continents in the world, across cultures, time zones and organizational boundaries to foster radical innovations. DF@SIT seeks to help students, academic staff and companies employ design-led innovation tools to pilot ideas and build roadmaps for the changing marketplace.
The Design Researcher and Lab Manager will be responsible for conducting user-centered research, managing lab operations, establishing, and managing internal and external partners and stakeholders, social media creation and maintenance, and ensuring that the lab and team functions efficiently. This dual role involves a blend of hands-on research, project management, and operational duties to support our design and innovation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Design Research
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to gather insights into user behaviors, needs, and motivations.
- Plan, execute, and analyze various research methodologies including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and field studies.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research findings into the design and development process.
- Synthesize complex data into clear and actionable insights, reports, and presentations.
- Advocate for the user perspective and ensure that user experience is a key consideration in all product and service development.
Centre Management
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the design research lab, ensuring it is equipped, organized, and functioning efficiently.
- Ensure all research tools and equipment are up-to-date, properly maintained, and calibrated.
- Coordinate with IT and facilities teams to troubleshoot and resolve any technical or operational issues.
- Manage the lab budget, including procurement of supplies and equipment, and track expenses.
Project Management
- Lead and coordinate research projects from initial briefing to final delivery, ensuring timely and successful completion.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to define research goals, timelines, and deliverables.
- Manage relationships with external research partners and vendors as needed.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior researchers and lab staff.
Social Media Management
- Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy aligned with the company's marketing goals and brand identity.
- Create, curate, and manage engaging content across all social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.).
- Foster and grow online communities by actively engaging with followers, responding to comments and messages, and initiating conversations.
- Prepare regular reports on social media metrics and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Design, Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Fine Art, Media & Communications, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
Experience
- 3-5 years of experience in user research, design research, or a related field.
- Proven experience in managing a creative office or similar environment.
- Strong background in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Skills
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into meaningful insights.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Attributes
- Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in work.
- Innovative thinker with a passion for understanding human behavior.
- Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong advocate for user-centered design and research-driven decision making.
