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. Apply To This Job