To thrive as a Design Research Intern, you need a strong foundation in user-centered design principles, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and a relevant academic background in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, and user research platforms such as UserTesting is highly valuable. Strong communication, curiosity, adaptability, and attention to detail are standout soft skills for this role. These capabilities are crucial for gathering actionable insights, collaborating effectively, and informing impactful design solutions.