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Design Research Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Badger Daylighting

Design Engineer

Red Deer, AB · On-site

The Design Engineer is accountable for the development and design of non-destructive excavation ... Research opportunities for new products and systems, then create prototypes. * Sets individual ...

Ice Western

Refrigeration Mechanic

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$27 - CA$53/hr

Participate in equipment design, R&D, and continuous improvement projects * Assist with equipment installation and field start-up when required * Troubleshoot issues early to prevent breakdowns

Ice Western

Refrigeration Mechanic

Calgary, AB

$27 - $53/hr

Participate in equipment design, R&D, and continuous improvement projects * Assist with equipment installation and field start-up when required * Troubleshoot issues early to prevent breakdowns

NDura Developments Ltd.

Be Seen First

Residential Design and Selections Consultant - Contract

Edmonton, AB · On-site

CA$60K - CA$75K/yr

Research products, suppliers, pricing, warranties, lead times, durability, and installation requirements * Evaluate products based on design, cost, availability, quality, and practicality * Recommend ...

GL Inc

Consumer Research Associate (Remote)

Cold Lake, AB · Remote

CA$25 - CA$45/hr

We design and conduct In-Home Usage Testing (IHUT) locally and nationally to provide actual user feedback in real-time to companies and market research firms to evaluate products to ensure proper ...

GL Inc

Consumer Opinion Research Participant

Red Deer, AB · Remote

CA$25 - CA$45/hr

We design and conduct In-Home Usage Testing (IHUT) locally and nationally to provide actual user feedback in real-time to companies and market research firms to evaluate products to ensure proper ...

GL Inc

Consumer Research Associate (Remote)

Brooks, AB · Remote

CA$25 - CA$45/hr

We design and conduct In-Home Usage Testing (IHUT) locally and nationally to provide actual user feedback in real-time to companies and market research firms to evaluate products to ensure proper ...

GL Inc

Consumer Research Associate (Remote)

Camrose, AB · Remote

CA$25 - CA$45/hr

We design and conduct In-Home Usage Testing (IHUT) locally and nationally to provide actual user feedback in real-time to companies and market research firms to evaluate products to ensure proper ...

GL Inc

Consumer Research Associate (Remote)

Leduc, AB · Remote

CA$25 - CA$45/hr

We design and conduct In-Home Usage Testing (IHUT) locally and nationally to provide actual user feedback in real-time to companies and market research firms to evaluate products to ensure proper ...

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All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in Alberta

Design Research information

See Alberta salary details

$26K

$103.1K

$180K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Alberta is $103,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $141,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is design research?

Design research is a field that focuses on understanding users’ needs, behaviors, and experiences to inform and improve the design process. It combines methods from social sciences, such as interviews and observations, with design thinking principles to gather insights that help create user-centered products, services, or systems. Design researchers work closely with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure that solutions are both innovative and practical, ultimately enhancing the user experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Researcher, you need a solid understanding of research methodologies, user experience principles, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like UserTesting, Qualtrics, and data visualization software is commonly required. Strong communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills help researchers effectively interpret insights and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that research findings directly inform user-centered design solutions, leading to better products and experiences.

How does a design researcher typically collaborate with designers and product teams throughout a project?

Design Researchers work closely with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure user insights are integrated at every stage of the development process. Early in a project, they help define user needs and pain points by conducting interviews, surveys, or usability tests. As the project progresses, they facilitate workshops, share findings through presentations or reports, and recommend design improvements based on research data. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are essential, as researchers often act as the bridge between users and the product team.

What is the difference between Design Research vs User Experience Designer?

AspectDesign ResearchUser Experience Designer
Primary FocusUnderstanding user needs and behaviors through research methodsDesigning and improving user interfaces and interactions
Required SkillsQualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, user interviewsWireframing, prototyping, visual design, usability testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field studies, collaborative teamsDesign studios, product teams, cross-functional collaboration
Common UsageGathering insights to inform design decisionsCreating user-centered designs based on research findings

While both roles focus on improving user experiences, Design Research primarily involves understanding user needs through research, whereas User Experience Designers apply those insights to create and refine digital interfaces. Both roles often collaborate closely within product teams to ensure user needs are effectively addressed.

How much do design researchers make?

Design researchers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start around $60,000, while senior positions can exceed $130,000, especially in tech or large organizations. Skills in user research, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like Sketch or Figma can influence compensation.

What does a design researcher do?

A design researcher studies user behaviors, needs, and preferences to inform the development of products, services, or interfaces. They use methods such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing, often working closely with designers and product teams to ensure user-centered solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Research jobs in Alberta?

The most popular types of Design Research jobs in Alberta are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in Alberta?

For Design Research jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs in Alberta look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs in Alberta are:

Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Alberta as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,100 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Front End Designer - Senior ( REMOTE) JP969

Edmonton, AB • Remote

P@thlion Staffing Careers
See more jobs at P@thlion Staffing Careersexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop creative, evidence-based front-end design solutions for digital service delivery.

  • Create design artifacts such as prototypes, wireframes, design pattern libraries, and style guides, and document build-ready design specifications.

  • Participate in agile project management processes, including sprint planning, reviews, demos, and retrospectives.

Job description

Project Overview
The Province has a strategic role within government to drive efficiencies, innovation and modernization. As part of this role, the Province is expanding the GoA's digital delivery of services with the view of simplifying and providing better user experiences with interactions with the GoA. The Digital Design and Delivery Division (3D), is the Province's centre for digital delivery. It was established to maximize capability and confidence in modern digital practice by ensuring service quality and value through standards and controls. This includes utilizing human-centred design approaches together with agile methodology and modern data practices
3D works in partnership with GoA ministries to deliver programs that better serve Albertans.
The Province requires up to seventeen (17) Front End Designer(s) to work with 3D on service innovation, program review and digital transformation projects across the GoA. The Front End Designer(s) will work as part of cross-functional program review or product delivery teams. These teams, led by GoA product owners and 3D work collaboratively and collectively participate in a full range of activities including: field research, backlog definition and refinement, and sprint planning and execution. Digital transformation projects review the current state of services, identify future opportunities, and then deliver new services that are efficient, effective and affordable.
From research and findings, the Front End Designer(s) will develop design documentation, including for interfaces.

Scope of Services
It is anticipated that the Front End Designer will be required for one (1) year; however, the Province may extend the contract for up to twenty-four (24) months on the same terms and conditions.
The Front End Designer maybe required on a full time basis (7.25 hour work day), working across two (2) to three (3) projects. Time, location and frequency of work will vary depending on the needs of the particular project. At the end of each term, it is expected that the Front End Designer may work a maximum of 1,960 hours, unless otherwise agreed upon with the Province. However, a Front End Designer may be required to work fewer or more hours depending on the nature and needs of their work, as directed by the Province.
Services and project deliverables should evolve as the work progresses, in response to emerging user and business needs, as well as design and technical opportunities. However, the following must be delivered (iteratively) over the course of the project:
Creative, evidence-based front-end design solutions for digital service delivery. Solutions must be aligned with corporate design methods and standards.
Foundational design of artifacts on a variety of platforms and fidelities, such as prototypes and wireframes, design pattern libraries and components, graphic design style guides, and fully documented build-ready design specifications.
Plans for design research components.
Justifiable recommendations for design decisions to ensure alignment of project teams, program areas, and senior management.
Participation in agile project management processes and ceremonies such as sprint planning, sprint review, demos, and retrospectives.
Usability test plans and reports evaluating the effectiveness of current and future designs.
Analysis and recommendations on design accessibility to ensure compliance with applicable standards.