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Design Research Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Design Innovation Fellows develop a unique design research project and pedagogy throughout their ... fellowship. Duties & Responsibilities: The fellowship includes developing and teaching studios and ...

Senior Manager, UX Design Lead

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$111.40K/yr

You will apply behavioral metrics, user research findings, and other data-driven insights to design innovative product solutions that meet our users' needs with exceptional experiences. Join us in ...

The role encompasses multiple aspects of industrial design including design research, concept creation and sketching, CAD modeling, computer rendering and animation, prototype creation, UI/UX, ...

The role encompasses multiple aspects of industrial design including design research, concept creation and sketching, CAD modeling, computer rendering and animation, prototype creation, UI/UX, ...

The role encompasses multiple aspects of industrial design including design research, concept creation and sketching, CAD modeling, computer rendering and animation, prototype creation, UI/UX, ...

The role encompasses multiple aspects of industrial design including design research, concept creation and sketching, CAD modeling, computer rendering and animation, prototype creation, UI/UX, ...

Industrial Design Co-op

Carmel, IN

$128.80K/yr

The role encompasses multiple aspects of industrial design including design research, concept creation and sketching, CAD modeling, computer rendering and animation, prototype creation, UI/UX, ...

Industrial Design Co-op

Carmel, IN · On-site

$128.80K/yr

The role encompasses multiple aspects of industrial design including design research, concept creation and sketching, CAD modeling, computer rendering and animation, prototype creation, UI/UX, ...

Conducting trade studies and performing design research of engineering concepts and explorations to determine optimal requirements and system architecture * Developing system/subsystem design ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Crane, IN

$104.50K - $142.90K/yr

Conducting trade studies and performing design research of engineering concepts and explorations to determine optimal requirements and system architecture * Developing system/subsystem design ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Collaboration: Partner with design, R&D, and leadership teams to move products from prototype to full-scale production * Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures including PPE ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Research information

See Indiana salary details

$35.2K

$100.9K

$135.6K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Indiana is $100,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Research jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Design Research jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in Indiana? For Design Research jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,877 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Assistant Research Professor of Architecture

Assistant Research Professor of Architecture

Bsu

Muncie, IN • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Title:

Assistant Research Professor of Architecture

Compensation:

$60,000 - $65,000

Department:

Architecture

Start Date:

08/17/2026

About this opportunity:

The Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) at Ball State University has a rich history in community engaged, professionally grounded, innovative and impactful design education.
The Department of Architecture at Ball State University seeks applicants for one "Design Innovation Fellow," full-time contract faculty position available for an initial two-year term starting with the academic year 2026-27,(starting August 24, 2026) with the possibility to be renewable for an additional year upon favorable intermediate review. The fellowship intends to support individuals committed to expanding and advancing the culture of architecture and design through creative practice or research. The primary emphasis of the position is centered on innovative research within the field of architectural design.
The Department of Architecture offers undergraduate and graduate Architecture programs that emphasize the education of architecture and historic preservation students through design studio, immersive and experiential learning, design computation, digital fabrication, engagement with social and environmental justice issues, and critical practice in pursuit of preparing the next generation of leaders in architecture and historic preservation. We are committed to reaffirm the values of social equity and environmental responsibility, in particular as they relate to the design of the built environment.
Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the United States without employer sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you will bring:

Position Function:

Design Innovation Fellows develop a unique design research project and pedagogy throughout their fellowship.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The fellowship includes developing and teaching studios and seminars related to the candidate's area of interest. Over the course of the appointment, fellows deliver a public lecture and prepare an exhibition based on their design research. Ball State welcomes innovative cross-disciplinary thinking that expands contemporary architectural discourse and practice.

A 25% release for research will be available to assist the Fellow's pursuit of a vigorous design/research agenda that culminates in an exhibition, public lecture or exhibit, and potential publication of work at the conclusion of the fellowship.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Architecture or related field from an accredited college or university required by date of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Evidence of excellence in contemporary design, technologies, systems, visualization and fabrication methods;
  • Design research, design methodologies and scholarship;
  • Ability to articulate agenda for fellowship duration;
  • Potential to take on a leadership role in shaping the future discourse of design disciplines.

How to apply:

For inquiries, please contact:

Sean Burns - sfburns@bsu.edu


Please following upload instructions to attach all for the required supporting documents listed below. Note: Do not use the Auto fill feature for resume:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Link to Portfolio(If a link to your portfolio is not available, please upload portfolio in the licenses/certifications section of the application.)
  • Licenses/Certifications if available (optional)

Applications must be received by 12:01 AM on June 10, 2026.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.

Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet.


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About BSU

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US

Year founded

1989