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Design Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Haworth

Design Studio Research Specialist

Holland, MI · On-site

Job Overview We're looking for a passionate Design Thinking Research Specialist to join a dynamic team driving end-to-end, human centered research that shapes innovative workplace and product ...

Flowserve

Specialist R&D Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

The Specialist Research and Development (R&D) Engineer for Pumps and Seals is responsible for ... Drive innovation by generating new designs, design methods, and technical solutions for pump and ...

Autodesk

Principal UX Researcher

Novi, MI

Design and facilitate workshops that support ideation, alignment, and strategic decision-making with stakeholders * Establish and scale research frameworks and best practices for complex, system ...

GT Independence

UX Researcher

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$90K/yr

This role is focused on user experience research and design ownership. The UX Researcher partners with Product Owners, the Director of Product, IT Development, Operations, Support, Third-Party Design ...

GT Independence

UX Researcher

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$90K/yr

This role is focused on user experience research and design ownership. The UX Researcher partners with Product Owners, the Director of Product, IT Development, Operations, Support, Third-Party Design ...

Rigaku

Coating Scientist

Auburn Hills, MI

Product Design, Research and Development * Improving existing optical thin film coating designs and inventing new designs, to produce targeted performance tailored to the end-use application.

Rigaku

Coating Scientist

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Product Design, Research and Development * Improving existing optical thin film coating designs and inventing new designs, to produce targeted performance tailored to the end-use application.

Aquent

Industrial Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$55 - $60/hr

Lead design evaluation activities, including co-creation sessions and design research, and iterate on designs based on feedback. **Must-Have Qualifications:** * Professional experience with more than ...

Apidel Technologies

Staff Engineer

Portage, MI · On-site

Conduct and design research and studies to support advanced product design. Translate user needs to design inputs/specifications and produce advanced component and sub-system level designs. Analyze ...

Aquent

Industrial Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Lead design evaluation activities, including co-creation sessions and design research, and iterate on designs based on feedback. **Must-Have Qualifications:** * Professional experience with more than ...

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All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Jobs in Michigan

Design Research information

See Michigan salary details

$32.2K

$92.4K

$124.2K

How much do design research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for design research in Michigan is $92,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $90,600.00 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Design Research jobs in Michigan? For Design Research jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Research jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Design Research jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Research jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Design Research job openings:
Design Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,400 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Design Studio Research Specialist

Design Studio Research Specialist

Haworth, Inc.

Holland, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Haworth rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 46 rated furniture manufacturers

Job description

Join the Future of Workspace Innovation at Haworth
Are you ready to shape the future of how people work, live, and thrive? At Haworth, we're not just creating furniture, we're revolutionizing the way the world interacts with spaces. As a global pioneer in workspace design since 1948, we've been pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities for over seven decades.

We're looking for visionaries like you to help write the next chapter of our story.

Discover more here!

We are currently looking for a Research Specialist to join our team in Holland, MI.

Job Overview

We’re looking for a passionate Design Thinking Research Specialist to join a dynamic team driving end-to-end, human centered research that shapes innovative workplace and product solutions. In this role, you’ll lead studies from strategy and design through execution, insight synthesis, and storytelling; uncovering meaningful user needs and translating them into actionable recommendations. You’ll explore everything from big picture workplace trends to hands on product usability, embedding the voice of the customer into every stage of development. Collaborating cross functionally, you’ll help turn insights into impactful innovations that elevate user experience and drive product success.

Job Responsibilities
  • Represent a Design Thinking mindset and process with ability to convert ideas into design insights working closely with Designers, Engineers, Business teams, and Marketing. 
  • Analyze research data, identify patterns and trends, and develop actionable insights to inform business decisions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, marketing, and sales, to provide research support and insights.
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to identify market trends, customer and user needs, and competitive landscape.
  • Manage small-scale research projects, including defining objectives, developing methodologies, and delivering results within budget and timeline.
  • Communicate research findings and insights through clear and concise reports, storytelling, presentations, and visualizations.
  • Provide market, customer and user research data and insights to support new product development, product positioning, and go-to-market strategies.
  • Monitor industry publications, attend relevant conferences, and stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies and industry requirements.
  • Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
  • Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
  • Performs other duties within scope as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, UX design, Design Research, Behavioral, Organization Sciences, or similar field of study
  • Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 years related experience OR 4 years related experience if no post-secondary education
  • Work Experience: 2+ years experience on a product design team, UX team or Research team 
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
  • Applicants must be able to work in Holland, MI without relocation assistance.
  • Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US to be eligible for this position.
  • Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military
Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to design thinking projects from discovery through prototyping and testing
  • Skilled in conducting qualitative research such as interviews, ethnographic studies, and contextual inquiries
  • Ability to synthesize research into actionable insights, including personas, journey maps, and service blueprints
  • Strong visual and storytelling skills to communicate user needs and research findings effectively
  • Comfortable presenting insights to senior stakeholders and influencing strategic decisions
  • Experience with usability research and human-centered design methods
  • Adept at navigating ambiguity, experimenting independently, and solving problems creatively
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional environments and manages multiple projects simultaneously
  • Empathetic, open-minded, and receptive to feedback and diverse perspectives
  • Self-starter who enjoys variety, innovation, and working in R&D or fast-paced, evolving settings
  • Background in consulting, UX research, or design research—experience in the furniture industry
  • Formal training or certification in design thinking or related methodologies 

Design your future with Haworth
Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state of the art resources, collaborate with cross functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career.

We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.

At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:

  • 20 Days Paid Time Off: Plus, the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
  • Health Benefits: Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • 401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match up to 7%.
  • Insurance Coverage: Company-provided Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
  • On-Site Gym: Well-equipped gym, open 24/7. 
  • Annual Bonus Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Parental Leave
  • Pet Insurance
  • Zero Waste to Landfill 

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