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Design Thinking Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Haworth, Inc

Industrial Design Studio Director

Holland, MI · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

Collaborates with C-suite executives and key stakeholders to integrate design thinking strategy into all aspects of the business, influencing product roadmaps, and driving business growth at a global ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Ann Arbor, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Detroit, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Graphic Design Tutor

Kalamazoo, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

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All JobsDesign Thinking JobsDesign Thinking Jobs in Michigan

Design Thinking information

See Michigan salary details

$46.6K

$101.1K

$130.3K

How much do design thinking jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for design thinking in Michigan is $101,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design thinking?

A Design Thinking job involves applying human-centered design principles to solve complex problems creatively and collaboratively. Professionals in this role use empathy, ideation, prototyping, and iterative testing to develop innovative solutions in various industries. They often work in roles such as UX designers, product managers, or innovation strategists, helping organizations create user-friendly products or services. These roles require strong problem-solving, collaboration, and customer research skills.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in a design thinking role?

In a Design Thinking role, your daily responsibilities may involve facilitating workshops, conducting user research, and synthesizing insights to define problems clearly. You’ll often collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including product managers, engineers, and marketing staff—to ideate and prototype potential solutions. Preparing and presenting findings or prototypes to stakeholders and iterating on feedback are also common tasks. This hands-on, interactive environment encourages continuous learning and creative problem solving while keeping the user's needs at the center of every project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a design thinking position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Design Thinking role, you need a solid understanding of user-centered design principles, problem-solving abilities, and often a background in design, business, or related fields. Familiarity with prototyping software (such as Figma or Sketch), collaborative tools (like Miro or MURAL), and, in some cases, Design Thinking certification can be advantageous. Exceptional communication, facilitation, and empathy help professionals engage stakeholders and foster creative collaboration. These skills are essential for effectively guiding teams through innovation processes and delivering human-centered solutions.

What careers use design thinking?

Design thinking is used in a variety of careers including product design, user experience (UX) design, innovation consulting, and service design. Professionals in these fields apply human-centered problem-solving methods to develop creative solutions, often utilizing tools like prototyping and user research to improve products, services, and processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Thinking jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Design Thinking jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Thinking jobs in Michigan?

For Design Thinking jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Thinking jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Thinking jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Thinking jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Design Thinking job openings:

Design Thinking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Thinking job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,119 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Design Studio Research Specialist

Haworth, Inc.

Holland, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Haworth rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 52 rated furniture manufacturers

Job description

Job Title: Design Studio Research Specialist
Posting Start Date: 8/14/26
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

#LI-HM1
Haworth Values
At Haworth, we have a strong set of values that guide our business and help us align with our customers.
We listen to our Customers. We rely on our Members. We honor Integrity. We embrace Continuous Learning. We lead with Design. We create Value. We work to make the World better.
Join the Haworth family. Apply for this job, or learn more about the many possibilities at Haworth: Home Page

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