Research Specialist - Design

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.

• 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.

• 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 inHolland, 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

• 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