Design Researcher

Metrobank; Metro Manila; On-site; PHP 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Metrobank is seeking a Design Researcher to turn customer insights into user-centered digital banking experiences. As part of the Platform 11 (P11) team, you will support evidence-based design decisions by identifying user needs and pain points, guiding product strategy and design initiatives.

You will collaborate with product, design, and cross-functional teams to deliver solutions aligned with user expectations and business goals, while advancing research methodologies within the division.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, anthropology, HCI, design, or related field.
• 1+ year of experience in UX or design research.
• Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Proficiency with user research tools such as Optimal Workshop, Lookback, Maze, or UserZoom.
• Experience in financial services/fintech is a plus.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research studies within a fast-paced product development environment.
• Analyze and synthesize research data to generate actionable insights for product strategy and prioritization.
• Combine research findings with internal data and market intelligence for customer understanding.
• Provide data-driven recommendations throughout the product lifecycle from concept to post-launch.

Skills

UX Research

Qualitative & Quantitative Research

Data synthesis

Stakeholder collaboration

Communication & storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology, Anthropology, HCI, Design, or related field

Tools

Optimal Workshop

Lookback

Maze

UserZoom

Job description

Here at Metrobank, we don't simply hire employees—we hone future leaders. We provide opportunities that enhance your skills and unlock your talents, helping you evolve into a well-rounded individual. We supply you with all the pieces you need to do your best work, unleashing your full potential to help you secure your future and lead a fulfilling career. And with Metrobank's strong heart for the community, you have the chance to give back and make worthwhile contributions to our nation's economic and social development.

With Metrobank, a meaningful life is within your reach!

The Design Researcher is responsible for generating and translating customer insights into meaningful and user-centered digital banking experiences. Leveraging both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, the role supports evidence-based design decisions by identifying user needs, pain points, behaviors, and emerging opportunities. As a key member of the Platform 11 (P11) team, the Design Researcher champions a customer-centric approach throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring that research findings effectively inform product strategy, design initiatives, and business objectives. Working closely with product, design, and cross-functional teams, the role helps create solutions that are aligned with user expectations while supporting organizational goals and innovation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Core Research Functions

• Plan, design, and conduct qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research studies within a fast-paced and iterative product development environment.
• Analyze and synthesize research data to generate actionable insights that support product strategy, design decisions, and feature prioritization.
• Combine research findings with internal business data and external market intelligence to develop a comprehensive understanding of customer behaviors, needs, and expectations.
• Provide data-driven recommendations throughout the product lifecycle, from concept exploration and design validation to post-launch assessment and optimization.

Design Support Functions

• Partner with Interaction Designers, Service Designers, Product Owners, Software Developers, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance the usability, usefulness, and overall customer experience of digital products and services.

Design Process Development and Enhancement

• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve design research methodologies, tools, standards, and best practices within the digital banking environment.
• Support the delivery of training and knowledge-sharing initiatives that promote user-centered design practices across the division.
• Embrace and demonstrate the Bank's mission, vision, values, and the Division's guiding principles in the execution of daily responsibilities.

Regulatory and Policy Compliance

• Collaborate effectively with relevant internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, bank policies, and established processes related to user research, product design, and product development.
• Ensure that design research activities align with applicable regulations and organizational policies, escalating concerns, risks, and recommended improvements through the appropriate governance channels when necessary.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned in support of the UX Strategy and Design function.
• Act as a champion for change by promoting and advocating Platform 11's best practices, methodologies, and customer-centered approaches across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in UX Research, Design Research, Customer Insights, or a similar research-focused role.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative research studies, including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and A/B testing.
• Proficiency in user research and testing tools such as Optimal Workshop, Lookback, Maze, UserZoom, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience within the financial services, banking, or fintech industry is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of Agile methodologies and product development frameworks.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles to support the creation of user-centered experiences.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Excellent collaboration, presentation, communication, and storytelling abilities, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Highly organized, self-driven, and capable of managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Naturally curious and passionate about understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations to drive exceptional customer experiences.