Design Studio Research Specialist

Haworth, Inc; Spring Lake (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 Days PTO

Health Benefits

401k Match

Insurance Coverage

On-Site Gym

Annual Bonus Programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Pet Insurance

Job summary

Haworth, Inc. in Holland, MI is seeking a Design Thinking Research Specialist to lead end-to-end, human-centered research that shapes innovative workplace and product solutions.

You’ll guide studies from strategy through execution, uncover meaningful user needs, and translate them into actionable recommendations. Collaborating cross-functionally, you’ll help turn insights into impactful innovations that elevate user experience and drive product success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, UX design, Design Research or related field.
• 2+ years experience on a product design, UX or Research team.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Applicants must be able to work in Holland, MI without relocation assistance.
• Unrestricted right to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Lead design thinking research projects from strategy through execution and storytelling.
• Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights.
• Collaborate with product management, marketing, and sales to provide research support.
• Identify market trends, user needs, and competitive landscape through studies.
• Manage small-scale research projects with defined objectives, methods, and budgets.
• Communicate findings through clear reports, visuals, and presentations.
• Support new product development, positioning, and go-to-market strategies.

Skills

Design Thinking

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Stakeholder Presentations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design or related field

Job description

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.

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 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

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 stride 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
• Pet Insurance

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.

EEO / ADA Statement

As an EEOemployer, Haworth will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, religion, height, weight, other protected group status, or any other basis protected by the laws where we employ people.

Haworth's AAP programs are available for applicant review. Requests can be made to your Recruiter to review during regular business hours.

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.

If you have questions about any of the above policies, or if you require an ADA accommodation in the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team at (616)-393-1600.