Freelance Design Researcher & Psycho-Aesthetics Specialist

RKS Design; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

RKS Design in Thousand Oaks, CA seeks a Freelance Design Researcher to apply Psycho-Aesthetics® alongside AI-powered strategy tools, turning insights into design directions for Industrial, UX, and Strategy teams.

The role emphasizes uncovering latent needs, translating them into clear research directions, and working across product categories in a fast-paced consulting environment. Prior P/A experience is a plus, with a strong research foundation essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in design research, consumer insights, qualitative research, design strategy, or a related discipline.
• Background in design research, psychology, anthropology, behavioral science, or related field.
• Strong interviewing, observation, and synthesis skills with ability to explore motivations beyond stated.
• Experience selecting/applying qualitative and quantitative methods appropriate to project scope.
• Ability to connect research findings to emotional needs, user aspirations, and business objectives.
• Experience translating complex findings into clear visual frameworks and actionable recommendations.
• Strong analytical judgement and ability to distinguish evidence from interpretation.
• Confidence collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting to clients.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead research studies across qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Uncover needs and motivations shaping relationships with products, brands and experiences.
• Manage research execution including recruiting participants and coordinating logistics.
• Analyze market and competitive landscape to identify unmet needs.
• Develop Psycho-Aesthetics maps translating research into opportunity zones.
• Synthesize findings into personas, journey maps, and strategic briefs.
• Test concepts, prototypes, and products; translate findings into recommendations.
• Collaborate with Industrial Design, Engineering, UX and Strategy teams.
• Present clear recommendations with evidence vs assumptions.

Skills

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Interviewing

Synthesis

Research methods

Design strategy

Job description

RKS Design in Thousand Oaks, CA seeks a Freelance Design Researcher to apply Psycho-Aesthetics® alongside AI-powered strategy tools, turning insights into design directions for Industrial, UX, and Strategy teams.

The role emphasizes uncovering latent needs, translating them into clear research directions, and working across product categories in a fast-paced consulting environment. Prior P/A experience is a plus, with a strong research foundation essential.