Senior Design Expert - Paid AI Design Research Study | $150-$250/hr Remote
Overview
A major technology company building AI design tooling is paying senior designers to take part in a recorded research study through Mercor. Each remote session lasts about 4-5 hours, including prep and a short follow-up, and pays $250 per hour. The goal is to document how experienced designers reason through problems, judge craft, and decide when work is ready to ship. Depending on fit, you will either act as the featured expert or as the person guiding the interview. The client is still finalizing scope and timing, so the structure may shift.
What You'll Do5
- 1Attend structured, recorded research sessions focused on how you approach design problems.
- 2Articulate your reasoning for what makes strong design and where weak craft falls short.
- 3If selected as the interviewer, guide fellow designers through the same protocol to capture their decision-making.
- 4Prepare for each session in advance and join a short review afterward to reflect on the process.
- 5Share a public portfolio link and confirm that none of the work is under NDA or confidential.
Requirements4
- 1Senior-level experience in product, UX, brand, or another design craft.
- 2A defined point of view on design quality, critique, and what qualifies as shippable.
- 3A portfolio ready to share as a website URL.
- 4Work that is free to disclose publicly, with no unreleased or NDA-protected material.
Who Should Apply
An experienced designer with a clear, articulate point of view on design quality and shipping standards will fit this study well. The role is less suitable for early-career designers or for anyone who cannot present a public portfolio. Candidates often miss out when they struggle to explain the reasoning behind their design choices, or when their sample work is under NDA. The sessions are recorded, so comfort speaking about your process on camera matters.
Salary Insight
The study pays $250 per hour, and the posted range is $150-$250 per hour depending on final scope. This sits at the top end of pay for senior design consulting work, reflecting the expectation of expert-level judgment.
Location
Required Skills
Application Tip
In your application, include a brief written explanation of one design decision you made and how you knew it was ready to ship, since the study centers on articulating design judgment.
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How your application is processed
1Application received
Your resume and details are logged the moment you apply.
2ATS + eligibility screening
We check your profile against the role’s skills, seniority, and requirements.
3Employer sees qualified profiles only
Only candidates who clear screening move forward.
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