Product Designer

At Animation Inc., we're building the next generation of human-AI interaction powered by real-time generative animation. Our tech lets users design, customise, and build genuine connections with lifelike virtual characters — featuring voice conversation, emotion detection, real-time facial expressions, and fully customizable personalities and behaviours. Developed by a team of ex-Meta engineers and artists, our technology runs locally on mobile devices, enabling real-time, empathetic communication through audio input and environmental context.

Our team has successfully built and launched startups before — including winning an Apple Design Award. Now we're applying everything we've learned to our most ambitious product yet.

About the product

We're building Animate — an AI companion app in the entertainment space. Think of it as a virtual friend who truly listens: a character you can talk to, build a relationship with, and return to every day. This is not a utility app — it's an emotional, entertainment-first product where design is the product. How the character looks, moves, and communicates directly shapes whether users feel understood, cared for, and excited to come back.

We're weeks away from our global launch. The core conversational experience is nearly ready, branding and visual identity are in place, and we're about to start learning from real users at scale. Our primary markets are the US and Asia (Japan, South Korea) — so a feel for global consumer audiences and contemporary internet/pop culture matters a lot here.

About the role

We're looking for a Product Designer to own the end-to-end product experience. You'll work directly with the founders and product leadership to shape how users will meet, talk to, and bond with their AI companions.

This role goes far beyond screens. You'll be designing an emotional experience: the relationship system between user and character, character profiles, engagement and gamification loops, retention mechanics, and monetization flows — most of which are still greenfield. Voice and animation have dedicated owners on the team; everything else in the product experience will be yours to shape.

Platform priorities: mobile first, then desktop (macOS/Windows), then web. The feature set is unified across platforms, so systems thinking is essential.

While you'll receive strong support from the team, this role offers a high degree of autonomy — we're looking for someone who thrives on ownership, moves fast, isn't afraid to iterate, and enjoys wearing multiple hats in a fast-growing startup.

What you'll do

• Own the product design of a consumer entertainment app heading into global launch — from concept to shipped feature.

• Design the systems that make the product feel alive: relationship progression, character profiles, gamification, notifications and re-engagement, monetization.

• Prototype, test, and iterate quickly — you're not just pushing pixels; you're designing how a product communicates warmth, care, and personality.

• Transform research insights, analytics, feedback, and user testing into concepts and interactive prototypes.

• Design detailed workflows, high-quality mockups, and intuitive mobile-first interfaces.

• Work side-by-side with engineers to perfect implementation.

• Build and maintain a cohesive design system across mobile, desktop, and web.

• Jump into brand visuals and marketing when needed — we love designers who go beyond the screen.

We'd love to hear from you if you have

• 4+ years of experience in product design with a portfolio that proves it — ideally including consumer mobile products.

• Experience working on live products at scale (millions of users/installs) — you understand real user behaviour, funnels, and how design decisions play out in metrics.

• Experience designing for global audiences (US, Asia, or other international markets) — you understand how visual language and product patterns differ across cultures.

• A genuine interest in entertainment, gaming, social, or companion-type products — and fluency in contemporary internet culture, anime/gaming aesthetics, or fandom communities is a big plus.

• Fluency with modern AI tools (image/video generation, AI-assisted design workflows) — or strong curiosity and willingness to learn fast. We use them daily as accelerators, but we hire people who think for themselves.

• A flexible, fast-iterating mindset: you'd rather ship three quick iterations and learn than polish one concept in isolation.

• Startup or early-stage experience is a plus — you can navigate ambiguity and adapt as the product evolves.

• You communicate clearly — no ego, no drama, just great ideas and collaboration.

• You believe in simple, elegant solutions — complexity is the enemy of great design.

• English proficiency (minimum B1) to collaborate effectively with the team, plus conversational skills in Russian, Ukrainian, or Belarusian, as these are currently our primary internal languages.

What we offer

• Remote work flexibility across Europe, with our hub in Warsaw — if you're based here (or open to visiting regularly).

• Top-of-the-line hardware — the latest MacBook or any equipment you need to do your best work.

• Coworking space coverage if you prefer working from a coworking in your location.

• The chance to define the design language of an AI companion product at the very start of its global journey — with the ownership and visibility that come with it.

• A collaborative, highly talented team of engineers, artists, and innovators.

Key traits we value

1. Responsibility and Ownership: You take pride in your work, maintain high standards, and own the outcomes of your decisions.

2. Proactivity and Initiative: You seek solutions, propose ideas, and take the lead on challenges.

3. Focus and Consistency: You prioritize steady progress and consistent results over one-off efforts.

4. Flexibility: You question familiar patterns instead of copying them, and adapt quickly when the product or direction evolves.

5. Collaboration and Openness: You communicate honestly, respect your team, and thrive in an environment of mutual trust.

6. Effective Communication and Problem-Solving: You articulate ideas clearly, break down complex problems into actionable steps, and keep things simple where possible.

Ready to shape the future with us? Apply now and show us your portfolio - we can't wait to see your work!