Introduction
About COOi Studios
COOi Studios, is an Open Innovation Studio, that helps large enterprises move from a digital strategy refresh, idea validation to rapidly solving a problem to a tested solution, using design thinking methods and emerging technologies. When it no longer makes sense to outsource innovation services, we help large enterprises build innovation capabilities.
COOi Studios is a black woman owned company, a level 1 BEE contributor. Our team of professional services leaders have extensive experience in technology, design and strategy delivery. We are complemented with a group of subject matter experts with over 30 years’ experience in serving public and private sector companies.
Duties & Responsibilities
Brief Job Description
The Design Research Analyst plays a key role in supporting client-facing design research and innovation projects by uncovering insights that drive human-centred solutions. This entry to mid-level role bridges research, strategy, and design execution- translating data into clear, actionable outcomes for both internal teams and external clients. Working closely with senior researchers, designers, and technology teams, the Analyst supports the full project lifecycle- from discovery and stakeholder engagement to prototyping and implementation. The position demands a strong analytical mindset, user empathy, and the ability to communicate insights visually and strategically.
Role: Design Research Analyst
Reports to: Senior Design Research Analyst
Start Date: January 2026
Remuneration: R 12 474 - R15 520 per month
Key Responsibilities
Client and Project Delivery
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Drafting detailed reports, business requirements, and functional specification documents.
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Oversee the preparation of design thinking workshops, meetings, and presentations by gathering materials, coordinating logistics, and synthesising pre-work insights.
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Maintain up-to-date documentation on project progress, identify and escalate risks and blockers to senior team members in a timely manner.
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Attend client meetings, take comprehensive notes, and distill client insights and evolving requirements for the broader project team.
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Support COOi client project deliverables- using knowledge of research tools and industry trends to conduct design research projects.
UI/UX Design Execution and Collaboration
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Collaborate with technology developers, product managers, and designers to define and implement innovative product experiences aligned with business goals and user needs.
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Execute all visual design stages—from conceptualisation to final hand-off to the tech and development teams.
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Create wireframes, prototypes, user flows, process flows, and site maps that effectively communicate design concepts.
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Conceptualise original ideas to simplify complex workflows and enhance usability and accessibility.
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Implement proposed solutions from ideation through to initiation, including stakeholder management and business analysis.
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Conduct concept and usability testing and gather feedback.
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Work on data analytics platforms to better understand user engagement on product.
Design Standards and Best Practices
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Present and defend design recommendations and research insights to peers and executive stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
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Help develop and uphold design guidelines (i.e. WCAG), user research protocols, and best practices across projects.
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Maintain a user-centred design mindset that aligns with product specifications and user psychology.
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Take note of the client requirements and insights that will forge the next stage of a project.
Research Analysis and Reporting
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Conduct end-to-end design research projects based on client requirements using a variety of tools and methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability tests, competitive benchmarking, and secondary research).
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Carry out comparative analysis and research benchmarking in alignment with the assignment objectives.
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Analyse industry reports and trends to inform research outcomes and strategic direction for clients and internal stakeholders.
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Compile research findings into structured, insightful reports and presentations that inform product or business decisions.
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Use data analytics platforms to track and understand user engagement across digital products.
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Conduct concept and usability testing to gather feedback and refine design approaches.
Team Leadership and Supervisory Responsibilities
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Provide mentorship and support to junior team members, or freelance contributors as needed.
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Ensure quality and consistency in deliverables produced by junior contributors or collaborative teams.
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Share knowledge of research tools, methodologies, and design practices to contribute to team capability-building.
Skills and Attributes
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Analytical Skills: Design Research Analysts must be able to interpret complex data, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions.
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Problem-Solving: They are tasked with identifying areas for improvement and developing innovative solutions.This requires a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
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Communication Skills: Design Research Analysts work with various stakeholders, including designers, engineers, and management. They must be able to clearly communicate their findings and recommendations, both verbally and in writing.
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Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial in analyzing data and developing design specifications.
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Organisational Skills: They often manage multiple projects and deadlines, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.
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Understanding of Design Principles: A solid grasp of design fundamentals is essential, even if they are not directly creating the designs. This allows them to effectively evaluate and improve design processes.
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Project Management: In many cases the Design Research Analyst will be involved in project management tasks.
Desired Experience & Qualification
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Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Information Systems, Business, or a related field.
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1–3 years of experience in design research, user experience, or product strategy.
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UI/UX certification preferable
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Demonstrated ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research.
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Proficiency in research tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Dovetail, Optimal Workshop) and design software (e.g., Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, Sketch).
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Familiarity with Agile development environments and tools like Jira, Confluence, or Trello.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to simplify complex findings for varied audiences.
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Strong attention to detail, organisation, and time management skills.
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Experience working in cross-functional teams and client-facing environments is a plus.
Package & Remuneration
Company Benefits (post-probation)
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Medical Aid
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Retirement Annuity
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Funeral Cover
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Hybrid Work location model
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Work Life-Balance: 4-day week
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2 x 1 week vacation blocks per year + Unlimited Leave
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Annual bonus
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Skills Incentive Programme
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Study Financial Assistance
Application Guidelines
Please submit your application via typeform https://form.typeform.com/to/IfGTPauK along with your CV, ID, copy of qualifications and portfolio of work (if applicable) by 30 October 2025. If you do not receive a response after 4 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.
