Art Director - UI Design & Design Systems

Critical Mass is seeking an Art Director passionate about design, visual communication, and creating cohesive digital experiences. This role involves the conceptual development and execution of UI systems and design deliverables, championing design concepts to clients and project teams. The Art Director will balance strategic vision with client business objectives and user-centered design principles, focusing on building scalable design systems, intuitive user experiences, and visual storytelling.

Must Have

• Develop and evolve UI visual language, design systems, and component libraries.
• Lead a team of designers, developers, and UX specialists.
• Design and document reusable UI components and patterns across digital platforms.
• Establish and maintain design standards across website refresh and user journeys.
• Lead design strategy across multiple digital channels and touchpoints.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating UI design, design systems, or component-focused work.
• Proficiency with Figma, design system tools, Mac OS, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Deep understanding of UI/UX best practices, accessibility standards, and digital design patterns.
• Ability to create versatile visual styles while maintaining design system consistency.
• Work from the office at Zona Franca Metro, Heredia, 3 days per week.

Good to Have

• Experience in Fintech, E-commerce, Banking and Insurance verticals.
• Experience with design tokens, component documentation, and design-to-development workflows.
• Leadership abilities to foster learning and excellence among team members.
• Experience presenting design systems and UI concepts to stakeholders and development teams.
• Familiarity with design system governance and scalable design practices.
• Knowledge of design tools and plugins that support design systems and collaboration.
• An understanding of digital channels, tactics, and best practices matched with a desire to push them further.

About the Role:

At Critical Mass, our Art Directors are driven by a passion for design, visual communication, and creating cohesive digital experiences. The conceptual development and execution of UI systems and design deliverables is on their shoulders. They champion design concepts to clients and project teams alike by balancing strategic vision with client business objectives and user-centered design principles. If you are passionate about building scalable design systems, creating intuitive user experiences, and visual storytelling, then this is the role for you.

The Art Director will report to the Creative Director.

You will:

• Develop and evolve UI visual language, design systems, and component libraries
• Lead a team of designers, developers, and UX specialists to ensure cohesive digital experiences
• Design and document reusable UI components and patterns across digital platforms
• Establish and maintain design standards across website refresh and user journeys
• Lead design strategy across multiple digital channels and touchpoints
• Work from our office at Zona Franca Metro, Heredia, 3 days a week

You have:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating UI design, design systems, or component-focused work
• Experience leading a team of designers, developers, and UX specialists
• Proficiency with Figma, design system tools, and latest versions of Mac OS, Photoshop, and Illustrator and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Deep understanding of UI/UX best practices, accessibility standards, and digital design patterns
• Ability to create versatile visual styles while maintaining design system consistency

Nice to have:

• Experience in Fintech, E-commerce, Banking and Insurance verticals is a great plus.
• Experience with design tokens, component documentation, and design-to-development workflows
• Leadership abilities to foster learning and excellence among team members
• Experience presenting design systems and UI concepts to stakeholders and development teams
• Familiarity with design system governance and scalable design practices
• Knowledge of design tools and plugins that support design systems and collaboration
• An understanding of digital channels, tactics, and best practices matched with a desire to push them further