Lead Product Designer

Drivemode is seeking a Lead Product Designer to define how people interact with new vehicles through innovative software solutions for the Honda Motorcycle division. The role involves end-to-end product design, from data gathering and prototyping to launching pixel-perfect designs. The designer will also provide leadership, mentor new team members, and contribute to creating safe and elegant mobility solutions globally, driving Honda's success in the EV market.

Must Have

• Partner with product management, engineering, and business development on new products for Honda Motors.
• Wireframe, prototype, and design end-to-end product features using data, market research, and AB Testing.
• Work with senior management and business partners at Honda as a thought leader.
• Maintain high design standards by constantly challenging the team with thoughtful critique.
• Provide effective leadership as a senior member of the design team.
• Help recruit and mentor new designers.
• 6+ years of product design experience, with a focus on mobile applications and software.
• Effective leadership skills and excellent skills for successful mentoring.
• Bachelor’s degree in a design related field.
• Strong background in interaction design with a great eye for layout, typography, iconography, and color.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to maintain high design standards in a lean, fast-paced environment.
• Advanced experience with prototyping tools.
• A thoughtful web portfolio demonstrating your passion for simple, intuitive, and beautiful design.
• Business level English.

Good to Have

• IVI design experience
• Motion design and graphics
• Business level Japanese

Our Mission: Smarter, safer, connected driving in any vehicle

Driving technology always feels old. Not by a little bit. Years and years out of date. Is that really just “the way things are”? We don’t think so and we’re here to fix that. We believe vehicles can be 1000x smarter, safer, and more connected to the world around us. We’ve started on this mission by building a mobile-based connected vehicle platform used by millions of drivers in over 150 countries. In 2019, we joined forces with Honda as their first startup acquisition, and now we’re expanding our vision by bringing together software and hardware to build new products that solve real needs for millions of drivers around the world.

Why Drivemode

Join Drivemode for an exciting startup environment and a vibrant culture that combines impactful work, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits. By becoming a part of our team, you'll contribute to a crucial mission that revolutionizes the way people engage with vehicles, addressing both business needs and the world's environmental challenges. This presents an exceptional opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and drive Honda's success in the EV market.

About the role

Drivemode is looking for a Lead Product Designer to help define how people interact with new vehicles, by working on innovative software solutions with the Honda Motorcycle division.

Our designers are involved at every step of a project, from gathering data, brainstorming, prototyping, to launching pixel-perfect designs with Honda’s powerful hardware capabilities. We are looking for candidates who have strong user empathy, hunger to solve problems, and excellent technical communication skills. You will also help Drivemode hire and mentor new designers as our team expands with new projects.

If you’re ready to create safe and elegant solutions that power the mobility of people all over the world, come join the Drivemode team in Tokyo.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Partner with product management, engineering, and business development on the development of new products for Honda Motors
• Get your hands dirty by wireframing, prototyping, and designing end-to-end product features by using data, market research, and AB Testing
• Work with senior management and business partners at Honda as a thought leader
• Help maintain high design standards by constantly challenging the team with thoughtful critique
• Provide effective leadership as a senior member of design team.
• Help recruit and mentor new designers
• Freedom to test new ideas and push boundaries

What We’re Looking For

• 6+ years of product design experience, with a focus on mobile applications and software
• Effective leadership skills and excellent skills for successful mentoring.
• Bachelor’s degree in a design related field; Master’s preferred or equivalent relevant experience
• Strong background in interaction design with a great eye for layout, typography, iconography, and color
• Excellent communication and presentation skills that will allow you to defend complex design ideas
• Ability to maintain high design standards in a lean, fast-paced environment
• Advanced experience with prototyping tools
• A thoughtful web portfolio demonstrating your passion for simple, intuitive, and beautiful design
• Business level English

Nice to Have

• IVI design experience
• Motion design and graphics
• Business level Japanese

EEOC Statement

Drivemode is proud of a very diverse team with employees coming from 5 continents/11 countries as of today. Diversity in our workplace has played an important part in our success; we recognize each employee’s unique background, knowledge, experiences, ideas, and viewpoints which are all critical in developing a product that has the greatest impacts on drivers all over the world.

Drivemode provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristics that make you unique