In a nutshell:

We are seeking a Japanese/English Bilingual Design Researcher to join our Tokyo Studio. We are looking for an individual who will guide and inspire teams to uncover meaningful human-centered insights that drive great design and innovation for our clients.

Why is this role important for IDEO's work?

Great design is born out of great research. Our Design Researchers lead clients and teams through a journey of human-centered research to discover insights and inspiration and contribute to all phases of the design process.

Why IDEO Tokyo?

IDEO Tokyo’s mission is to help enable change in Japan through design and creativity. As part of a small studio that is still growing, this person must demonstrate a collaborative working style, great communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a non-rules based environment of innovation.

Once here you will: 

• Design and plan creative research, including screeners, field and discussion guides, etc.
• Execute the research, including leading IDEO and client teams in the field
• Synthesize and think about systems-level patterns and frameworks
• Communicate and tell stories using writing, visuals, and verbal communication
• Make research findings relevant and impactful for design through a variety of formats such as insights, decks, stories, videos, experiences, and exhibits.

Previous Projects (plus a Blog Post) to Check Out:

• A New Way to Vote for the People of Los Angeles
• Designing the First All in One Wearable Breast Pump
• A Game-Changing Approach to Sleep Athletes
• A Day in the Life of a Design Researcher 

Relevant experience and mindset: 

• Strong Japanese (native level Japanese is a must) and English verbal and written skills. 
• 3 to 6 years of qualitative research experience in Japan culminating in a sound ability to scope a research process, lead fieldwork, conduct interviews and do desk research.
• Ability to synthesize research findings, uncover and articulate insights that will inform and inspire design.
• Ability to work flexibly and efficiently, exercise a balance between research rigor and inspiration.
• Passion and pulse for the Japanese marketplace and culture.
• High comfort level in working within a self-directed culture and navigating ambiguity.
• Openness to critique from other disciplines and curiosity to learn from a spectrum of perspectives.
• A multicultural individual who can guide projects in English and Japanese interchangeably. A typical project may require leading clients and researching in Japanese, while synthesizing with internal teams in English, and presenting results in Japanese.
• An empathy and curiosity for how great brands, businesses and organizations navigate innovation and design.
• Experience with unique and novel tools and methods to uncover key insights
• Fluency in quantitative research methods. Ability to create and analyze surveys to impact design.
• Creative storytelling abilities -- the ability to make an audience think/feel things they wouldn’t have otherwise.
• Passion -- A  strong passion for improving people's lives through design.

Application Requirements:

To apply, submit a resume and a cover letter in the online application.