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37signals is an established web application company based in Chicago, Illinois, seeking to hire a Product Designer. This role is particularly unique as the company does not frequently recruit for it, thus presenting a rare opportunity for interested candidates.
In the context of this position, 37signals is searching for a candidate who embodies the role of a designer rather than a mere decorator. They prioritize individuals who are product builders rather than those who simply focus on creating prototypes. The ideal applicant should be rooted in practicality, possessing a strong understanding of both the aesthetic and functional aspects of product design.
The company has developed a close-knit design team of five, and they're excited about expanding this team to include a sixth member who will contribute positively to their collaborative environment.
Candidates aspiring for this role should showcase a set of versatile skills. Senior and Lead level positions are available, and compensation is reflective of these tiers.
In addition to the aforementioned compensation, candidates will be privy to additional perks, benefits, and profit-sharing details as described in the company handbook.
One of the fundamental aspects of this position is the need for exceptional generalist skills. Designers at 37signals are not limited to traditional roles; instead, they encompass UX, UI, front-end development, and copywriting, merging these skills to create holistic and integrated designs. Additionally, the ideal candidate must be capable of writing production-quality front-end HTML and CSS, as well as crafting compelling English copy, showcasing great visual taste and sensibilities.
37signals adopts a unique approach towards product design, merging different roles into one cohesive entity. Thus, designers will find themselves not only creating visually appealing designs but also contributing significantly to the overall product development from conception through to execution. Designers will directly collaborate with back-end programmers to effectively bring designs and features to life.
The ideal approach to design within the company is anchored in the belief that the best results originate from designers who view the entire journey—from concepts to crafted products. Instead of treating design as a culminating phase, projects will commence with the design process, offering a great deal of flexibility, freedom, influence, and immediate impact to designers. The company's unique 6-week Shape Up cycle guides project management, contributing to a dynamic work environment.
Product designers will have hands-on involvement in defining the user experience and interface of various projects, including industry staples like Basecamp and HEY. Candidates should be prepared to engage with and shape products at both high and granular levels. The variety of tasks includes:
Successful candidates will also work on enhancing existing products and developing entirely new products for future release. This breadth of involvement across products differentiates 37signals from companies with segmented design roles, enabling designers to be significantly invested in all aspects of product lifecycles.
As a fully remote company, 37signals only accepts applications from those residing in time zones ranging from UTC -11 to UTC +2. This detail is crucial as the company emphasizes work-life balance, requiring no expectation of shifts that disrupt personal time.
Working for 37signals means joining a company that has consistently built software aimed at solving real-life problems for over two decades. 37signals upholds a strong commitment to customers’ attention and privacy, fostering sustainable product development void of investor-related pressures, and meeting burdensome growth expectations. Employees can expect a reasonable work-life balance, with 40-hour work weeks devoid of unnecessary meetings or long hours.
In the benefits realm, Basecamp strives to provide compensation within the top 10% of the industry based on San Francisco rates, applying to all employees irrespective of their location. Additional benefits include ample vacation time and extensive resources to help employees do their best work away from the office. The details surrounding benefits and perks are provided in the company’s handbook. For candidates residing outside the US, they will be offered a contractor role with comparable terms and equal pay.
Candidates interested in the Product Designer role must submit an application that effectively communicates their competencies aligned with the position and express their passion for design. Clear narratives about their abilities, design philosophies, and the reasons they aspire to work for 37signals are crucial.
The application process is thorough, expecting to review applications within a week after the application deadline. Candidates can anticipate 2-3 remote interviews, delving into their professional backgrounds, design approaches, and knowledge. Successful candidates will complete an at-home design challenge reflective of the company’s work and compensated for their time.
Finally, 37signals emphasizes that the application process is demanding but aims for a mutually successful long-term fit, reinforcing their commitment to giving candidates complete attention as they evaluate potential new colleagues.
This job offer was originally published on weworkremotely.com
March 5, 2025
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This job offer summary has been generated using automated technology. While we strive for accuracy, it may not always fully capture the nuances and details of the original job posting. We recommend reviewing the complete job listing before making any decisions or applications.
