Product User Researcher (CPG, Physical Goods)

Join a pioneering team at a leading global consumer goods company, where your expertise will directly shape the physical products that millions use every day. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact, focusing on the nuanced interaction between people and physical objects. You'll be instrumental in refining product packaging, ensuring it's not just functional but truly intuitive and delightful for users, directly influencing the next generation of household staples.

About the Company

Our client is a world-renowned leader in consumer packaged goods, dedicated to enhancing daily life through innovative and accessible products. They are committed to continuous improvement and user-centric design, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in physical product interaction. As an Aquent talent, you'll partner with this industry giant, contributing your specialized skills to their cutting-edge packaging innovation initiatives.

About the Opportunity

Are you a user researcher who thrives in the physical world, with a keen eye for how human hands interact with objects? We are seeking a specialized researcher to join our client's dynamic team, focusing exclusively on physical packaging innovation. This is not a digital UX role; instead, you'll be diving deep into the tactile experience of products like toothpaste tubes, mouthwash bottles, and pump sprays. You will play a crucial role in conducting rapid-iteration user interviews and observational studies, directly influencing design decisions and helping to build a groundbreaking new research program. Your insights will be critical in identifying "pain points" and "gain points" related to grip, accessibility, force, and overall tactile feel, ensuring that every product interaction is seamless and intuitive.

This is a freelance, part-time, project-based role with potential for 10+ hours per week during active periods. Please note that weekly work is not guaranteed, and on-site interviews typically require 3-day to 1-week notice based on prototype availability. This role requires on-site presence for interview days.

What You'll Do

• Conduct in-person, 1-on-1 user interviews to observe how individuals interact with 3D-printed prototypes and existing packaging.
• Perform ergonomic observations, meticulously identifying "pain points" and "gain points" related to grip, accessibility, required force, and the overall tactile experience.
• Provide rapid synthesis and quick-turnaround debriefs to the Packaging Innovation team, directly informing the next day's design iterations.
• Assist in developing user journey maps that meticulously track the physical steps of product interaction.
• Operate within an agile project schedule, adapting to flexible freelance cadences and on-site interview requirements.

Must-Have Qualifications

• A strong background in Industrial Design or Ergonomics, demonstrating a deep understanding of 3D product development and physical ergonomics, particularly hand/small object interaction.
• Proven experience in moderating user interviews and ethnographies, with the ability to guide discussions effectively without leading participants.
• Exceptional "Physical UX Instincts" - the ability to translate a user's physical challenges with a package into actionable and impactful design feedback.
• Ability to be on-site for interview days.
• Comfort with ambiguity and an enthusiasm for helping to build and shape a new research program in a "pilot" environment.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or personal care categories.
• Familiarity with Physical Journey Mapping, distinct from digital or marketing funnels.
• Flexibility to work occasional non-standard hours (e.g., late afternoons or a Saturday) to accommodate specific user demographics.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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