We’re looking for a User Centred Design (UCD) Intern to help build and develop PDR’s UCD capacity, supporting our commercial product design consultancy work. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven and talented product design graduate (or similar) with an interest in UCD, strong research and organisation skills, a working knowledge of digital prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch or XD and who thrives in a diverse and creative environment.
About PDR
PDR is a leading design consultancy and applied research centre. Trusted by many of the world's leading brands, we pride ourselves on repeatedly developing innovative new solutions in products, services and experiences that truly connect to users and challenge markets.
Work will be focused on directly supporting live client projects for the development of new products and services. You’ll work with the UCD team to deliver research and commercial projects at PDR, while being supported by the wider in-house design consultancy team. As part of the internship, we also aim to give you exposure to adjacent disciplines such as industrial design and design engineering, where it supports the project and your development.
You’ll play a key role in:
Supporting PDR’s UCD and design teams to deliver successful outputs for PDR's design consultancy operation.
Helping plan and support research activities, including consumer insight, usability testing and in-context observation on live projects.
Contributing to workshops, team meetings and ideation sessions, helping translate insights into clear product opportunities and concept directions.
Creating and iterating digital prototypes for testing, using tools such as Figma.
Supporting analysis and communication of findings, helping the team turn research into practical next steps for the project team and client.
Adhering to ISO 9001 procedures within PDR, alongside other duties that may be reasonably assigned by the Senior Design Consultant or Product Design Manager.
What you’ll bring
You will bring a strong interest in user-centred design, with an understanding of how human behaviour shapes products and services. You will be an organised and effective communicator who is comfortable taking initiative, working independently, and collaborating with others in a creative team. With a curiosity to learn and develop, you will be motivated to build your skills in research, design thinking, and digital prototyping within a user-focused environment.
Additionally, you’ll have:
An understanding of user-centred design principles and basic user research methods, including interviews, usability testing, and observational studies.
Strong communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills, with a proactive approach to learning and teamwork.
A degree equivalent qualification in Product/Industrial Design, Usability Engineering, Interaction Design, Psychology or related subject.
Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?
We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.
We offer excellent benefits such as:
Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 1 years’ service, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.
Contact us
For more information about the role please contact Iona Davis on
[email protected], or feel free to contact Cerys Purdon, the Recruitment Advisor supporting this vacancy on
[email protected].
All applications must be submitted online.
The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.
Further details:
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.
All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.
The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.
Why Work Here?
We invite you to join our collaborative community!
Dating back to 1865, we remain rooted in Wales with a global reach, offering you a world of opportunity. Our education, research and innovation deliver positive impact for equality, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, locally, nationally and internationally.
Are you ready to contribute to something remarkable?
Join us in helping us to progress and deliver real change.
School/Unit
PDR
Location
Alexander House
Salary
£25,949 per annum
Fixed term 6 months
Post Type
Full Time
Closing Date
Sunday 12 July 2026
Reference
2526213-1
