UI/UX Designer - 6 Month Contract

Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects, which encompass world-class IPs as well as our own creations across multiple genres. Our studio operates as a remote-first workplace, offering flexible work arrangements. At this time, we are only able to hire candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada and reside within Canada. Blackbird Interactive is looking for an experienced UI/UX Designer to help adapt a large, established simulation game to new platforms and display environments. This role focuses on designing and refining user experiences that feel intuitive, readable, and natural on the target platform while preserving the depth and functionality of the original game. You’ll work closely with design, art, engineering, and production to evaluate existing interfaces, identify opportunities for improvement, and create solutions that support new input methods, screen sizes, and player expectations. The role requires a strong understanding of user-centered design principles, information hierarchy, and accessibility, with a focus on translating a PC-first experience into one that feels native to its new platform. If you enjoy solving usability challenges, reimagining complex interfaces, and improving how players interact with games, this role could be a great fit for you! Responsibilities Collaborate with design, art, engineering, and production to adapt existing UI and UX systems for new platforms while preserving core gameplay workflows and player expectations Review existing interfaces and identify opportunities to improve navigation, readability, accessibility, and overall user experience Design user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interface layouts that support new input methods and platform-specific interaction patterns Identify UX friction points introduced by platform transitions and develop solutions that improve clarity, usability, and player comfort Maintain consistency with the established visual style, information hierarchy, and interaction patterns of the original game Participate in reviews, playtests, and usability evaluations, using player feedback and observations to refine designs Advocate for usability, accessibility, and player-centered design throughout development Requirements At least 3 years of professional experience in UI/UX design for games including UI design, UX thinking, user flows, wireframing, and problem-solving skills Experience designing interfaces for complex gameplay systems or feature-rich applications Strong understanding of information hierarchy, readability, usability, accessibility, and interaction design principles Familiarity with industry-standard design tools such as Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar Understanding of controller-first UX patterns, navigation flows, and platform-specific user expectations Ability to work independently, manage tasks, and iterate on feedback in a production environment Strong collaboration and communication skills, with experience working closely with designers, artists, engineers, and QA Ability to clearly communicate design intent through mockups, documentation, presentations, and discussions Pluses Experience working on game ports, remasters, or platform adaptations Interest in accessibility, usability, and player comfort Experience designing UI for simulation, strategy, management, or other systems-heavy games Background in visual design, typography, iconography, and information visualization Experience conducting or participating in user testing and applying findings to improve designs Familiarity with console, PC, and cross-platform user experience considerations Passion for creating elegant, intuitive interfaces that make complex systems approachable and enjoyable across a variety of platforms