JOB description:
UX/UI Developer for EmbodyXR® App
Mercurial Dance are seeking a UX/UI Developer for up to 35 days to build the EmbodyXR smartphone companion app
Job Role Overview: As the UX/UI Developer, you will play a key role in shaping the visual and interactive experience of the EmbodyXR companion app, helping transition the existing VR game into a mobile app. Working closely with the Creative Director and the wider creative team, you will be responsible for designing intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, and functional interfaces that resonate with the app's target audience (13-25 years old). The app’s theme of mental health and well-being will guide your work, ensuring that the user experience is sensitive, user-friendly, and engaging.
Production period
December 2024 - February 2025. Fixed term contract, with a view to long term subject to current development plans.
Pre-production- December
Development- January
Testing & iteration- February
About EmbodyXR®
EmbodyXR® is an immersive Virtual Reality dance art experience, aimed at raising mental health awareness & mitigating anxiety in Young People aged 13-25. Having delivered a midlands regional tour of our headset experience across Coventry, Nuneaton, Leicester & Birmingham, we are moving onto the next phase of the project to develop a companion smartphone app. More information: https://www.mercurialdance.co.uk/embodyxr
About Mercurial Dance
We Move People. At Mercurial Dance we believe that dance has the power to change lives, and that if more people danced, for pleasure, and discovered their movement voices they (and the world) will be a happier, healthier place. To inspire this we create shows, run workshops and make digital experiences that get people moving.
Key Responsibilities:
Translate VR to Mobile: Collaborate with the Creative Director to adapt content from the EmbodyXR VR gameinto an intuitive, interactive mobile app.
User Interface Design: Design and implement interactive UI components (buttons, menus, icons) that align with the app’s overall visual identity while ensuring a cohesive look and feel with the original VR content.
User Flows and Journeys: Map out and design user journeys and interactions, ensuring ease of use, accessibility, and a seamless experience that aligns with user expectations.
Performance Optimization: Ensure all elements are optimised for performance, responsiveness, and compatibility across both iOS and Android platforms.
Iterative Design Process: Participate in user testing phases, gathering feedback, and refining the UI/UX based on user insights and performance data.
Collaborative Workflow: Work collaboratively with the creative and technical teams, including the Creative Director, Game Artist, Producer, and Marketing Manager, to deliver a high-quality app.
Audience-Centric Design: Ensure that all design elements are tailored to the target audience of 13-25 year olds, maintaining sensitivity to the app’s focus on mental health and well-being.
Adaptable Design for Future Phases: Prepare designs with scalability in mind, considering future integrations with backend services like AWS, Firebase, or RESTful APIs for cloud sync and data syncing capabilities.
Experience and Skills:
UX/UI Design Expertise:
Minimum 2 years' experience in UX/UI development, with a strong portfolio showcasing work on mobile apps, ideally in the arts, gaming, or mental health sectors.
Proven ability to design and develop responsive, interactive UI elements that enhance user experience.
Technical Proficiency:
Proficiency in Unity Game Engine, Flutter, and React Native for iOS and Android app development.
Experience with mobile app design and adapting content from VR or gaming platforms to mobile applications.
Backend Integration (Desirable): Experience or knowledge of integrating apps with backend services like AWS, Firebase, or RESTful APIs for cloud sync and data storage in future phases.
VR-to-Mobile Translation:
A solid understanding of the challenges and specific considerations when translating VR content into mobile applications, particularly in maintaining a cohesive user experience across platforms.
Aesthetic and Design Sensibility:
A strong eye for detail, aesthetics, and user-centered design, with particular emphasis on game UI design.
Ability to create interfaces that are visually appealing yet functional, while ensuring performance and optimization across devices.
Problem Solving and Troubleshooting:
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to UI development, asset creation, and platform compatibility.
Collaboration and Communication:
Strong collaborative skills with the ability to clearly communicate design ideas and feedback to team members.
Flexible and adaptable, comfortable working within a fast-paced startup environment with evolving project needs.
Time Management and Deadline-Oriented:
Proven ability to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a growth-phase SME.
Educational Background:
Degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred but not essential.
Personal Attributes
Passion for Arts and Technology:
Genuine enthusiasm for arts, culture, and technology, and a strong commitment to contributing to projects that promote mental health and well-being.
Adaptability and Flexibility:
Ability to work in a flexible, fast-moving environment, adapting to changing project needs and new challenges within an early growth-phase SME.
Collaborative and Team-Oriented:
A team player with a collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively with remote and in-house team members, including freelancers.
Attention to Detail:
High attention to detail, particularly when creating and refining UI assets for mobile platforms.
Mercurial Dance is an equal opportunities organisation and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
Application process
If you would like to find out more about the role then please call Katie (Project Manager) on 07852733797.
To apply please send:
Your CV, including two referees
Links to your portfolio of work, which showcases up to date, relevant previous work in UX/UI Development
An expression of interest (max 1 page of A4 or a video/audio clip no longer than 2 minutes), addressing how you meet the role and requirements and any additional capabilities you bring
Fee/Salary - Please submit your freelance day rate or current FTE salary banding
The contract may be offered on either a freelance or fixed term PAYE contract.
Deadline to submit applications
Thursday 14th November 12pm
Interviews: W/C Mon 18th Nov
Please send to producer@mercurialdance.co.uk putting “UX/UI Unity Developer” in the subject line.