You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Animation Designer (UI/UX Motion and Interaction Designer)

Next Play makes sports-themed games that teach kids the rules of sports. We are looking for Animation Designers to help bring our digital games to life with fun, engaging, and user-friendly animations for web and mobile.

We are looking for designers who can craft interactive animations that enhance gameplay, guide users through lessons, and make the overall app experience more delightful. Responsibilities include designing motion flows, creating prototypes, and delivering animations that can be integrated directly into development (e.g., Lottie, After Effects). To be successful in this role, you should have an eye for timing, motion, and storytelling—and be able to translate design briefs into engaging animated experiences.

We currently make games to help kids learn about sports such as football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, and more. Ultimately, you will help us design an app that is easy to use, visually appealing, and exciting for our users.

Responsibilities

Create engaging animations for mobile/web products (onboarding flows, badges, lesson transitions, in-app celebrations, etc.)
Work closely with UI/UX designers and developers to bring static screens to life
Define motion guidelines and animation systems that align with brand identity
Translate sports lessons and gameplay mechanics into clear, intuitive animations
Produce prototypes for testing interactions before development
Deliver animations in developer-friendly formats (e.g., Lottie JSON, Bodymovin exports)
Improve existing animations based on feedback from users and the team
Research new animation trends, tools, and techniques for mobile apps

Requirements and skills

Proven experience as a Motion Designer, Interaction Designer, or similar role
Strong portfolio showcasing animation work for apps, games, or interactive products
Proficiency in motion design tools (After Effects, Figma Smart Animate, Lottie/Bodymovin, Principle, etc.)
Understanding of animation principles (timing, easing, anticipation, etc.)
Ability to collaborate with product and engineering teams
Creativity in mixing animation styles with UI/UX elements
Time-management skills and adaptability in a fast-moving startup environment
Pursuing or completed a degree in Animation, Motion Design, Interaction Design, or related field

The internship offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to select the months and times that work best for you. If you perform well, it could turn into a full-time salary with equity and benefits. Working for a startup is a lot of fun—you’ll learn a lot and have a big impact on the design and animation strategy for the company.