Communication Designer / Motion Designer (Freelance / Honorarbasis)

Overview

TikTalks is an interdisciplinary research project examining how TikTok’s algorithmic recommendation system shapes personalized feeds and user experiences. We are seeking a freelance communication or motion designer to translate algorithmic processes and empirical findings into clear visual and motion-based explanations for academic, policy, and public audiences, focusing on clarity, interpretability, and conceptual precision rather than branding.

Start: as soon as possible
Duration: project-based
Workload: by agreement
Location: remote possible

About The Project

TikTalks is a mixed-methods research project examining how TikTok’s algorithmic recommendation system shapes perceptions, attitudes, and experiences among young adults. The project combines large-scale survey data with computational and qualitative analyses of TikTok content and user feeds. A key challenge of the project is to make algorithmic processes, personalized feeds, and empirical findings visually intelligible—for academic audiences, policymakers, and the broader public. To support this, we are seeking a communication designer or motion designer to collaborate on the visual translation of research insights. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Professorship of Ethics of AI and Neuroscience at TUM. This call is issued exclusively by the Responsible Technology Hub e. V. (RTH).

Your Role

You will support the project by developing visual and motion-based representations of research concepts, data, and user experiences. The focus is not branding, but research communication and visual explanation, including:

• Visualizing personalized TikTok feeds and content dynamics
• Translating abstract algorithmic concepts (e.g. recommendation loops, amplification, convergence/divergence of feeds) into accessible visuals
• Designing static graphics and/or short motion pieces based on empirical findings
• Supporting the visual preparation of figures for presentations, reports, and public-facing outputs
• Collaborating closely with the research team to ensure conceptual accuracy
• Iteratively refining visuals based on feedback from researchers and stakeholders

The role emphasizes clarity, interpretability, and conceptual precision over aesthetic experimentation for its own sake.

What You Bring

Required

• Background in communication design, motion design, visual communication, or a related field
• Experience translating complex or abstract content into clear visual formats
• Ability to work from conceptual briefs and empirical material
• Strong sense for structure, hierarchy, and narrative in visual explanations
• Comfortable working independently on a project basis

Desirable

• Experience with data visualization or research communication
• Familiarity with social media platforms or feed-based interfaces
• Skills in motion design tools (e.g. After Effects, Blender, Figma, similar)
• Interest in technology, algorithms, or digital society
• Experience collaborating with researchers or non-design stakeholders

What We Offer

• Collaboration on an interdisciplinary research project at the intersection of technology, society, and ethics
• Clear conceptual input and close coordination with the research team
• Flexible working hours and remote collaboration
• Contract-based compensation aligned with scope and experience
• The opportunity to contribute to public-facing research communication

How to Apply

Please Send a Short Application Including

• CV
• A brief portfolio or selected work samples (PDF or link)
• A short note on your interest in the project

Email:

Subject line: TikTalks – Visual Design (RTH)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; the position may be filled before a formal deadline.

Data Protection

Data Protection Notice: As part of your application to the Responsible Technology Hub e. V. (RTH), you will provide personal data. These data will be processed solely for the purpose of conducting the application and selection procedure, in accordance with Art. 6(1)(b) and Art. 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Your application data will be treated confidentially and will only be accessible to individuals involved in the recruitment process. Data will not be shared with third parties and will be deleted in accordance with statutory retention periods once the selection process has been completed.

By submitting your application, you confirm that you have taken note of this data protection information. The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

Data Protection Information: When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. Please note the Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 DSGVO zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM.

Kontakt: