Motion Design Systems Expert (contract) - Remote Eligible

Motion Design Systems Expert (Contract)

Motion is a critical part of our Next Gen Design System, but the current design system (DS) team has limited expertise. Without a strong motion foundation, animations risk being decorative, inconsistent, or inaccessible. We're seeking a Motion Design Systems Expert to establish reusable motion tokens, scalable guidelines, and cross-platform implementation that can grow with the system.

1/ Foundations

• Define motion tokens: duration, easing curves, delays, and reusable presets (e.g. transition-short, easing-emphasized).
• Align tokens with engineering feasibility (web + mobile).

2/ Guidelines & Principles

• Create system-level motion principles (intentional, authentic, inclusive, grounded).
• Document when to use motion and when not to.
• Define accessibility standards (reduced motion, alternatives).

3/ Applied Patterns

• Translate principles into patterns for components and interactions (e.g. overlays, toasts, navigation, micro-feedback).
• Provide Figma prototypes and animation examples for designers.

4/ Enablement & Handoff

• Partner with engineers to ensure tokens and guidelines are implementable.
• Run short workshops / reviews so our team can confidently apply motion after the contract ends.

Must Haves (Required Skills):

• Has built motion systems at scale (design system or major product).
• Fluent in both design & engineering language.
• Can work hands-on (tokens, animations, Figma libraries) while also setting strategy.
• Comfortable teaching and enabling a team to continue the work.

Contract details

• Start date: Targeting Early November
• Engagement Type: Short Term Contract with possibility of extension
• Focus: Foundations (motion tokens + principles), draft guidelines, and initial component patterns
• Option to extend: If we need more support to scale across components/patterns or partner deeper with engineering, we can extend the contract

Upwork is proudly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We never discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Additionally, a criminal background check may be run on a candidate after a conditional offer to perform your services for Upwork is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.