Volunteer UI/UX Designer — AI Apps for Better Human Communication

Crossing Party Lines (CPL) provides opportunities, training, and support for civil, respectful discourse between Americans with dissimilar ideologies. Our primary offering is the CPL meetup regularly scheduled, facilitated meetings to which all are welcome. At our meetups, attendees discuss current hot topics while facilitators focus the meetings to teach and model skills and create a safe space for members to Be heard by and listened to by people with different political views.Express views without negative repercussions.Learn from one another through active listening.Develop curiosity about perspectives that may be new and unfamiliar to them.Find connection with members who espouse different views.Develop skills required for civil, respectful discourse. In 2016, two groups named "Crossing Party Lines" started independently of one another on opposite ends of the country, only a few months apart. They joined forces to bring civil, respectful conversation to the rest of the country., Help design AI tools that make difficult conversations more constructive Crossing Party Lines is looking for a thoughtful, creative UI/UX Designer to join our Apps and Agents team. We are developing a portfolio of AI-powered applications and conversational agents that help people communicate more effectively across differences. These tools are designed to help people listen more carefully, understand perspectives unlike their own, recognize assumptions and biases, express themselves with greater context, and navigate emotionally charged conversations. Our work began in the political sphere, where Crossing Party Lines has spent nearly a decade helping people with different political views talk openly and respectfully. We are now bringing that proven approach into homes, workplaces, community organizations, and other settings where people need better ways to understand one another. This is an opportunity to help shape genuinely innovative products at an early stage—not simply make an existing interface look better. Our team is combining emerging generative-AI technology with Crossing Party Lines’ proprietary intellectual property, including Communication skills developed and refined through years of real-world practiceTeaching and coaching methods that help people learn those skillsFrameworks for addressing both cognitive and affective depolarizationA philosophy centered on curiosity, understanding, emotional safety, and respect across differencesSpecialized approaches to reflection, reframing, perspective-taking, asking better questions, and communicating with context We are developing tools for conversation practice, coaching, role-play, public communication, and other applications of this work. Crossing Party Lines is also preparing an application to Y Combinator as we explore the potential to bring these tools to a much wider audience. What you’ll help us accomplish You will help us turn promising AI prototypes and detailed product concepts into experiences that feel clear, welcoming, trustworthy, and easy to use. Because these applications involve personal reflection and potentially sensitive conversations, good design is central to the work. The interface must help people feel supported without feeling judged, coached without feeling controlled, and challenged without becoming overwhelmed. What you’ll do Depending on your experience and interests, you may Help define user journeys and interaction flows for new AI-powered applicationsReview existing prototypes and identify usability problemsCreate wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypesHelp establish a consistent visual and interaction system across multiple appsWork with developers, testers, writers, and subject-matter expertsParticipate in usability testing and use findings to improve designsHelp us think carefully about accessibility, inclusion, trust, and emotional safety You may be a good fit if you Have experience with UX design, product design, interaction design, or user researchCan simplify complicated processes without stripping away important nuanceEnjoy working on early-stage products where some questions are still being answeredAre interested in human-centered AI, civic technology, communication, conflict transformation, education, or behavioral designCan give and receive constructive feedback in a collaborative environmentAre comfortable working with people who hold a wide range of political and social views Professional experience is welcome, but we are also open to advanced students, career changers, and emerging designers with strong skills and a relevant portfolio. You do not need to be an AI expert. Curiosity about AI-assisted products and a willingness to learn are more important than familiarity with every technical term. What you’ll gain A meaningful role in shaping innovative AI products from an early stageOpportunities to create portfolio-worthy product and UX workExperience designing for conversational AI and emotionally sensitive interactionsCollaboration with developers, writers, testers, and experts in depolarization and communicationA chance to influence tools that may eventually be used in homes, workplaces, nonprofit organizations, and public lifeProfessional references based on the quality and consistency of your contribution Time, location, and support This is a remote volunteer position. You may complete most of the work on your own schedule. We hope volunteers can contribute approximately 8 or more hours per week, although hours are flexible. Team members should also be available for one or two online team meetings per week. You will report to Lisa Swallow, co-founder of Crossing Party Lines and lead of the Apps and Agents team. You will work closely with other volunteers and developers and will receive background information, product specifications, and access to the CPL frameworks underlying the applications. We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, professions, political viewpoints, and lived experiences. Crossing Party Lines does not ask volunteers to agree politically. We ask them to approach differences with curiosity, respect, and a sincere desire to understand.