Motion Design Systems Expert (Contract)

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace that connects businesses with highly skilled, AI-enabled independent talent from across the globe. Companies rely on Upwork’s trusted platform and its mindful AI companion, Uma, to help them find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With on-demand access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, Upwork enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build an agile workforce for the age of AI and beyond.

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This is an engagement through Upwork’s Hybrid Workforce Solutions (HWS) program. HWS is a global group of professionals who support Upwork’s business with specialized expertise. As part of HWS, you’ll collaborate with skilled professionals around the world, gaining exposure to impactful projects while contributing to Upwork’s mission to create economic opportunities so people have better lives.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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