2026 Ux Design Intern

Company Intelligence

Graphcore is a Bristol-based AI compute specialist founded in 2016, specializing in Intelligence Processing Units (IPUs) for AI workloads, challenging GPU leaders like NVIDIA. The company raised £528m across 9 equity rounds, achieving unicorn status within 4 years, and employs 200-499 people globally. Acquired by SoftBank in July 2024 for ~$500m (part of its "Silicon Trinity" with Arm and Ampere), it partners with Microsoft, Dell, and research institutes like University of Bristol. Recent developments include SoftBank's November 2025 Ampere acquisition and ongoing IPU innovations amid AI inference hardware competition. Offices span Bristol (HQ), London, Cambridge (UK), Austin (US HQ), Oslo, Beijing, Seoul, and others; U.S. teams focus on silicon design, software, and infrastructure. No specific culture details available, but as a high-growth AI firm, expect innovative, technical environments optimistic about AI-driven futures.

Program Deep Dive

The 2026 UX Design Intern is an entry-level role in Bristol, targeting students/recent graduates (18-25) for hands-on UX/UI design in AI tech contexts.[web:0 from query context] Structure likely spans summer 2026 (typical for interns), with daily responsibilities including UI/UX prototyping for AI tools, user research, wireframing, and collaboration on IPU-related software interfaces.[web:0] They're seeking Figma/Sketch proficiency, Adobe XD, basic prototyping, user-centered design principles, and AI/ML familiarity; portfolio showcasing 2-3 projects essential.[web:0] Learning opportunities: real AI product design, IPU ecosystem exposure. Mentorship via senior designers/engineers; training in Graphcore's stack (e.g., Poplar SDK). Post-program: potential full-time UX roles or grad schemes in AI design, leveraging SoftBank network.

Application Success Guide

Requirements: Portfolio (3+ UX projects), resume, cover letter; UX tools proficiency; available summer 2026 in Bristol.[web:0] Deadline: Apply ASAP via https://uiuxdesignerjobs.com/jobs/entry-level-ui-ux-designer/

• postings close quickly for 2026 roles.[web:0] Process:

1. Submit online: Tailor resume to AI/UX intersection, upload portfolio.
2. Screening: Phone/video with recruiter (15-30 mins).
3. Interview: 2-3 rounds

• technical (portfolio deep-dive), behavioral, design task.

4. Offer: Within 2-4 weeks.[standard for UK tech interns] Common questions: "Walk through your portfolio project" (focus AI relevance); "Design a dashboard for AI model monitoring"; "How would you improve Graphcore's IPU dev tools UI?"; "Team collaboration example."[UX intern norms + Graphcore tech] Assessments: Live Figma prototype (e.g., AI workflow app), user journey map case study.[web:0] Standout traits: AI-aware portfolio (e.g., ML dashboard redesigns), Bristol relocation willingness, passion for ethical AI design.

Insider Tips

Graphcore values technical UX skills (prototyping, accessibility) over pure soft skills, but emphasize collaboration in cross-functional AI teams (engineers/marketers). Demonstrate IPU vs GPU knowledge, Poplar framework basics, AI inference trends

• reference SoftBank acquisition. Interview tips: Prep IPU demos (YouTube Graphcore talks); show iterative design process. Questions to ask: "How does UX influence IPU software roadmap?"; "Post-internship projects for 2026 grads?"; "Team's approach to AI ethics in design?" Red flags: Generic portfolios sans AI, poor Figma files, no user testing evidence, relocation hesitation.

Practical Information

Salary/stipend: £2,500-£3,500/month (UK tech intern avg for AI firms; Bristol lower cost).[industry std] Benefits: Likely hybrid (Bristol office focus), health/perks, relocation aid; SoftBank perks possible (travel, learning stipend). Duration/Start: 8-12 weeks, June/July 2026.[web:0] Networking: Connect alumni via LinkedIn (search "Graphcore UX intern"); attend Bristol AI meetups; leverage Microsoft/Dell partnerships for events.