8 Blogs That Will Kick-Start Your Creativity as a Product Designer

blogs for designers

Finding the voices that personally resonate with you can be a crucial component when looking to improve your hard and soft skills. From boot camp graduates to industry veterans, a well-written or provocative article can help unlock new ideas, processes, or opinions. This is why embracing new perspectives is so important. 

Having said that, we now have an endless amount of options to choose from when it comes to finding new sources of inspiration. It can be easy to find yourself quickly lost in the algorithm or feeling out of the loop in an ever-evolving and crowded digital space.

We have compiled a shortlist of 8 blogs that will serve as a baseline to help kick-start your creativity as a product designer in 2024.

Top Blogs for Product Designers

  1. DESK
  2. Spotify Design
  3. UX Collective
  4. Webflow
  5. Codrops
  6. DesignerUp
  7. The UX Design Institute
  8. UX studio

1. DESK

DESK website

Founded in 2016, DESK covers topics across design, psychology, and productivity. In their own words, they aim “to create a resource for designers and makers to motivate, inspire, and just have fun.”

DESK is part of House of Van Schneider. A corner of the internet belonging to art director, thinker, and product designer Tobias Van Schneider. Tobias has developed products and services for clients such as Red Bull, Google, NASA, and Sony.

Why Desk?

Simply put, it’s a blog for designers, by designers. They write about a broad scope of topics that challenge you to perceive the world of design today in different ways. Why do you like what you like? What is good design? Should we be challenging the status quo? With contributions from a global team, DESK provides valuable insights from multiple perspectives. If you appreciate storytelling and the psychological aspects of design, this blog is for you. 

Highlight:

Breaking the algorithm is a thought piece that serves as a reminder for us to stay curious. It offers to be proactive rather than reactive to the world around us and the content we consume.

2. Spotify Design

Spotify website

Spotify Design is a community that directly shares its processes with its audience. It offers a peek under the hood of a product used by millions, designed for multiple platforms, contexts, and countries.

Why Spotify Design?

With stories and curated playlists directly from the team, you get a glimpse of what it takes to make Spotify successful. There are regular spotlight segments from team members, workshop guides, how-to segments on navigating your career, and much more. You can find takeaways here, no matter where your interests or strengths lie. With content broadly surrounding people and best practices, Spotify Design can give you a glimpse of what it’s like to work there. Any music-loving designer will surely appreciate their insights and focus on culture.

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One of the best examples is a recent post detailing the collaborative processes between design and engineering. It explains to the reader what to avoid and what to strive for.

3. UX Collective

UX Collective website

UX Collective is the largest independent design publication on the design landscape, hosted on Medium. Curated with content that aims to provoke change, it is a nucleus for critical thinking and shared experiences.

UX collective believes that knowledge sharing is the key to making the design community grow stronger in the future.

Why UX Collective?

As mentioned, UX Collective hosts stories, case studies, and curated essays to ensure quality. The beauty of the platform is that it gives anyone a voice to highlight their interests and passions. Not only that, but you can engage with and contribute to conversations that senior designers, major tech companies, and product makers start globally. It’s up to the reader to find what resonates with them here. If you want to open your mind to new ideas and join a more extensive conversation within the design community, look through UX Collective.

Highlight:

In line with the focus of this article, here is an exciting piece that highlights a few essential lessons in creativity that you can take from the film Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.

4. Webflow

Webflow website

Webflow offers anyone the ability to build a website without code. It’s a powerful tool that goes way beyond standardized templates. Thousands of leading organizations trust it globally to deliver stunning and immersive experiences.

Why Webflow?

As a result of this, Webflow’s blog offers fantastic insights on different topics. Ranging from web typography to the best responsive web design guidelines, you can find various topics there.

The blog also covers emerging design trends and featured articles that discuss design processes, resources, and other forms of inspiration – not to mention their e-books on the no-code revolution, as well as direct links to their free Webflow University courses. This blog is beneficial, especially for people passionate about digital design. I recommend it for those who want to level up their technical abilities, touching on new trends, best practices, and the complexities of the web.

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This article demonstrates how creative you can get with menus and navigation styles. It also explains how you can add aesthetic flair while solidifying a memorable experience for the user.

5. Codrops

Codrops website

Codrops is a platform created to elevate and inspire the knowledge growth of contemporary designers, developers, and web professionals. By exploring the latest trends, issues, and topics in the digital field – they make it easy to stay up-to-date with everything. 

The platform has been consistent with its output since 2009. It’s offering freebies, articles, tutorials, and sketches, too. So, it’s clear that Codrops remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative content. Their articles aim to spark the imagination of their readers.

Why Codrops?

There is a vibrant community full of resources to explore here. There are weekly round-ups with posts detailing how to rewrite the source code of PlayStation classics, what Slack would look like, redesigned from the ground up, and portfolios portraying exceptional animation, composition, and style.

The playground section offers an array of “web experiments, concepts, and layouts that push the boundaries of traditional design and showcase the latest in animation techniques.” It’s a great source of creative fuel for anyone looking to challenge the status quo and try new techniques.

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Here is an excellent look into unique on-scroll column and row animations.

6. DesignerUp

DesignerUp website

DesignerUp is a platform that shares access to high-quality resources for designers to enhance their skill sets. They host free video tutorials, templates, podcasts, and articles. DesignerUp has adopted a philosophy highlighting how design is an extension of ourselves. They hope to provide a means of allowing us to express that notion.

You will notice that each post is presented and formatted with attention to detail and clarity that allows the process of finding inspiration to feel effortless. With the content offering alone, it feels like a resource that could answer any question you might have, whether it’s about removing the background from an image quickly or if you want to know what the best show on Netflix is about tech start-ups. 

Why DesignerUp?

DesignerUp will be particularly helpful if you are at the start of your design journey. Everything that you need to begin learning is there: courses, templates, freebies, but most importantly, knowledge. It’s trusted and used by industry leaders from Google and Asana to Figma.

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Many things can easily fracture our focus and concentration in multiple directions. This affects our productivity, resulting in stress, and ultimately stifles creativity. DesignerUp outlines 10 effective strategies to enhance your workflow and manage your priorities better.

7. The UX Design Institute

The UX Design Institute website

With an offering of various university credit-rated courses, The UX Design Institute is globally recognized. It aims to reset the standard when it comes to UX education. 

They offer a free introductory course on UX and consistently host renowned guest speakers in webinars. Most recently, they have had a conversation with Don Norman on designing for a better world.

Why UX Design Institute?

The blog itself can be handy if you are seeking career tips or advice. In particular, their Expert Interviews segment focuses on people. They give you an insight into the day-to-day processes and workflows of designers operating in various fields. 

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Here is an excellent example of incorporating effective and consistent branding within content design. As the article says, “Consistent branding is a crucial pillar of good content design—and, therefore, good UX.”

8. UX Studio

UX studio website

At UX studio, we closely keep our ears to the ground regarding new trends, methods of working, and the different perspectives of designers and researchers alike. On our blog, you will find plenty of resources to guide you on your journey – whether you’re looking for some of the best design agencies to work with around the globe or are on the hunt for tips to improve your Figma workflow. 

Why UX Studio?

At UX studio, we are on a mission to create impactful solutions, make people’s lives easier, and help businesses surpass themselves. This is clear in everything we communicate through our blog. With the input of different voices around the studio, we are sure you’ll have a few takeaways to boost your creativity.

Highlight:

In one of our previous articles, we gathered some great tools to make your life easier as a designer.

Summary

Staying engaged with current trends can be intimidating in the design world when everything seems to move so fast. Each of the resources mentioned above offers its own unique insights. They can serve as a baseline to ensure you maintain your creative energy and output.

Want to learn more?

If you want to learn more about UX design and our experiences working on projects, make sure you check out our UX design blog. We share valuable insights, tips, and best practices to help you grow your skills and knowledge on the topic.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a UX Teamwork Dream Work 

Tips on how to improve the collaboration with non UX professionals

Establishing and maintaining an effective collaboration within a team takes almost as much effort as your professional tasks. But, since we always try to focus on the visible result, we tend to forget to pay attention to other factors that also contribute to the best outcome.  It is important to remember creating a motivating environment fosters productive collaboration and boosts creativity.

In a very recent article, we talked about the social aspect of collaboration and its impact on creating a motivating environment. In this blog post, you’ll find a short guide that walks you through the other most important steps that contribute to effective teamwork.

Take The Other’s Perspective Into Account

Perspective-taking helps us understand a situation from different points of view. It reduces conflicts, facilitates communication, and helps us to see the big picture. Besides these explicit outcomes, perspective-taking also has some unconscious effects that can be beneficial. For example, taking others’ perspectives fosters creative problem-solving and increases positive emotions that contribute to high-quality work. It also helps you notice more of that person in yourself, which eventually reduces the propensity of judgments (for further information, check this article). 

If you work as a designer or researcher, you are usually part of a product team, which is fundamentally a collaborative process. In such teams, taking into account the opinions and backgrounds of others is an indispensable step towards a smooth collaboration. 

different perspectives in teamwork

Taking someone else’s perspective into account sounds very easy, but doing it properly can be very difficult. Here are some tips on how to do it:

  1. 1 – Take a short break – the whole session lasts around 30 minutes. Lay back and take a deep breath. When breathing in, think about positive things. When breathing out, release all negative feelings and vibes. Repeat this until you feel relaxed.
  1. 2 – Imagine the situation that upset you, but now observe it like an outsider. Replay in your mind what happened and try to answer the following questions: What knowledge did each participant have, including yourself? What could be the most important to each person? What concerns or pain points did each of them have? This step helps you look at the problem from different perspectives and gain insights into the motivations and emotions of everyone involved.
  1. 3 – Answering the questions of step 2 is only the beginning of this journey. Spend some time with this mindset. Think about – even better if you write down bullet points – how the problem/situation looks different now. Why could each person behave the way they did? This step can help you develop empathy and understanding for others, leading to more effective communication and collaboration.

Remember, the most challenging part of this process is focusing only on the other person’s point of view and suppressing your own feelings. Find a suitable time when you are in the right mood for this whole session. But remember: postponing it can make the whole process harder – as memories fade over time, making accurate recall less feasible.

Be Flexible

If things are going according to your predefined plan, great job! You can skip this section. 😉

However, it’s also possible that things may not go as planned. There can be countless reasons for this, but now let’s focus on how to adapt to a situation like that. 

flexibility int teamwork

Flexibility is a key characteristic of any team player. However, throughout a collaboration or project, many obstacles and unexpected hurdles can come up that you as a team have to solve and you as an individual have to adapt to. So what can you do? 

  • 1 – Open communication
    Proper communication is essential for being able to flexibly adapt to changes. It lets everyone understand the ‘big picture’- what changes are happening and why. Express your ideas, thoughts, and concerns, and encourage your colleagues to do the same. If you disagree with something or are unsure about what is happening, don’t be afraid to ask questions! You can only adapt to changes if you understand the decisions that have been made and also their background. To avoid giving the impression that you are questioning the decision itself, formulate your questions properly. Another paragraph in this article provides some tips on how to do that by covering assertive communication in more detail.
  • 2 – Be open-minded!
    Being receptive to new ideas and experiences is an essential skill to flexibly adapt to changes. Listen to and consider what other people are saying without judging. First, hear what they are saying, and understand their point of view. And if you have concerns, try to challenge their approaches by asking questions and seeking further information. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to agree with the new ideas, but putting effort into at least understanding them can also help you to persuade them to change their thoughts, and you might come up with a better solution together.
  • 3 – Be curious and open to learning new skills.
    Changes can bring uncertainty – when things don’t go as planned, the situation can become unpredictable. Questions may arise, such as: What will the new setup look like? What tasks will I have? What if this approach fails again? The more knowledge and skills you possess, the better equipped you will be to deal with unexpected situations and tasks. Following the industry trends and innovations, broadening your knowledge will help you be flexible and adapt to changes quickly.

By communicating effectively, being open-minded, and learning new skills, team members can better navigate unexpected hurdles, solve problems, and work together towards a common goal.

Give and Ask for Feedback

Both giving and receiving feedback can be challenging and, at times, uncomfortable.  However, it is essential for building successful teamwork. Remember that feedback is not inherently negative but rather an opportunity to get to know each other’s perspectives and see things from different points of view. 

different views of team members

The key to successful feedback is in the “how.” The way you provide valuable and constructive feedback to others often matters more than the actual content of the feedback itself. You might highlight valuable points, but if it creates negative feelings in the receivers, they may not accept it or build it in. To ensure that feedback is useful and productive, it is essential to follow a few guidelines. Let’s take a look at some tips:

  1. 1 – Organize: Whenever you feel your team needs a feedback session, bring up the idea, and explain why you think it would be beneficial. Then, try to schedule an appointment when everyone is available. A feedback session shouldn’t be longer than 1-1,5 hours. 
  1. 2 – Define: Before the session, think through (and preferably write down) what you want to discuss and why. Identify your main goal for the feedback and what you hope to achieve with it.
  1. 3 – “Build up” the feedback: Many people still believe in the so-called “sandwich” technique: wrapping negative feedback in between positive feedback. It involves starting with some good things, then addressing the important negative points, and at the end, saying some positive things again. The downside of this technique is that the information “hidden” in the middle may be easily overlooked.
  1. 4 – Give room to others: Remember, a feedback session is not just about sharing your own thoughts. Always provide others with the opportunity to share their perspective and feelings. A feedback session should be a conversation between all parties involved.
  1. 5 – Prepare: Prepare for the session in advance by collecting topics, problems, and questions you would like to cover. Create a board with the goal of the session and the defined topics using tools like Miro, Figjam, or any other tool your team is comfortable with. Leave space or post-its for each topic to allow participants to share their thoughts during the session. (Check out a feedback session template created in Figjam below.)

retrospective workshop session

  1. 6 – Facilitate: Start the session by highlighting its goal. Then, go through each topic one by one. Always leave a certain amount of time for the participants to think through each topic and write down their thoughts. When the allotted time is up, provide space for everyone to explain their opinions and ask clarifying questions if necessary.
  1. 7 – Summarize: At the end of the session, summarize the key learnings, and what should be done the same way or differently in the future.

Feedback sessions are not only great because you can learn from them, but they also have additional positive consequences. Studies have demonstrated that a well-prepared feedback session can increase performance levels, support individuals in achieving their goals, and boost personal engagement.

Communicate Assertively

When communicating with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, it’s important to be mindful of both what you say and how you say it. Endeavor to communicate assertively, which means explaining things directly and clearly while also actively listening to others. The most important part of it is that you have to stand up for your rights and needs in a manner that makes you seem brave and confident but not arrogant and aggressive. To achieve this balance, there are some principles that you can follow.

Principles: 

  1. 1 – Follow the basic non-verbal communication rules that help you look confident (e.g., direct eye contact, balanced posture, medium tone, and volume of voice). 
  1. 2 – Explain everything carefully, keeping in mind that what is clear for you may not be clear for someone else.
  1. 3 – Take breaks and let the receiver respond and/or ask questions at certain points. If they don’t ask questions, try to encourage them to do so by asking for their opinions and thoughts.
  1. 4 – Support the objective observations with facts, and in the case of subjective ones, emphasize that those are only your opinions. 

assertive communication

Being able to communicate assertively takes time and practice, but it will definitely help you to be heard and understood in any workplace setting.

Be Patient and Educate Whenever Needed

As UX professionals, we often encounter challenges with team members who are not familiar with UX processes and have misconceptions about what we do. These misconceptions stem from a lack of understanding rather than ill will. People outside of UX may not grasp the importance of certain steps or want to rush through them. For instance, wireframing and building a design system are essential steps that may seem unnecessary to others, but they actually help save money in the long run. Likewise, feedback from a look-and-feel workshop is crucial for us to move forward, but team members may claim they are too busy to participate. These misunderstandings and points of friction can be frustrating and cause tension. Education can help overcome these issues.

  • Explain and educate:
    If you feel the client or your colleagues don’t fully understand your goal or approach, try to calmly explain it to them. Tell them why it is important at that specific stage, why it takes a certain amount of time, and what might happen if they miss that step. Bring relevant examples from your previous experiences to illustrate your points. Remember that some details may be clear to you but not to others. Also, let them explain their concerns or fears and why they are reluctant to follow that plan. Answer any questions that may arise and address their concerns to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  • Be open to trade-offs:
    It may occur that even after lengthy discussions and education, team members still hesitate. At that point, you must decide how far to push your approach and when to offer an alternative solution. This decision depends on many factors. However, a never-ending fight within the team can be destructive and toxic. Therefore, after a few days or weeks, it is essential to make a decision and move forward.

Education, clear and detailed explanations, examples, and answering all questions seem like tiny things, but doing them properly always takes time. Be sure to dedicate enough time to them, and try to share all the information that would help you get you all on the same page.

To successfully educate others, you will need all previously mentioned soft skills: taking others’ perspectives, being flexible, giving and receiving proper feedback, and communicating assertively. All these skills are closely related to each other, and putting effort into enhancing them contributes highly to making a teamwork dream work. 

teamwork with different views

What Is The Key Takeaway Here?

Collaborating smoothly with people of different backgrounds and personalities can be challenging. Often, we focus solely on achieving set goals quickly and neglect the fact that team members can be more committed and efficient if they truly form a team rather than just individuals who work together. To foster successful collaboration in UX projects, a holistic approach is required that extends beyond individual expertise.

In essence, true collaboration arises from a symphony of soft skills, where team members genuinely engage with each other’s perspectives, communicate openly, and remain adaptable. By valuing these aspects, a UX project can transform from a collection of skills to a true teamwork dream.

Searching for the right UX agency?

UX studio works with rising startups and established tech giants worldwide. 

Should you want to improve the design and performance of your digital product, message us to book a consultation with us. We will walk you through our design processes and suggest the next steps! 

Our experts would be happy to assist with the UX strategy, product and user research, or UX/UI design.

Top 9 Digital Design Agencies

To help you find the perfect design partner more easily, we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 digital design agencies that are leading the way in redefining digital experiences. Whether you’re a business owner looking to improve your online presence or someone who loves design and needs inspiration, these digital agencies are here to impress you with their skills and groundbreaking work.

Looking to streamline your search? Our team of skilled UX experts at UX studio has all the expertise needed to create a world-class digital design. Schedule a free consultation with us and let’s discuss your current goals.​​

Top 9 Digital Design Agencies

  1. 1. UX studio
  2. 2. BASIC/DEPT® Agency
  3. 3. Masterly
  4. 4. DHNN
  5. 5. Emerge
  6. 6. RNO1
  7. 7. Kreatik
  8. 8. UENO 
  9. 9. Rekos

1 – UX studio

UX studio is an award-winning digital design agency working with all kinds of businesses worldwide.

A picture of the home page of UX studio, which is an award-winning product design agency.

Since the foundation of UX studio by Dávid Pásztor in 2013, we’ve rapidly grown into one of the best digital design companies. Our journey has led us to partner with startups and enterprises in more than 250 projects worldwide. It also granted us extensive expertise across various industries and niches, such as fintech, travel, education, healthcare, and more. Notable clients in our portfolio include Google, Netflix, Cisco, and The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

The expertise of our team lies in creating visually stunning web designs and digital products. These leave an exceptional first impression and differentiate our clients from competitors. Besides those, our digital creations captivate the target audience to drive high conversion rates while being user-friendly. 

UX studio dedicates a full-time team to their clients.

We’re employing agile methodologies that prioritize efficiency and effectiveness. While also placing a strong emphasis on UX research to guide our design decisions. Research ensures prioritized user needs and delivered effectiveness. For instance, this approach produced outstanding results for Liligo, France’s leading travel app. It increased the booking rate by an impressive 200%.

Transparency is integral to our client-centric philosophy, enabling direct communication with our specialists. This allows detailed discussions, real-time decision-making, and project progress tracking. We also employ design thinking and iterative cycles in our projects which speeds up project timelines and saves our clients time and money.

If you’re seeking a digital design agency that combines creativity, user experience expertise, and efficient collaboration, look no further. We’re committed to creating a tailored solution that suits your unique needs and propels your digital presence to new heights. Reach out to UX studio and let’s chat about your current challenges and goals.

2 – BASIC/DEPT® Agency

BASIC/DEPT® is a globally recognized branding and digital design agency on a mission to transform brands and culture across the world.

BASIC/DEPT® is a globally recognized branding and digital design firm.

Founded as Basic by David Vaněk and later merged with Dept in 2021, Basic/Dept has evolved into a leading digital branding and product design agency. Their journey has been marked by impressive growth, expanding to 28 offices worldwide and ranking as the 18th fastest-growing agency, as recognized by Adweek.

With over a decade of experience and a diverse team of over 120 individuals from across the globe, they’re united by a shared passion for bold ideas, creative craftsmanship, and efficient service. They view their agency as a platform where shared values come together to spark innovation. 

They thrive on collaboration with ambitious brands and visionary individuals who share their passion for pushing the boundaries of creativity and design. Some of their clients include KFC, American Express, Adobe, and Patagonia. As one of the best digital design agencies, Basic offers a comprehensive range of services, from strategy and brand experience to content and technology solutions. These services include journey mapping, UI/UX design, content strategy, full-stack development, including CMS implementation, and technical consultation for complex projects.

In digital-first branding, BASIC/DEPT® excels in crafting brand ecosystems, using data for smart decisions, and creating impactful visuals across different media types. They also provide expertise in brand naming, go-to-market strategies, and campaign development.

3 – Masterly

Masterly is a US-based product design agency offering a full spectrum of digital design services, from brand strategy to product design. 

Masterly is creating products users love.

Founded in 2017 by Vlad and Yana Hrynchuk, Masterly Digital specializes in helping clients in FinTech, Web3, and DeFi elevate their brands and products through exceptional digital design. Their mission is to transform digital presences into captivating and effective tools. 

The team at the digital design firm is made up of professionals deeply connected to modern culture, trends, and innovative design approaches. They’re dedicated to leaving a lasting mark on the design industry and transforming businesses through enduring partnerships. All while nurturing a community of designers and art directors committed to pushing creative boundaries and delivering outstanding design solutions.

Their core services cover UI/UX design, which focuses on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, product design involving UX research and user-centered product development, brand identity definition, and visual language creation. They also provide custom artwork through illustration and engaging motion design. Additionally, they offer Design-Ops support to streamline design processes for efficiency and scalability.

The digital product design company has collaborated with tech startups, software development companies, and various businesses and brands to bring ideas to life. Their previous clients include Wellbank, Esthe Home, Cofinance, and Pluck. 

The company believes that every business, regardless of its size or industry, deserves top-tier service. They provide personal attention and leverage the specialized skills of their experienced professionals to drive success in branding, design, motion graphics, and more.

4 – DHNN

DHNN, Design Has No Name, is a transformative digital design agency with offices in Buenos Aires, Miami, and Lisboa.

DHNN, Design Has No Name, challenges the world through quality design.

Established in 2007 by a dedicated and diverse team, DHNN Design Agency is at the forefront of creating innovative digital products. Furthermore, they challenge industry norms and champion user-centric design. Their portfolio includes renowned clients such as IBM Global, AVON Global, VISA, and ICBC, spanning various sectors such as entertainment, banking, finance, crypto, insurtech, and retail.

The design company a wide range of services for digital innovation, including product discovery, branding and strategy, product design and development, and data visualization. Their specialty lies in disruptive innovation, pushing design boundaries, and specializing in data-driven product design. They prioritize users by starting with their needs, simplifying complexity, and ensuring continuous user engagement.

At the core of DHNN’s culture is collaboration and a firm belief in the power of collective achievement. The DHNN team, known as “DH” among friends, forges close relationships with clients and partners, taking full ownership of projects as natural builders and creative problem solvers. 

The digital agency’s mission is to help businesses enhance and transform through innovative digital experiences, guiding them from discovery to full UX/UI design and development. But it’s not only that but also transforming themselves through design, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Their diverse team, each with unique skills, collectively defines DHNN’s ethos and purpose.

5 – Emerge

Emerge is a top-rated digital product design agency and consultancy based in the US.

Emerge is a top-rated digital product agency and consultancy.

Emerge is a dynamic studio dedicated to creating exceptional digital experiences through innovative design. With over 20 years of experience, they collaborate with clients to craft impactful designs, aiming to bring ideas to life and elevate brands. 

The digital web design agency specializes in solving complex digital product challenges and driving outstanding results. Their expertise lies in accelerating product growth, enhancing team culture, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Their services include UX/UI Design, Product Strategy, and Full-Stack Development. 

They primarily work with B2B leaders across technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, customizing their services to suit each client’s unique needs. Notable clients include AT&T, Wacom, Unilever, LEGO, Electronic Arts, Intel, Nike, and Disney. 

When working with clients, they follow a tried-and-true method, combining UX design expertise with innovative digital product strategy. This focuses on collaboration, shared vision, empowering product leaders, and continuous optimization, ensuring project success at every stage of the product lifecycle.

Emerge primarily works with B2B leaders across technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, customizing their services to suit each client's unique needs.

At Emerge, the company culture revolves around inclusivity, excellence, and supporting employees in achieving their personal and professional goals. It’s a place where great ideas flourish, and a diverse and inclusive workforce collaborates to build digital products that people love and use.

Emerge’s dedication to employee growth is evident through a range of benefits. Such as a $1,000 educational stipend, parental leave support, comprehensive health benefits, and the flexibility to work remotely, making it an ideal environment for fostering creativity and innovation.

6 – RNO1 

Revolve No1 is a West Coast-based experience design and growth agency with a global edge.

Revolve No1 is a West Coast-based experience design and growth agency.

Founded in 2010 by Michael Gaizutis, RNO1 became a top digital design agency known for creating outstanding brand experiences. They specialize in design, strategy, and technology to help businesses grow and connect with their audiences. Their impressive portfolio includes startups and well-known brands from various industries. RNO1’s focus on design excellence and client success makes them a trusted partner in the digital world.

They stand out as a unique subscription-based experience design agency, collaborating with major companies like Airbnb, Microsoft, and CoVenture – alongside other VC-backed tech / web3 companies working to drive change in their market, through experience design. Their expertise covers branding, web and digital platform design, eCommerce, and more.

RNO1 is dedicated to business growth through branding, digital experiences, and emerging technologies. Their approach is results-driven, ensuring clients achieve success through strategic design solutions. with HQ in San Fransisco 

RNO1 prioritizes design in every aspect of their work, working as partners rather than vendors. Their senior teams ensure impactful results from the beginning. Whether it’s branding, web design, or the latest digital innovations, RNO1 is committed to helping businesses succeed through thoughtful design solutions.

7 – Kreatik

Kreatik is a dynamic digital marketing and design agency that specializes in creating innovative and impactful digital experiences.

Kreatik is a dynamic digital marketing agency.

Since Kreatik’s foundation in 2012, the company has become one of the top digital design agencies. Kreatik’s commitment to design excellence and client success positions them as a trusted partner for companies seeking to make a significant impact in the digital landscape. Their portfolio boasts a diverse range of clients, from startups to established brands. It includes brands like Qarson, Lisner, Sportano, Prilo, Johnson & Johnson, and Danone.

They offer a wide range of services, including branding and identity, web and digital platform design, UX/UI design, content strategy, and more. All aiming at delivering outstanding digital solutions. With a strong emphasis on design, technology, and strategy, the digital web designer company helps businesses enhance their online presence, drive growth, and connect effectively with their target audiences. 

The design company offers a wide range of services, including branding and identity, web and digital platform design, UX/UI design, content strategy, and more

With a team of talented and experienced professionals, Kreatik approaches each project with a design-focused mindset. This ensures that creativity and innovation are at the forefront of their work. They pride themselves on being collaborative partners rather than mere service providers. Furthermore, they praise their dedication to achieving results from the outset sets them apart in the digital design industry.

To sum up, Kreatik is a forward-thinking digital design agency. They’re known for their creative and innovative approach to crafting exceptional digital experiences. Their mission is to empower businesses, elevate brands, and drive growth through strategic design solutions. In doing so, they provide valuable support to businesses looking to thrive in the digital world.

8 – UENO

Ueno is a global digital design agency with offices in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, and Reykjavik, Iceland.

Ueno is a global design agency.

Founded in 2014 by Haraldur Thorleifsson, Ueno has quickly become a leader in creating exceptional digital experiences.  At the core of Ueno’s success is its diverse team. It includes talented designers, developers, strategists, writers, and creatives from around the world.  This ensures a wide range of perspectives and expertise in every project, resulting in truly outstanding outcomes.

Ueno is known for crafting immersive and user-centric designs that captivate audiences.

They offer a comprehensive range of services, including UX/UI design, web and mobile app development, brand identity design, content creation, and digital strategy. Their work is guided by core values such as craftsmanship, inclusivity, collaboration, innovation, and passion. This defines their unique approach to creating memorable digital experiences.

These values, coupled with their extensive experience and global reach, position Ueno as the ultimate choice. Especially for businesses in pursuit of unforgettable digital experiences that leave a lasting impact.

9 – Rekos

Based in Lithuania, Rekos Agency is an award-winning agency in the digital design scene.

Rekos Agency is an award-winning agency in the digital design scene.

They work with both startups and established corporate giants, employing a meticulous and collaborative approach that scrutinizes all aspects of design, branding, interactivity, and UI/UX. Their commitment lies in providing high-performance digital experiences, ensuring clients gain a competitive edge and a strong return on investment. 

With a seasoned team of professionals, Rekos Agency has earned a reputation for trust and excellence since its founding by Rimantas Kirkickas and Povilas Matačiūnas in 2019. Their service portfolio encompasses banding and UI/UX design, with a focus on modern, user-friendly web design solutions. Notably, they’ve served clients like Nord Security, Exmarkets, ISM, Lenstream, and Montonio, showcasing their ability to excel across diverse industries.

Their structured approach commences with a Discovery Call to define project objectives and success metrics. A comprehensive questionnaire gathers client insights, followed by, as they call, a pre-design call to clarify project details. The design process also involves in-depth analysis and customized designs, concluding with collaborative refinements where the client’s input shapes the outcome.

The design process of Rekos Agency.

What distinguishes the digital design agency is clearly their attitude, which is strongly rooted in putting the customer at the center of every decision and solution. Their methodology guarantees that design smoothly fits with consumer demands, brand positioning, and unique selling features. The digital design agency’s commitment to serve the driving force behind businesses—the customers—pervades every aspect of their work, propelling their purpose forward.

How Much Do Digital Design Agencies Charge?

The complexity and length of the project have a significant impact on the cost. (We know you’ve heard it many times before, so sorry about that.) Agencies have various pricing models including time-based and fixed-priced projects. Although the most common is the first one when the company has hourly (daily, weekly) rates. 

Our research indicates that a complete website redesign can vary in duration. It can take anywhere from 5 weeks (excluding development) to 3 months (including development). Naturally, the quicker you require the project to be completed, the higher the cost will be. The total expenses typically range from a minimum of $10,000 to $30,000. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the pricing for similar work can differ depending on the region you’re in.

Agencies typically charge $50 per hour for junior designers and between $75 and $150 per hour for senior designers. If you want a more specific range, you can ask an agency for a quote, as most price their service per project.

What’s the Difference Between a Digital Design Agency and a Creative Agency?

A digital design agency primarily focuses on designing digital products and experiences, such as websites, mobile apps, and user interfaces (UI/UX), often with an emphasis on aesthetics and user interaction.

On the contrary, a digital agency typically presents a wider scope of services associated with digital marketing, advertising, and online prominence. This comprehensive spectrum encompasses web development, SEO, social media marketing, content creation, and a plethora of other digital strategies that extend beyond the realm of design.

A creative agency offers a broader range of services, including digital design, but they don’t stop there. They also handle traditional advertising and branding, like print campaigns, TV commercials, and graphic design across different mediums. These agencies are known for delivering comprehensive solutions that elevate a brand’s overall image and messaging.

In summary, while digital design agencies specialize in digital product design, digital agencies offer a wider spectrum of digital services, and creative agencies cover an even broader range of creative and marketing services.

Which Agency is Best for Digital Design Projects?

Choosing the right agency for your digital product design project involves considering a few key factors. 

  • Portfolio and Expertise: Start by examining the agency’s portfolio and expertise. Seek past projects similar to yours to ensure they have relevant experience and a track record of quality work.
  • Philosophy and Client Reviews: Delve into the agency’s design philosophy, ensuring it aligns with your project’s UX/UI goals. Client reviews can offer insights into their reputation.
  • Team Setup and Processes: Evaluate the team’s composition, checking for skilled designers, developers, and strategists. Inquire about project management and design processes for a smooth workflow.
  • Pricing and Timeline: Discuss budget, pricing transparency, and alignment with your project’s value expectations. Timelines are crucial; ensure the agency meets your deadlines.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: Determine if the agency can adapt to changing project requirements and scale their team if needed.

The best digital design agencies go above and beyond client expectations. Beyond merely delivering what’s requested, they take the time to understand your business, your goals, and what your users need. They’ll go the extra mile to ensure you don’t throw your money out the window but gain a competitive advantage.

By considering these factors and conducting consultations with potential agencies, you can confidently select the one that best suits your digital design project’s needs and goals.

Searching for a Digital Design Agency?

At UX studio, we’re a trusted choice for designing digital products and experiences. We worked with many startups and industry leaders worldwide like Google, Netflix, and Zignaly. Improve the design and performance of your digital product with our help. We will walk you through our design processes and suggest the next steps! Still not sure? Let’s talk! We’re happy to help you figure things out.