Navigating the Design Maze: How to Find a Good Designer for Your Project
Challenge 1 : Looking for a good designer
“Designer” is rather a vague term nowadays and can be easily misunderstood. And if you put in your add “I am looking for a designer” an outcome might be sometimes confusing. You can find good designers with excellent references and sample portfolios, but not in the field of your particular task.
So it is not unwise to specify your particular goals first before plunging into a sea of Design Companies adds. This article provides insights and strategies to help you overcome the challenges of finding a designer who aligns with your specific needs.
If you want to improve “how your product feels”, a UX Designer (User Experience Designer) will be the right choice. A high skilled UX Designer will help to enhance how your product feels and improve user satisfaction.
If your main concern is about “how your product is laid out”, then you should pick up an UI Designer (User Interface Designer). Talented UI Designer will concentrate on the layout and visual aspects of your product.
If you want to “inject beauty and life into your product”, the right solution would be a Visual Designer (Graphic Designer), one who sweats the small details that others tend to overlook. A good visual designer will easily inject beauty and attention to detail into your product’s visual elements.
Sometimes to make your product even more vivid you will need a Motion Designer (Interaction Designer). If Visual Designers work with static objects, Motion Designers create animation inside your app. So, experiences Interaction Designer is a chief conductor in creating engaging animations and bringing your app to life.
If you are deciding what problem your product is solving, and for whom, a help of a UX Researcher (User Researcher) would come in very handy. A professional UX Researcher will always help you identify the problems your product solves and for whom.
And for a functional implementation of your products interface you need a Front-End Developer (UI Developer). This specialist will be responsible for translating design mock-ups into interactive experiences.
Sometimes a term Product Designer is used in refer to a designer who is generally involved in the creation of the look and feel of a product all along the line.
Understanding these distinctions will help you communicate your requirements effectively and find a designer who specializes in the specific area you need.
Challenge 2 : Agency vs. Freelancer
When it comes to selecting a design partner, you’ll encounter the choice between design agencies and freelancers. Who is better for hiring: a big company, a small one or just a freelancer? There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem. It depends on the task you put for yourself, your company status and your visualization of the process in progress.
- Big Design Agency: Suitable for companies with clear targets, requiring a team of experienced designers to handle multiple demands efficiently.
- Small Design Agency: Ideal for growing companies experiencing rapid changes and uncertain priorities, offering flexibility and personalized attention.
- Freelancer: A cost-effective option for startups exploring ideas with limited resources and a willingness to experiment.
Evaluate your company’s needs, timeline, and budget to determine the best fit between agencies and freelancers.
Challenge 3: How to find the Right Designer:
After narrowing down your options, selecting the perfect designer becomes crucial. Follow these tips to make an informed decision:
- Explore Design Galleries: Visit reputable design galleries to familiarize yourself with high-quality design standards and gain inspiration.
- Learn Design Principles: Acquire basic knowledge of design principles to help you evaluate the quality and effectiveness of a designer’s work.
- Trust Your Instincts: If you’re drawn to a designer’s work at first glance, it’s worth exploring further.
- Request References: Reach out to past employers and clients to gather feedback on a designer’s professionalism, work quality, and communication skills.
- Review Portfolio: Examine a designer’s portfolio to ensure it showcases real client projects rather than solely personal work.
- Trial Period: Consider hiring a candidate for a small side project or a few hours to evaluate their skills and compatibility with your team.
- In-Person Interview: Whenever possible, conduct face-to-face interviews to assess a designer’s personality, communication style, and cultural fit.
Finding the right designer for your project is crucial for achieving successful outcomes. By clarifying your design requirements, choosing between agencies and freelancers wisely, and following a structured selection process, you can ensure a productive and effective collaboration.
