18 Top Digital Product Design Companies To Hire & How To Choose

What do you do when your digital product fails to meet your expectations? Maybe it’s not attracting enough users. Or, perhaps its performance is sluggish, resulting in a poor experience. Either way, your product’s failure is stressful. It’s even worse if you’ve invested time and money into creating it.  “Should I try to fix it or scrap it and start over? If I do decide to start over, how can I ensure I create a product that actually meets the needs of my target audience?” These are all questions that could cross your mind. Of course, before you can even begin to answer these questions, you’ll need to take a step back, analyze what went wrong, and understand how to improve your product design process.  

This is where working with a top digital product design company comes in. In this article, we’ll discuss the product design process, the role of a digital product design company within it, and how to choose the right one to help revise your digital product or design a new one from scratch. 

18 Top Digital Product Design Companies To Choose From

1. NUMI

NUMI is a Framer web design agency powered by experienced Framer developers and product designers. Backed by Y Combinator, NUMI handles your startup's sourcing, vetting, and hiring design needs. We have a fabulous design team that ensures all of your design work is being done well. 

NUMI helps with: 

• Product design
• Web design
• Framer development
• Webflow development
• Mobile design
• Prototyping
• UX design
• All of your startup's design needs! 

Subscribe to a guild of world-class designers ready to embed on your team today. Schedule a call with us today to learn more! 

2. Fuzzy Math

Fuzzy Math is a Chicago-based UX design, strategy, and innovation agency. They believe in a design process that doesn’t aim to look good but makes users feel good about themselves. Their approach strongly focuses on empathizing with the people they design for—they do this through extensive research, enabling them to discover their expressed and hidden needs. 

They keep their roster small and stable, allowing them to ensure that their clients receive an agile and all-hands approach during projects. 

3. Work & Co

Recognized among the top product design agencies, Work & Co is a global digital product agency with offices in the US, Europe, and Latin America. Due to its approach, Work & Co hires highly experienced professionals. Work & Co believes that the best products are made with small, senior teams with a hands-on approach from the beginning to the end of a project. 

They include their clients directly in their iterative process, which is based on rapid prototyping and meticulous testing, limiting the number of large meetings. Work & Co has a team of UX researchers, designers, and developers who work together to create a design-based digital strategy for a product. They help their clients better understand their markets and design products that help them scale.

4. UX Studio Team

The UX Studio Team, with its 40 specialists, stands out as a beacon among the top digital product design agencies. It dedicates its expertise predominantly to tech startups and enterprises in various sectors. In addition to providing its clients with end-to-end design solutions, the team also creates its products. 

It gives them a deeper, more hands-on understanding of the industry and plenty of actionable insight into the latest tech and design trends. 

5. Lighthouse London

Since its inception in 2008, Lighthouse has distinguished itself as a luminary among London’s top product design agencies, specializing in UX and UI solutions for complex products. They’ve been in the game long enough to develop their signature four-stage Product Innovation Framework that can elevate almost any idea and turn it into a full-functioning product. 

Their agency also features a wide array of UI and UX researchers and experts with vast experience designing innovative products and services for businesses of all sizes. Over the years, Lighthouse has also assisted many organizations in scaling by managing their design and brand identity.

6. Designit

Founded in 1992 by the pioneering Alan and Sue Cooper, Designit has evolved into one of the top product design agencies globally. It was deeply influenced by Alan's visionary contributions to UI and the Visual Basic programming environment. Although a professional manager now runs the studio, its founders are still actively participating in “bigger picture” decision-making, undoubtedly allowing it to earn the top spot among UX agencies worldwide. 

Alan Cooper is the brain behind the Visual Basic programming environment, which became an essential asset in the Microsoft ecosystem. He was one of the visionaries who fully understood the importance of good design in the early days of computers and user interfaces. 

7. Momentum Labs

Momentum Labs, recognized among the top product design agencies, specializes in developing high-quality human-centric customer experiences across: 

• Digital product innovation
• Transformative business processes
• Creative marketing

Their focus revolves around the following: 

• Financial
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Consumer products
• Technology industries

Their approach is defined by extensive research and a thorough understanding of their client’s business goals and the needs of the people they design for. Their goal is to do more than just average marketing; they aim to innovate and explore uncharted territories, whether it’s: 

• AI
• IoT
• Analytics
• Blockchain
• Cloud-based applications
  

8. Clay

Clay, situated in San Francisco and considered one of the top product design agencies, has a notable portfolio. It supports major global businesses in revolutionizing digital experiences, websites, and brand identities. Its large team of highly experienced UX designers allows it to design and develop world-class digital products that exceed user expectations. 

Their primary interest fields are conversion optimization and customer engagement across mobile apps, websites, and enterprise software. Similarly, they’re very good at crafting successful and thoughtful brand identities and defining visual and communication strategies. Their approach revolves around fusing UX and storytelling techniques to elevate brand communications.

9. Huge Inc.

Huge Inc. is a design and innovation company that creates products and experiences that grow the world's most ambitious brands. Founded in Brooklyn in 1999, Huge has pioneered customer experience, leveraging emerging technologies and data-based insights to develop unforgettable digital experiences. The company's first client was IKEA, and it has since worked with several prominent brands, including: 

• JetBlue
• CNN
• Reuters
• Four Seasons
• Pepsi
• Target

With nearly 1,000 employees across North America, Europe, and Latin America, Huge has offices in: 

• Brooklyn
• Bogota
• London
• Medellín 

Huge offers various services, including: 

• Business consulting
• Branding
• Data science
• Research
• Experience design
• Physical design
• Service design
• Technology
• SEO
• Marketing campaigns
• Content development
• Social media
• PR
• CRM

10. Cuberto

Cuberto is a UI/UX design agency based in the United States. It specializes in: 

• UI/UX design
• Branding
• Web
• Mobile development

The company emphasizes user-centered design and collaboration to create custom client solutions between: 

• Developers
• Designers
• Strategists
• Analysts 

Cuberto is known for its expertise in design and development. It regularly releases design courses and shares resources and source files with the design community.

11. Beyond

Beyond is a design and technology agency that specializes in building world-class products. It was founded in 2010 and has offices in: 

• London
• New York
• San Francisco

The agency focuses on helping clients navigate shifting technologies and how they influence customers with a strong strategic approach to engagement. Beyond has worked with prominent brands like Facebook and Google, providing UI and other services to enhance customer engagement.

12. R/GA 

R/GA is a well-established company that's both an innovation consultancy and a digital design and advertising agency. It has been around since 1977 and has a global presence with offices worldwide. It has offices in 15 US, European, and Asia Pacific locations: 

• US
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Poland
• South Africa
• Spain
• UAE
• UK
• Australia
• China
• Hong Kong
• India
• Japan
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Taiwan

They do: 

• Innovation consultancy: They help businesses develop new ideas and strategies for the future. 
• Digital design and advertising: They create marketing campaigns and experiences that leverage technology and design. R/GA is known for its creative and forward-thinking approach and has won numerous industry awards.

13.  Aras™ Digital Products

Hailing from Croatia, Aras Digital Products has carved out a niche for itself in end-to-end digital product development and creation. They’ve got their fingers in many pies, from mobile apps for iOS and Android to comprehensive websites. 

Their client roster is impressive, boasting names like McKinsey and Dobartek.hr. Their design philosophy is about delivering user-tested product designs that cover the entire discovery and research phase.

14. Wandr Studio

Wandr Studio may be a small team based in Los Angeles, but it packs a punch. Specializing in UX design, research, and complete brand identity development, it’s worked with giants like the World Wide Fund for: 

• Nature
• Samsung
• Adobe

Despite being relatively new to the scene, it offers a wide service portfolio. It focuses on UX design and research to create resonating brand identities.

15. ustwo

Ustwo is a London-based digital product studio founded in 2004. It focuses on creating innovative and user-friendly digital experiences for businesses and consumers. Ustwo designs and develops mobile apps and other software, and it also has a game development division called Ustwo Games, best known for the award-winning Monument Valley series. 

Through Ustwo Adventure, they invest in promising young companies. Ustwo Foundation provides resources and encouragement to help young people develop their creative skills. Ustwo is known for its commitment to clean and elegant design, and major brands like Sony, H&M, and J.P. Morgan have used it.

16. MediaMonks

MediaMonks is a global leader in digital-first marketing, advertising, and technology services. It creates high-quality content such as: 

• Websites
• Games
• Films
• Social media

MediaMonks operates as a single entity across ten locations worldwide, with its headquarters remaining in Hilversum, Netherlands. In 2021 and 2022, it was the fastest-growing company in the Netherlands. It also won a prestigious Peabody Award 2022 for its “The Uncensored Library” project.

17. Frog

Frog Design is a pioneering global creative and design consultancy that has shaped the future of innovation for over five decades. It was founded in 1969 by Hartmut Esslinger. With studios in North and Central America, Europe, and Asia, Frog Design has established itself as a trusted partner for some of the world's most influential brands, including: 

• Sony
• Apple
• NeXT
• Sun
• General Electric
• Disney

The company's unique approach to design is rooted in its commitment to challenging the status quo and crafting transformative human experiences that win hearts and move markets. Through its diverse range of services, including business, brand, experience, activation, and enablement, Frog Design helps clients navigate the complexities of the digital age and create innovative solutions that drive growth and engagement. 

As a part of Capgemini Invent, Frog Design continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, leveraging its expertise in design and innovation to help clients achieve their most ambitious goals.

18. UPQODE

A digital marketing and product design firm headquartered in Nashville and a second office in Lviv, Ukraine. The company was established in 2016 and collaborated with over 300 clients worldwide. Its talented web designers, developers, marketers, and project managers stand behind the company’s success. The company has a strong focus on product design and development. 

Clutch says over 70% of its client portfolio comprises startups and small businesses. Upqode has a well-established online presence with over 100 testimonials, including those of well-known companies such as: 

• AmeriFreight
• DOXO
• Lyngva
• Blockchainloop
• Think Tank team

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• Digital Product Design

What to Consider When Evaluating A Digital Product Design Company

Services Offered: A One-Stop Shop Is a Smart Choice

When looking for a digital product design agency, you want to find a firm that can handle all aspects of your product development. This includes: 

• Research
• Prototyping
• UI/UX design
• Development
• Testing
• Support

A one-stop shop can streamline the process and address issues proactively, reducing the risk of misalignment between different stages of product development. Their ability to navigate complexities ensures your product performs well in: 

• Quality
• Cost efficiency
• User satisfaction

Portfolio: The Proof Is in the Previous Work

A strong portfolio is a window into the agency’s capabilities and design approach. Evaluate their previous work, focusing on projects similar to your industry or goals. 

Consider the following:

• Design Quality: Are the interfaces intuitive and visually appealing?  
• Functionality: Do the products solve the intended problems effectively?  
• Client Reviews: Testimonials and case studies provide insights into their professionalism and client satisfaction. If possible, interact with some of the products they’ve created to get a firsthand understanding of their usability and craftsmanship.  

Expertise and Overall Capacities: Get to Know the Team

Examine the team’s technical and creative expertise to ensure they can handle every stage of product development. Assess whether they use up-to-date tools and techniques like design systems, prototyping software, and user testing frameworks. 

Verify the following:

• Team Composition: Do they have experienced designers, developers, and analysts with proven track records?
• Technical Competence: Can they handle the technical requirements specific to your project, such as integrations, responsiveness, or accessibility standards?
• Scalability: Do they have the resources to scale their efforts if the project’s scope expands? Meticulous research into their skill set and capabilities can prevent costly errors later. 
  

Communication and Reputation: Choose a Friendly Team

Effective communication is vital in digital product design. Choose an agency that:

• Provides a Single Point of Contact: Having a dedicated project manager simplifies communication and ensures accountability. 
• Demonstrates Transparency: They should offer regular updates and involve you in key decisions to align the project with your vision.  
• Responds Promptly: Consistent communication reflects their commitment to the partnership.  

Investigate the agency's reputation. Seek out reviews, ask for references, and gauge their flexibility and adaptability in managing changes to project requirements. A firm with a reputation for excellent customer service is likelier to foster a collaborative and productive relationship.  

Guarantees: Look for a Team That Is Committed to Your Success

An agency’s commitment to your success is reflected in its guarantees. They should:  

• Commit to Deliverables: Ensure they meet deadlines and adhere to the agreed scope.
• Adapt to Changes: The product development process can be dynamic, so they should be prepared to accommodate shifting functionalities and requirements.
• Offer Post-Launch Support: Find firms that provide ongoing maintenance and updates to keep your product competitive.  

The NUMI Advantage: Elevating Startup Success Through Expert Design and Development

NUMI is a world-class framer web design agency powered by developers and product designers. Backed by Y Combinator, NUMI handles your startup's design sourcing/vetting/hiring needs. Our fabulous design team ensures that your design work is done well. 

NUMI helps with: 

• Product design
• Web design
• Framer development
• Webflow development
• Mobile design
• Prototyping
• UX design
• All of your startup's design needs! 

Subscribe to a guild of world-class designers ready to embed on your team today. Schedule a call with us today to learn more!

Why You Need To Get Your Digital Product Design Right

User Expectations and Product Design

Users want digital products to work perfectly. Meeting user expectations is no longer optional in a world where they can find several alternatives to your product in just a few clicks. Failing to do so can tarnish your brand’s reputation and hurt sales. Effective product design helps businesses eliminate user journey friction, ensuring customers can achieve their goals quickly and easily. 

Analytics in Driving Engaging and Memorable Design Choices

Analytics can help uncover pain points, like high bounce rates, allowing businesses to refine their designs proactively. Design isn’t just functional; it can captivate and keep users engaged. Bold typography, bright colors, and dynamic animations are visual elements that grab attention. 

For instance, studies show red is particularly effective in holding attention, making it a popular choice in marketing. Such thoughtful design choices can create memorable experiences that users share with others, amplifying a brand’s reach organically.

More Than Just Aesthetics

While aesthetics draw users in, functionality ensures they stay. Effective design incorporates accessibility, making digital products usable for people of all abilities. Readable typography, high-contrast color schemes, and alt text for images ensure inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards, fostering a broader audience connection. 

Beyond accessibility, micro-interactions and user-centric cues enhance functionality. For instance, e-commerce sites use features like purchase confirmations or augmented reality try-ons to provide users with practical and enjoyable experiences. These small, thoughtful details contribute significantly to user satisfaction and conversion rates.

Competition and Brand Differentiation

In a saturated market, a brand’s ability to differentiate itself often hinges on its design. The exceptional design creates a strong identity that resonates with users, fostering emotional connections. Businesses can develop solutions tailored to their audience by designing with empathy and using personas to understand user challenges. 

This human connection is valuable; research shows that 64% of users prefer brands that form authentic consumer relationships. When users feel a brand understands and supports them, they’re more likely to remain loyal, reducing the likelihood of switching to competitors.

Interactions and Technology

Many users interact primarily with a brand through its digital presence rather than direct human contact, making flawless design critical. An intuitive interface must compensate for the absence of human representatives, ensuring users can navigate and engage without confusion or frustration. Innovative technologies like AI chatbots exemplify how design can emulate human-like support while enhancing user experiences. These tools streamline interactions and demonstrate that a brand is forward-thinking and committed to meeting evolving user needs.

Long-Term Benefits

Investing in thoughtful design minimizes future marketing, sales, and redesign costs. Good UX/UI design has been shown to boost user retention by up to 200%, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing design early in the product lifecycle. Moreover, iterative practices like user testing allow businesses to refine their designs continually, ensuring they stay aligned with user needs and market trends.

Related Reading

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• Design Brief Example
• Product Usage Metrics
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• MVP Development Cost
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10 Best Tips For Collaborating With A Product Designer

1. Start with the WHY

Understanding the “why” should be the first question for anyone on any project, from the project manager to the developers. It’s impossible to outline a goal and achieve the desired result without knowing the reason. Knowing the why also helps establish the overall point of the project and gives a clear destination. When working with designers, they must understand the why from the beginning and the how that can come later. 

2. Outline the Creative Brief  

The creative brief is the agreed information and strategy of the creative part of the project. It should be presented as a reference document and include key details and the overarching strategic concepts. Don’t be afraid of setting this research before the designer; don’t worry about restricting their vision. In this situation, the graphic designer’s job is to use the information and work within it on your or the client’s behalf. The better the creative brief, the less risk of the outcome not hitting the mark. 

It’s good for you and the designer, so share all your valuable information and research. The creative brief should include the following: 

• The Vision and the Mission: What is the project’s aim? What is the expected goal, and what will be a good result? Here, you can add the unique brand elements you wish to encapsulate or push and the image you want to create. 
• Audience: Who is the design for, what’s the demographic? 
• The current situation: What is the present status of the project? 
• Problems and solutions: What is the problem, and how will you solve it? 
• Guidelines: What are the design criteria? 
• Logistics: What are the deadlines, timelines, and budget? 

The creative brief can still be changed at this stage. Establishing the project rules for both the graphic designer and you is vital. It also serves as a great way to develop your collaborative relationship from the very start. 

3. Discuss and Listen

You, the graphic designers you work with, ask questions, so encourage them. Answer all questions with as much clarity and openness as possible. This fosters trust from the start. Questions from the designers are a way of testing the waters and getting a real feel for the project. Give them space to share their ideas and professional opinions. They need to know how tight the design brief is and if they can push it. 

Laying the Foundation: Effective Communication for Successful Designer Collaborations

Some designers will show enthusiasm and energy by bombarding you with questions, while others will take a more laid-back approach. Either way, by discussing the project at this stage, you are setting the ground for positive collaboration with designers and putting the foundations in place for a positive business relationship. It is time well spent. 

This is also the right time to iron out: 

• Potential misunderstandings
• Clarify positions
• Discuss the concepts from the outlined brief
• Listen 

Empowering Designers as Creative Collaborators, Not Just Executors

Remember the two-way process? Good, show it early. Designers have ideas, not just design skills. And that’s precisely what you want: a designer’s eye, throwing ideas into the mix, sharing thoughts on solutions and the latest fashions. 

A designer who feels they are playing an active role in the creative process is more motivated than the one going through the motions creating your set idea. When making decisions for the final creative brief document, the designer should be a part of it. This can include the solutions and the platforms and tools being used. A good designer is not a robot that fulfills a function; a good designer is a fundamental part of the process, so let them know it. 

4. Inclusive Team Management

If you’re a team leader or a project manager, you know that a strong team is a team that has: 

• Different strengths
• Different skills
• Diverse personalities

Still, when the chips are down, they pull together in the same direction to create something better than the sum of its parts. Disagreement is healthy as long as there is a code of mutual respect. 

Inclusive Collaboration: Effectively Managing and Engaging Creative Teams

For the whole project, include the designers if you have: 

• Team meetings
• Brainstorming sessions
• Progress discussions

Getting input from different sources is essential, as is the show of unity and strength that comes from an inclusive management strategy. Managing teams that are made up totally of creative types can be like being thrown into the lion’s den when you are used to working with cats. Some general guidelines can make managing creative teams much more manageable. 

5. Encourage Co-Creation 

One of the best ways of creating an understanding and team ethic is co-creation. Team members with different roles actively work together to solve a problem or improve something. Non-designers and designers look at things from various viewpoints and can generate discussion and spot potential problems. 

6. Put Your Systems in Place

For business owners and project managers, the systems and processes of a business are some of the essential underlying factors that help your business function. Putting aside the philosophy and core values of the company and looking for practical project management and communications systems will ensure a smooth-running operation. Everybody on the team should be aware of the conventions of the project. 

Following these conventions helps avoid the following: 

• Miscommunication
• Niggles
• Annoyances
• Arguments

Building Cohesion: Crafting Practical Guidelines for Seamless Team Collaboration

It also forms an invisible glue that holds a team together and adds a comforting familiarity. A practical guideline document available to all team members will help smooth these processes and avoid unnecessary problems. 

You can include things such as: 

• Tools and platforms for communication 
• File-sharing conventions 
• Format of communication 
• Roles and responsibilities 
• Remote team rules 

For graphic designers, is it also helpful to include details such as: 

• Font sizes 
• Naming conventions 
• Margins sizes 

7. Correct Tools 

You will still use online communication and collaboration tools for in-house collaboration with designers. If they are working remotely, it is essential. Luckily, many excellent online communication and collaboration tools exist, so choose wisely. These tools should be standard parts of your operating procedure and available to all members of all teams. Tools provide easy communication for messages like: 

• Slack
• Google Suite
• Microsoft Teams 

Project management boards, such as Trello, allow all team members to view the different stages of completion or progress. Zoom, Teams, or Skype are all commonplace for video communication, offering virtual meetings and many other functions for collaboration. The one thing you are not short of is choice. 

Mastering Communication Tools for Effective Collaboration

Using the correct tool for the right kind of communication is a valuable skill. Virtual meetings are time-consuming and can lead to practical issues such as mutual scheduling issues. Face-to-face meetings (when done well and for an appropriate situation) are essential in keeping your relationship and communication more personal. 

Asynchronous communication, messaging, etc., should be clear and concise and have a definite point. How well you use the tools will often set the scene for your relationship and collaboration. 

8. Motivate! Designers Are People Too  

Graphic designers are not always bags of ideas waiting to burst at the slightest pinprick from you. Designers need motivation to reach their potential like anyone you work with. Design can be a long-drawn-out process of: 

• Drafting
• Redrafting
• Questioning and more questioning

Fostering Trust and Creative Freedom in Designer Collaboration

Part of the collaboration process is offering advice and guidance along the way and providing a platform and space for the designer to feel confident and, therefore, creative. 

Creativity requires freedom. You’ve created the brief, so let’s see what they can develop within these boundaries. Designers feel the trust, and most thrive on it. Add to this positive energy and encouragement, and your collaboration with designers will be much more productive. 

9. Feedback: Honest, Constructive and Open

The value of feedback during and after the completion of the project must be considered. Positive feedback is a huge motivational boost; even constructive negative feedback can be tempered with positivity. As this is a collaboration, you need input during the design phase and must be upfront and honest about what you see, what you don’t see, what you get, and what you don’t get. 

Providing Constructive Feedback: Turning Critique into Creative Growth

Feedback is an expectation for any creative, and the ones who can’t cope with it haven’t reached this stage. So don’t be scared, but do it, be fair and balanced, and explain your view. Even if the design fits the brief, it might not be what you expected. Good communication on draft versions should have stopped this before it had gone too far, so speak up loudly and early. 

It is okay to avoid liking something; no designer has ever gotten 100% favorable reviews, and none will. The key is to remain professional, calm, and clear about what I dislike and prefer. Negative feedback is best given in person so you can fully explain and sense the mood. The feedback should be seen as a constructive step, not a destructive one. 

10. Credit Where Credit is Due 

When you collaborate with designers on your project, you’re also working with them as people. Being fair, thoughtful, and flexible throughout the project establishes some good building blocks for success. 

If you show your appreciation, the often-forgotten designer feels that inner glow that made them create in the first place. Appreciation will pay you back over and over with:

• A simple thank you
• A personal email or message
• A gift or bonus

Related Reading

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• Product Design Tools
  
• Product Design Examples
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• Best Product Design Companies
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• MVP Development Companies
• Product Launch
• Product Development Company
• Product Design Services
• Product Development Agency
  
• Product Design Idea
  
• Product Principles

Subscribe To A Guild of World Class Framer Developers with Our Framer Web Design Agency Today

NUMI is a world-class framer web design agency powered by developers and product designers. Backed by Y Combinator, NUMI handles your startup's design sourcing/vetting/hiring needs. Our fabulous design team ensures that your design work is done well. 

NUMI helps with: 

• Product design
• Web design
• Framer development
• Webflow development
• Mobile design
• Prototyping
• UX design
• All of your startup's design needs! 

Subscribe to a guild of world-class designers ready to embed on your team today. Schedule a call with us today to learn more!

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