As a studio specializing in user experience design (UX/UI), we understand the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to building a design team. While some companies choose to build an in-house design team and hire designers, others choose to outsource their UX and UI design needs. In this article, we will share and explore the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches and emphasize why outsourcing can be a strategic and beneficial choice for businesses, ventures and startups. It is important to note that each company is unique, and the decision between outsourcing and employment in an organization can change depending on various circumstances and of course the state of the market.
👍The Benefits of Outsourcing UX & UI Design
Access to Expertise and Special Skills
- When outsourcing UX and UI design services, you can gain access to a vast talent pool of experienced professionals specializing in various aspects of UX and UI design.
- These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and skills that can elevate the product or service to new heights. By outsourcing, this expertise can be utilized without the need for extensive recruitment processes, training or further education.
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These professionals have worked in a variety of fields and different types of systems, so they bring to the table a wide-ranging professional knowledge that can help any project significantly.
Cost-Benefit
- For many companies, hiring internal UX and UI designers can be a significant financial investment.
- By outsourcing, you can save on costs related to salaries, benefits, equipment and infrastructure for employees.
- Outsourcing makes it possible to adjust the budget in a more efficient way, with payment only for the specific services required, at the time they are needed. For example, the scope of work can be adjusted every month or quarter depending on your needs.
The SalantID team together with employees from the company Synamedia
The SalantID team together with employees from the company Qualcomm
Flexibility and Scalability (Variable Intensity Level)
- One of the significant advantages of outsourcing is the flexibility it offers. As project requirements change, outsourcing allows UX and UI design resources to be quickly scaled up or down.
- This flexibility makes it possible to contain in one basket all the right capabilities at the right time, while adapting to business needs and avoiding the challenges of a lack or excess number of personnel.
- For example, low intensity can start with a monthly scope of about 20 hours and high intensity can reach over 100 monthly hours. Our studio knows how to successfully maneuver and continue to work with our clients at varying levels of intensity.
Faster Time to Market
- Outsourcing UX services and UI design can significantly speed up the product development process. With a dedicated team, you can bypass the internal recruitment process that takes a long time (usually about 10 to 12 weeks) and immediately start working on a project.
- By reducing the time it takes to assemble an internal team, a competitive advantage is achieved that brings products and services to the market faster.
- Outsourcing can include several studio workers, such as designers, researchers, and/or project managers who will work together to produce quick results. Studio workers are dynamic and can meet with clients remotely, but are also available for meetings at your offices and can even be available to work from clients’ offices once or twice a week.
An Objective Point of View
- Outsourcing UX and UI design brings new and fresh perspectives to projects.
- External design teams can provide missing insights and alternative approaches that may not be visible to internal staff.
- This objective perspective can foster innovation, challenge assumptions, and improve the overall user experience of the product.
👎The Disadvantages of Outsourcing UX & UI Design
Communication and Collaboration Challenges
- Outsourcing employees comes with geographic and cultural differences that may pose communication and collaboration challenges.
- It is essential to establish effective communication channels, use project management tools, and ensure clarity of requirements to reduce any potential problems.
- Regular communication and fostering a strong working relationship with the outsourced team can help overcome these challenges.
- Outsourcing requires very good remote work skills.
Less Control and Ownership
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When outsourcing UX and UI services, under non-strict management, there may be less direct control over the design process and decision-making on the part of the client.
- This may lead to concerns about intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and maintaining the desired brand identity.
- A thorough assessment of the reliability, professional experience, and track record of the outsourcing team can help deal with these concerns and establish trust.
Integration with Company Culture
- An internal team is deeply embedded in a company’s culture, values, and goals, which can provide a cohesive approach to the UX and UI design.
- Outsourced teams, on the other hand, may require extra effort to align with the company’s culture and effectively represent the brand.
- Establishing clear communication channels and fostering collaboration can bridge this gap.
Hand-drawn sketches for one of the projects in the studio
Summary
The choice between outsourcing UX and UI services and hiring internal employees is a decision that should be made according to the unique circumstances of the company. Outsourcing offers many advantages, including access to specialized skills, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, scalability, and faster time-to-market. At the same time, it is important to take into account potential challenges such as communication obstacles, project management with remote workers, and integration with the company’s culture. By evaluating the specific needs and circumstances, an informed decision can be made that best suits your company’s UX and UI requirements.
Ultimately, whether it is decided to outsource or hire an in-house employee, it is important to prioritize providing exceptional user experiences and intuitive user interfaces. This can be achieved by leveraging the expertise of women and external professionals or by cultivating a talented internal team. By carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages, taking into account the budget, the scope of the project and the long-term goals, the most appropriate approach can be determined to reach the best product. Remember, each company is unique, and the optimal choice may vary accordingly.
Interested in exploring joint work with us? We would love to hear from you 🙂
Our studio has a lot of experience in the subject. We know how to adapt our outsourcing format in an optimal way for each client in an ever-changing reality. We usually start with a low-to-medium intensity and (depending on the need) can increase or decrease the scope of support. We also know how to assist in the establishment of an in-house team if necessary, including training and the transfer of all work materials.
