When it comes to hiring a product designer, many startups don’t realize just how much is at stake. As someone who’s been in the trenches of product design, I’ve seen firsthand what separates a great designer from someone who’s just good enough. And trust me, “good enough” doesn’t cut it when you’re aiming to build something exceptional.
In this article, I’ll share my insights on what really matters and offer an alternative perspective on the hiring process based on my own successes and mistakes.
What is a Product Designer? (Product Designer Job Description)
Let’s get this straight: a product designer isn’t someone who makes things look good. I know a lot of job descriptions throw around terms like “visual design,” “user experience,” and “interaction design,” but those labels don’t really capture the essence of what product designers do. Great product designers solve problems with their deep understanding of the underlying business implications. The role is as much about figuring out what not to design as it is about deciding what to design.
A solid product designer understands the entire design process and thinks holistically about the user journey. They bridge the gap between business objectives and user needs. When you’re hiring a product designer, you’re not just looking for someone with skills in graphic design or UI/UX design. You need someone who can think critically, challenge assumptions, and push the limits of what your product can become.
Why Startups Need Product Designers
You might be thinking, “Can’t my developers just handle the design?” Technically, yes. Realistically, no. I’ve seen startups try to get by without a dedicated product designer, thinking that developers can double as designers. It rarely works out. What happens instead is you get a user interface that’s functional but lacks the finesse needed to make a great user experience.
Startups often underestimate the power of good design in shaping user perceptions. When you’re trying to carve out a space in the market, every detail matters—every button, every color choice, every micro-interaction. A product designer brings an understanding of user experience design that goes beyond basic usability; they craft experiences that feel intuitive and engaging. The difference between a good product and a great product often comes down to whether it was designed with the end user in mind from the beginning.
Key Skills and Experience to Look For When You Want to Hire Top Product Designers
It’s tempting to get hung up on flashy portfolios, but let’s dig a little deeper. When you’re hiring a product designer, ask yourself how they approach the design process. Do they understand user research and the role of data in shaping design decisions? Are they comfortable with rapid iteration and prototyping? The best designers aren’t just artists; they’re problem-solvers who can adapt to changing requirements and pivot when needed. In a startup, there’s no room for perfectionism at the cost of progress—you need people who can get things done efficiently.
Here’s what I personally look for:
• User-Centered Design Mindset: Startups live or die by their ability to solve real problems for users. A designer who prioritizes user needs at every stage will create products that resonate with the target audience and address their pain points.
• Problem-Solving Skills: A good designer sees design challenges as opportunities to innovate. In a startup, where constraints are common, you need someone who can think creatively and find practical solutions to tough problems.
• Visual Design Skills: A clean and visually appealing interface isn’t just for show—it enhances usability and leaves a lasting impression. Good visual design helps communicate functionality and guides users intuitively.
• Proficiency with Design Tools: Designers need to work quickly and efficiently with tools like Figma or Sketch. There’s no time for someone who takes forever trying to perfect every pixel. Speed matters.
• Communication Skills: Startups thrive on collaboration, and a designer who can clearly explain their choices and listen to feedback will integrate better with the team.
• User Research and Usability Testing: In a fast-paced environment, gathering user insights and testing early can save you from expensive mistakes. A designer who values user feedback can pivot designs based on real data.
• Understanding of Development Constraints: Knowing what’s technically feasible helps avoid unrealistic designs. A designer who understands development limitations will create solutions that can actually be built.
When to Hire a Product Designer for Your Startup
Timing is everything. I’ve seen startups hire too early, only for the designer to sit around with nothing meaningful to work on. I’ve also seen companies wait too long and scramble to fix a broken product that users aren’t loving. The sweet spot, in my opinion, is when you’ve validated your product idea and are moving towards creating an MVP. This is where a skilled designer can make a world of difference.
A good rule of thumb is to hire once you have a clear product development roadmap and need help turning wireframes or rough concepts into something polished. Don’t bring a designer in to “save” the project; bring them in when you’re ready to take it to the next level.
In-House vs. Freelance vs. Design Agency
Choosing between an in-house designer, a freelancer, or a design agency isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Here’s my take:
• In-house designers are great if you need someone who will be deeply involved in your product development process and can evolve with the product over time. The downside? It’s a long-term commitment, and good designers don’t come cheap.
• Freelance product designers offer flexibility and can be a good fit for short-term projects or MVPs. The tricky part is finding one who can actually deliver quality work on time. Not all freelancers are created equal, and vetting them can take time.
• Design agencies can bring in a team of experts who know what they’re doing, but they can also drain your budget fast. If you go this route, make sure the agency understands startup needs and isn’t just recycling design templates.
For a deeper dive into outsourcing options and to see which one fits your needs, check out my guide on outsourcing software development.
By the way, we are Realistack, a product design and low-code development studio that exclusively works with tech startups. If you want to launch your startup and need help with the development of your MVP or product design, don’t hesitate to reach out and book a 30-minute discovery call.
How to Structure the Hiring Process to Hire Great Product Designers
Finding the right fit when hiring a product designer is not easy. If you’ve ever had to go through dozens of portfolios or conduct countless interviews, you know what I’m talking about. The problem is, too many companies approach hiring like it’s a checklist. They see a slick portfolio or a fancy resume and think they’ve struck gold. But trust me, hiring based on “looks good on paper” is a fast track to disappointment. What you need is a process that digs deeper, filtering out the “good enough” candidates and identifying the ones who can actually elevate your product design. Here’s how to do it.
1. Start with a Clear Job Description
Writing a compelling job description isn’t just about listing skills like “user experience design,” “prototyping,” or “UI design.” It’s about setting expectations for the kind of problems the designer will solve. Will they be building wireframes for a new product from scratch? Or are they expected to iterate on an existing design system? The more specific you are, the better your chances of attracting the right talent. Include details about your company culture, workflow, and the design tools your team uses. This helps to weed out candidates who might be a mismatch before they even apply.
2. Prioritize Portfolios That Show the Design Process
Too many portfolios focus on the “pretty” stuff—high-fidelity screens, polished visual design, and mockups that look straight out of a design magazine. While that’s great, what you should really care about is how they got there. Did they start with low-fidelity sketches or wireframes? How did they incorporate user feedback into their iterations? Look for portfolios that show the entire design process, from initial user research to the final product. It’s not about the finished work; it’s about understanding how they solve problems. If a candidate can articulate their approach to a complex project, you’re on the right track.
3. Use a Design Challenge—But Keep It Real
Here’s a hot take: I’m not a fan of generic design challenges. You know, the ones where you give a vague prompt like “design a weather app” and hope to learn something insightful. Instead, make the challenge relevant to what your startup actually does. If you’re building a digital product in the fintech space, give a task that reflects a real problem your users face. This way, you’re not just testing their UI/UX skills; you’re evaluating their ability to understand your business and translate that into a user-friendly design.
Keep the scope reasonable—nobody wants to do unpaid work for a week. Set a time limit, and see how they prioritize tasks. The way they approach the challenge will tell you a lot more than the finished design itself.
4. Conduct Interviews That Focus on Problem-Solving
When you finally sit down with a candidate, skip the fluffy questions. Instead, ask them to walk you through their most challenging project. What constraints did they face? How did they incorporate user testing or adapt to changing requirements? Did they ever have to push back on a stakeholder because the design didn’t align with the business goals? A good product designer doesn’t just follow orders—they advocate for the user and can articulate why certain design decisions are essential.
Cost of Hiring a Product Designer in 2024: What You Need to Know
I’m going to say something that might surprise you: hiring a product designer isn’t cheap, and if you find a “bargain,” you’ll probably get what you pay for. But don’t panic just yet. The cost of hiring isn’t just about the salary—it’s about the value a great designer brings to your final product. Let’s break down what you can expect in 2024.
1. In-House Designers Come with High Upfront Costs
If you’re considering bringing a product designer in-house, be prepared to pay a premium. An experienced designer with a solid background in user interface design and UX design can easily command a salary between $80,000 to $130,000+ in the U.S. And that’s just base pay. You’ll also need to factor in benefits, equipment, and other overhead costs. However, the payoff can be huge—especially if your product development cycle is long or you have multiple products that need design consistency.
2. Freelancers Can Be Cost-Effective—But Beware of Quality
Freelance product designers often charge between $50 to $150+ per hour, depending on their level of expertise and the project requirements. While this can seem more affordable, it’s a bit of a gamble. There are some amazing freelancers out there, but there are also plenty who might struggle with the consistency or depth needed for complex projects. If you go this route, look for freelancers who have experience working with startups and can adapt quickly to evolving needs.
3. Agencies Offer Expertise, But at a Price
If you opt for a design agency, you’re looking at anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000+ for a project, depending on the scope. Agencies often come with a team of experts who can handle everything from user research to visual design, which can be a big plus. The downside? They’re expensive, and not always the best fit for early-stage startups. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Red Flags to Watch Out for During the Hiring Process
When you’re in the process of hiring a product designer, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of finding the “perfect” candidate. But there are a few warning signs you should never ignore.
1. Can’t Explain Their Design Decisions
If a candidate can’t articulate why they chose a particular design pattern or how their approach solved a user problem, that’s a red flag. Good designers don’t just make things look good; they make things work well, and they should be able to explain their rationale in plain language.
2. Their Portfolio Is All About Aesthetics
A portfolio that looks like it belongs in an art gallery might seem impressive, but design isn’t just about making things look pretty. It’s about creating an experience that works for the end user. If their portfolio lacks evidence of usability testing, wireframing, or any user-centered design practices, proceed with caution.
3. Poor Communication Skills
Design is inherently collaborative, and a product designer will often work closely with product managers, developers, and stakeholders. If they struggle to communicate their ideas or can’t handle constructive feedback, they’ll likely struggle to work effectively within a team.
Onboarding a Product Designer into Your Team
Getting a new designer up to speed isn’t just about handing them a project and letting them “do their thing.” The first 30 days are crucial for setting the stage.
1. Share the Design System and Past Work
Make sure your designer understands the existing design system (if you have one) and gets familiar with past work. This helps them get a sense of what’s been done before, what worked, and what didn’t. Even if your product is starting from scratch, share any early concepts, wireframes, or user research findings.
2. Set Clear Expectations and Milestones
Right from day one, outline what success looks like in the first month. Are they expected to deliver a high-fidelity prototype or conduct a round of user testing? Setting clear expectations will help your new designer prioritize their work and integrate seamlessly into your existing workflow.
3. Encourage Collaboration from Day One
Don’t let your designer work in isolation. Encourage them to join meetings with other teams—developers, marketing, even customer support. The more context they have about the business goals and user needs, the better their designs will be.
Wrapping Up
Hiring a product designer isn’t just another task to check off your startup’s to-do list. It’s an investment in the quality and future success of your product. Approach it with intention, make thoughtful choices about who you bring on board, and give your designer the tools and support they need to excel. A great designer won’t just make your product look good; they’ll help make it a product people actually love to use.
And hey, if you need a little help finding the right fit or even want to hand over the whole product design process to experts, Realistack is here to help. We specialize in working with tech startups to create standout products that users can’t get enough of. Book a 30-minute discovery call today, and let’s chat about how we can make your product vision a reality.
FAQ
How can a product designer improve the quality and user experience of a digital product?
A product designer plays a crucial role in enhancing both the quality and user experience by aligning the design with user needs and business goals. They use techniques like wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to identify pain points and create intuitive solutions. This iterative approach helps make products that are not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendly, leading to a more successful digital product.
How do I write an effective job description for a product designer to attract top talent?
To attract experienced product designers for hire, focus on outlining the challenges they will face and the impact they will have. Specify the skills required, such as UI/UX design, prototyping, and experience in product development, while also highlighting your company’s goals and culture. Make it clear whether you need someone who can take on multiple roles (ideal for startups) or someone with a specialized skill set. Including details about your digital product and its stage in development can also help attract candidates who are a good fit.
What role does product design play in making a digital product successful?
Product design is at the core of creating a successful digital product, as it influences how users interact with and perceive your solution. A well-designed product addresses user needs, provides a seamless experience, and solves problems in an intuitive way. The right design approach helps differentiate your product in a competitive market, driving user satisfaction and retention. When you hire product designers, you’re not just investing in aesthetics; you’re investing in your product’s long-term success.
