Top 19 Product Design Companies to Work With in 2025

We at Eleken have worked with dozens of SaaS businesses and startups, and one thing we know for sure is that choosing the wrong design partner can cost you time, money, and momentum.

This guide is built to save you from that.

We’ve curated 19 top agencies, grouped by what they do best: SaaS UX, physical product design, or brand-driven innovation. You’ll get real examples, pricing clarity, and guidance on which teams are a match for your stage and goals.

Let’s dive into the best product design companies to work with in 2025.

What does a product design company do?

A product design company helps turn ideas into usable, functional, digital, physical, or both products. That could mean designing a SaaS dashboard, a mobile app, a wearable device, or even the packaging it ships in.

They typically handle things like:

• User research and UX strategy
  
  
• Wireframes, prototypes, and UI design
  
  
• Industrial design and prototyping (for physical products)
  
  
• Usability testing and design iterations
  
  

There are different types of design agencies. Some offer development, branding, or go-to-market support, but not all. The key is finding a team that fits your needs, whether user flows or factory-ready files.

Top product design companies in 2025 with real reviews

There’s no universal “best” product design company. But there is a best-fit for your budget, product stage, and goals. Below is a curated list of top agencies, each with a niche they thrive in.

We’ve organized them by specialization, added real client feedback, and pulled in pricing insights where available. Consider this your shortcut to a smarter shortlist.

Best digital product design company for SaaS

When building or rebuilding a SaaS product, you want a design team that doesn’t need a 50-slide onboarding deck to get started. Eleken works exclusively with SaaS companies to solve real product problems fast.

1. Eleken

Eleken is a SaaS product design agency that operates on a subscription model. Their specialty is lean, iterative product design for complex web applications, especially useful for startups and B2B tools with ongoing design needs.

Overview

• Founded: 2015
• Key services: UX/UI design, UX research, product redesign, product from scratch
• Collaboration model: Remote, embedded team/ global clients
• Industry focus: SaaS, geoservice, AI, sales, healthcare, data, fintech, marketing, developer-first products

Eleken’s monthly design subscription model allows SaaS teams to scale their product UX efforts without hiring full-time. Their designers join your team directly and iterate fast based on real feedback. 

Unlike many agencies, Eleken doesn’t offer development, which is a plus if you already have devs in-house and just need design horsepower.

Eleken has worked on everything, from marketplace dashboards to time tracking app design, always emphasizing clean UX and quick iteration.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Eleken has a perfect 4.9 rating on Clutch across 101+ reviews. Clients frequently highlight their speed, ownership, and ability to understand complex products deeply.

Clients: TextMagic, Acadeum, HighPoint, Refera, Ricochet, Advan Research, Prift, and more.

Strong points:

• SaaS-only focus with deep UX expertise

• Embedded workflow, no PM layer, faster feedback cycles

• Subscription pricing = predictable budgeting

• Free trial = low-risk starting point

Weak points:

• No development team
  
  
• Not suited for physical or branding-first projects

Pricing and fit

Eleken uses a flat-rate subscription model, which is perfect for teams with evolving design needs.
Clutch pricing snapshot: The minimum project size is $10K, with a starting point of $5K/month.

• Includes unlimited design tasks (1 UI/UX designer at a time).
  
  
• No scope creep worries, you pause anytime.
  
  

Eleken is a great fit for:

• SaaS startups and scale-ups with product-market fit.
  
  
• Teams that iterate fast and want direct contact with designers.
  
  
• Founders who value process, flexibility, and speed.

Want a deeper look at how we approach product design for SaaS? Watch Eleken’s Ultimate SaaS Product Design Approach video to see our process in action.

Best industrial product design companies

When your project involves physical components, industrial design, or manufacturing workflows, you’ll need a design partner who understands more than just UX flows and Figma. The agencies in this section bring deep expertise in product engineering, prototyping, and physical user experience, often bridging the gap between hardware and software.

2. Design 1st

Design 1st is a Canada-based industrial product design firm that offers end-to-end support, from ideation to manufacturing. It’s a full-stack product team for companies bringing physical products to life.

Overview

• Founded: 1996
• Key services: Product strategy, industrial design, mechanical engineering, prototyping, manufacturing support
• Collaboration model: Cross-disciplinary product teams
• Industry focus: Healthcare, wearables, IoT, electronics, B2B hardware

Design 1st is one of the leading product design and manufacturing companies. They think in factory lines. Their team includes mechanical engineers, industrial designers, and supply chain experts who can turn a sketch into a prototype and a prototype into a production run.

Clutch rating + client reviews

With a 4.8 rating on Clutch and 14 reviews about successful hardware projects, Design 1st is frequently praised for technical skill and hands-on product delivery.

Clients: Motorola, Shark, Ericsson, NASA, etc.

Strong points:

• True end-to-end product support

• Deep mechanical and electrical engineering capability

• Helps with certifications, sourcing, and manufacturing

Weak points:

• Not focused on digital UX or SaaS

• Slower timelines and higher costs

Pricing and fit

Design 1st uses milestone-based pricing based on project stage.
Estimated pricing: Typically starts around $25 K and scales up.

• Full support from concept to DFM (design for manufacturing).
  
  
• Clear roadmap from sketch to factory.
  
  

Design 1st is a great fit for:

• Startups building physical products from scratch.
  
  
• Healthtech or medtech tools requiring manufacturing-ready designs.
  
  
• Companies needing hardware + embedded UI integration.

3. Smart Design

Smart Design is a US-based industrial design agency with a strong legacy in consumer electronics and hybrid experiences. Its team is behind iconic products like the OXO Good Grips kitchen tools and now applies that same design-for-everyday-life approach to health tech, mobility, and IoT.

Overview

• Founded: 1980
• Key services: Industrial design, experience strategy, product innovation
• Collaboration model: Studio-led; often collaborative with in-house teams
• Industry focus: Consumer products, healthtech, mobility, home automation

Smart Design excels in making physical products intuitive, inclusive, and delightful. Their team specializes in blending physical and digital, like pairing hardware with companion apps, or connecting analog experiences with digital ecosystems.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Smart Design doesn’t have reviews on Clutch, but their legacy work and client roster speak for themselves. The company has won multiple awards, including IDEA, Fast Company Innovation by Design, UX Design Awards, and more.

Clients: OXO, Ford, HP, Gatorade, Samsung, Pepsico

Strong points:

• Decades of consumer product design experience
  
  
• Expertise in physical-digital hybrid design
  
  
• Inclusive design approach, products that feel effortless
  
  

Weak points:

• Not ideal for B2B SaaS or complex software interfaces
  
  
• Premium agency with premium pricing
  
  
• Less agile than smaller design shops
  
  

Pricing and fit

Smart Design doesn’t publicly list its rates, but the pricing typically reflects its legacy, design depth, and reputation.

• Focus on user research, real-world use cases, and long-term usability.
  
  
• Deep collaboration with internal innovation teams.
  
  
• High-quality design for mass-market products.
  
  

Smart Design is a great fit for:

• Enterprises or funded startups launching consumer hardware.
  
  
• Products needing physical-digital consistency (like smart devices).
  
  
• Teams that prioritize real-world UX and inclusive design.

4. RKS Design

RKS Design is a California-based innovation and industrial design agency known for blending psychology with product development. Their proprietary “Psycho-Aesthetics” method helps create products that resonate with users on an emotional and functional level.

Overview

• Founded: 1980
• Key services: Industrial design, UX strategy, brand innovation
  Collaboration model: Project-based, with strategy workshops
• Industry focus: Consumer electronics, healthcare, mobility, lifestyle tech

RKS designs for usability and aims for emotional impact. Their approach aligns product features with user aspirations, fears, and behaviors. Its product design is based on a psychological lens, which makes it ideal for consumer-facing products or lifestyle hardware.

Clutch rating + client reviews

While RKS isn’t active on Clutch, their work has been widely recognized. They were featured in Fast Company and honored with multiple accolades, including the Edison Awards.

Clients: JBL, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Logitech, LG

Strong points:

• Psycho-Aesthetics framework for emotionally resonant design
  
  
• Brand + product alignment from concept to launch
  
  
• Strong track record with physical consumer tech
  
  

Weak points:

• Less focused on SaaS or digital-only products
  
  
• Higher emphasis on brand than on development handoff
  
  
• Premium engagement pricing
  
  

Pricing and fit

The company does not provide pricing information for its product design services. RKS works best when brought in early for strategy + concept development as it:

• Combines emotional branding with product functionality.
  
  
• Offers workshops and full-stack innovation services.
  
  

RKS Design is a great fit for:

• Brands launching innovative consumer products.
  
  
• Startups needing help with differentiation + product identity.
  
  
• Companies prioritizing emotional connection and aesthetics.

5. Carbon

Carbon is a California-based product innovation company redefining manufacturing through 3D printing and digital fabrication. Their platform combines software, hardware, and materials science, making them the go-to partner for advanced prototyping and high-performance product development.

Overview

• Founded: 2013 
• Key services: Industrial design, additive manufacturing, prototyping, engineering 
• Collaboration model: Technology platform + product development services
• Industry focus: Footwear, automotive, medical devices, sports equipment, enterprise hardware

Carbon is one of the top production design companies and a great technology partner with a materials lab. What sets them apart is the ability to go from CAD files to final products faster than traditional manufacturing allows. Carbon might be your best bet if you’re working on something futuristic, wearable, flexible, or low-volume/high-performance.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Carbon is not listed on Clutch but is widely recognized for powering cutting-edge products for major global brands.

Clients: Adidas, Ford, Riddell, Johnson & Johnson, Specialized

Strong points:

• Advanced 3D printing capabilities
  
  
• Seamless transition from prototype to low-volume production
  
  
• Great for highly customized or high-performance parts
  
  

Weak points:

• Not a traditional product design studio
  
  
• Best suited for physical products, not digital UX
  
  
• Limited if your product doesn't benefit from additive manufacturing
  
  

Pricing and fit

Carbon offers both access to their technology platform and design/engineering support.
Estimated pricing: Highly variable, depends on production volume and materials.

• Offers on-demand manufacturing and iterative prototyping.
  
  
• Works best when integrated into R&D from the start.
  
  

Carbon is a great fit for:

• Hardware startups innovating in wearables, sports, or medtech.
  
  
• Companies building physical products that benefit from custom geometry.
  
  
• Brands that want to leapfrog slow, traditional prototyping cycles.

Best digital product design companies

If you're running a discovery-phase product, a brand revamp, or a full-scale launch, you might need more research, developer integration, or strategy support. The agencies below offer strong UX capabilities with varying specialties, from enterprise-scale builds to creative-first application interface design.

6. UX Studio

UX Studio is a Hungary-based product design company focused on UX research and user-centered digital design. Their structured discovery process makes them a strong partner for startups at the early stages of product development or companies investing in new features.

Overview

• Founded: 2013
• Key services: UX research, product strategy, UI/UX design
• Collaboration model: Project-based, often in 3–6 month sprints
• Industry focus: SaaS, fintech, education, eCommerce

UX Studio leads with research. Their team often runs discovery workshops, user interviews, and usability tests before any pixels are pushed. While they also provide UI design, the focus is heavily on figuring out what to build and why, before polishing the how.

Clutch rating + client reviews

UX Studio holds a 5 rating on Clutch from 35 clients. Their ability to translate business goals into user-driven design is frequently mentioned in reviews.

Clients: HBO, Liligo, France’s National Tax Platform

Strong points:

• Exceptional UX research process

• Flexible for new product ideas or redesigns

Weak points:

• Can be slower in execution

• Minor hiccups while onboarding to new tools

• Time zone gaps can be a challenge

Pricing and fit

UX Studio operates on project-based pricing. Most projects run between $10K and $50 K.
Clutch pricing snapshot: $10 K+ minimum.

• Strong point for teams starting with a blank slate.
  
  
• Not ideal for fast-paced iteration or embedded workflows.
  
  

UX Studio is a great fit for:

• Founders refining early-stage product ideas.
  
  
• Companies with internal devs but no UX team.
  
  
• Teams prioritizing research, personas, and flows.

7. Work & Co

Work & Co is a US-based full-service digital agency known for building enterprise-grade web and mobile products. Their tight design-to-dev pipeline makes them a go-to partner for large companies that want polished, scalable platforms with high design fidelity baked in.

Overview

• Founded: 2013
• Key services: Strategy, UX/UI design, development
• Collaboration model: Cross-functional product teams
• Industry focus: Retail, finance, media, transportation, enterprise SaaS

Work & Co works with ambitious companies to ship big products, often involving redesigns or multi-platform rollouts. Their teams include product managers, designers, and developers from day one, so there’s less handoff and more ownership. Projects are typically long-term and require a serious budget.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Work & Co is not listed on Clutch, but its portfolio and customer retention speak volumes. It has worked with Apple, IKEA, Nike, and Google and is especially known for its high-quality shipping apps, content platforms, and design systems. Their unique “Universe Pyramid” approach was featured in Fast Company for its innovative take on product design strategy.

Clients: Gatorade, IKEA, Apple, HIPPO, Lyft, etc.

Strong points:

• Full-stack team: strategy to code
  
  
• Great for enterprise-level complexity
  
  
• Deep expertise in design systems and scalability

Weak points:

• High minimum budget (six figures and up)
  
  
• Better suited for large orgs than startups
  
  
• May feel less personal or agile

Pricing and fit  

Work & Co. uses a traditional agency model, with large and strategic project scopes. Web design agency pricing isn’t publicly disclosed.

• Focus on long-term partnerships and large builds.
  
  
• Emphasis on quality over speed.
  
  

Work & Co is a great fit for:

• Enterprises redesigning legacy software.
  
  
• Product design brands building large-scale apps or platforms.
  
  
• Teams that want design + dev in a single engagement.

8. Beyond

Beyond is a global design and technology agency that blends product strategy with delivery. With US and European offices, it works with companies that need more than screens, think road mapping, research, MVPs, and full-scale implementation.

Overview

• Founded: 2010
• Key services: Product strategy, UX design, development 
• Collaboration model: Cross-functional teams; project-based or retained
• Industry focus: SaaS, media, healthtech, enterprise

Beyond is strategy-first. Clients often come to them when they have a complex product problem or a business model to explore. Their teams both prototype and ship; they also guide product direction and build the thing.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Beyond has a 4.8 rating on Clutch. Clients praise its strategic thinking, collaborative approach, and design process, which is tailored to solving big-picture problems.

Clients: Academy of Art, Renault Group, ProtoPie, and more.

Strong points:

• Strategy + design + build = end-to-end delivery

• Flexible staffing across locations

• Especially strong in discovery, MVP scoping

Weak points:

• Pricey for startups

• Not ideal for ongoing design-only need

Pricing and fit

Beyond is not cheap, but they offer deep engagement.
Clutch pricing snapshot: Most projects start around $75+ K.

• Focus on outcomes, not just deliverables.
  
  
• Strong post-MVP delivery capability.
  
  

Beyond is a great fit for:

• SaaS companies launching new products.
  
  
• Teams that want help defining what to build.
  
  
• Enterprises seeking product-led transformation.

9. Ustwo

Ustwo is a UK-based digital product studio best known for its playful, mission-driven work. With roots in game design and a focus on impact-oriented apps, Ustwo blends creativity with thoughtful UX, often producing tools that balance aesthetics, accessibility, and emotional design.

Overview

• Founded: 2004
• Key services: UX/UI design, digital strategy, game and mobile app development
• Collaboration model: Studio-based teams; project partnerships
• Industry focus: Health, education, sustainability, DTC apps, social impact

Ustwo is famous for creating Monument Valley, but its real strength lies in using the same storytelling and UX chops to build products that matter. They work with nonprofits, public-sector organizations, and purpose-driven brands that want to make a difference through design, and they do it beautifully.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Ustwo doesn’t maintain a strong Clutch presence and holds a 4.5 rating based on 2 reviews. Their portfolio features globally recognized work highlighted by Fast Company, along with collaborations with organizations like the UN, Google, and DeepMind.

Clients: HSBC/Klir, L'Oreal, Rayo/Bauer, the UN OCHA, et.

Strong points:

• Unique mix of product design, development, fun, commercial, and storytelling

• Strong visual identity and motion design capabilities
  
  
• Great for mission-driven or DTC products
  
  

Weak points:

• Not focused on SaaS or enterprise UX
  
  
• May prioritize creative over conversion metrics
  
  
• Process may feel “soft” to analytical teams
  
  

Pricing and fit

Ustwo is a creative studio, not the cheapest, not the fastest, but distinctive.
Estimated pricing: Projects typically start at $50 K+ and include:

• High-touch creative process.
  
  
• Collaborative team structure.

Ustwo is a great fit for:

• Startups or orgs building emotionally resonant digital tools.
  
  
• DTC or lifestyle brands needing a standout visual design.
  
  
• Impact orgs that want UX with soul.

10. Underbelly

Underbelly is a Utah-based creative agency that combines product design with branding, illustration, and development. They’re a great pick if you’re launching something from scratch and want everything handled by one team,  from logo to UI.

Overview

• Founded: 2012
• Key services: UI/UX design, branding, web and mobile development
• Collaboration model: Studio-based teams; project or retainer
• Industry focus: Startups, media, consumer apps, marketing platforms

Underbelly approaches product design with a strong visual slant. Their team doesn’t just build interfaces; they craft full product identities. That’s especially useful for startups with no brand guidelines, or companies planning a major design overhaul.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Underbelly holds a 5 rating on Clutch based on 2 reviews. Clients highlight their creativity, technical competence, and tight-knit team culture.

Clients: CMAND, Innovation endeavors, Vivint, Facebook, XBOX, and more.

Strong points:

• Brand + product under one roof

• Flexible for both MVPs and marketing sites

Weak points:

• Less specialized in B2B SaaS flows
  
  
• Smaller team = limited parallel work
  
  
• Not ideal for research-heavy or data-heavy apps
  
  

Pricing and fit

Underbelly follows a traditional project-based model with flexibility for startups.
Clutch pricing snapshot: Minimal project size is $50+ K.

• Focus on the brand and rebranding.
  
  
• Not the best fit for technical dashboards or process-heavy UX.
  
  

Underbelly is a great fit for:

• Startups launching their first product.
  
  
• Teams with strong marketing or visual goals.
  
  
• Orgs needing both branding and UX in one timeline.

Best product design companies for mission-driven and niche markets

If your organization is doing work that changes lives, the typical flashy agency might not be the right fit. The product design studios below specialize in designing with empathy, accessibility, and long-term impact in mind. They understand nuance, constraints, and stakeholder complexity and deliver real outcomes, not just pretty mockups.

11. Echo & Co

Echo & Co. is a US-based digital agency focused on nonprofits, government, and purpose-driven organizations. Its work blends user research, inclusive design, and content strategy grounded in real-world impact.

Overview

• Founded: 2004 
• Key services: UX research, service design, content strategy, web and app design 
• Collaboration model: Collaborative studio model; strategic partnerships 
• Industry focus: Nonprofits, government, sustainability, advocacy

Echo & Co. designs with intention. They take the time to understand stakeholder needs, compliance constraints, and user accessibility challenges, especially in sectors that require clear communication and ethical tech. Their designs feel human, thoughtful, and purposeful.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Echo & Co has a 4.8 Clutch rating and strong reviews from mission-based clients.

Clients: Greenpeace, World Resources Institute, Harvard, ACLU

Strong points:

• Focused on mission-driven digital products

• Inclusive, research-heavy approach

• Strong strategic thinking around service design

Weak points:

• A bit expensive, not for fast-moving startup launches

• Less experienced with complex SaaS workflows

Pricing and fit

Echo & Co’s pricing reflects their consulting-style engagement.
Estimated pricing: Projects start at around $25K+ minimum.

• Emphasis on accessibility, content strategy, and user journeys.
  
  

Echo & Co is a great fit for:

• Nonprofits launching digital tools or services.
  
  
• Advocacy groups upgrading legacy platforms.
  
  
• Organizations with accessibility and inclusivity mandates.

12. Fuzzy Math

Fuzzy Math is a Chicago-based UX design consultancy focusing on B2B and enterprise software design. Its projects often intersect social impact and complex systems, making it a strong choice for nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and enterprise teams looking for real UX maturity.

Overview

• Founded: 2009 
• Key services: UX strategy, product design, research, design systems 
• Collaboration model: Consulting and design partnerships
• Industry focus: Healthcare, civic tech, financial services, education, nonprofits

Fuzzy Math brings process, research, and practical UX thinking to teams that need clarity, especially when navigating legacy systems or deeply human challenges. Their experience in healthcare and fintech makes them a strong choice for teams working on compliance-heavy projects like banking app design or patient portals.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Fuzzy Math holds a 4.9 Clutch rating. Clients consistently praise their strategic input, design for personalization, and ability to collaborate with in-house teams.

Clients: Microsoft, HYATT, Global Healthy Living Foundation, Allstate

Strong points:

• Great at untangling complex UX problems and creativity in non-creative spaces

• Thoughtful, user-first design practices

• Strong results and process clarity

Weak points:

• Best for end-to-end design, not extra tasks or rapid scale-ups

• Can feel overly academic to fast-moving teams

Pricing and fit

Fuzzy Math offers project-based pricing with a consulting-style approach.
Estimated pricing: $50 K—$200 K, depending on scope; the minimal project size is $25+ K. 

• Clear, thorough discovery and design delivery.
  
  
• Works well with in-house dev or product teams.
  
  

Fuzzy Math is a great fit for:

• Healthcare orgs modernizing patient-facing platforms.
  
  
• Nonprofits or civic tech orgs needing clarity + accessibility.
  
  
• Teams looking to audit, simplify, or redesign legacy software.

13. Think Company

Think Company is a Philadelphia-based experience design consultancy specializing in complex enterprise UX, design systems, and internal tools. Their team often partners with large organizations to streamline workflows, unify interfaces, and build scalable design operations.

Overview

• Founded: 2007
• Key services: UX strategy, UI design, design systems, accessibility consulting
• Collaboration model: Embedded teams or full-project delivery
• Industry focus: Enterprise software, healthcare, education, B2B platforms

Think Company is the agency you bring in when you're knee-deep in disconnected systems, legacy apps, or internal tools that frustrate your own employees. They bring structure and clarity to large-scale digital ecosystems and often collaborate with internal design or dev teams to scale UX best practices. 

Clutch rating + client reviews

Think Company has a 4.9 rating on Clutch. Their clients consistently mention professionalism, scalability, and depth of enterprise UX knowledge.

Clients: Johnson & Johnson, Comcast, Merck, ADP, etc.

Strong points:

• Deep experience with large-scale enterprise UX

• Strong process for building and managing design systems

• Well-trained team, great cross-team collaboration

Weak points:

• Overextension beyond core competencies

• Enterprise pricing model

• Longer ramp-up for smaller projects

Pricing and fit

Think Company uses enterprise-tier pricing and dedicated teams models. Based on Clutch, the minimal project size is $50 K.

Estimated pricing: The company also shares their estimates. Discovery projects typically start at $75 K+, while end-to-end ones are from $250 K.

• Strong capacity for regulated industries and accessibility compliance.
  
  
• Pairs well with large in-house product or engineering teams.
  
  

Think Company is a great fit for:

• Enterprises with fragmented UX across multiple tools.
  
  
• Product teams needing design systems + governance.
  
  
• Organizations investing in sustainable, scalable UX operations.

Best flexible and startup-friendly design studios

Not every team has a 6-figure design budget or a 12-month roadmap. Sometimes, you just need a smart, adaptable partner who can move fast, think lean, and scale as you grow. The agencies in this group are especially well-suited for early-stage companies, bootstrapped teams, or projects that need more creativity than bureaucracy.

14. Grio

Grio is a San Francisco-based software and design agency combining a dev-heavy approach and strong UX capabilities. It's a solid option for startups looking to go from idea to execution with one partner, especially when design and development need to stay tightly aligned.

Overview

• Founded: 2008
• Key services: Product design, front-end development, custom software 
• Collaboration model: Full-cycle delivery teams
• Industry focus: Fintech, healthtech, SaaS, B2B platforms

Grio’s biggest strength is the balance between UX design and software development. If you’ve got a product concept and need it built fast, they can take you from wireframe to launch without needing a dozen vendors.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Grio holds a 4.8 rating on Clutch, with clients often highlighting seamless collaboration between designers and developers.

Clients: Google, Amazon, Disney, Samsung, etc.

Strong points:

• Strong UX paired with solid development execution and product management

• Open to challenges

• Good communication and sprint-based workflows

Weak points:

• Miner issues with planning and estimating
  
  

• Focused more on practicality than aesthetics
  
  
• Smaller design team compared to dev capacity
  
  

Pricing and fit

Grio offers project-based or team-augmentation pricing.
Estimated pricing: Starting around $25+K for MVP builds.

• Good option if you want to keep a lean vendor stack.
  
  
• Best for B2B or functionality-heavy tools.
  
  

Grio is a great fit for:

• Startups launching MVPs or internal platforms.
  
  
• Founders who want fewer handoffs between design and code.
  
  
• Teams needing rapid execution with scalable architecture.

15. UPQODE

UPQODE is a Tennessee-based design and development agency that builds stylish, functional websites and web apps for small startups and creative businesses. Their sweet spot is founders who need both beautiful design and reliable code without breaking the bank.

Overview

• Founded: 2015
• Key services: Web design, UX/UI, WordPress, custom development 
• Collaboration model: Full-service delivery or design-only 
• Industry focus: UX design for startups, small businesses, SaaS, creative industries

UPQODE is a good fit if you need a marketing site, SaaS landing page, or lightweight product UI, especially when you're short on internal design/dev resources and want to ship fast. 

Their clean, conversion-focused style makes them a solid option for marketing sites or lighter tools like budget app design.

Clutch rating + client reviews

UPQODE has a 4.9 rating on Clutch with over 85 reviews. Clients often highlight speed, responsiveness, and strong value for app design cost.

Clients: RippaSend, Concentri AI, Telegraph, Propelr, etc.

Strong points:

• Affordable pricing for small teams and bootstrapped founders

• Well-balanced design and development expertise with a versatile skill set

• Fast turnaround and flexibility

Weak points:

• Time-intensive collaboration model for smaller teams

• Limited support and occasional miscommunications

Pricing and fit

UPQODE uses fixed or retainer-based pricing.
Estimated pricing: The common project size is around $10–$50K per project.

• Flexible for simple apps, landing pages, or marketing sites.
• Strong option if you need both design and build in one place.
  
  

UPQODE is a great fit for:

• Early-stage teams needing affordable, fast product design.
  
  
• Founders who want to launch quickly without hiring devs.
  
  
• Businesses that value aesthetics but don’t need deep UX strategy.

16. Motiv

Motiv is a US-based boutique product design and strategy studio that helps early-stage startups turn messy ideas into polished MVPs. With a small, senior team and hands-on founders, Motiv is perfect for companies that want a design partner who’ll challenge assumptions, not just take orders.

Overview

• Founded: 2015
• Key services: UX strategy, UI design, prototyping, product validation 
• Collaboration model: Founder-led engagements, small team model 
• Industry focus: SaaS, healthtech, fintech, marketplaces, early-stage startups

Motiv shines at the earliest stages of product development. They don’t just make things look good. They help you figure out what you should be building in the first place. You’ll get feedback loops, startup-savvy thinking, and pitch-ready prototypes.

Clutch rating + client reviews

While Motiv doesn’t have a Clutch rating, its work speaks for itself. With clients like Alberta Golf, Unilever, and Establishment Labs, and praise from leaders like Nutrimeals’ CEO, Motiv has earned a reputation for impactful, award-winning design, including honors from the German Design Award, Webby Awards, and w3 Awards.

Clients: THE 51, ING, Unilever, Cmf, etc.

Strong points:

• Founder-led, senior-level attention
  
  
• Very hands-on, highly collaborative
  
  
• Great for idea validation and early product definition
  
  

Weak points:

• Small team = limited bandwidth
  
  
• May not scale well for long-term or dev-heavy projects
  
  
• Not ideal for visual-heavy or brand-first products
  
  

Pricing and fit

Motiv does not publicly disclose pricing or project cost information.

• Focused on making strategic bets, not flashy visuals.
  
  
• Helpful when you don’t yet know exactly what to build.
  
  

Motiv is a great fit for:

• Founders still validating the product direction.
  
  
• Startups before (or right after) fundraising.
  
  

17. Speck Design

Speck Design is a California-based design and innovation consultancy specializing in physical and digital product integration. They’re particularly strong when your product lives in both the real world and the browser, such as IoT, smart devices, or wearables with digital touchpoints.

Overview

• Founded: 1996
• Key services: Industrial design, UX/UI, prototyping, engineering 
• Collaboration model: Studio-based teams, end-to-end delivery
• Industry focus: Healthcare, IoT, smart devices, consumer electronics

Speck bridges the physical and digital worlds. Their strength lies in designing physical products and the interfaces that power them, making them a perfect agency for hybrid projects where industrial design and UX have to work together. If you’re building a connected product with both hardware and software, this team gets it.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Speck Design has a 5 rating on Clutch, and clients note its ability to navigate complex requirements and build cohesive product ecosystems.

Clients: Cisco, YETI, Johnson & Johnson, Facebook, etc.

Strong points:

• Strong in hybrid digital-physical product design, prototyping, and usability testing

• Startup-friendly

Weak points:

• Room for improvement in staying on schedule and within budget

• More engineering-driven than creative-driven
  
  
• Process can be slower due to physical product constraints
  
  

Pricing and fit

Speck offers both fixed-bid and phase-based pricing depending on the type of project.
Estimated pricing: $25 K–$200 K+ depending on complexity.

• Ideal for connected hardware, IoT, or wearable UX.

Speck Design is a great fit for:

• Startups building smart devices or physical-digital tools.
  
  
• Teams needing UX/UI that connects seamlessly with hardware.
  
  
• Orgs looking to prototype, test, and launch a hybrid product.

Honorable mentions: Specialized and standout product design companies

These studios might not serve the broadest range of use cases, but if you fall into their sweet spot, they can be your secret weapon. 

18. Analogy Design

Analogy Design is an Indian boutique product strategy and design studio that blends storytelling with UX. It’s best known for turning rough concepts into launch-ready narratives, especially for teams needing clarity and direction before building.

Overview

• Founded: 2015
• Key services: Product strategy, the combination of industrial design, interaction design, and packaging, Computer Aided Design (CAD), UI/UX design
• Collaboration model: Small team, founder-led
• Industry focus: Consumer products and services, automotive, manufacturing, information technology

Analogy’s process leans toward clarity first. They ask the hard questions, help you refine your product thinking, and shape your messaging alongside the UX. Ideal for founders still crafting their story or PMs trying to unify a scattered product experience.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Analogy has a 4.8 rating on Clutch based on 16 reviews.

Clients: Panasonic, Amazon, non-disclosed

Strong points:

• Knowledge of electronics

• Strategic design that goes beyond the brief

• Flexible and collaborative

Weak points:

• Limited visual branding capacity

• Communication gaps

Pricing and fit

Analogy design typically offers fixed-scope discovery or strategy sprints.
Estimated pricing: $10+ K for early-stage packages.

Analogy Design is a great fit for:

• Brands that value deep design strategy and cross-disciplinary execution.
  
  
• Companies seeking high-quality design with real business impact.
  
  
• Teams looking for packaging, branding, and product design under one roof.
  
  

19. IDEO

IDEO is the original design thinking powerhouse and arguably the most influential product design company in the world. Its global team is known for its breakthrough innovation work with Fortune 500s, NGOs, and governments.

Overview

• Founded: 1991
• Key services: Design research, innovation strategy, product/service design 
• Collaboration model: Global teams, deep discovery-first approach 
• Industry focus: Everything from healthcare to education to civic tech

IDEO works best when solving a systemic, messy, high-impact challenge. They’ll immerse themselves in the problem, rethink assumptions, and help you invent a better solution from the ground up.

Clutch rating + client reviews

Although IDEO isn’t listed on Clutch, their legacy and impact speak louder. That said, reviews on G2 give them a 3.5 out of 5, offering some insight into client experiences.

Clients: Together Senior Health, Sephora, IDEO.org, etc.

Strong points:

• Deep design research and endless inspiration

• Focus on big-picture innovation and solving real-world problems through creative strategy

• Excellent for public-sector and global-scale projects

Weak points:

• Very expensive
  
  
• Long timelines
  
  
• Not a great fit for lean MVPs or SaaS UIs
  
  

Pricing and fit

IDEO uses large-scale, research-first engagements and doesn’t disclose its pricing.

IDEO is a great fit for:

• Governments, NGOs, or global orgs solving complex challenges.
  
  
• Large brands rethinking services or launching new categories.
  
  
• Teams exploring long-term innovation initiatives.

Product design company comparison table

We’ve reviewed many agencies, and now here’s the cheat sheet. This table compares each product design company by what they do best, how much they charge, and who they’re right for, so you can make a smart shortlist quickly.

Pitfalls to avoid when hiring a product design company

Founders and PMs often get stuck with the wrong agency, not because they made a bad decision, but because they didn’t know what to expect.

Here are the most common traps we’ve seen and sometimes cleaned up after:

1. Prioritizing visuals over product fit

A stunning Dribbble profile doesn’t mean the agency knows how to design an app with a usable dashboard or optimize onboarding for conversions. Pretty isn’t equal to functional.

As one Redditor commented, “Pretty is for florists. I’m the same way. I’m much more structural and tactical than I am subjectively creative. I rely on strong typography, good content and messaging, effective branding, grid structures, strong color palettes, etc.”

Avoid: Agencies that showcase only landing pages or branding work when you’re building a complex product.

2. Choosing a dev agency with design “add-ons”

Some product design and development companies offer design, but their UX is often surface-level. You’ll end up redesigning later when users bounce or get confused.

One Reddit user noted, “If you want a good UX you need someone who specializes in it to design it, and most developers are not designers. If your target audience is developers you're going to get function over usability every time. You see the same issue in a lot of open source software, because UX/UI design is really difficult and has to be done in collaboration with feature development, which is hard to accomplish even within closed organizations.”

Look for: Agencies where design is the core service, not a bullet point below “React experts.”

3. Picking based on fame instead of fit

Just because a studio worked with Google doesn’t mean they’re right for your fast-moving SaaS. Large agencies might not flex well for small budgets and iterative work, or come with big processes, and behind the scenes, parts of the work may be outsourced.  Like Redditor shared, “Sometimes it happens... may be because of outsourcing.”

Tip: Always ask how they work with teams your size, not just who they’ve worked with.

4. Not understanding the collaboration model

Before hiring a product design company, clarify what kind of collaboration you actually need. Will you get a dedicated designer embedded in your team? Will they communicate directly with your PMs, or is everything filtered through a project manager? How quickly do they respond to feedback?

A Reddit user put it well, “This is going to depend on your process. Unfortunately, there isn't much availability for those with a classical background in design fundamentals. It is always good to have someone that has a creative director level and experience looking over the design process…”

Watch for: Rigid timelines, unclear workflows, or agencies that disappear between milestones.

5. No clear process for handoff or iteration

A one-time handoff might work for a marketing website, but not for a growing product. The process should reflect whether you’ll be iterating or building features long-term.

One designer on Reddit shared, “I tend towards straightforward design with a clear hierarchy, but I’m always looking at my work to see if it would be better with something else.”

Ask: Do they support ongoing sprints, post-launch iterations, or design handoff to devs?

How to choose the right product design company for you

Choosing the right partner is about stage, stack, and how much clarity you already have. Here’s a practical guide to match your situation with the right type of agency, so you avoid mismatches and second-guessing down the road.

✔️“We need product design now, fast, and on a budget.”

You're building something lean and can't afford to overthink it. Speed and cost matter more than strategy right now. If you’re not ready to hire UI designers in-house, these agencies can give you senior-level quality without the recruiting overhead.

Choose:

• Eleken: Flexible subscription, get started this week, ideal for SaaS.
  
  
• UPQODE: Great for landing pages and smaller product builds.
  
  

Why it works: These teams move quickly, don’t need endless specs, and are used to working with minimal setup.

✔️“We’ve got an MVP or product, but we’re scaling fast.”

You’ve found product-market fit. Now, you need UX to keep up, without hiring a full internal team just yet.

Choose:

• Grio: Design + dev delivery model = fewer handoffs
  
  
• Think Company: Strong with internal tools and scaling design systems.
  
  
• Beyond: Product design + long-term roadmap thinking.
  
  

Why it works: These agencies can plug into your existing product team and help you scale without process chaos.

✔️“We’re still validating our idea.”

Your product doesn’t fully exist yet. You need help shaping it, not just drawing it.

Choose:

• UX Studio: Expert at early-stage research and discovery workshops.
  
  
• Fuzzy Math: Strong at simplifying complexity early.
  
  

Why it works: These teams shine when the roadmap is blurry. They’ll help you bring focus, not just visuals.

✔️“We’re designing something physical, not just screens.”

You’re dealing with industrial design, IoT, or hardware + software in one package.

Choose:

• Design 1st: Engineering, prototyping, and design under one roof.
  
  
• Speck Design: Smart devices and physical-digital UX.
  
  
• Carbon: Great for manufacturing, 3D printing, rapid iteration
  
  

Why it works: These top product design firms understand the complexity of form, function, and production constraints.

✔️“We’re a mission-driven org or public-facing institution.”

You need ethical, inclusive, or regulatory-compliant UX. Conversion isn’t your only KPI; trust is.

Choose:

• Echo & Co: Focused on nonprofits and civic tech.
  
  
• Ustwo: Emotionally engaging design with a purpose.
  
  
• Fuzzy Math: Accessibility, system UX, and clarity-driven redesigns.
  
  

Why it works: These teams are used to juggling multiple stakeholders, tight regulations, and long-term trust.

✔️“We’re a mid-sized or enterprise org with scale challenges.”

Your product team is big, but UX is inconsistent. You need clarity, governance, and professional design maturity.

Choose:

• Work & Co: Full-stack product teams for major apps.
  
  
• Think Company: Enterprise UX, design systems, and internal tooling.
  
  
• IDEO: Transformative, long-view innovation (if you’ve got the budget).
  
  

Why it works: These product design firms bring structure, strategy, and seniority, not just designers on call.

Final thoughts

You might be validating an idea, redesigning a legacy tool, launching a hardware product, or scaling your SaaS with too few designers and too many tickets. 

The right agency will give you screens, solve problems, fill gaps, and move at your speed.

Use this list as a cheat sheet and:

• Reach out to a few teams. 
• Ask many questions. 
• Share briefs and references. 
• Look for the ones who ask sharp questions back.

And if you're building a SaaS product and need a flexible, experienced design team that feels like your own, contact us. Eleken’s designers are ready to help.