In a startup, hiring the right designer is crucial for the success of the product.
There are several types of designers that a startup might hire, each with their own unique skillset and responsibilities. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of designers and what they work on, how they differ from other designers.
- UI Designer: A UI (user interface) designer is responsible for creating the visual design of a product, including the layout, typography, color scheme, and overall aesthetic. They work on creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to help guide the development of the product. They differ from graphic designers in that they focus specifically on digital interfaces, while graphic designers may work on a variety of mediums. Some examples of great UI portfolios include those of Kate Kiefer, Samuel Medvedowsky, and Andrew McKay. More on hiring UI designers in our blog post on the topic.
- UX Designer: A UX (user experience) designer is responsible for researching, designing and testing the overall experience of a product. They work on creating user personas, conducting user research, creating user flows and wireframes, and testing prototypes to ensure that the product meets the needs of its users. They differ from UI designers in that they focus specifically on the overall experience of the product, while UI designers focus on the visual design. Some examples of great UX portfolios include those of Christina Wodtke, Leah Buley, and Erika Hall. More on hiring UX designers in our blog post on the topic.
- Product Designer: A Product Designer is responsible for creating the overall design of a product, including both the UI and UX elements. They work on user research, prototyping, and testing to create a cohesive and intuitive product. They differ from UI and UX designers in that they work on the whole product, while UI and UX designers focus on specific aspects of the product. Some examples of great Product Designer portfolios include those of John Zeratsky, Julie Zhuo, and Jeff Gothelf.
- Visual Designer: A Visual Designer is responsible for creating visual elements of a product, such as icons, illustrations, and branding. They work on creating visual elements that are cohesive and consistent with the overall design of the product. They differ from UI designers in that they focus specifically on visual elements, while UI designers work on the overall visual design of the product. Some examples of great Visual Designer portfolios include those of Mike Mitchell, Lisa Glanz, and Lola Landekic
- Motion Designer: A Motion Designer is responsible for creating animations, videos, and interactive elements of a product. They work on creating motion design that is cohesive and consistent with the overall design of the product. They differ from Graphic designers in that they focus specifically on creating animated and interactive elements, while graphic designers may work on a variety of mediums. Some examples of great Motion Designer portfolios include those of Vinh Nguyen, Tran Mau Tri Tam, and Paul Clements
- Interaction Designer: An Interaction Designer is responsible for creating the interactions and animations that occur within a digital product. They work on designing how a user interacts with the product, creating wireframes and prototypes, and testing the overall flow of the product. They differ from Motion designers in that they focus specifically on the interactions between the user and the product, while Motion designers focus on creating animations.
- Brand Designer: Brand designers work on creating and maintaining a company's visual identity. They focus on creating a cohesive look and feel for all of a company's branding materials.
When hiring designers, it is important to understand the specific skills and responsibilities of each type of designer. By understanding the differences between the various types of designers, you can make sure you are hiring the right person for the job.
Additionally, it is important to look at the designer's portfolio in order to evaluate their skills and experience.
It is crucial for startups to have a great design team to create products that look and feel great and solve user problems at the same time. A great design team can help a startup to stand out in a crowded market and be more successful in the long run. By understanding the different types of designers, the roles they play and what to look for in portfolios, startups can make better hiring decisions and build a strong design team.
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