SaaS designers - UX expertise matters more than aesthetics

Challenges in finding the right SaaS designer

At first glance, it looks easy – you post a job and pick the candidate that matches it best. However, it’s much tricker. SaaS product design means creating an intuitive experience that simplifies complex functions. A great designer needs to understand UI/UX design for SaaS, and how users interact with SaaS platforms. So, the common hiring barriers are:

1. Lack of SaaS experience. Many designers may not be familiar with SaaS-specific elements like subscription flows, dashboards, or onboarding.
2. Different visions. You have one idea for your product, but a designer may see it another way. Different visions can lead to frustration.
3. Budget constraints. High-quality design isn’t cheap, and sometimes it is difficult to find the right expertise for your budget.
4. Communication issues. The best design is born in a team. Miscommunication can cause delays, unnecessary revisions, and the result that doesn’t meet your needs.

Define your SaaS design needs

You can avoid the above challenges if you approach hiring SaaS designers wisely. So, the first step is to understand what you need. Here is a simple guide on how to make a plan that will simplify your search:

1. Project scope for SaaS design. Think whether you are looking for a full UI/UX redesign, a better dashboard layout, improved onboarding flows, or just a few tweaks? Be specific so you and your designer are on the same page.
2. SaaS branding and design. Do you have an existing brand style, or do you need to create one? Should the design be sleek and minimalist, or more visually engaging? It will be helpful to have examples of what you like.
3. Target audience. Who are your users? Are they business professionals, small teams, or individual users? A clear portrait of your average user will help create a better design.
4. Technical needs. Does your platform need responsive design, animations, or data visualization? Should the designer be comfortable working with Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD? List the skills you expect in a SaaS web designer.
5. Collaboration and workflow. How do you see the collaboration? A designer may work closely with your development team or have full creative freedom.
6. Timeline and budget. Are you looking for a quick turnaround or a long-term partner? Are you planning to hire a freelancer, an agency, or a full-time designer? This will help you estimate the costs and narrow down the right candidates.

When you answer these questions, you will get a ready design brief. This planning will simplify your designing for SaaS process.

Where to look for SaaS designers

Now, it’s time to start your search. Where to look for design talent? Here are some places to find remote SaaS designers.

• Design platforms. On Dribbble, Behance and Coroflot, you can browse through designers’ portfolios and find the style that matches your needs.
• Freelance marketplaces. Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal give you access to a range of designers at different experience levels and price points. Here, you can also check reviews and past projects.
• Design agencies for SaaS. If you need a team with broad expertise, find an agency. Even if a professional SaaS website design service is more expensive, it may be the best solution for larger projects.
• Referrals. Sometimes the best designers can be found through recommendations. Ask other SaaS founders or developers in your network who they’ve worked with.
• Job boards. You can post on We Work Remotely or AngelList to attract designers specifically looking for SaaS projects.

Each option has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your timeline, budget, and project complexity.

How to evaluate a designer?

An impressive SaaS design portfolio is not the main parameter when you are choosing a web designer. You need an expert who understands the SaaS business model principles. So, always review candidates’ case studies and client feedback. Look for those who know how to handle data visualization, integrations, and Software as a Service user experience challenges. Strong UX can improve conversion rates by up to 200%! Also pay attention to communication skills, as designing for SaaS is always close interaction of developers, marketers, and stakeholders.

A freelancer or a design agency?

What to choose for your SaaS product? A freelance designer for SaaS or a design agency? Both options are fine but you need to know the differences:

• 

  Freelancers are a more affordable option which is good for smaller projects. You will enjoy direct communication and a flexible design process. However, they may not always be reliable, may lack expertise in specific areas, and can struggle with large-scale projects that require a diverse skill set.

• 

  Agencies provide access to a team of designers with diverse skills. They manage the process flawlessly, even if it is a complex or long-term project. However, usually, they come at a higher cost than freelancers.

Tips on the interview process

When you have a list of the best candidates, the next step is the interview. Correct questions will help you understand whether it is a specialist you need. First, ask about their design to see how they handle project challenges. You can even ask them to explain it with the help of one of their previous works. Also, think about a design test task to see how they approach it. Another important thing is how well a candidate communicates and listens. Research shows that 57% of clients value strong communication skills when they hire a freelance designer or SaaS app developer. And don’t forget to discuss deadlines and costs before you sign a deal.

Plan your design process

Every project needs careful planning. Here are some key points to take into account:

• Create a detailed brief. This document must provide as much information as possible about your project goals, target audience, and design nuances.
• Break the project into phases. These can be wireframes, mockups, and final design stages and set deadlines for each.
• Use designer collaboration tools. Figma, Slack, and Trello will let you stay updated on the process.
• Comment on each stage. Be fair and open about what you like or dislike and ask for improvements if you need.
• Follow the project. Check how it goes, and you will catch issues if any.

Cost of SaaS web design

What is the cost of SaaS design services? It depends on the technical details of the project, designer experience and location. Some agencies charge from $100 to $250 per hour. So, you will pay $3,000 - $50,000 for SaaS web design or $10,000 - $100,000 for SaaS app design service. However, the final price depends on the set of features you need.

Freelancers’ quote from $50 to $150 per hour. Individual designers are more affordable, but complex projects are too difficult for them. Agencies can cope with a project of any complexity. Plan the budget for your design, and then you will see what you can afford for the money you have.

Affordable SaaS design with zero risk

At DreamX, we deliver expert design at affordable rates, backed by a money-back guarantee.

Let’s discuss your project

Common mistakes to avoid

Do you want to find a SaaS app designer or SaaS website expert who will not upset you? Avoid the following:

• Rush. You will need time to find a good designer. Be patient and check their SaaS experience. Remember that 88% of online users do not return to a site with poor UX.
• Lack of UX expertise. An appealing design means nothing if usability is low. Studies show that 70% of startups fail because of poor UX.
• No references. A designer’s past projects are the best proof of their skills. Always check references and case studies.
• Low cost. Budget is important, but it is worth paying for expertise. Research shows that every $1 invested in UX can bring up to $100 in return.

Conclusion

Now, you know how to find and hire the right designer for your SaaS project. Remember that the perfect designer isn't a pro with technical skills – they should also deeply understand your business and be able to convey it via design solutions. Need professional advice? Don’t hesitate to contact DreamX. We are a team of professional UI/UX designers with a proven track of successful cases. Partner with us, and we will ensure your design will work for you!