Product Design Consultant: Things to Consider When Hiring a Product Design Consultant

And red flags to watch out for

Meri Sargsyan

Last updated on May 13, 2024 | 11 min read

BusinessDesignGuideIT market

Today’s great products stand out not only because they work well but also because they look good and provide a great user experience. Whether it’s clothing, sports gear, gadgets, software, or services, making a good first impression is crucial. But, creating a successful product involves a careful design process, and that’s where product design consultants are key.

These consultants are essential to a product’s success. They deeply understand what customers struggle with, find ways to innovate, and create solutions for needs that haven’t been met yet. They do more than make a product look good—they make sure it works perfectly and connects with the people who use it.

This video will help you understand who a product designer is:

Choosing the right product design consultant

Enhancing the success of your product relies heavily on selecting the right consultant tailored to your specific requirements. Here are essential factors to consider during the hiring process.

1. First and foremost, it’s crucial to describe your design needs as part of your product development and marketing strategies.
2. Every design or development endeavour should prioritize a customer-centric approach.
3. You’ll need a consultant capable of guiding the process comprehensively from inception to completion. As highlighted by DevsData LLC, starting the product design process requires a thorough understanding of your design needs with a focus on the customer.

So, how can you pinpoint the ideal consultant for your project? It boils down to understanding your needs and selecting what qualities to seek:

• Assessing your current position and team’s skills is important to smooth development. This will help you determine what to focus on next.
• If you’re in the early stages and focusing on planning and user experience, you may need someone to improve your product’s visual attractiveness. Hiring a graphic designer might be really advantageous here. They specialize in creating visually attractive goods and providing features that connect with people.
• On the other hand, if you’re stuck halfway through the design process and are confused about user desires and preferences, try hiring a user researcher. These specialists provide insights into what works well and what may be improved, and they have a thorough grasp of user behavior. They employ language that people can understand, which helps to bridge the gap between potential and existing clients.
• If you’re stuck with technical issues in design and development, a front-end developer can lend a hand. They focus on what users see and how they interact with it, providing helpful guidance on making things work better.

Also, you can refer to DevsData LLC since they have over 8 years of experience hiring product design consultants for various companies in different industries and countries. The company knows all the intricacies and will ensure you get the competent talent that can contribute to your company’s success.

They have a database of over 65,000 candidates, with a special focus on product design consultants.

In fact, why don’t you email them at [email protected] or visit their website at www.devsdata.com.

Questions to ask before hiring one and red flags to watch out for

To ensure you’re selecting a candidate who not only meets your requirements but also aligns with your project’s vision and goals, consider incorporating the following questions into your evaluation process:

1. Beyond simply assessing years of experience, delve into the specifics of the candidate’s background. A consultant with a diverse portfolio spanning different stages of development and various industries indicates a depth of expertise and adaptability required to navigate your specific project needs.
2. Given the ever-evolving nature of the product design landscape, it’s crucial to confirm that the candidate is committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Ask about their most recent learning experiences and how they’ve integrated new knowledge into their approach to work.
3. Understanding how candidates initiate the design process provides valuable insight into their problem-solving skills and user-centric approach. Look for candidates who can effectively communicate their rationale behind their chosen methodologies and demonstrate a strong empathy for end-users.
4. Collaboration is key to successful project execution, especially within multidisciplinary teams. Evaluate the candidate’s ability to take ownership of projects while fostering team collaboration and communication.
5. A keen awareness of current design trends and industry best practices is essential for delivering innovative and impactful solutions. Inquire about the candidate’s strategies for staying updated with the latest design trends and ask them to identify key resources or influencers they follow for inspiration. A candidate who actively engages with industry thought leaders and demonstrates a passion for staying abreast of emerging trends is more likely to bring fresh perspectives and creative insights to your project.

By incorporating these questions into your hiring process, you can ensure the candidate fits into your project while mitigating potential red flags early on.

Qualities to look for in a good product designer

Apart from the skills and experience mentioned earlier, there are some other qualities to look for in a great product designer.

Here are skills to pay attention to during the hiring process.

A good designer can explain their ideas well in writing and speaking. They should also be able to show their ideas visually, especially when it comes to how something should look. They understand complex problems and can develop solutions based on their experiences. They also work closely with other team members, such as developers and clients.

Additionally, they can put themselves in the shoes of those using their product. They understand what users need and can turn that understanding into a design that works well. It is important to mention that good designers are always looking for ways to improve. They do research to find out what works and what doesn’t to improve their designs. Great professionals never settle for “good enough.” They’re always trying to improve their designs, keeping up with changes in technology and what customers want.

Considering these qualities, skills, and experience can help you find the right product designer for your project.

Conclusion

Effective product design successfully integrates business goals with creating outstanding user experiences. This is crucial for both fulfilling user needs and achieving business success. Whether it’s software or hardware, a product’s functionality, appearance, usability, and overall performance, all play a crucial role in its success. At the heart of this success is a skilled product designer who tackles challenges through thoughtful design solutions.

DevsData LLC, with its native American designers and team members, has worked with corporate clients on large design projects and helped startups with rapid prototyping and creating designs from scratch. The company has a government-approved recruitment license and consistently receives high client satisfaction ratings, as seen in public testimonials. They have experience working with American, Israeli, and global companies to find candidates who fit specific requirements.

Don’t hesitate to contact DevsData LLC today and hire a competent professional who will contribute to your company’s success.

If you have comments or questions, email them today at [email protected] or www.devsdata.com.