Learn how to evaluate and compare product designers for your SaaS project. Key criteria, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid when hiring design talent.
Choosing the right product designer can make or break your SaaS project. A great designer doesn't just make things look pretty—they understand user psychology, business objectives, and the technical constraints of software development.
This guide will help you systematically evaluate and compare product designers to find the perfect match for your project.
Use these essential criteria to compare designers objectively:
| Criterion | Why It Matters | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| SaaS Experience | Understanding of subscription models, onboarding flows | Critical |
| Portfolio Quality | Demonstrates design thinking and execution skills | Critical |
| Process & Methodology | How they approach problems and collaborate | High |
| Communication Skills | Can explain decisions and handle feedback | High |
| Technical Understanding | Knows what's feasible in development | Medium |
| Availability & Timeline | Can meet your project deadlines | Medium |
Understand which type fits your project needs:
Best for: Polish and aesthetics
Rate: $50-150/hr
Best for: User research and flows
Rate: $75-175/hr
Best for: End-to-end design
Rate: $100-250/hr
Interview candidates with these targeted questions:
Evaluate portfolios systematically:
| Model | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | Ongoing work, uncertain scope | Flexible, pay for actual work | Costs can escalate |
| Fixed Project | Clear scope, defined deliverables | Predictable budget | Changes cost extra |
| Monthly Retainer | Long-term partnership | Priority access, consistent | Pay whether busy or not |
| Equity/Revenue Share | Early startups, low cash | Low upfront cost | Designer may lack motivation |
Use this scorecard to rate candidates objectively (1-10 scale):
Consider a paid trial before full commitment:
Protect both parties with clear agreements:
After evaluating all candidates, consider these factors:
Comparing product designers requires a systematic approach that balances objective criteria with subjective factors like cultural fit and communication style. Use the questions, scorecard, and checklist in this guide to make an informed decision that sets your SaaS project up for success.
Remember: the cheapest designer is rarely the best value. Invest in someone who understands SaaS, can articulate their process, and has a proven track record of driving business results through great design.
We connect SaaS startups with vetted product designers
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Founder & CEO
Founder & CEO at Devian, helping SaaS startups find and work with top product designers.
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