Word of the day: outsourcing. You know it, they do it, we got it. Outsourcing has transformed the way businesses operate. It has totally reshaped the workforce and has made big and small companies bigger and more efficient than ever. Outsourced design is helping companies scale their design teams quickly and efficiently, without a trade off on quality.

Why outsource design?

Using designers outside of your organisation is easier than ever before and more companies are augmenting their design team with a diverse range of designers from all over the world. These designers bring a fresh perspective, unique ideas, and a wealth of experience to the table. Additionally, barriers that may have made collaboration difficult in the past, have been removed by online communication and file sharing tools.  

But, it's not just about the talent. Outsourced design allows companies to save on costs, to increase productivity, and improve overall design quality. It also removes the operational and HR aspects of managing an in-house design team; companies can focus on what they do best - running their business. So, why not take advantage of this opportunity and consider design process outsourcing to scale your design team?  

How to choose the right design outsourcing partner?

Choosing the right design outsourcing partner is key to a successful outsourcing experience. It's essential to take the time to research and evaluate potential partners to ensure that they meet your design needs, fit your budget, and align with your company's values.  

Some of the factors you should consider when choosing an outsourcing partner include their portfolio and design expertise, communication and project management skills, as well as pricing and delivery time. You should also make sure that you have a clear understanding of their processes and workflows, and that you're comfortable with their level of transparency and accountability. Finally, it's important to establish clear expectations and communication channels with your outsourcing partner to ensure that the partnership runs smoothly and that you're both on the same page.

It’s also important to partner with a design team that can think independently to work towards your design goals. Much of what is needed to be a great designer lies in understanding the why. It means research, understanding the needs of the customer and balancing that off against the needs of the business, and using that knowledge when creating designs. Yes design craft in execution is important, but design thinking is crucial to achieving that vision.  

Managing and communicating with outsourced designers

A factor that may be holding you back from outsourcing design work is the how you’ll be able to manage and communicate with them. Most outsourced designers are working remotely and are freelancers, so you won’t exactly be able to talk to them personally nor collaborate in-house. Whilst in the past this may have been a struggle, today’s technology has helped overcome this with platforms and apps have made it possible and more seamless to collaborate on projects.  

With the advent of cloud-based project management tools, remote collaboration platforms, and video conferencing, you can manage an outsourced design team from anywhere in the world. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of these technologies, allowing businesses to continue operating and collaborating with their outsourced design teams even when working remotely.

Plus, design outsourcing providers have invested in our processes and workflows to ensure seamless project management. With real-time updates, regular status reports, and a dedicated project manager, you're provided with all the information you need to keep your project on track.

To outsource or not to outsource?

That is the designer question - and the answer is a resounding yes! Whether you're a growing startup or an established company, outsourcing design can help you achieve your goals and bring your vision to life.  

So, if you're looking to make the most of your resources and achieve your design goals, don't hesitate to outsource your design work today. You can talk to us about your design work, we’re kind of experts about it.