Check out our curated list of the top 6 design agencies leading the way in innovation and user-centric experiences for 2024.
Selecting a UX design agency for your enterprise software, mobile, or web application is crucial for delivering the best product for your business.
In this article, we’ve ranked the top UX designers and consultants in Europe and the United States to help simplify your design team’s hiring process.
Top 6 UI/UX Design Agencies in 2024 – October Rankings
1. Clay
San Francisco roots, global reach: Clay crafts exceptional user experiences
Team Size: 80+
Founded in: 2009
Budget: $100k+
Hourly rate: $175-$200/hr
Services: user research & testing, CX & interaction design, UI/UX design, motion design, design systems, full-stack development, web design
Industries: сrypto & Web3, FinTech, finance, eCommerce, technology, startups, food & beverage, telecommunications, healthcare, B2B
Portfolio: https://clay.global/work
Clutch profile: https://clutch.co/profile/clay#highlights
Socials: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
Clay is dedicated to crafting exceptional user experiences. More than just a team of skilled UX designers, we are a collective of strategists, engineers, and creatives passionate about creating elevated digital experiences. They go beyond surface aesthetics, diving deep into the essence of brands to develop impactful identities that resonate with users.
Strengths
Recognized by the Webby Awards for excellence, they prioritize user experience, ensuring every interaction is delightful and fosters genuine connections between brands and their audiences.
Featured Projects
Clay is startup-friendly, tailoring our innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of emerging businesses. Notable projects include an interactive demo for Slack and UI/UX design for Snapchat’s AR shopping experience.
2. Instrument
A multidisciplinary creative agency from Los Angeles redefining brands and user experiences
- Team Size: 350+
- Founded in: 2006
- Budget: $300k+
- Hourly rate: $250-$400/hr
- Services: user experience & user interface design, UX research, website & mobile design, immersive events, prototyping, full stack web development, content management, SEO & SEM, user testing, monitoring & optimization
- Industries: technology, retail, finance, healthcare, non-profit, education
- Portfolio: https://www.instrument.com/work/
- Clutch profile: https://clutch.co/profile/instrument#highlights
- Socials: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
Instrument is a design agency focused on shaping better futures through exceptional branding and product experiences. Founded in 2006, it features a talented team of UI and UX designers dedicated to creating user-friendly designs that resonate with people.
Their human-centered approach prioritizes user needs, ensuring that designs are both beautiful and functional. By collaborating closely with clients, Instrument develops tailored solutions that align with their goals and user flows.
Strengths
Instrument’s collaborative process engages clients at every stage, allowing for valuable feedback and adjustments. Their multidisciplinary team—comprising designers, strategists, engineers, and writers—offers a comprehensive approach that covers branding, UI/UX, and content.
Featured Projects
Instrument designed a flexible UI/UX platform for Google Design, enabling dynamic content updates. They also transformed the Marriott Bonvoy app with a mobile-first design system, enhancing navigation and visuals for a seamless travel experience.
3. IDEO
IDEO uses human-centered design to create impactful products, services, and experiences
- Team Size: 500+
- Founded in: 1991
- Budget: $500k+
- Hourly rate: $350-$500/hr
- Services: UI/UX design, user research, product design, consulting
- Industries: retail, technology, non-profit, healthcare, education, finance, startups
- Portfolio: https://www.ideo.com/work
- Clutch profile: https://clutch.co/profile/ideo#highlights
- Socials: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
IDEO (pronounced “eye-dee-oh”) is a global design and consulting firm celebrated for its human-centered approach. Founded in 1991, IDEO has a rich history of innovation, having contributed to iconic products like the Apple mouse and Palm Pilot. With a team of 500, they tackle diverse challenges, from sustainable packaging for Unilever to immersive learning experiences at Stanford University.
Central to IDEO’s philosophy is design thinking, which emphasizes empathy, experimentation, and rapid prototyping. By deeply understanding user needs and quickly iterating on ideas, IDEO helps clients unlock breakthrough solutions. This approach fosters creativity and collaboration, extending beyond the firm with open-source design tools and educational programs that empower others to embrace design thinking.
Strengths
With locations in San Francisco, Chicago, London, Munich, and Tokyo, IDEO accesses diverse perspectives and a broad client base. Collaborating with IDEO offers valuable learning experiences, exposing teams to innovative methodologies and best practices.
Featured Projects
IDEO revamped Eli Lilly’s pharmaceutical development process through intuitive UI/UX design, streamlining communication and data visualization for researchers. They also designed Sage Earth, a platform that helps small and medium businesses tackle climate change by simplifying complex data and providing clear emissions visualizations, empowering owners to identify cost-saving opportunities while benefiting the environment.
4. Red Antler
A Brooklyn design agency of creative rebels reimagines businesses with unexpected experiences
- Team Size: 120+
- Founded in: 2007
- Budget: $250k
- Hourly rate: $250-$350/hr
- Services: UI/UX design, UX research, content production, industrial & packaging design, integrated campaign
- Industries: food & beverage, technology, finance, retail, mobility, healthcare
- Portfolio: https://www.redantler.com/work
- Clutch profile: https://clutch.co/profile/red-antler#highlights
- Socials: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
Red Antler is not your typical design agency. Based in Brooklyn, this collective of “dynamic weirdos” specializes in reimagining businesses and crafting extraordinary branding. They dig deep to uncover the unique essence of each company, transforming it into captivating experiences that disrupt the norm and leave audiences in awe.
Their innovative portfolio includes launching flying taxis, creating credit cards that promote mindful spending, and devising engaging sobriety solutions. Red Antler’s expertise spans branding, digital experiences, engineering, advertising, and industrial design, approaching every challenge with creativity and a playful spirit.
Strengths
- Creative UI/UX Design: Their unique approach makes them ideal for clients looking to stand out.
- Experience with Disruptive Brands: They excel in helping clients innovate and break traditional molds.
Featured Projects
Red Antler designed the branding and UX for Ramp, emphasizing modern financial responsibility. They also revamped Hinge’s user experience to foster deeper connections through intuitive design and streamlined interactions.
5. Bakken & Baeck
Pioneering design and technology Oslo studio crafts digital experiences that blend beauty with functionality
- Team Size: 60+
- Founded in: 2011
- Budget: $250k+
- Hourly rate: $250-$350/hr
- Services: user experience & user interface design, product strategy, user research & testing, interactive prototyping, visual design systems, customer journeys, UX guidelines, custom software development, content strategy
- Industries: finance, crypto & Web3, mobility, healthcare, education
- Portfolio: https://bakkenbaeck.com/work
- Clutch profile: –
- Socials: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
Bakken & Baeck is a design and technology studio that pushes the limits of what’s possible. Founded in 2011 by Tobias Baeck and Johan Bakken, the agency has grown from a two-person UX team to over 70 employees across five locations: Oslo, Bonn, Amsterdam, London, and Barcelona.
Specializing in crafting digital products that are both beautiful and functional, Bakken & Baeck serves various industries, including healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment. They are recognized for their innovative problem-solving, deep understanding of user needs, and meticulous attention to detail.
Strengths
- Focus on Results: They prioritize achieving client goals, ensuring designs are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and effective.
- Innovative Approach: Their commitment to pushing boundaries means they explore new and creative solutions.
Featured Projects
Bakken & Baeck collaborated with Coinbase to develop Coinbase Wallet and Coinbase Custody, focusing on user-friendly experiences for both retail and institutional investors. They also designed Kron, an accessible platform for saving and investing, featuring a data-driven onboarding process and intuitive visuals that enhance financial understanding.
6. Work & Co
A global UX design agency known for its collaborative spirit and focus on human-centered design
- Team Size: 450+
- Founded in: 2013
- Budget: $450k+
- Hourly rate: $350-$500/hr
- Services: UX/UI design, user research, product conception, rapid prototyping, product writing, game design, content design, information architecture, motion design, voice interfaces
- Industries: retail, technology, healthcare, finance, startups, non-profit, travel & hospitality
- Portfolio: https://work.co/grid/
- Clutch profile: –
- Socials: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
Work&Co is a collaborative agency teeming with creative minds and technical experts, founded in 2013 by a team of industry veterans. With offices in Brooklyn, Portland, Copenhagen, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belgrade, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, they have established themselves as a global force in UX design.
What sets Work&Co apart is their unwavering commitment to human-centered design. They eliminate the traditional client-agency divide, fostering close collaboration through small, dedicated teams. This ensures that each project receives the focused attention of senior talent, from founders to engineers. This spirit of collaboration promotes trust and transparency, allowing every design element to resonate with users and reflect the brand’s essence. Their portfolio boasts award-winning projects for notable clients like Apple, T-Mobile, Goldman Sachs, Equinox, and GOOD AMERICAN.
Strengths
- Small, Senior Teams: Prioritizing collaboration and hands-on involvement from experienced professionals.
- Transparent Collaboration: Emphasizing trust and effective communication for successful outcomes.
Featured Projects
Work&Co designed an e-commerce website for Aesop, mirroring the in-store experience with high-quality visuals and a user-friendly layout. They also played a crucial role in launching the Epic Games Store, focusing on creating an intuitive platform for gamers, significantly exceeding initial growth and revenue expectations.
