2 traits make a UI/UX design agency stand out and outperform its peers:
- A skilled workforce
- Ability to use cutting-edge design technology
The leading UI/UX design agencies in New York City use this precise combination to attract the world’s top brands. Here’s how.
UI/UX Design Agencies in New York: The Best Design Talent in the World
Why do so many brands choose to work with UI/UX design agencies based in New York City? It is because the city has the best and the most unique design talent pool:
- New York City attracts designers from various backgrounds and cultures
- This rich diversity significantly enhances the city’s creative landscape of UI/UX design
- These diverse UI/UX design teams tend to be more innovative and better at problem-solving.
A study by McKinsey confirms the following:
- Ethnically diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform their peers in terms of profitability
- Diverse UI/UX design teams are likelier to offer more creative design solutions that appeal to wider, global audiences
- Their design solutions reflect the design needs of people from various backgrounds and cultures
Since modern UI/UX design teams work on products that are used across the world, such diverse perspectives are invaluable.
And who does better at diversity than NYC’s UI/UX design teams? No one because the city is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world:
- NYC’s population is 8.8 million
- 31% of that population is non-Hispanic White
- 28% is Hispanic
- 20% is African American
- 15% is Asian
This diversity is not just a demographic statistic. It reflects the makeup of most UI/UX design agencies in New York. These design agencies leverage their diverse teams to create inclusive and user-centered designs. In short,
- They have a diverse team full of design experts from different cultural backgrounds
- This diverse team addresses the design needs of a broader, global audience
- They work with international clients
- They know how to create digital experiences that cater to global audiences better than most agencies in the world
Recruiting the Best UI/UX Design Talent in the World
A major reason why UI/UX agencies in NYC can hire top design talent is because they have unfettered access to local design universities. NYC is home to many prestigious design schools, including:
- Parsons School of Design
- Pratt Institute
- General Assembly
- School of Visual Arts (SVA)
- Brain-Station
These institutions provide immersive boot camps designed to equip students with the necessary skills for successful careers in UI/UX design:
- They attract design students from around the globe
- These institutions send out their students for internships in the leading UI/UX design agencies in NYC
- The city’s vibrant design community also offers numerous networking events
- These networking events, workshops, and conferences promote collaboration and innovation among young, diverse designers
Organizations like the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) routinely host events that provide platforms for young designers.
- Local agencies also showcase their commitment to design excellence through awards and accolades
- Every year, the leading agencies in NYC give out awards, grants, and scholarships to young designers
- These efforts encourage more youngsters to enter the UI/UX design space
Decades of honing a world-class design talent pool. This is the primary reason why NYC is a global hub for design innovation.
Now, let us assess the second reason – technology.
Access to Cutting-Edge UI/UX Design Technology in New York City
NYC’s status as a global hub for technological innovation (including in the field of UI/UX design) keeps getting stronger every decade:
- NYC’s tech sector added 114,000+ jobs between 2010-2021
- This figure is expected to increase in the 2020-2031 period
- Approx. 20% of these 100,000+ jobs will be design-related jobs
- By 2030, NYC can be home to over 40,000 certified digital design professionals
Most of these design recruits are hired by the city’s leading UI/UX design agencies. These agencies mainly serve
- NYC’s 25,000+ tech-based start-ups
- 2.2+ million small businesses (SMBs) spread across New York State
For businesses seeking digital design solutions, this means:
- Hiring digital design professionals in NYC is going to be easier compared to most locations, cause of their high numbers
- Finding professionals who specialize in research, prototyping, or other aspects of the design process is also going to be easier
But, will all these designers (from entry-level to experienced) have the technological skills necessary to deliver world-class UI/UX solutions? Yes:
- 98.3% of New Yorkers have access to 100+ Mbps broadband
- UI/UX designers in the city who work remotely have no major impediments to their work.
- More importantly, UI/UX designers in the city are encouraged by local agencies to use and master the latest design software
- Local agencies like Ramotion have made use of tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch mandatory at their NYC offices
- These tools allow designers to rapidly iterate on ideas
- They drastically boost their productivity
NYC agencies are also at the forefront of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and other advanced technologies into their designs:
- Many local agencies are implementing AI-driven analytics tools
- These tools help track user interactions and allow for purely data-driven design decisions
- These agencies also have access to state-of-the-art prototyping tools
- Rapid prototyping capability enables them to test ideas with users early in the design process which leads
This type of design environment fosters collaboration between established agencies and emerging companies. Such collaborations always lead to innovative UI/UX design solutions:
Grubhub, a leading NYC-based food-ordering marketplace uses innovative UI/UX design to connect diners with local restaurants:
- Their platform is designed to deliver seamless user experiences which contribute directly to their high online order volumes
Blue Apron is a famous NYC-based meal kit delivery service that uses UI/UX design to simplify the process of selecting and ordering meals online:
- Their success is down to the personalized UI/UX design solutions they have implemented on their platforms, with help from local agencies
Chewy, the online retailer that specializes in pet food has a ‘pet owner-centric’ website:
- Local UI/UX design agencies have helped the company deliver personalized online shopping experiences that drive repeat purchases
There are many other examples of local businesses finding success online thanks to expert assistance from local UI/UX design agencies.
Here are some other traits of local, NYC-based UI/UX design agencies that make them stand out:
User Research
- New York agencies prioritize employing multiple user research methodologies (surveys, interviews, usability testing) to gather insights about their target audience
- This data informs the design process which then ensures that all design solutions are tailored to real user needs
Iterative Design
- Local UI/UX design agencies like Infinum also regularly conduct usability tests during different phases of development
- This constant testing allows them to make adjustments based on user feedback before finalizing their designs
Experience in Major Design Projects
- Most leading agencies in New York have worked with well-known brands in the past
- Working with high-profile clients often involves navigating complex project requirements and tight deadlines
- Local, NYC-based UI/UX design agencies develop robust processes that help them maintain high design quality standards, even when they’re delivering under pressure
Access to Industry Events
- New York hosts numerous industry conferences, workshops, and networking events that bring together designers, developers, and business leaders
- NYC-based UI/UX design Agencies can easily connect with professionals from other industries – from finance to tech – and use their insights to upgrade their design work
Conclusion
Access to cutting-edge technology. Strong networking opportunities. A strong focus on user-centric designs. New York City’s UI/UX design landscape is characterized by these factors. Plus, a typical UI/UX design agency in NYC will have a ton of experience working with high-profile, local clients. All of these factors contribute to making NYC a premier destination for top-tier UI/UX design solutions.
