Top 10 platforms to hire ui/ux design freelancers in 2023

Finding the right UI/UX designer is like finding a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is the internet, and the needle is the perfect designer who aligns with your specific needs, budget, and timeframes. With the surge in demand for top-tier UX/UI designers, a multitude of online platforms have stepped up to help you find the best. But with so many options, it can be challenging to know where to start. That's why we've rounded up a list of the top 10 platforms to find and hire the most competent UX/UI designers, putting Versatile - a unique player in the field - at the very top.

1. Versatile

Versatile tops our list as it truly stands by its name, offering versatile, high-quality design services. Co-founded by experienced professionals who have worked in product design teams, they truly understand the niche.

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Pros:

• High-quality Designers: At Versatile, designers are not only vetted for their technical skills but also their problem-solving capabilities and creativity.
• Black Box Platform: Versatile is not just a freelance marketplace, it's a black box platform. You input your requirements and experts match you with top designers for your specific needs.
• Quick Turnaround: Versatile understands that time is of the essence. The platform is built to ensure a quick match with designers, so you can start your project as soon as possible.

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Key Point: If you’re looking for a highly curated experience with top-notch talent, Versatile should be your first stop.

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2. Upwork

Upwork is a well-known platform where you can find a wide range of freelancers, including UX/UI designers.

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Pros:

• Vast Freelancer Network: Upwork houses a massive network of professionals from various fields.
• Flexible Hiring: Hire designers for short-term tasks, recurring projects, or full-time contract work.

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Key Point: Upwork offers tremendous flexibility and a large network of freelancers across the globe.

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3. Fiverr

Fiverr offers freelance services for businesses, and it's an excellent place to find UI/UX designers.

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Pros:

• Diverse Range of Services: You can find almost any service you need, including UI/UX design.
• Freelance Level Tiers: Fiverr has introduced level tiers, which helps in distinguishing experienced freelancers from the new ones.

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Key Point: Fiverr's level tier system makes it easier to identify and hire experienced designers.

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4. Behance

Behance is Adobe's creative network where designers showcase their portfolios.

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Pros:

• Quality Portfolios: Designers on Behance are known for their high-quality work and creativity.
• Direct Hiring: You can contact designers directly if you like their work.

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Key Point: Behance is the place to find designers with strong portfolios and proven track records.

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5. Dribbble

Dribbble is a community of designers sharing screenshots of their work, process, and projects.

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Pros:

• Rich Design Ideas: Designers on Dribbble share their work process, giving you an insight into their thinking pattern.
• Designer-oriented Platform: Dribbble is a design-centric platform making it a go-to site for hiring UI/UX designers.

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Key Point: Dribbble offers a designer-focused community with a rich pool of creative ideas.

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6. Freelancer

Freelancer is another large platform where you can hire freelance designers.

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Pros:

• Large Freelancer Base: Freelancer has a vast base of freelancers offering diverse services.
• Flexible Hiring Options: Freelancer offers options to hire designers on a project basis, hourly basis, or even run a design contest.

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Key Point: Freelancer offers a multitude of hiring options and a broad base of designers.

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7. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour connects clients to expert freelancers who are available per hour.

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Pros:

• Flexible Hiring: Offers the flexibility to hire designers either on an hourly basis or a project basis.
• Simple User Interface: The platform is easy to navigate, making it simple to post jobs and review applicants.

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Key Point: PeoplePerHour's straightforward platform makes the hiring process smooth and uncomplicated.

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8. 99Designs

99Designs is a platform that uses a contest model for businesses to find a design they love.

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Pros:

• Design Contests: 99Designs' contest model allows you to view multiple design ideas for your project.
• Direct Hiring: If you find a designer whose work you admire, you can hire them directly.

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Key Point: 99Designs’ contest-based platform offers a multitude of design concepts to choose from.

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9. Toptal

Toptal is a marketplace for the top 3% of freelance developers and designers.

Pros:

• Quality Talent: Toptal has a rigorous vetting process, accepting only the top 3% of applicants.
• No-risk Trial: They offer a two-week test period with their freelancers ensuring the right fit.

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Key Point: Toptal’s rigorous vetting process ensures you only get to work with the top talent in the industry.

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10. DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is another online platform that uses a design contest format to generate a variety of designs for clients.

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Pros:

• Design Variety: The contest format gives you access to a multitude of design ideas from different designers.
• Global Designers: It provides access to designers from around the globe, contributing to a diverse set of ideas.

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Key Point: DesignCrowd’s contest format provides a diverse range of designs from global talent.

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What is UI/UX Design?

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are crucial elements in the development of a product. While they are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:

• UI Design pertains to the graphical layout of an application. It involves designing each screen, button, and other visual elements that users interact with.
• UX Design, on the other hand, is about the overall feel of the experience. UX designers create the best path for users to navigate the application, ensuring smooth interactions.

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Both roles are pivotal to creating a product that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and user-friendly.

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What to Look for in a Hiring Platform for UI/ UX Designers

1. Quality of Designers: The platform should house skilled and experienced designers with a proven track record.
2. Platform Usability: The platform interface should be intuitive, making it easy to post jobs, review applicants, and manage projects.
3. Hiring Flexibility: The platform should offer options to hire on an hourly basis, per project, or even full time.
4. Transparent Pricing: The platform should provide clear pricing details to avoid unexpected costs later.

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How do UI/ UX Designers Fit into the Design Process?

UI/UX designers play a vital role in every step of the design process. They conduct user research, create user personas, design wireframes, and prototypes, and then conduct user testing. Their insights and designs inform how the final product will look and how it will function, directly impacting the product's success.

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How do I Find a UI Designer for My Design Team?

You can find UI designers on any of the platforms listed above. Versatile, however, offers an efficient, curated experience where you're matched with the top UI designers suited to your specific needs.

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Conclusion

Finding the right UI/UX designer is crucial for your product's success. With a myriad of platforms to choose from, you can find the designer who perfectly matches your project's needs. Among these platforms, Versatile stands out with its curated, efficient approach to matching you with the top design talent.

Remember, the ideal designer isn't just someone who can create a good-looking interface; they should also understand your users and reflect their needs in the design. Happy hiring!