Ever wonder what type of designer you should hire? Should you prioritize the industries they’ve worked in, or whether they’ve been at companies similar to yours?
One of the biggest factors to consider is company size. Designers who come from the startup world versus those from larger enterprises may apply the same design principles, but they flex their skills in very different ways. Understanding these differences can help you hire someone who will create the most impact in your specific environment.
When do designers shape strategy?
Designers with startup experience are used to wearing many hats. They don’t just “make things look good;” they often help shape the entire product vision. If you’re hiring for a startup, you’ll want someone comfortable influencing business strategy, prioritizing features, and reacting quickly as needs evolve. They thrive in ambiguity and move fast.
Enterprise designers, on the other hand, are accustomed to focusing on a more defined area. Their strength lies in refining and perfecting features within a larger, established product. While their role in strategy may be narrower, they excel at bringing depth, polish, and consistency to complex systems at scale.
Building vs. iterating: What’s on your plate?
If your company is still going from 0 to 1, startup-trained designers are great builders. They know how to prioritize MVP features, balance speed with quality, and work creatively with limited resources.
Enterprise designers, however, shine in environments where iteration is key. They’re skilled at identifying opportunities for refinement, optimizing workflows, and enhancing user experiences within mature products. If you need steady improvement over big leaps, this background is a strong match.
Creating or adopting a design system: Where’s your focus?
At startups, designers often create design systems from scratch—or at least set the foundation. If your company doesn’t yet have one, a startup designer is well-versed in defining rules and building visual consistency from the ground up.
In enterprises, designers are usually working within established systems. They know how to apply guidelines effectively, ensure cross-team alignment, and improve frameworks that already exist. If maintaining large-scale consistency is your priority, an enterprise background is an asset.
How scrappy (or not) is your research?
Design research is another area where backgrounds diverge. Startup designers are used to scrappy methods—leveraging networks, lightweight tools, and quick feedback loops to move forward with limited budgets.
Enterprise designers, meanwhile, often have access to robust infrastructure. They’re familiar with specialized tools, structured processes, and collaborating with dedicated research teams. If you need rigor and scale in your research, this kind of experience will pay off.
Takeaway time: Pick your path
- Hire from startups if you need flexibility, speed, and someone who can help shape product strategy while building from scratch.
- Hire from enterprises if you need deep expertise, attention to detail, and someone who thrives within established systems and large-scale operations.
- Look at your company stage, resources, and goals. A mismatch can lead to frustration—for both you and the designer.
In the end, whether you choose the scrappy, fast-paced world of startups or the detailed precision of large enterprises, the key is adaptability. Recognize the strengths each setting brings and how you can contribute uniquely.
At Koi, we have senior designers experienced in both startups and large organizations across various complex industries. For us, the importance is understanding the nuances of your business to help move the needle with your specific design goals.
Want to explore how we can collaborate? Chat with our team today. Let’s make your design journey exceptional.
