How Much Does it Cost to Create UI/UX Design for Your Brand?
As Forrester Research suggests, and we can’t stop agreeing more- a well-thought-out UI/UX design can raise conversion rates by 200%. UX/UI is a crucial investment in your brand’s online visibility.
Thomas J Watson, Former CEO of IBM, puts it rightly, “Good design is good business.”
However, this leaves you wondering, “Would good design take away a significant portion of my budget?” “How much will it really cost?”
As we look into the costs of UI/UX design, we will respond to these queries as well as others in this article.
The UI/UX Design Cost: An Overview
The number of elements and the layout of the features have a big impact on the design cost. Complex design components and features result in increased costs. Another important factor is the design team’s experience.
According to the scale and complexity of the project, the cost varies between INR 5,000 and INR 20,000 or more in India and from $ 5,000 to $ 10,000 in the US. These expenses are influenced by important variables, such as the complexity of features or design elements, the number of features, and design team expertise.
What Makes Up the Cost of UI/UX Design?
Whether you’re developing an app focused on breathing techniques or a website for tourists, the UI/UX design cost is calculated similarly. When discussing the price, several key factors come into play:
Feature Planning:
The planning of features is frequently the initial step in UI/UX design. Whether the project already has a clearly defined concept or begins with an undefined idea will determine how difficult this phase will be. In the latter case, designers must invest more time mapping the user journey, determining essential features, and defining their logic. This extra effort can increase the design cost, making feature planning a fundamental factor in pricing.
Number of Features:
The more features an application or website incorporates, the higher the design cost. Each feature necessitates a dedicated user interface and user experience design, resulting in more screens to design. Therefore, a project with numerous features will likely be more time-consuming and expensive.
Feature Complexity:
Not all features are created equal. Some may be straightforward to implement, while others, like intricate gamification systems or complex reward structures, can significantly increase the design cost. More intricate features require additional screens and resources to map out their logic, making them more expensive to design.
Complexity of Design Elements:
The style and aesthetics of a website or app play a pivotal role in its UI/UX design cost. Projects with minimalist, clean designs and simple, static elements tend to be more affordable to design. In contrast, projects featuring intricate design features, complex animations, interactive elements, and dynamic animated elements demand more time and expertise, leading to higher costs.
Expertise of the Design Team:
The experience and expertise of the UI/UX design team significantly impact the cost. Teams with a solid track record and extensive experience in UI/UX design may charge higher fees, but they often deliver a superior product. A design agency’s credibility and successful projects increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for your project, justifying the higher cost.
Type of Agency and Partnership:
The cost of UI/UX design services varies based on the type of agency and partnership chosen. Freelance designers may charge less, but the quality and reliability may not be guaranteed. In-house teams are efficient but often more expensive due to recruitment, onboarding, and management costs. Outsourcing design companies balance price and quality, delivering a solid product without the high costs associated with in-house teams.
Branding Strategy:
If the project lacks a clear branding strategy, designers must create it from the ground up. This iterative process can consume additional time and resources, increasing the design cost. Projects with well-defined branding strategies in place beforehand are typically more cost-effective.
UI Kit:
The presence or absence of a UI kit can also affect the cost. Designers can work more efficiently if the client provides an existing UI kit. However, when a UI kit is unavailable, designers must create one from scratch, consuming additional time and effort.How to Estimate the Price of a UI/UX Project?
Estimating the price of a UI/UX project involves a detailed process that considers various factors. Here are the key steps to estimate the cost of a UI/UX project:
Step 1: Define Project Scope
Begin by clearly defining the project’s scope by understanding the client’s requirements, the target audience, and the expectations. With a precise scope, more accurate estimates can be formed.
Step 2: Plan User Journey
Map out the user’s journey through the product, identifying key features and interactions. This step is crucial in estimating the required screens, pages, and design elements.
Step 3: Break Down Tasks
Divide the project into smaller tasks or work packages. For instance, consider creating wireframes, designing individual screens, prototyping, and developing a UI kit.
Step 4: Estimate Time
Determine the amount of time required for each task. Consider the complexity of features, visual elements, and any unique requirements.
Step 5: Calculate Costs
With time estimates in hand, calculate the costs. This involves multiplying the estimated hours by the hourly rates of the design team. Be sure to account for design revisions, client meetings, and potential unexpected issues.
Step 6: Add Contingency
Including a contingency budget to accommodate unexpected changes or additional work is wise. Typically, this is around 10-20% of the estimated cost.
Step 7: Present the Estimate
Provide the client with a clear and detailed cost estimate. Include a breakdown of tasks, time estimates, hourly rates, and the total cost.
Table: Example Cost Estimate for a UI/UX Project
| Task | Estimated Hours | Hourly Rate ($) | Total Cost ($) |
| Wireframing | 40 | 50 | 2,000 |
| Screen Design | 80 | 60 | 4,800 |
| Prototyping | 60 | 65 | 3,900 |
| UI Kit Development | 30 | 70 | 2,100 |
| Contingency (15%) | – | – | 1,350 |
| Total | – | – | $14,150 |
It is important to maintain clear communication with the client and keep them updated on any modifications or adjustments to the estimate as the project continues. Accurate cost estimation guarantees that the project stays on budget and is successfully completed.
Steps to Create UI/UX Design
Creating UI/UX design involves several key steps to ensure a successful project, including
1. Conduct Market Research and Competitor Analysis
Before diving into design, it’s crucial to understand the market and your competitors. Identify your target audience and analyse other businesses in your niche to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Gather References and Create a Mind Map
Ask your clients to provide examples of UI/UX designs they like or dislike. This helps align everyone’s expectations and reduce unnecessary design changes later on. Creating a mind map that outlines how the app or website will work is essential for visualisation.
3. Create Wireframes
Wireframes are essential for planning where to place website content or app features. They help in the initial visualisation of the app’s or website’s usability.
4. Make a Solid Design Concept
Choose 3-4 screens and flesh out their design to visualise the core user journey through the app or website. The design concept phase is where you finalise the design look and feel.
5. Create Prototypes
Clickable prototypes allow you to test how the interface will perform and conduct user experience (UX) research.
6. Finish the Design and Create a UI Kit
The result of this step is beautiful, clickable prototypes and a UI kit that you present to the client. It’s also the stage where you explain certain design choices, such as font selection and button design. The finished design is then passed on to developers or investors.
How Long Does UI/UX Design Take?
Here is a basic timetable to give you an idea of how long UI/UX design typically takes:
| Stage | Duration | Description |
| Gathering References | 2-3 days | This stage involves collecting information and inspiration from various sources to understand the project’s goals and desired aesthetics. |
| Creating a Mind Map | 1 day | Creating a visual representation of the app or website’s structure and user flow, helping the team understand how it will work. |
| Creating Wireframes | 1-2 days | Wireframes are essential for planning content placement on screens, providing a basic structure for the design. |
| Design Concept | 1-2 days | Developing a design concept involves defining the overall look and feel of the product. Typically, this stage focuses on a few key screens. |
| Prototyping | 14 days (approx.) | Creating clickable prototypes allows for testing the interface’s performance and conducting user experience (UX) research. |
| Finalising Design & UI-Kit | 14 days (approx.) | In this stage, designers finish the design, create a UI kit, and explain design choices like font selection and button design. |
All of these stages of a comprehensive UI/UX design take approximately 1.5 months to accomplish. However, keep in mind that this timeframe may alter depending on the project’s complexity and specific requirements. Projects with more intricate features or interactive elements may require more time, while simpler projects may be completed more quickly. Additionally, the efficiency and expertise of the design team play a significant role in meeting project timelines. Working closely with your design team to set realistic project schedules based on the project’s unique demands is advisable.
The Difference Between Website and App Design
| Aspect | Website Design | App Design |
| Objective | Typically focused on sharing information, marketing, and providing online presence. | Aimed at task-oriented functionality, serving as a platform for task completion. |
| Complexity | Generally less complex compared to apps. | Requires higher complexity and interactivity. |
| User Flow | Emphasises user navigation through various web pages or sections. | Prioritises user flow within the app to complete specific tasks. |
| Interactivity | Interactive elements may be present but tend to be less complex. | Incorporates complex and interactive elements for user tasks. |
| Platform | Accessible through web browsers on various devices. | Requires installation from app stores (iOS, Android) and is limited to specific platforms. |
| Development Process | Typically involves frontend and backend development for web pages. | Requires specialised mobile app development. |
| Navigation | Navigation includes menus, links, and page hierarchies. | Navigation must be intuitive, offering in-app options and controls. |
| Screen Size Consideration | Needs to adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions. | Designed for specific screen sizes and devices. |
| Updates and Maintenance | Easier to update and maintain with regular web content updates. | Requires app updates through app stores, potentially causing delays. |
| Design Elements | Design elements include images, text, buttons, and layouts. | Involves design elements, animations, gestures, and touch interactions. |
The Cost of UI/UX Design: Websites vs. Apps
Website Design:
| Simple Website:Cost Range: $1,500 – $3,000Ideal for basic informational websites with limited interactivity and features.Custom Website:Cost Range: $3,000 – $7,000Suitable for businesses or organisations requiring a unique and tailored web presence.Large or Complex Website:Cost Range: $5,000 – $12,000Appropriate for extensive websites with advanced features, e-commerce, or complex functionalities. |
App Design:
| Simple App:Cost Range: $2,500 – $3,000Designed for straightforward mobile apps with minimal features and interactions.Average App:Cost Range: $3,000 – $10,000Suitable for most mobile apps with moderate complexity and user interactions.Complex App:Cost Range: $10,000 – $15,000For sophisticated mobile apps with advanced features and complex user interfaces |
Actionable Adverbs
The UI/UX design cost for your brand can vary significantly based on numerous factors. Understanding the key elements influencing design costs, such as feature planning, complexity, and expertise, is essential in making an informed decision.
Remember that website and app design differ in objectives and complexity, leading to varying design costs. Simple websites or apps may cost less, while complex projects with more features and interactivity will incur higher design costs.
But here’s the kicker– with Yellow Slice, you need not worry about high prices because we bring you the most budget-friendly options with utmost transparency. Our experienced UI/UX designers help you confidently embark on your UI/UX design journey by understanding the factors involved!
FAQs about UI UX Design Cost
Q1. What is A/B testing in UI/UX design?
A/B testing involves comparing two design variations (A and B) to determine which one performs better with users. It helps optimise user experiences.
Q2. What are wireframes and prototypes in UI/UX design?
Wireframes are basic layouts that define the structure and functionality of a design without detailed visuals.
Prototypes are interactive models that allow users to test the design’s functionality and interactions.
Q3. What is user testing in UX design?
User testing involves observing real users as they interact with a product to identify usability issues, gather feedback, and make improvements.
