When it comes to product development, many companies weigh the decision between building or expanding an in-house design team and outsourcing to a specialist agency. There’s no denying the benefits of having internal designers, they know your systems inside out and have an embedded knowledge of your business. But for many businesses, especially those looking to move quickly, inject fresh thinking, or manage costs strategically, an outsourced design partner like Design by Datum can be a powerful addition to your team not a replacement, but a true extension.
Let’s explore the value of outsourcing product design, why our model works so well alongside in-house teams and why we’re far from the kind of “consultants” that Steve Jobs once criticised.
1. A Flexible, Expert Resource When You Need It
Hiring a full-time team comes with long-term commitments salaries, benefits, management, overhead. With an agency like ours, you get the capabilities of a senior design team without the headcount.
- Need an experienced team to accelerate a new product line?
- Need bandwidth during a product launch or internal bottleneck?
- Need specialist input on prototyping, DFM, or user-centred design?
We can jump in precisely when and where we’re needed. This flexibility is particularly useful for established businesses with in-house teams that are already at capacity or for startups that need a full design team but aren’t ready to hire one in-house.
2. Fresh Thinking, Fast Execution
One of the most common reasons companies come to us, especially those with internal teams, is the need for an outside perspective. Internal teams can sometimes be too close to a product or constrained by existing systems and assumptions. We bring fresh eyes, cross-sector experience and a relentless focus on solving real problems through design.
Our lean, focused team is built for momentum, we know how to take ideas from sketch to production without unnecessary delays.
3. We Have Skin in the Game, More Than You Might Think
Steve Jobs once famously criticised consultants by saying they “have no skin in the game.” His argument? Consultants don’t carry the weight of decisions, they advise without owning outcomes.
That’s not how we work.
At Design by Datum, we’re not a faceless consultancy that drifts in and out of projects. We’re a small, tightly-knit team and every client we work with becomes a central part of our business. In a very real (and selfish) way, we want your product to succeed because your success becomes our success in reputation, referrals, recurring work, and even our own sense of pride.
When we take on a project, we take ownership. We care deeply about how your product performs in the real world.
4. A Proven Partner for Startups and Industry Leaders
We’ve worked with ambitious startups who need a full design from concept through to manufacture and we’ve worked with established businesses who just need a bolt-on industrial design team to handle a new range or explore a different direction.
We understand the different pressures both types of client face and we adapt accordingly. For startups, we work lean and fast, helping them manage risk while still moving forward with confidence. For larger businesses, we slot into existing structures and work collaboratively with internal teams, sharing insights and pushing projects further.
Final Thoughts: The Right Fit, Not the Default Choice
An in-house team can be an amazing asset. But that doesn’t mean external design partners aren’t valuable too. In many cases, the smartest setup is a combination, your internal team working hand-in-hand with a focused external partner who brings flexibility, outside perspective and the ability to scale expertise fast.
At Design by Datum, we’re proud to be that partner for companies across sectors and stages. We’re not just here to support your team, we’re here to help you succeed. Because when you win, we do too.
