Hire the Top 3% of Freelance Design Strategists

Toptal is a marketplace for top Design Strategists. Top companies and start-ups choose Toptal Strategy freelancers for their mission-critical design projects.

No-Risk Trial, Pay Only If Satisfied.

Hire Freelance Design Strategists

Michael Craig

Strategy DesignerUI DesignMobile App UIPrototypingWireframingUser Experience (UX)Adobe Experience Design (XD)iOSMobile DesignInformation Architecture (IA)Product DesignAdobe Creative SuiteMobile UX

United StatesToptal Member Since November 7, 2016

Michael is an experienced product designer who’s partnered with tech companies, startups, and education companies to help them reach their goals and positively impact their customers. His research-empowered design process has resulted in successful products and services that delight users.

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Csaba Hazi

Strategy DesignerCustomer Relationship Management (CRM)GamificationSaaSMobile UXChatbotsAI DesignResponsive UIFigmaDesign SystemsUsability TestingUser Interface (UI)UI Design

HungaryToptal Member Since March 1, 2018

Collaborate with Csaba, a full-stack UX expert and product designer renowned for designing complex SaaS products used by millions. With extensive experience in marketing tech and AI-related solutions, Csaba masters every stage, from planning and research to wireframing, design systems, UI, and testing. As a trusted guide for startups seeking world-class designs and feature selection, Csaba's expertise ensures your product reaches its full potential.

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Jacob Thomas

Strategy DesignerPrototypingUX DesignWireframingWeb UIWeb UXRapid PrototypingUI DesignUX PrototypingInformation Architecture (IA)UX Strategy

IndiaToptal Member Since December 13, 2018

Jacob has over a decade of experience designing websites, apps, and other digital properties. Recently, he's led the design strategy for a neural automation AI platform, commisioned by a global IT firm. He's worked on mission-critical projects with other leading companies like Microsoft, Pizza Hut, KFC, KPMG, and McKinsey. He is also a computer engineer and likes to code data-laden interactive prototypes for more effective user testing.

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Jahan Hussain

Strategy DesignerSketchAfter Effects CCInDesign CCPhotoshop CCAdobe IllustratorSaaS DesignMobile App DesignUX DesignUX ResearchPrincipleUI DesignBranding

United KingdomToptal Member Since June 29, 2018

Jahan is a designer from London, England, who creates value for multi-nationals, startups, and the in-betweens by utilizing his problem-solving ability and a user-centric design process. He has years of experience, including founding a boutique design consultancy and working with brands such as M&S, Nestle, King's College London, and Biogen. Jahan strategizes, designs, builds, and cultivates impactful, end-to-end solutions across the digital world.

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Benjamin van Gelder

Strategy DesignerSketchInVisionUser Experience (UX)User ResearchWireframingUser Journey MapsMobile UXUX TestingPersonasUX StrategyUser FlowsIdeation Workshops

SpainToptal Member Since December 2, 2019

Benjamin has worked with leading companies such as ING, BNP Paribas, Banco Santander, or McKinsey—helping his clients to innovate through design by translating people’s needs into products or services. Partly creative, partly strategic, he’s a skilled UX/UI designer who specializes in improving UX by being, at the same time, the voice of customers and clients. Benjamin was also a TEDx speaker in Madrid, talking about design thinking in education.

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Jenny Shen

Strategy DesignerRapid PrototypingAdobe SuiteCross-platform UXUX AuditsWeb App UXMobile UXeCommerce DesigneCommerce UIRapid Interactive PrototypingPersonasUser Journey MapsUX Wireflows

TaiwanToptal Member Since December 19, 2016

Jenny is a UX lead with a decade of experience creating world-class digital products that generate revenue and win customers. She specializes in international markets and has designed for users in 30+ countries in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas. She has helped over 40 companies solve business and user problems with UX research and design sprints. Jenny's past clients include Tencent, McKinsey & Company, Babylon Health, LA Lakers, FILA, Neiman Marcus, Crate and Barrel, and Randstad.

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Kasey Randall

Strategy DesignerMobile DesignRapid Interactive PrototypingUsability TestingUX StrategySitemapsSketchAdobe Experience Design (XD)iOS UI DesignAndroid UI DesignData VisualizationWireframingWeb Design

United StatesToptal Member Since January 28, 2019

Kasey is an adventurer, storyteller, and design entrepreneur, helping shape how people experience the digital world around them. He's intuitive eye for core experience and passion for design result in truly engaging interactions. As a successful UX and Interaction Designer, clients and teams have come to rely on Kasey to deliver highly impactful, end-to-end digital solutions across web, mobile, and software.

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Mini Kim

Strategy DesignerSketchOmniGraffleUX SketchingUser ResearchUX StrategyUsability TestingWeb UsabilityUser InterviewsUX ResearchUser Journey MapsUser FlowsPersonas

United StatesToptal Member Since July 19, 2018

Mini has worked with a diverse array of clients for over a decade in New York City. She enjoys learning about different industries and their unique challenges having worked with healthcare, finance, and technology companies amongst others. Mini believes strongly that UX is about collaboration between the business, users, and technology. In every project, she uses various UX methods and deliverables to get the best results.

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Rodolfo Biglie

Strategy DesignerAdobe PhotoshopUser Experience (UX)Icon DesignInteractive PrototypesCreative DirectionLogotypeLogo DesignIdentityIllustrator CCApp UIApp UXProduct Design

Czech RepublicToptal Member Since May 27, 2016

Rodolfo's approach to design is focused on deeply analyzing and understanding the problems and needs of any given project, then executing in a way that strategically, logically, functionally, and visually delivers the desired results. The main focus of Rodolfo's work is the purpose and finding out the characteristics of the project to understand how far we can go.

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Chris Mismash

Strategy DesignerCommunicationProduct DesignUser Experience (UX)Information Architecture (IA)UX StrategySaaS DesignDigital StrategyTechnical Project ManagementUser ResearchFigmaUser Interface (UI)UI Design

United StatesToptal Member Since September 1, 2017

As a creator of software-based products for almost two decades, Chris has worked on some truly amazing projects. His passion for putting the customer first has resulted in products used by millions. Along the way, Chris has been noted as a member of innovators 40 people under 40, had products noted as "Excellent 4/5" from PC Mag, and has built award-winning consumer products.

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Trustpilot
Toptal in the press

... allows corporations to quickly assemble teams that have the right skills for specific projects.

Despite accelerating demand for coders, Toptal prides itself on almost Ivy League-level vetting.

Our clients
Building a cross-platform app to be used worldwide
Thierry Jakicevic
Building a cross-platform app to be used worldwide
Testimonials

Michael is an incredible designer, and has been a great fit for our project. He just gets it in a way that can’t be taught. My goal was to pay Toptal to find me a high quality designer for my project, and that is exactly what happened. It was easy. Being able to see the portfolio work on Toptal’s platform is what gave me the infomation I needed to choose Michael. I have nothing but good things to say about Toptal and am looking forward to using Toptal for other projects in the future.

Edward Daniel, Co-Founder

improvemygun.com

I've worked very closely with Martina for over a year and have to say she is one of the best people I have ever worked with. Instead of simply following instructions blindly, she thinks through the task at hand, becoming a thought partner to help with whatever the project may be. Besides being super talented at design, she possesses specific qualities that make her exceptional to work with given the fast paced nature of being a startup. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a talented, professional designer who doesn't need much direction to hit the ground running.

Sahil Khanna, Sr. Manager, Marketing

LeanTaaS, Inc.

Darko did a great job figuring out the user architecture for our concept, which led him to produce terrific wireframes. His knowledge of usability and design was a perfect match for the outside voice we needed to help jumpstart our project. We would certainly recommend him and work with him again in the future.

Rich Danker, Founder

Prose Market

Carlos has the unique talent of blending both quantitative and qualitative research to keenly identify UX challenges and opportunities. He thinks methodically, emphatically, and holistically to produce data-driven strategies and well-executed designs. Over the past 8 years of working with fully or partially distributed teams, Carlos manages working remotely far better than anyone I've encountered because of his strong communication and presentation skills. He is the first on my list the next time I need a UX designer.

Michelle Krogmeier, Project Manager

Union Station

Rafael is an amazing designer. His aesthetic sense is spot on, and he seems to be able to anticipate our needs before we even know what they are. He's taken the time to understand both our company and our clientele, and his solutions are consistently in-line with our values, interests, and our customers' needs. He delivers on time (if not earlier), works quickly, is well organized, and very effective. He's a pleasure to work with, and we're very happy to have found him through Toptal.

Ethan Brooks, CTO

Langlotz Patent & Trademark Works, Inc.

Toptal gave us access to the best designers out there. They’re not easy to find. Those designers integrated very quickly with our existing teams. They very quickly understood our business case and the value of our solution. Toptal really allowed us to focus on building the best possible product and save a lot of time on the typical administrative pains that goes with it -- specifically, finding the best talent. Toptal designers were very responsive, always online -- and that made life very easy for us. We have ambitious goals on how to grow the application and already Toptal has been a key contributor to that success.

Thierry Jakircevic, General Manager, Digital Solutions, Bridgestone Head Office, Tokyo

Bridgestone Corporation

We had an amazing experience working with our Toptal designer. In only two weeks, we accomplished what would've taken most companies 3 months to complete. We also enjoyed working with the Toptal team to make sure we were paired up with the right designer that would fit both our company culture and working style.

Ted Blosser, Head of Sales and Customer Success

WorkRamp

Dean blew us away. He ranks right up there as one of the top five designers of the hundreds I have worked with in the past. He listened, was totally professional, and came up with a 3D rotating cube design completely on his own. We didn't even ask for it, and yet it has become the centerpiece of our app and how users engage with it right off the bat. What he produced inspired all of us at Votify, and put us on track for launch and investor funding.

Michael Lawrence, Founder & CEO

Votify LLC

How to Hire Design Strategists through Toptal

1

Talk to One of Our Industry Experts

A Toptal director of design will work with you to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics.
2

Work With Hand-Selected Talent

Within days, we'll introduce you to the right Design Strategist for your project. Average time to match is under 24 hours.
3

The Right Fit, Guaranteed

Work with your new Design Strategist for a trial period (pay only if satisfied), ensuring they're the right fit before starting the engagement.

FAQs

  • How are Toptal Design Strategists different?

    At Toptal, we thoroughly screen our Design Strategists to ensure we only match you with talent of the highest caliber. Of the more than 200,000 people who apply to join the Toptal network each year, fewer than 3% make the cut. You'll work with design experts (never generalized recruiters or HR reps) to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics. The end result: expert vetted talent from our network, custom matched to fit your business needs.

  • Can I hire Design Strategists in less than 48 hours through Toptal?

    Depending on availability and how fast you can progress, you could start working with a Design Strategist within 48 hours of signing up.

  • What is the no-risk trial period for Toptal Design Strategists?

    We make sure that each engagement between you and your Design Strategist begins with a trial period of up to two weeks. This means that you have time to confirm the engagement will be successful. If you're completely satisfied with the results, we'll bill you for the time and continue the engagement for as long as you'd like. If you're not completely satisfied, you won't be billed. From there, we can either part ways, or we can provide you with another expert who may be a better fit and with whom we will begin a second, no-risk trial.

Tap Into World-Class Talent

  • Trusted Experts Only

    All of our talent are seasoned experts who ramp up quickly, readily contribute as core team members, and work with you to minimize onboarding time.

  • The Right Fit

    We have a knack for matching you with the right fit. Start working with your new hire on a no-risk trial period, paying only if satisfied.

  • Scale as Needed

    Hire in under 2 weeks and scale your team up or down as needed, no strings attached.

  • Seamless Hiring

    We handle all aspects of billing, payments, and NDA’s. Let us take care of the overhead while you focus on building great products.

  • Flexible Engagements

    Choose the engagement type that suits your needs — hourly, part-time, or full-time — with the ability to change anytime.

  • Expert Talent Matching

    Focus on your project and enjoy support from your dedicated account executive and expert talent matcher.

Top Design Strategists are in High Demand.

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