🧂Hire designer from a deep domain or with fresh perspectives?

Hey there. Happy Saturday! Today, I want to share some thoughts on hiring for your business and the value of fresh perspectives.

When I worked on my very first crypto design project, I knew nothing about Bitcoin or DeFi. The CFO who hired me knew I was a capable designer, and he was okay with me learning crypto from scratch. He said, "There are lots of users on our platform who do not know crypto well enough either. We want you to tell us how to design for those types of users as well."

I also got into a fintech company without having prior experience in fintech. I was first brought in as a contractor on the side, and as I developed my understanding of their customer types and users' needs, I proposed design research and solutions that really caught the CEO and CFO's attention. They then hired me full-time.

Both times, I produced exceptional design results without knowing much about those particular fields. That’s the beautiful and fun part about design: we work with many new fields and will never get bored.

Many founders or executives look for “similar field” experience as a must for many roles, and I agree that “similar field” veteran experience can save a lot of time for a company in many cases.

A seasoned designer who has already navigated the complexities of a specific industry can jump right in, bringing insights, a deeper understanding of the domain, and solutions that work because they’ve been tested before.

But on the other hand, there are instances where hiring someone with a fresh perspective can bring immense value, especially in areas like marketing, branding, and B2C (business-to-consumer) design.

Here are some reasons why hiring designer from a different field can benefit your company:

1. Challenging established norms

An industry veteran may stick to the tried-and-tested solutions that have worked for years, but an outsider will ask questions—a lot of them. They don’t have the same preconceived notions of how things should work, and this fresh perspective can help challenge the status quo and lead to creative breakthroughs.

As a design agency owner, I've seen firsthand how bringing in someone unfamiliar with the established ways of doing things can open up a world of new possibilities.

2. Designing for the broader audience

When I entered the crypto space with no prior experience, I was in the same shoes as many potential users—those who were curious but confused, interested but overwhelmed. It helped me design experiences that were simpler, more accessible, and easier to understand.

Bringing in a designer without deep industry knowledge can make the product more approachable for new users, bridging the gap between experienced users and newcomers.

3. Fresh creative energy

A designer coming from a different background can bring a level of creative energy that can rejuvenate a product or brand. They aren’t weighed down by industry standards and are more likely to experiment with different visual styles, layouts, and interactions.

This can lead to a unique brand presence that stands out. In industries where differentiation is key—like consumer tech or retail—these fresh perspectives can be the edge a brand needs.

4. Cross-industry insights

Designers from different fields bring with them knowledge of trends, best practices, and user behavior from their previous industries. For example, a designer with experience in entertainment might be able to create highly engaging and interactive experiences for a fintech app.

As a studio founder, I value these cross-industry insights because they often lead to innovative ideas that wouldn’t have been considered if we only hired people with direct experience in our clients' industries.

5. User-centered design that thinks beyond industry jargon

Industry insiders sometimes get caught up in the details that only experts in the field care about, leading to jargon-heavy products that intimidate newcomers. A designer without that industry experience, on the other hand, focuses on simplifying the experience and communicating in a way that resonates with everyone. This user-centered approach often results in products that are far more intuitive and enjoyable to use.

Finding the balance

I’m not saying that hiring industry veterans is wrong or that fresh perspectives are always better—it’s about finding the right balance.

Depending on the stage of your company, your target audience, and your specific needs, you might benefit from hiring someone with deep domain expertise, or you might find that an outsider brings a more dynamic, user-friendly approach to the table.

At my studio, we strive to mix both. When we work with early-stage startups, a fresh perspective often helps in finding creative ways to connect with users and stand out in the market.

But when we partner with established companies looking for patterns in Web 3, or consistency in AI products, a designer with industry experience can help maintain that standard without reinventing the wheel.

Ultimately, the best approach is to understand what your current design challenges are and whether they require fresh eyes or a seasoned hand. Both have their own strengths, and knowing when to use each is a powerful tool for any founder or executive.

Summary

Great design is not about sticking to a formula; it's about understanding your audience, finding innovative ways to meet their needs, and creating experiences that resonate. By embracing both veteran designers and those bringing fresh perspectives, companies can unlock the full potential of their brand and user experience.

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