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App and Product Design for Startups – 10 Questions on UX/UI

What UX/UI design does for your product – and how to prepare for it.

Updated: September 2026

1. What is the difference between UX and UI?

UX (user experience) is about flows and guidance: how does someone reach their goal? UI (user interface) is the design of the surface: colours, fonts, buttons.

2. Do I need a prototype before development?

Almost always worth it. A clickable prototype costs far less than development and shows early whether users understand the app – also useful for investor meetings.

3. What is an MVP?

A minimum viable product: the smallest version of your product you can test with real users. The design focuses on the most important flows.

4. What is a design system?

A library of all building blocks such as buttons, forms, colours and spacing. It makes sure your developers build quickly and consistently.

5. Does the agency also develop the app?

Some do, many work with development partners. State in the questionnaire whether you have your own developers.

6. What does the agency need for a proposal?

The main user flows, the platforms (iOS, Android, web) and the approximate number of screens.

7. What are user tests?

Real users complete tasks with the prototype while being observed to see where they get stuck. Problems are found before they get expensive.

8. Which tool is used for design?

Mostly Figma. You receive the files, and your developers can take measurements, colours and elements directly from them.

9. Does the app need to match the brand?

Yes. The app is often the touchpoint customers see most. Colours, fonts, icons and language should match the corporate design.

10. How long does app design take?

A prototype for an MVP usually 4–8 weeks, a complete app design 2–4 months.

Service page: App & product design (UX/UI) →

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Your branding brief

About 10 minutes. The more precise your answers, the more precise the proposal – and the fewer calls you need.

Take your time – you don't have to do it all at once.Your answers are saved automatically in this browser. Fill in the brief in two or three sessions: close the window, come back later – everything you entered is still there. To continue on another device, save your answers as a file.

1. Your startup

The basics every agency asks first. Associations, NGOs and non-profits are welcome too.

Stage

Business model

Target markets

2. What you need

From strategy and logo to web portal, app and trade-fair booth.

What do you need? Tick everything that applies. Grouped the way branding agencies structure their services. Not sure where to start? Select the essential kit – you can add or remove items afterwards.

Nothing selected yet

★ = essential kit every startup needs

App & product design (UX/UI)

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Brand strategy & positioning

Naming & corporate wording

Logo & corporate design

Business stationery

Website, web portal & e-commerce

Pitch deck & investors

Marketing, campaigns & editorial

Packaging design

Trade-fair booth, signage & space

Launch, film & photo

PR & communications

Employer branding & culture

Ongoing support (per month)

3. Starting point

What exists already and where the brand should go.

Why now? The trigger for the project.

What already exists?

What must stay?

at least 20 characters

Interested in a digital competitor analysis?How your competitors show up online: website or shop, which pages and search terms (keywords) bring them the most traffic, social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok), apps and ads. Many agencies do this together with SEO and online-marketing partners.

Brand characterMove the sliders – the middle means «no preference».

PlayfulSerious
ClassicModern
AffordablePremium
UnderstatedBold
Warm & humanTechnical & precise
4. Budget & timing

The two questions that decide whether an agency can help you.

Budget for this project Excl. VAT. A realistic range saves everyone time – agencies scale the scope to it.

Is the budget approved?

Payment models you are open to

Would you be willing to pay part of the fee in company shares (equity)? Some agencies work with startups partly in exchange for a stake – this can lower the cash amount. Whether it is possible is always up to the agency.

How would you like to pay? Some agencies also accept cryptocurrencies – please tell us so we can match you with a suitable agency.

Which cryptocurrencies could you pay with?Only if crypto is possible – tick all that apply.

How fixed is the deadline?

5. Working together

So you are matched with agencies that work the way you do.

Who makes the final decision?

How do you want to choose an agency?We do not forward requests for unpaid creative pitches.

Location of the agency

Preferred agency size

Experience with agencies

Should the agency also take care of legal protection?Trademark search and registration for name and logo, design protection, domains and transfer of usage rights. Agencies usually coordinate this with an IP lawyer. Patents protect technical inventions and are a matter for a patent attorney, not a branding agency.

6. Contact

Who the agencies should talk to.

Preferred first contact

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