The Ultimate Q&A: Product Design, User Testing, Hiring, and Collaboration

We’ve collected questions from startup founders and product designers, covering everything from prototyping to hiring designers. Let’s dive right in!

1. Do You User Test Your Figma Prototypes Before Burning Dev Hours?

Absolutely! User testing your Figma prototypes before development is crucial. The whole point of a prototype is to gather feedback and make changes before any code is written. It’s far easier to make UX changes during the design phase than to overhaul things during development. Skipping this step is like pushing a boulder uphill—much harder and more costly. Test first, always!

2. Is It Worth Investing in Platforms Like Upwork & Fiverr?

In my opinion, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are not the best places for talented product designers. These platforms tend to cater to clients looking for the cheapest options, which creates a race to the bottom in pricing. While they can be useful for quick, low-budget tasks, higher-quality platforms like Toptal and Contra offer better opportunities for serious professionals. In short: if you’re looking for quality, Fiverr and Upwork might not be worth your time.

3. When Should a Startup Hire Product Designers?

Ideally, a startup should hire a product designer as soon as possible—right from the start, if possible. Design-driven companies like Apple and Airbnb show that great design is foundational to business success. If one of your co-founders isn’t a designer, it’s a good idea to bring one in early. Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about how your product works. Get that right from the beginning.

4. What Are Good Habits of Product Designers?

The best product designers know how to simplify. When you’re designing a product, it’s like sculpting—you start with big ideas and slowly carve them down to the essentials. Good designers focus on reduction, asking how to fit the necessary features into the simplest, most user-friendly design. Simplicity is key, but it takes real skill to achieve.

5. How Do You Collaborate with Other Designers and Stakeholders?

Effective collaboration starts with clear communication. Set expectations early so everyone knows what’s happening at each stage. I prefer asynchronous updates via Slack and Loom to avoid unnecessary meetings. When meetings are needed, keep them small and focused on solving problems. Clear, concise communication makes teamwork smoother and more productive.

6. How Do You Measure the Impact of Your Designs?

I measure design impact by balancing data with user feedback. I start by setting clear goals—whether it’s increasing engagement or improving user flow. Then, I track metrics like click-through rates and task completion times. However, numbers aren’t everything. Gathering real user feedback helps uncover insights that data can miss. A mix of both gives a well-rounded view of a design’s success.

That wraps up today’s Q&A! I hope you found these insights helpful. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you next time.