Blog.

After nine years of designer recruiting experience and providing UX/UI design services, Cieden’s team mastered all its kinks. This guide is a structured and polished outcome of our trials and errors along the way. You’ll find answers to the most practical questions on how to hire a UX/UI designer.

See when you need a UX Designer, Product Designer, or AI UX Designer, and use a lifecycle-first framework to hire with confidence.

Most leaders pick between in-house, freelancers, or agencies based on sticker price. In 2026, that shortcut is costing them more than they think.

I spent 10 months building a real product from scratch with AI as my co-pilot. Here’s everything I learned: the wins, the mistakes, and the playbook I wish I had when I started.

Discover how to turn AI into a true design partner with practical workflows, tools, and real-world examples for everyday design work.