At DreamHire we understand that building an outstanding design team is one of the most important investments a company can make. The right design talent does not just enhance the look and feel of a product. It can reshape user experience, drive innovation, and push your brand ahead of the competition. In this case study, we reveal how our team helped a rapidly growing technology company go from struggling with creative hiring to launching a dream design team primed for long-term success.
The Challenge
Our client, an emerging leader in the tech sector, was scaling fast. Their products were gaining traction, but their internal design resources were stretched thin. They faced several distinct challenges in their quest to build a high-impact design team
- Attracting top UX and UI designers in a highly competitive hiring market
- Building a cohesive team with a mix of specialized skills, from motion design to user research
- Ensuring that every hire aligned with the company’s unique culture and values
- Accelerating the hiring process to meet ambitious product launch timelines
- Improving their employer brand to stand out among the top tech companies
Internal recruitment efforts had not delivered the desired results. The company needed a fresh approach that would not just fill open positions, but also set the foundation for creative excellence.
Our Strategic Approach
Every design team is different, so our process begins with a full understanding of your company’s specific needs and aspirations. We worked closely with the client’s leadership and product teams to create a clear roadmap for success. Our approach included several key stages.
1. Deep Discovery
We dove deep into conversations with key decision makers. This helped us define
- The company’s vision and goals for their digital products
- The design philosophies and tools in use
- The soft skills and personality traits that would mesh well with their culture
By understanding both the technical and cultural sides, we ensured that every candidate would be set up to succeed.
2. Targeted Sourcing
We activated our broad network and leveraged leading job boards, design communities, and social media platforms. Our focus was not only on active job seekers but also on passive candidates who were excelling in their current roles and open to the right opportunity. This allowed us to expand the talent pool and attract professionals who might not otherwise have considered a move.
3. Rigorous Screening
Our assessment process went far beyond basic resume checks. We used a multi-step evaluation to ensure every candidate was a strong match for the client’s needs
- In-depth portfolio reviews to assess real-world impact and creative problem-solving
- Technical interviews with scenario-based questions and design challenges
- Culture-fit conversations to ensure alignment with team values and communication style
We also gathered feedback from various stakeholders on each candidate, creating a holistic view of their strengths and potential.
4. Collaborative Selection
We believe that hiring should be a transparent and collaborative process. We facilitated open communication between the client’s hiring managers and candidates throughout every stage. This included
- Clear timelines and expectations for all parties
- Regular check-ins to address concerns and refine search parameters
- Honest feedback loops to make sure that the process stayed on track
5. Seamless Onboarding Support
Our support did not end with an accepted offer. We provided detailed onboarding guidance and checklists to help each new hire integrate into the client’s workflows. We also followed up after placement to ensure that both the candidate and the client were set up for long-term success.
The Results
In just under three months DreamHire delivered results that transformed our client’s creative capabilities
- Five key hires joined the team, including a Head of Design, Senior UX Designer, UI Specialist, Motion Designer, and a Design Researcher. Each brought a unique blend of skills and experience.
- Diversity and inclusion improved significantly. The new team represented a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, sparking fresh ideas and innovation.
- Time-to-hire was reduced by more than one third, allowing the client to hit critical product launch deadlines.
- Employer brand received a boost. The client saw increased engagement from highly qualified candidates in future hiring rounds, solidifying their reputation as a top workplace for creative professionals.
- Team cohesion and performance improved, with new hires reporting high job satisfaction and a strong sense of belonging from day one.
Key Lessons and Best Practices
Our experience with this client offered several valuable takeaways that can benefit any company looking to build a high-performing design team
- Start with a clear vision so every hire fits your long-term goals
- Balance technical ability with cultural fit for a team that collaborates effectively
- Use a mix of active and passive sourcing to uncover hidden talent
- Invest in onboarding and integration to maximize retention and morale
- Prioritize diversity and inclusion to unlock creativity and innovation
What Makes DreamHire Different
At DreamHire we combine the reach of a large agency with the personalized care of a boutique search partner. Our team uses data-driven insights and proven strategies to help you build teams that deliver real business impact
- Access to exclusive networks of top-tier design professionals worldwide
- Advanced sourcing technology to identify both active and passive talent
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at every stage of the hiring journey
- Ongoing support and consultation to ensure every placement drives long-term success
We do not just fill roles. We help our clients build teams that shape the future of their industries.
Ready to Build Your Dream Team?
If you want to attract outstanding design talent and set your company up for creative and commercial success, DreamHire is here to help. Discover how our strategic approach can give your business a competitive edge in today’s market.
Contact DreamHire today to start building your world-class design team
Or schedule a complimentary talent strategy session to explore how we can support your unique hiring goals
Unlock exceptional talent. Achieve extraordinary results. With DreamHire.