Business design
Business design is a powerful approach to innovation and problem-solving that focuses on creating new and improved business models, products, services, and experiences. It goes beyond traditional design thinking by incorporating a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and business viability. A skilled business designer can help you transform your organisation, create new revenue streams, and achieve sustainable growth.
What to look for in a freelance business designer
When searching for a freelance business designer, look for individuals who possess a blend of creative thinking, analytical skills, and business acumen. They should be able to:
- Understand and articulate complex business challenges
- Conduct thorough market research and customer analysis
- Facilitate workshops and brainstorming sessions
- Develop and test prototypes and minimum viable products (MVPs)
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels
Main expertise areas
Business design encompasses a range of expertise. When hiring, consider which of these areas are most relevant to your needs:
- Business model innovation: Designing new and disruptive business models.
- Customer experience design: Creating seamless and engaging customer journeys.
- Value proposition design: Defining and communicating the value your offering brings to customers.
- Service design: Optimising service delivery for efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Strategic design: Aligning design thinking with overall business strategy.
Example interview questions
Here are some questions to ask potential freelancers:
- Describe your approach to business design.
- Tell me about a project where you successfully applied business design principles.
- How do you involve stakeholders in the design process?
- What tools and techniques do you use for business modelling and analysis?
- How do you measure the success of a business design project?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios and case studies to assess the candidate’s experience and the impact of their work.
- Look for demonstrable results and a clear understanding of business principles.
- Check testimonials and references to gauge their professionalism and communication skills.
Potential red flags
Be wary of candidates who:
- Focus solely on aesthetics over functionality and business viability.
- Lack experience in your specific industry or business area.
- Cannot articulate their process or provide clear examples of their work.
- Overpromise or guarantee unrealistic outcomes.
Typical complementary skills
Business designers often possess complementary skills such as:
- User research
- UX/UI design
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Marketing strategy
Benefits of hiring a freelance business designer
A freelance business designer can bring a fresh perspective and specialised expertise to your organisation. They can help you:
- Identify new market opportunities and revenue streams.
- Improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Develop innovative products and services.
- Optimise your business processes and operations.
- Gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Real-world examples
Here are a few examples of how business design can be applied:
- Developing a subscription model for a traditional product-based business: A business designer can help redefine the value proposition and create a recurring revenue stream.
- Designing a new digital service for a bank: A business designer can map the customer journey and create a user-friendly online experience.
- Creating a new business model for a charity: A business designer can help identify sustainable funding sources and optimise their impact.
By carefully considering these points, you can effectively identify and hire a freelance business designer who can help you achieve your business goals.
