What is Design as a Serivce (DaaS)? Everything you need to know

Every brand has a story to tell. But without skilled designers to narrate that story, their message can get lost very easily. 

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Think of a good product with mediocre design as a delicious meal with a bad presentation. It could be the best dish in the world, but if it’s served in a bland, unappealing manner, no one will want to try it.

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Without the right design, brands risk appearing outdated, unprofessional, or even confusing.They may have exceptional products or services, but the first impression matters. Potential customers might scroll right past, unaware of the value hiding beneath an uninviting exterior.

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Look at brands like Nike—they don’t just sell shoes; they sell an experience, largely due to their bold and memorable design choices. Their branding connects emotionally with consumers, making their messages unforgettable.

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However, not every brand can match Nike’s HUGE marketing budget! Good news is, you don’t need to. What most companies need is a reliable design partner who can bring their ideas to life without the financial strain of hiring an entire full-time design team.

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This is where Design as a Service, or DaaS, comes into play.

In this blog, we’ll go over what it is, how it can benefit you, and how you can easily fit it into your system.

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What is Design as a Service?

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Design as a Service (DaaS) is a relatively new approach to providing design services. DaaS is a subscription-based model that offers businesses and organizations ongoing access to a variety of design services whenever they need them. DaaS aims to provide companies with a design partner that is ready to tackle any task at hand.

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One of the core ideas behind DaaS is to offer continuous design support. Companies get instant access to a pool of skilled designers whenever they need, wherever they need. Plus, it comes without the long-term commitment and costs associated with maintaining an in-house design team. This approach allows businesses to be more flexible and responsive to their changing design needs.

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With traditional design services, companies typically have two options: hire a full-time designer for specialized tasks, such as motion graphics or UI/UX design, or partner with an agency on a project-by-project basis. Both of these options often come with high costs, making a subscription-based model a more attractive choice for many businesses.

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What are the Benefits of Design as a Service?

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Design as a Service (DaaS) is a new and exciting way for businesses, especially small startups or new companies, to handle their design needs. Instead of hiring full-time designers or working with agencies on individual projects, DaaS offers a subscription-based model. This way, companies get ongoing access to a range of design services whenever they need them. Here are some of the key benefits of using DaaS.

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Cost-Effectiveness

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DaaS is usually much more budget-friendly compared to traditional methods. By paying a regular subscription fee, companies can use a variety of design services without the high costs of hiring full-time designers or paying agencies for each project. This predictable expense makes budgeting easier and helps avoid surprise costs from one-off projects.

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Scalability

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One great thing about DaaS is that it can grow with your needs. Whether you need more design work during a busy season or less during quieter times, DaaS adapts to your requirements without the hassle of hiring or letting go of staff. Some DaaS providers even allow you to pause your subscription at any time! This flexibility means you can quickly adjust to changes without the stress of offboarding or onboarding.

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Diverse Expertise

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With DaaS, you get access to a wide range of design talent. This means you can benefit from specialists in areas like graphic design, web design, and UI/UX design. Having access to such a diverse skill set means your projects are handled by experts, keeping your designs fresh and effective.

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Faster Turnaround Times

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Design services are always readily available with DaaS, meaning you can get your projects done faster. There's no need to wait for a full-time designer's schedule to clear up or for an agency to start your project. This quick response time helps you stay agile, allowing you to launch new products, run marketing campaigns, or modify your designs quickly.

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The Process of Working with DaaS

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Step 1: Consultation and Agreement

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The process starts with an initial consultation where the business and the DaaS provider discuss design needs and goals. Following this, they formalize their partnership through a service agreement, outlining subscription terms and the types of design services offered. This sets the stage for ongoing collaboration, unlike the typical one-off projects seen in traditional design hiring.

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Step 2: Onboarding and Kickoff

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Once the agreement is in place, the DaaS provider begins the onboarding process, gathering important information about the brand and existing design materials. A kickoff meeting follows, where priorities and timelines are established. Here, you will discuss your goals and vision for your company and go over your design needs and expectations.

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Step 3: Design Execution and Feedback

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With the groundwork laid, the design team creates initial drafts based on the established guidelines. These drafts are shared with the business for feedback, allowing for an iterative process that encourages collaboration and fine-tuning. This ongoing interaction sets DaaS apart from the often more rigid review processes in traditional design.

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Step 4: Final Delivery and Ongoing Support

After revisions are made and approved, the DaaS provider delivers the final design assets. Beyond just completing projects, the DaaS model provides ongoing support, allowing businesses to request additional design services as their needs evolve. This continuous access to design expertise helps maintain momentum and consistency, setting DaaS apart from the traditional design-for-hire model.

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Step 5: Review and Adaptation

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Regular review sessions allow both parties to assess the effectiveness of their collaboration. This feedback mechanism encourages adaptation and improvement over time, fostering a relationship that evolves rather than one that ends with project completion.

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Conclusion

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Design as a Service (DaaS) provides a flexible and efficient way to access high-quality design work. This model focuses on collaboration and adaptability, making it easier for businesses to stay on top of their design projects.

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If you're looking for a reliable design solution, Resimpl offers DaaS that’s ready to meet your needs. Our team of experienced designers is here to help you with any project, making sure your brand stays fresh and impactful.

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