Design in House vs. Design out of House

Attribute	Design in House	Design out of House
Control	High	Low
Cost	Higher	Lower
Expertise	Internal	External
Flexibility	Less	More
Communication	Easier	Challenging

Design in House

Design in house refers to the practice of having a dedicated design team within a company or organization. This team is responsible for creating all design assets, from branding materials to product designs. One of the main advantages of having an in-house design team is the ability to have direct communication and collaboration with other departments. This can lead to a more cohesive and integrated design strategy that aligns with the overall goals of the company.

Another benefit of having a design team in house is the ability to have a deep understanding of the company's brand and values. The team can work closely with the marketing and branding teams to ensure that all design assets are consistent and reflect the company's identity. This can help build brand recognition and loyalty among customers.

Having a design team in house also allows for greater control over the design process. The team can quickly iterate on designs, make changes on the fly, and respond to feedback in real-time. This agility can be crucial in fast-paced industries where quick decision-making is essential.

However, there are also some drawbacks to having a design team in house. One of the main challenges is the cost associated with maintaining a full-time design team. Salaries, benefits, and overhead costs can add up quickly, especially for smaller companies or startups. Additionally, there may be limitations in terms of expertise and skill sets within the team, which can impact the quality of the design work produced.

Despite these challenges, many companies choose to have a design team in house because of the benefits it can provide in terms of collaboration, brand consistency, and control over the design process.

Design out of House

Design out of house, on the other hand, involves outsourcing design work to external agencies or freelancers. This can be a cost-effective solution for companies that do not have the resources to maintain a full-time design team. Outsourcing design work can also provide access to a wider pool of talent and expertise, as companies can choose from a diverse range of designers with different skill sets and backgrounds.

One of the main advantages of outsourcing design work is the flexibility it provides. Companies can hire designers on a project-by-project basis, allowing them to scale up or down based on their needs. This can be particularly beneficial for companies with fluctuating design needs or those working on short-term projects.

Outsourcing design work can also bring fresh perspectives and ideas to a project. External designers may have different experiences and insights that can help push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. This can be especially valuable for companies looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

However, there are also some drawbacks to outsourcing design work. One of the main challenges is the potential lack of understanding of the company's brand and values. External designers may not have the same level of insight into the company's identity, which can lead to design assets that are not aligned with the brand. Communication can also be a challenge when working with external designers, as there may be language barriers or time zone differences to navigate.

Despite these challenges, many companies choose to outsource design work because of the flexibility, access to talent, and fresh perspectives it can provide. By carefully selecting external designers and establishing clear communication channels, companies can overcome the drawbacks and leverage the benefits of outsourcing design work.