Clay
Clay is a global UX/UI and branding agency that leverages AI to design scalable, user-centric digital products and experiences.
Mission Control
Mission Control is a UX/UI and web design agency that uses AI to build sleek, strategic digital experiences for fast-growing startups.
Valmax
Ukraine-based agency specializing in web design, UI/UX design, branding, and web development, with a focus on delivering high-quality digital solutions.
Satellite Agency
Brand strategy & design studio crafting end-to-end identity systems across digital, packaging and environments; deep hospitality & spirits expertise.
Huge
A global experience agency that helps brands create meaningful digital experiences, combining strategy, design, and technology to drive business growth.
Code and Theory
A digital-first creative agency that designs best-in-class products and brand experiences, helping clients drive purposeful change and thrive in a time of digital disruption.
Instrument
A creative agency specializing in digital experiences, offering services in brand strategy, design, and technology development.
Selection process
We carefully research and evaluate each agency based on creativity, UX strategy, design execution, client results, and industry reputation. Our selection process highlights studios that consistently deliver user-centered, high-impact digital experiences.
Portfolio Quality
Reviewed for originality, consistency, and user-focused design.
Process Transparency
Selected agencies follow clear and structured UX workflows.
User Research
Prioritized those that incorporate real user insights through research and usability testing.
Cross-Disciplinary Teams
Chosen teams combine UX, UI, strategy, and technical collaboration.
Industry Expertise
Agencies have demonstrated success in specific sectors like SaaS, eCommerce, FinTech, and healthcare.
Client Feedback
Evaluated using verified reviews, long-term relationships, and client satisfaction.
Innovation and Tools
Favored agencies using modern design tools, accessibility standards, and up-to-date UX practices.
Team Scalability
Selected based on the ability to support both early-stage and enterprise-level projects.
Communication
Agencies were chosen for clear, proactive communication and reliable project management.
Value for Investment
Evaluated on pricing transparency and ability to deliver strong ROI within budget.
Top UX/UI Design Agencies
Explore our curated list of leading UX/UI design agencies known for creating intuitive, user-centered digital experiences.
1. Clay
Clay delivers high-polish, scalable UX systems ideal for Chicago fintech, logistics, and enterprise SaaS companies that need clean, conversion-ready digital products.
Best for: Startups and enterprises seeking polished, scalable digital products and brand systems powered by UX expertise and emerging technologies.
Clients: Slack, Facebook, Google, Amazon, Zenefits, Cisco, Art Bridges Foundation, Vantara
Budget: $100k+
Hourly rate: $175-$200/hr
Employees: 11-50
Location: San Francisco, CA; Globally
2. Mission Control
Mission Control supports high-growth Midwest and national startups with structured, product-first UX. Great for Chicago SaaS, martech, and operational tooling.
Best for: Fast-growing startups in fintech, Web3, and B2B tech looking for AI-enhanced web design, no-code development, and hands-on strategic support.
Hourly rate: $150/hr
Employees: 11–50
Clients: Ambitious startups (fintech, Web3, B2B tech)
Location: Remote, headquartered in San Francisco
3. TheQream
TheQream blends brand identity with expressive digital design, creating visually rich websites and storytelling experiences. Their craft-focused approach makes them ideal for brands seeking strategic identity work paired with elegant, high-quality web execution.
Best for: Brands wanting strategy-led identity + web craftsmanship.
Key Clients: Rakuten Viber; SoScale; Shoring; Fund of the President of Ukraine; SpivDiia; Acropolium; Coralogix; BitterSweetCars.
Location: USA, Chicago; Switzerland, Zürich; Ukraine, Odesa.
4. Valmax Agency
Valmax delivers modern UI/UX and web experiences with a strong focus on clarity, speed, and digital craftsmanship. Well-suited for startups and growing companies needing fresh, high-quality product design and strong online presence.
Best for: Startups and enterprises seeking innovative digital solutions to enhance their online presence.
Key Clients: Carbo Tech, APG, Digital Dunes, Wingmen, AVISION, FutureTypes, Introduct Group, Next Level Lab, FewOfUs, SnoopGame, Uprise Financial.
Location: SA, Chicago; Switzerland, Zürich; Ukraine, Odesa.
Hourly Price: $25–$49.
4. Satellite Agency
Satellite Agency specializes in premium brand systems and hospitality-focused design, crafting refined identities and digital experiences for hotels, restaurants, and beverage brands. Ideal for lifestyle and F&B companies needing cohesive, elevated brand expression.
Best for: Hotels, restaurants and beverage brands seeking premium identity systems and experiential roll-outs; tech employer-brand work too.
Key Clients: Marriott (Autograph/Luxury Collection); Jack Daniel’s; Bacardi; HERE Technologies; Case-Mate.
Location: Chicago, IL.
Team Size: <50.
5. Huge
Huge handles large-scale digital transformation and multi-channel UX for retail, healthcare, and enterprise — a perfect match for Chicago’s corporate landscape.
Best for: Brands seeking to create meaningful digital experiences that drive business growth.
Key Clients: Google, NBCUniversal, Planet Fitness, Lowe’s, Foot Locker, Dr. Martens.
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Founded: 1999.
Team Size: 1,000+.
Budget: $5,000+.
Hourly Price: $150–$300/hr.
6. Code and Theory
Code and Theory specializes in complex digital ecosystems, making them a strong fit for Chicago media, manufacturing, and enterprise organizations needing robust UX strategy.
Best for: Brands seeking innovative digital solutions that drive purposeful change.
Key Clients: Amazon, Qualcomm, Spotify, NBCUniversal.
Location: New York, NY, USA; Bay Area reach.
Founded: 2001.
Team Size: 250–499.
Hourly Price: $150–$250/hr.
Budget: $250,000+.
7. Instrument
A creative agency specializing in digital experiences, offering services in brand strategy, design, and technology development.
Best for: Brands seeking innovative digital experiences and creative solutions.
Key Clients: Nike, Google, Airbnb.
Location: Portland, OR, USA; Bay Area reach.
Founded: 2002.
Team Size: 100–249.
Budget: $50,000+.
Hourly Price: $150–$200/hr.
Frequently asked questions
Top agencies include Clay, Mission Control, Code and Theory, Instrument, Huge, Valmax Agency, TheQream, and Satellite Agency, all serving Chicago’s tech and enterprise market.
Because it combines a strong tech infrastructure with corporate innovation, connecting startups and enterprise UX teams.
Typical budgets range from $10,000 to $150,000, depending on project complexity and team size.
They work across fintech, logistics, healthcare, enterprise SaaS, and manufacturing innovation.
Chicago agencies prioritize strategic thinking, functional design systems, and data-backed UX optimization.
Both — many firms design scalable systems suitable for emerging startups and Fortune 500 organizations.
Look for teams skilled in research-driven UX, design systems, and cross-platform product development.
Projects generally last 8–20 weeks, depending on whether it’s a product launch, redesign, or full platform rebuild.
Popular trends include AI-enhanced analytics dashboards, accessibility-first design, and conversion-optimized SaaS UX.
Chicago studios often deliver enterprise-level quality with greater collaboration, affordability, and midwestern pragmatism.
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