Chicago has established itself as a powerhouse for digital innovation and design excellence. As one of the largest tech hubs in the U.S., the city is home to a vibrant community of user interface (UI) design professionals. Whether you’re a startup searching for a local design studio, a corporation looking to build a skilled in-house team, or a recruiter seeking the best talent, understanding the Chicago UI design ecosystem is essential. This guide will map out the key players, studio specialties, in-house dynamics, and hiring best practices to help you navigate the design talent landscape in the Windy City.
The Landscape of UI Design in Chicago
Chicago’s UI design scene is multifaceted, with contributions from boutique studios, large design agencies, and in-house teams at Fortune 500 companies. These entities collectively shape user experiences for industries ranging from finance and healthcare to retail and logistics.
Chicago’s central location in the Midwest, along with its strong design and tech education institutions like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), ensures a consistent pipeline of skilled UI designers.
Top UI Design Studios in Chicago
Several high-caliber design studios call Chicago home. These firms often collaborate with businesses across the country, offering services that span UI/UX design, interaction design, research, and digital strategy. Below are some standout agencies making waves in the local design scene.
- Whitespace UX – Known for a research-first approach, Whitespace UX serves both startups and enterprises and has worked with notable clients like Allstate and United Airlines.
- Tandem (formerly DevMynd) – A product development agency at heart, Tandem emphasizes user-centered design in agile software development.
- One North – Specializing in digital marketing experiences for law firms and professional services, One North combines design with branding and development.
- Codal – A full-service UX/UI agency with a tech-forward team that also offers development and data analytics services.
- Fuzzy Math – With a legacy of creating clean and intuitive interfaces, Fuzzy Math focuses on scalable design systems for healthcare and enterprise clients.
Each of these agencies brings a unique design philosophy, ensuring businesses can find a firm that aligns with their vision and industry needs.
In-House UI Design Teams in Chicago
Beyond design studios, many of Chicago’s established corporations and fast-growing startups invest heavily in their own internal design teams. These in-house teams are often embedded deep within product and development departments and drive long-term user interface innovation from the inside.
Companies leading the way in building robust UI teams include:
- Morningstar – This financial services giant has long valued user-friendly design in its software platforms for investors.
- Grubhub – As a technology-driven food delivery service, Grubhub’s internal designers play a major role in user acquisition and retention through platform usability improvements.
- Allstate – With a focus on digital transformation, Allstate’s Experience Design Studio empowers its insurance apps to compete with the best in usability and accessibility.
- United Airlines – From mobile booking interfaces to self-service kiosks, United’s design team continues to refine the digital travel experience.
- Relativity – A legal tech SaaS company, Relativity invests in product design to ensure a smooth and effective UI for complex legal documentation systems.
In-house teams often provide unique advantages such as deep product knowledge, the ability to measure long-term outcomes of UX changes, and a tight feedback loop with both engineering and customer support divisions.
Design Education and Talent Development
Chicago benefits from a rich educational system that consistently produces high-quality design talent. Several institutions offer specialized courses and degrees focused on interactive design, human-computer interaction (HCI), and UI/UX methodologies.
- SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) – Offers interdisciplinary design programs with a strong conceptual foundation.
- DePaul University – Provides BS and MS degrees in HCI and Human-Centered Design with a focus on real-world projects.
- Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) – Home to the Institute of Design (ID), IIT produces world-class design leaders with expertise in systems thinking and innovation strategy.
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) – Offers competitive programs in digital product design through its College of Design.
Additionally, local bootcamps like Flatiron School and General Assembly play a significant role in training career switchers or upskilling existing professionals into UI/UX design roles within a short time frame.
Tips for Hiring Great UI Designers in Chicago
If you’re seeking to hire UI designers in Chicago, you’re in a uniquely competitive—but rewarding—job market. To secure top-tier candidates, it’s crucial to follow an intentional and informed hiring process. Below are some essential tips.
1. Define Clear Design Expectations
Before initiating your hiring process, be clear on what segment of UI design is most important to the role. Are you seeking someone with a strength in interaction design, design systems, typography, or frontend-relevant prototyping? Articulating job responsibilities with precision attracts more relevant candidates.
2. Look Beyond Portfolios
While portfolios are a useful indicator of design ability, also probe how a designer approaches user research, team collaboration, and working within technical constraints. Behavior-based interviews can reveal problem-solving capabilities beyond aesthetic talent.
3. Offer Flexible Work Options
Post-pandemic work culture has shifted expectations. Many top UI designers prefer hybrid or fully remote environments. Offering flexibility can drastically increase the attractiveness of your role.
4. Hire for Communication Skills
UI design does not occur in a vacuum. Whether working in a studio or in-house, designers must articulate their reasoning to developers, product managers, and stakeholders. Prioritize candidates who can explain their process clearly and defend design choices constructively.
5. Tap into Local Communities
Chicago hosts a multitude of design meetups, conferences, and Slack communities. In particular, events by AIGA Chicago, Chicago UX Book Club, and Interaction Design Association (IxDA) serve as strong networking and recruitment channels.
Challenges and Trends in Hiring UI Talent
As demand for digital products skyrockets, UI designers are increasingly selective about opportunities. Competitive compensation, career growth potential, and mission alignment are all priorities. This means companies must stay abreast of evolving market expectations to attract premier candidates.
Additionally, the rise of design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch has elevated employer expectations for cross-functional design knowledge. Hiring managers are now seeking designers with fluency in tools, but also in accessibility standards, design systems implementation, and analytics-driven iteration.
Conclusion: Building the Future in Chicago
Chicago’s UI design talent map is rich, diverse, and packed with opportunity. From global corporations to agile design studios, the city’s design talent powers experiences used by millions around the globe. With strong academic roots, a collaborative community, and a maturing ecosystem for tech and design, Chicago is exceptionally well-positioned for future digital innovation.
Whether you’re a designer looking to join a cutting-edge firm, or a business leader seeking to elevate product usability, understanding the nuances of Chicago’s UI design landscape will give you a competitive advantage. Prioritize empathy, clarity, and strategic thinking—and you’ll find yourself in great company in this design-forward city.