The Best Product Design Agencies in New York City

Introduction

New York City is a global hub for creativity and design, attracting talent from across the world and hosting some of the industry’s top agencies. The city’s energy and diversity foster an environment where ideas flourish, making it an ideal location for product design agencies that work with both established brands and rising startups. In this guide, we’ll explore the best product design agencies in New York, each offering a unique perspective and a strong track record of creating impactful digital experiences.

Whether you’re an emerging brand looking to make a mark or a corporation in need of digital transformation, these New York-based studios have the skills and experience to bring your product vision to life. Let’s dive into what makes each of these agencies exceptional.

Why New York City is a Hub for Product Design

New York City is known for its vibrant mix of industries, from finance and media to fashion and tech, making it a diverse marketplace for product design. The city’s unique environment brings together brands and agencies with different perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious design schools and cultural institutions, NYC has an abundance of top-tier talent and an established design community. This rich ecosystem provides design agencies with the resources and inspiration they need to create groundbreaking work, making New York City a natural leader in product design.

How to Choose the Right Design Agency in New York

When selecting a product design agency in New York, consider their experience, industry expertise, and design approach. New York’s design scene is competitive, and agencies vary widely in style and specialties. Look for an agency with a portfolio that aligns with your brand vision and values. Additionally, assess their project management style, communication, and ability to collaborate closely with clients. An effective partnership with your design agency can be the key to a successful project that meets both user needs and business objectives.

Top Product Design Agencies in New York City

Below is a curated list of leading product design agencies in New York City, each known for their unique approach and commitment to quality. Here’s what makes each studio stand out.

Pentagram

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 1972

• Employees: 200+

• Hourly Rate: $200-$300

• Industry Focus: Branding, Digital Design, Environmental Graphics

Pentagram is one of the world’s most iconic design studios, known for its multidisciplinary approach to branding and digital design. With a legacy that spans decades, Pentagram’s partners have created some of the most recognizable visual identities for brands across industries. From digital product design to branding, their projects are known for creativity, precision, and impact.

Sagmeister & Walsh

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 2012

• Employees: 20-50

• Hourly Rate: $150-$300

• Industry Focus: Branding, Experiential Design, Typography

Sagmeister & Walsh is celebrated for its bold, unconventional approach to design. Known for projects that push boundaries and challenge norms, this agency excels in branding, typography, and experiential design. Their creative campaigns have made waves globally, and they are particularly sought after for projects that demand a unique, edgy visual style.

Huge

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 1999

• Employees: 1,000+

• Hourly Rate: $150-$199

• Industry Focus: Digital Transformation, UX/UI, Technology

Huge is a full-service digital agency specializing in user-centered design and digital transformation. Known for its strategic approach, Huge has worked with major brands like Google, McDonald’s, and Audi, helping them build digital experiences that are both functional and visually compelling. Their team’s expertise spans UX/UI, branding, and emerging technologies.

Code and Theory

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 2001

• Employees: 500-1,000

• Hourly Rate: $200-$300

• Industry Focus: Media, Technology, Consumer Products

Code and Theory is a digital-first design agency known for its data-driven approach to design. With clients like CNN, NBC, and Vogue, the agency specializes in creating content-rich digital products that engage and inform. They are particularly strong in media and publishing, crafting digital experiences that are user-focused and aesthetically impressive.

Blue Fountain Media

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 2003

• Employees: 50-200

• Hourly Rate: $150-$199

• Industry Focus: E-commerce, Healthcare, Financial Services

Blue Fountain Media combines strategy, design, and technology to create impactful digital experiences. With expertise in UX/UI, branding, and digital marketing, they are a strong choice for brands looking to improve online engagement. Their work includes e-commerce platforms, corporate websites, and digital products for clients in healthcare, finance, and retail.

Work & Co

• Location: Brooklyn, NY

• Founded: 2013

• Employees: 200+

• Hourly Rate: $200-$300

• Industry Focus: Digital Products, Mobile Apps, E-commerce

Work & Co is known for designing and developing digital products for clients like Apple, YouTube, and Virgin America. Their process is rooted in collaboration and iterative testing, focusing on delivering high-quality, user-friendly products that meet both client and market demands.

Area 17

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 2003

• Employees: 50-100

• Hourly Rate: $150-$199

• Industry Focus: Nonprofits, Media, Education

Area 17 is a digital product agency known for its work with nonprofit organizations, media companies, and educational institutions. With a focus on purpose-driven projects, Area 17 designs products that are both functional and impactful, often collaborating with clients in meaningful, long-term partnerships.

Firstborn

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 1997

• Employees: 50-100

• Hourly Rate: $150-$199

• Industry Focus: Experiential Marketing, Consumer Products, Technology

Firstborn is a creative digital agency specializing in immersive, interactive experiences. Known for their expertise in experiential marketing and consumer products, they work with brands like Pepsi, L’Oréal, and JetBlue. Firstborn’s work often blurs the lines between digital and physical, creating memorable brand experiences.

R/GA

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 1977

• Employees: 1,000-5,000

• Hourly Rate: $150-$199

• Industry Focus: Technology, Healthcare, Financial Services

R/GA is a global consultancy blending technology, design, and marketing to drive innovation. From digital products to marketing campaigns, R/GA creates transformative experiences for brands like Nike, Samsung, and Google. Known for their strategic, future-focused approach, R/GA remains at the forefront of digital design.

Trollbäck+Company

• Location: New York, NY

• Founded: 1999

• Employees: 20-50

• Hourly Rate: $100-$149

• Industry Focus: Media, Entertainment, Branding

Trollbäck+Company is a branding and motion design agency known for its work in media and entertainment. Specializing in brand strategy, storytelling, and motion graphics, they’ve worked with clients like HBO, AMC, and Spotify to create visually striking and conceptually deep brand experiences.

Red Antler

• Location: Brooklyn, NY

• Founded: 2007

• Employees: 50-100

• Hourly Rate: $150-$199

• Industry Focus: Startups, Consumer Products, E-commerce

Red Antler is a branding and design agency that works with startups and disruptive brands, helping them craft powerful identities. Known for their work with companies like Casper and Allbirds, Red Antler specializes in building brands that stand out in competitive markets.

Baobun.studio (that's us!)

• Location: Paris, France (Serving Clients Globally, including NYC)

• Founded: 2022

• Employees: Under 50

• Hourly Rate: Contact for Pricing

• Industry Focus: SaaS, Cultural Institutions, Startups

Baobun.studio is a Paris-based product design agency serving clients globally, including many in New York. Known for a collaborative, client-focused approach, Baobun.studio blends storytelling, technology, and design to create impactful digital products. They work closely with SaaS companies, cultural institutions, and startups to build memorable user experiences and drive growth.

Conclusion

New York City is home to a rich selection of product design studios, each with its own strengths and specialties. From branding and user-centered design to digital transformation, these agencies are at the forefront of innovation, helping brands create products that are not only functional but memorable.

Whether you’re looking to collaborate with an iconic agency like Pentagram or a startup-focused studio like Red Antler, New York has the talent and resources to bring your vision to life.

Ready to make a global impact? Contact Baobun.studio to learn how we can create a unique, impactful digital experience that aligns with your business goals.