Frequently asked questions

We’re a small digital design and development agency specialising in websites, SaaS, systems, graphic design and digital products. We combine UX and UI design with bespoke and WordPress development, plus ongoing digital support. We can work on everything from a straightforward business website to a complex web-based system or SaaS product. We’re particularly good at taking complicated information, processes or systems and making them easier to understand and use.

We’re an agency, but without the layers of account managers and unnecessary bureaucracy you can sometimes get with larger agencies. Transparent Design is run by Lucy Rigley (designer) and Mike Rigley (developer). Between us, we bring extensive experience across design, UX, web development and digital projects, supported by trusted specialists when a project requires additional expertise, for example in copywriting. The bonus is you get senior, experienced people involved in your project rather than handing everything over to a junior team.

Yes we’re very comfortable working with larger businesses, organisations and internal teams. We can slot into an existing team, work directly with marketing or digital departments, or take responsibility for a project from start to finish. We’re used to working with different stakeholders, managing feedback and explaining technical or design decisions in a way that makes sense to everyone involved.

Yes. SaaS and web-based systems are an area we particularly enjoy. We can help with UX and UI design, user journeys, dashboards, interfaces, websites and the overall digital experience around your product. Everything is tailored to what you need. If you already have a working SaaS product, we can improve its user experience. If you're developing something new, we can work alongside your development team from the early design stages, or work with your designer if you need development expertise.

Yes. A website and a web-based system have very different requirements. Systems need to consider user roles, workflows, functionality, data, permissions and often much more complicated user journeys. We can help design the interface and user experience, plus build bespoke systems, dashboards, portals and other web applications. Our UX experience makes sure they are as intuitive as possible for the people using them.

Yes, Transparent Design combines design and development. Mike Rigley is an experienced developer, so we can take projects from initial ideas and UX through to development and launch. For larger or specialist projects, we can also work alongside your existing developers or bring in trusted specialists where appropriate.

Yes. You don't have to use us for development just because we're doing the design. We regularly work as part of a wider team and can provide UX/UI designs, prototypes, design systems and assets for your developers to build. We particularly love undertaking website usability audits, which can be passed on to a designer or developer. Equally, if you need someone to bridge the gap between design and development, having both disciplines within the same agency will make the process considerably smoother.

Yes. A complete rebuild isn't always the answer and a website usability audit is what you need. We can review an existing website or digital product and identify usability, UX, design and technical improvements. Sometimes relatively small changes can make a significant difference, without the need for a whole new site or system. Where a rebuild is the right solution, we'll explain why rather than recommending one simply because it's a bigger project.

Yes. We don't need to redesign your branding to work on your website or digital product. We can work within your existing brand guidelines and make sure your digital presence feels consistent with the wider organisation. If your brand needs updating or isn't working well digitally, we can also help with that as we offer logo and branding packages.

That's often where we can add the most value. Complex doesn't need to mean confusing and we enjoy projects where there is a lot of information to make sense of. We spend time understanding your users, your business processes and the information or functionality that needs to be presented. We then simplify the experience, structure information logically and create interfaces that are easier to navigate. All without losing any content.

Yes. We always review websites, systems and digital products from a user's perspective and identify areas where people may be getting stuck, confused or frustrated. Depending on the project, this could include UX reviews, website usability audits, user journeys, information architecture, wireframes or recommendations for improvement.

Yes, we actually recommend talking to us before you start specifying a solution. You might think you need a new website when the real problem is your content, user journey or existing system. Or you might have an idea for a SaaS product but aren't sure how to turn it into something people can actually use. We can help you work out what you need before you commit to a particular approach. A power hour is a good starter to help you with your content or where you are a bit stuck.

Yes of course. We live and work in Yorkshire but work with organisations across the UK and beyond. Most of the work we do can be handled remotely, with meetings via video call and collaborative design and development tools. We're also happy to meet in person where it makes sense, and if you’re in or near York, an initial in person meeting is a good way to start a project as we can see your premises and meet your team.

We adapt to your existing processes, working with marketing, communications, IT, digital, product and senior management teams if needed. We are comfortable bringing different stakeholders into the process when appropriate. At the start of a project, we’ll agree responsibilities, communication and approval processes so everyone knows what's happening and when.

Yes, we are very happy working alongside internal teams and external suppliers. You may need us for UX and design while your internal developers handle the build. Or you may want us to take responsibility for a particular part of a wider digital project. We collaborate rather than try to take over.

Yes. We don't believe a website or digital system should simply be launched and forgotten about, though some businesses do like to handle ongoing updates themselves. We provide ongoing website maintenance, updates, improvements and development support, depending on your requirements. For organisations with an ongoing need for design or development help, we can also discuss a more flexible or ad-hoc support arrangement.

There isn't a standard price for a SaaS product, bespoke system or larger website because the scope can vary enormously. We normally start by understanding what you're trying to achieve, who the users are and what functionality is required. From there we can recommend an appropriate approach and provide a clear, tailored proposal. For smaller pieces of work, we can often provide a straightforward estimate, for example for logos. Larger projects may require an initial planning phase before we can accurately scope the work. What we will say though, is we are less expensive than agencies due to fewer overheads, but you’re getting senior people doing the work.

No but we are particularly suited to projects where there is something to solve or improve. For instance, a complicated website which needs the user experience and look and feel improved, a bespoke digital product or system tailored to your business or if you need experienced digital support.

We have a network of trusted specialists we can bring into projects where needed. We use specialists for SEO, copywriting and social media for instance, and can recommend photographers locally. This means we can build the right team for the project. We remain your main point of contact and we will coordinate the different disciplines where appropriate.

Because you get experience without the agency costs. You work directly with experienced designers and developers who understand both the creative and technical sides of a project. We're small enough to be approachable and flexible, but experienced enough to handle complex digital projects and work with established organisations and internal teams.

Email or phone us, and tell us a little about what you're trying to achieve. You don't need to have a complete specification or know exactly what you need. That's part of what we're here for. We'll have an initial conversation, ask the right questions and from there we can send you a more detailed quote.