7 Best Alternatives to Ueno in 2026 for Digital Design

Why look beyond Ueno

Ueno, originally founded in 2014, established a reputation for its work in product design, branding, and digital strategy. The agency gained recognition for its aesthetically driven digital experiences and high-profile client engagements. However, Ueno ceased operating as an independent client-facing agency following its acquisition by Figma in 2020 [1]. Its team and expertise were integrated into Figma's internal design and brand initiatives, shifting its focus from external client projects to supporting Figma's product development and thought leadership.

Consequently, organizations seeking an agency with Ueno's former capabilities—such as bespoke digital product design, comprehensive brand identity development, or strategic digital consulting—will need to explore alternative partners. The market for high-end digital design and branding agencies remains competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized services that align with Ueno's historical strengths. These alternatives often provide similar levels of strategic insight, creative execution, and technical proficiency, catering to enterprises and startups looking for impactful digital solutions.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. Pentagram — A multidisciplinary design firm renowned for brand identity and digital product design

   Pentagram is one of the world's largest independent design consultancies, established in 1972 [2]. The firm operates with a unique partner-led structure, allowing for diverse expertise across various design disciplines, including brand identity, digital products, environmental graphics, packaging, and editorial design. Pentagram's approach emphasizes strategic thinking combined with distinctive visual execution, resulting in comprehensive design solutions for a global client base. Their portfolio often showcases projects that redefine brand perception and user interaction.

   For organizations seeking an alternative to Ueno's former focus on high-impact branding and digital experiences, Pentagram offers a comparable level of design rigor and strategic depth. While Ueno was primarily digital-centric, Pentagram's broader scope ensures that digital solutions are integrated within a holistic brand framework, making it suitable for clients requiring extensive brand transformation alongside digital product development.

   Best for: Comprehensive brand strategy and identity, digital product design, environmental graphics, and editorial design projects requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

   See the Pentagram profile page for more details.

2. 2. AKQA — A digital agency specializing in large-scale experience design and digital transformation

   AKQA, founded in 1994, is a global digital agency recognized for its work in experience design, digital transformation, and innovative digital products [3]. Owned by WPP, AKQA combines creativity, technology, and data to deliver integrated digital solutions for major brands worldwide. The agency focuses on creating user-centric digital platforms, services, and campaigns that drive business outcomes and enhance customer engagement. Their expertise spans strategy, design, and engineering, enabling them to execute complex digital projects from concept to launch.

   As an alternative to Ueno, AKQA excels in delivering large-scale digital initiatives, particularly for enterprise clients. While Ueno emphasized sleek product design, AKQA provides a more extensive suite of services for digital ecosystem development, including advanced analytics, content strategy, and platform integration. This makes AKQA a strong contender for companies requiring robust, scalable digital solutions and comprehensive digital transformation roadmaps.

   Best for: Large-scale digital transformation, complex experience design, innovative digital product development, and integrated digital marketing solutions.

   See the AKQA profile page for more details.

3. 3. Huge — A full-service digital agency focused on digital product and service design

   Huge Inc., founded in 1999, is a global full-service digital agency known for its work in digital product design, user experience, and strategic consulting [4]. The agency emphasizes a human-centered design approach, aiming to create intuitive and impactful digital experiences across various platforms. Huge offers services including digital strategy, product design and development, data analytics, and marketing. Their methodology often involves deep user research and iterative development to ensure solutions meet market needs and user expectations.

   For those seeking an agency with a similar focus on digital product design and strategy as Ueno, Huge represents a robust alternative. Huge's extensive capabilities in UX/UI design, mobile app development, and platform engineering allow them to tackle complex digital challenges. Unlike Ueno's more boutique approach, Huge operates at a larger scale, providing comprehensive resources for end-to-end digital product lifecycle management and strategic digital transformation initiatives.

   Best for: End-to-end digital product design and development, user experience strategy, mobile applications, and comprehensive digital transformation projects.

   See the Huge profile page for more details.

4. 4. R/GA — A digital innovation agency specializing in experience design and brand building

   R/GA, founded in 1977, is a global digital innovation agency that combines technology, design, and marketing to create transformative experiences and build brands [5]. The agency is known for its integrated approach, blending consulting, product and service development, and communications. R/GA's expertise spans digital strategy, experience design, data-driven marketing, and venture investing. They often work with clients to identify new opportunities, build innovative products, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

   As an alternative to Ueno, R/GA offers a strong blend of strategic thinking and creative execution, particularly in developing innovative digital products and services. While Ueno focused on refined aesthetics, R/GA emphasizes the entire user journey and ecosystem, often integrating emerging technologies. Their capabilities extend to building new business models and ventures, making them suitable for organizations seeking not just design, but also strategic innovation and market disruption.

   Best for: Digital innovation, experience design, brand building through technology, new product and service development, and data-driven marketing.

   See the R/GA profile page for more details.

5. 5. Instrument — A digital agency focused on brand experience and digital product design

   Instrument, founded in 2005, is an independent digital agency that specializes in creating brand experiences and digital products [6]. The agency is known for its collaborative process and ability to blend strategy, design, and technology to produce engaging digital platforms and campaigns. Instrument's services include digital strategy, user experience design, content creation, and technical development. They often work with clients to articulate their brand story through compelling digital narratives and interactive experiences.

   Instrument serves as a strong alternative to Ueno, particularly for clients valuing a highly crafted digital presence and innovative brand storytelling. While Ueno was recognized for its clean, modern aesthetic, Instrument offers a similar commitment to design excellence while often incorporating richer content and narrative elements. Their focus on brand experience ensures that digital products are not only functional but also deeply resonant with the target audience, making them ideal for brands seeking a distinctive digital voice.

   Best for: Brand experience design, digital product design, content-rich digital platforms, and strategic digital storytelling.

   See the Instrument profile page for more details.

6. 6. COLLINS — A brand and experience design firm known for strategic identity systems

   COLLINS, founded in 2008, is an independent brand and experience design firm that focuses on developing strategic identity systems [7]. The firm is recognized for its ability to create distinctive and enduring brands through a rigorous process of research, strategy, and creative execution. COLLINS' work spans brand identity, digital experiences, packaging, and environmental design. They often collaborate with clients to define their core purpose and translate it into a cohesive and impactful brand presence across all touchpoints.

   As an alternative to Ueno, particularly for its branding and identity strengths, COLLINS offers a highly strategic and creative approach to brand building. While Ueno delivered polished digital designs, COLLINS specializes in foundational brand strategy that informs every aspect of an organization's presence, including digital. Their expertise is particularly valuable for companies undergoing significant brand evolution or launching new ventures that require a strong, differentiated identity.

   Best for: Comprehensive brand strategy, identity system development, brand experience design, and projects requiring a strong, cohesive brand narrative across all platforms.

   See the COLLINS profile page for more details.

7. 7. Active Theory — A creative digital production company specializing in immersive web experiences

   Active Theory, founded in 2012, is a creative digital production company that specializes in building immersive and interactive web experiences [8]. The company is known for pushing the boundaries of web technology, often incorporating 3D graphics, virtual reality elements, and real-time interactivity into their projects. Active Theory's services include interactive development, creative coding, and experience design, primarily for marketing campaigns, brand activations, and digital installations. They focus on delivering highly engaging and memorable digital moments.

   For organizations seeking an alternative to Ueno's aesthetic and technical prowess in digital design, particularly for highly interactive and visually rich applications, Active Theory is a specialized choice. While Ueno provided broader digital strategy, Active Theory excels in the execution of cutting-edge, high-performance web experiences. They are ideal for projects that demand advanced technical implementation and a strong focus on innovative visual and interactive storytelling, often for campaigns or unique digital products.

   Best for: Immersive web experiences, interactive marketing campaigns, creative coding, 3D web development, and virtual reality integration in digital projects.

   See the Active Theory profile page for more details.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Selecting the right alternative to Ueno requires a clear understanding of your project's specific needs, budget, and desired outcomes. Given Ueno's historical strengths in product design, branding, and digital strategy, potential replacements should be evaluated on their ability to deliver in these core areas, while also considering their current operational model and scale.

Define Your Core Need: Product Design, Branding, or Digital Strategy?

• For cutting-edge Digital Product Design: If your primary need is to develop intuitive, aesthetically refined digital products (web, mobile apps), consider agencies like Huge or Instrument. Both have strong portfolios in UX/UI and product development, offering end-to-end services from strategy to launch. AKQA is suitable for larger, more complex digital platforms requiring extensive integration and data capabilities.
• For comprehensive Branding and Identity: If your focus is on developing a robust brand identity system, including visual language, messaging, and strategic positioning, Pentagram and COLLINS are leading choices. Pentagram offers a multidisciplinary approach across various design touchpoints, while COLLINS excels in creating transformative brand narratives and identity systems.
• For broader Digital Strategy and Innovation: If you require strategic guidance on digital transformation, market entry, or innovative service development, R/GA stands out for its blend of consulting, technology, and creative expertise. AKQA also offers strong capabilities in digital strategy, particularly for large-scale enterprise initiatives.

Consider Scale and Scope

• Boutique or Specialized Needs: For highly unique, interactive, and visually intensive web experiences, Active Theory offers specialized expertise in creative coding and immersive technologies. This is ideal for campaigns or specific digital installations rather than broad product development.
• Large-Scale Enterprise Projects: Agencies like AKQA, Huge, and R/GA are well-equipped to handle large, complex projects for enterprise clients, offering extensive resources, global reach, and a wide array of integrated services. Their experience with major brands often translates to robust project management and scalable solutions.
• Mid-Market and Growth Companies: Instrument and COLLINS can be excellent fits for mid-sized to large growth companies seeking high-quality design and strategic branding without the overhead of the largest global networks. They often provide a more hands-on, collaborative approach while maintaining a high standard of output.

Evaluate Agency Structure and Collaboration Style

• Partner-Led vs. Networked: Pentagram's partner-led model means direct involvement from seasoned designers, which can be beneficial for clients seeking deep expertise and a distinct creative vision. Larger networked agencies like AKQA (WPP-owned) and R/GA (Interpublic Group-owned) offer extensive resources and integrated services across different disciplines and geographies.
• Independent vs. Acquired: Ueno's acquisition by Figma illustrates how agency status can change. Most alternatives listed here are either established independent firms (Pentagram, Huge, Instrument, COLLINS, Active Theory) or part of major holding companies (AKQA, R/GA), offering more predictable long-term engagement models.

Assess Budget and Pricing Model

While Ueno historically offered custom enterprise pricing, its alternatives also operate on similar project-based or retainer models for custom work. It is crucial to engage with potential agencies to discuss your budget and project scope transparently. High-end design and strategy firms will typically command premium fees due to their specialized expertise and proven track record. Request detailed proposals and understand the cost breakdown, including hourly rates, project phases, and any potential for scope creep.

Ultimately, the best alternative will align not only with your project requirements but also with your organizational culture and long-term strategic goals. Thorough due diligence, including portfolio reviews, client testimonials, and direct consultations, is essential to make an informed decision.