7 Best Alternatives to Work & Co for Digital Product Design

Why look beyond Work & Co

Work & Co is recognized for its specialization in digital product design and developing user experiences for global brands, as evidenced by its portfolio of work across various industries such as financial services, retail, and media. The agency's approach often involves close collaboration with client teams to deliver custom digital platforms and applications. However, organizations may seek alternatives for several reasons. One consideration is the scope of services; while Work & Co excels in digital product execution, some clients may require a partner with a broader integrated marketing, advertising, or brand strategy offering that extends beyond core digital product development. Larger agency networks or holding companies, for example, often provide a consolidated suite of services that includes media planning, public relations, and large-scale advertising campaigns alongside digital capabilities. Another factor could be specific industry vertical expertise; while Work & Co has a diverse client base, a client in a niche sector might prefer an agency with deeper, demonstrated experience in that particular domain. Finally, project scale and geographic presence can influence decisions; for projects requiring extensive on-site teams in specific international markets, a global network with a larger footprint might be a more suitable choice.

Clients might also consider alternatives if their primary need is management consulting that includes digital transformation as a component, rather than a pure design and development engagement. Management consulting firms often provide strategic oversight, organizational change management, and technology adoption roadmaps that precede or run parallel to digital product initiatives. For instance, a company undergoing a complete business model overhaul might prioritize a partner that can address both the strategic and the execution layers comprehensively. Furthermore, some alternatives offer unique creative approaches or proprietary methodologies that might align more closely with a client's specific organizational culture or desired innovation process. Evaluating these factors can help determine if an alternative agency or consultancy is a more appropriate fit for a given set of strategic objectives and project requirements.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. Fjord (Accenture Song) — Digital design and innovation consultancy

   Fjord, part of Accenture Song, operates as a global design and innovation consultancy focusing on service design, digital product design, and experience strategy. Founded in 2001, Fjord emphasizes human-centered design principles to create digital services and products that integrate into broader customer journeys. Their approach often involves design thinking methodologies and rapid prototyping to develop solutions across various industries, including financial services, healthcare, and retail. Fjord's integration within Accenture Song provides access to a wider range of capabilities, including technology implementation, marketing, and business strategy, making it a suitable alternative for clients seeking a design partner with comprehensive execution capabilities. They frequently work on large-scale digital transformation projects, aiming to redefine customer and employee experiences through strategic design. Fjord's global presence allows it to manage complex projects with international scope, drawing on diverse talent pools and local market insights.

   Best for: Large-scale service design, digital product innovation, experience strategy within a broader consulting framework, complex digital transformation programs.

   Explore Fjord (Accenture Song) profile or visit the Fjord official website.

2. 2. ustwo — Digital product and venture studio

   ustwo is an independent digital product studio known for developing digital products and services, as well as its venture arm that co-creates and invests in new businesses. Established in 2004, ustwo has a track record of creating impactful user experiences, including the development of Monument Valley, a mobile gaming application. Their service offerings include product strategy, design, and development for various platforms, focusing on creating intuitive and engaging digital solutions. ustwo's methodology often involves iterative design and agile development, working closely with clients to bring ideas to market. They cater to enterprises seeking a partner for product innovation, app development, and design-led digital transformation. The studio's emphasis on user research and prototyping helps ensure that delivered products meet user needs and business objectives. ustwo's portfolio demonstrates expertise in diverse sectors, including automotive, financial technology, and health, providing bespoke digital solutions that prioritize usability and aesthetic appeal.

   Best for: Innovative mobile and digital product development, user experience design, product strategy, and venture partnerships in digital spaces.

   Explore ustwo profile or visit the ustwo official studio site.

3. 3. Huge — Digital experience and marketing agency

   Huge is a full-service digital agency specializing in digital product design, marketing, and experience transformation. Founded in 1999, Huge offers capabilities ranging from strategy and branding to design, engineering, and marketing services. The agency works with global brands to create integrated digital experiences, focusing on customer journey mapping, platform development, and content strategy. Huge emphasizes a data-driven approach to design and marketing, aiming to deliver measurable business outcomes for its clients. Their portfolio includes work for various sectors, demonstrating expertise in developing complex digital platforms, e-commerce solutions, and branded content. Huge's integrated model allows it to tackle projects that span the entire digital ecosystem, from initial concept and design to implementation and ongoing optimization. This breadth of services positions Huge as an alternative for clients who require a partner capable of handling both the strategic and execution aspects of digital transformation and marketing. They have a significant global presence, supporting large-scale projects across different geographies.

   Best for: Integrated digital transformation, large-scale platform design and engineering, digital marketing, brand experience strategy, and comprehensive digital product launches.

   Explore Huge profile or visit the Huge agency website.

4. 4. Pentagram — Independent design consultancy

   Pentagram is an independent design consultancy recognized globally for its work in graphic design, identity, architecture, products, and digital experiences. Established in 1972, Pentagram operates with a unique partner-led structure, where each partner is a practicing designer. This model allows for direct involvement of experienced designers in projects, fostering a strong creative output. While primarily known for brand identity and graphic design, Pentagram also undertakes digital product design and user experience projects, applying their strong design principles to interactive platforms. Their approach is characterized by thoughtful conceptualization and meticulous execution across various media. Pentagram serves clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations, delivering distinctive and impactful design solutions. For organizations seeking a partner with a deep understanding of visual communication and brand expression, applied to digital contexts, Pentagram offers an alternative that prioritizes design excellence and strategic creativity. Their work often spans across various touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive brand experience.

   Best for: High-end brand strategy and identity, sophisticated graphic design, digital product design with a strong aesthetic and conceptual foundation, environmental graphics, and packaging design.

   Explore Pentagram profile or visit the Pentagram official site.

5. 5. R/GA — Digital innovation and marketing agency

   R/GA is a global digital innovation and marketing agency that combines technology, design, and marketing services. Founded in 1977, R/GA is known for its interdisciplinary approach to solving business challenges, often working at the intersection of advertising, product development, and consulting. The agency specializes in creating connected brand experiences, digital products, and services for leading global brands. R/GA's offerings include brand development, digital transformation strategy, experience design, technology platforms, and content creation. They often engage in complex projects that require a blend of creative and technical expertise, from designing large-scale digital ecosystems to developing innovative marketing campaigns. R/GA's emphasis on future-forward thinking and rapid prototyping makes it a suitable alternative for clients looking to innovate and disrupt their markets. Their global network allows them to scale projects and provide localized insights, supporting diverse client needs across different industries. R/GA's commitment to innovation is reflected in its continuous exploration of emerging technologies and platforms.

   Best for: Brand innovation, connected experiences, digital product and service development, technology strategy, and integrated marketing campaigns in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

   Explore R/GA profile or visit the R/GA agency website.

6. 6. Instrument — Digital product and brand experience agency

   Instrument is an independent digital agency that focuses on creating innovative digital products and brand experiences. Established in 2005, Instrument works with clients to define strategies, design interfaces, and develop technology solutions that enhance user engagement. The agency's services include digital product design, content strategy, brand storytelling, and platform development. Instrument is recognized for its craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional digital experiences. They often collaborate with brands to launch new products, redesign existing platforms, or enhance overall digital presence. Instrument’s approach integrates design thinking with technical execution, aiming to deliver solutions that are both creative and robust. Their portfolio showcases work across various industries, including technology, fashion, and entertainment, highlighting their ability to adapt to diverse client needs. For companies seeking a partner with a strong focus on elegant design and thoughtful user experiences, Instrument presents a compelling alternative, emphasizing quality and user-centricity in its digital output.

   Best for: Premium digital product design, brand experience development, content strategy, and innovative interactive solutions with a strong emphasis on craft and user engagement.

   Explore Instrument profile or visit the Instrument creative agency website.

7. 7. Collins — Brand and experience design agency

   Collins is an independent strategy and experience design agency that specializes in brand identity and digital product applications. Founded in 2008, Collins focuses on creating distinctive brands and designing experiences that articulate those brands across various touchpoints. While known for its brand strategy and visual identity work, Collins also applies its design expertise to digital products and platforms, ensuring brand consistency and a compelling user experience. Their process involves deep strategic thinking combined with creative execution to solve complex business challenges. Collins works with a diverse range of clients, from cultural institutions to technology companies, delivering bespoke design solutions. For organizations prioritizing a strong brand narrative that extends seamlessly into their digital products, Collins offers an alternative that blends strategic insight with exceptional design craft. Their projects often involve reimagining existing brands or launching new ones with a comprehensive approach to visual and interactive design, ensuring that the digital presence is an authentic extension of the brand's core values.

   Best for: Transformative brand strategy, distinctive visual identity design, experience design that integrates brand narrative, and digital product applications with a strong brand focus.

   Explore Collins profile or visit the Collins brand and experience design site.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Selecting the right agency for digital product development and experience design involves assessing several factors beyond just an agency's portfolio. Start by clearly defining your project's primary objectives. Are you looking for a partner to build a new digital product from the ground up, redesign an existing platform, or integrate a new service into a broader ecosystem? If your primary need is large-scale digital product execution with a strong focus on user experience, Work & Co may be a strong candidate. However, if your project requires a broader strategic consulting overlay, particularly in areas like organizational change or comprehensive business model transformation, a firm like Fjord (Accenture Song) might be more appropriate due to its integration with a larger consulting entity. This distinction is crucial: pure design agencies excel at execution, while consultancies offer strategic guidance alongside design.

Consider the desired level of integration and the scope of services required. If your project involves not only digital product design but also extensive digital marketing, brand strategy, and technology implementation, a full-service agency like Huge or R/GA could offer a more consolidated approach. These agencies are equipped to manage projects that span multiple domains, providing a cohesive strategy across brand touchpoints. In contrast, if your organization prioritizes a distinctive brand identity that seamlessly extends into digital products, an agency like Pentagram or Collins, known for their branding and visual communication expertise, might be a better fit. Their strength lies in translating brand essence into compelling digital forms, ensuring consistency and strong aesthetic appeal. For innovative mobile-first solutions or ventures, ustwo's product studio and venture model could be advantageous, offering a partner with a track record in novel digital creations.

Evaluate the agency's methodology and cultural fit. Some agencies emphasize iterative design and agile development, working in close collaboration with client teams, while others might follow a more structured, phased approach. Understanding how an agency operates, its communication style, and its post-launch support capabilities is critical for a successful partnership. For example, if your internal teams are accustomed to agile sprints and continuous feedback, an agency with a similar operational model, such as ustwo or Instrument, could integrate more smoothly. Finally, assess the agency's industry experience. While many agencies boast diverse portfolios, some might have deeper, specialized expertise in specific sectors like healthcare, finance, or retail. Although not always a strict requirement, an agency with prior experience in your industry can often bring valuable insights, accelerate understanding, and anticipate unique challenges, leading to more targeted and effective solutions. Always request case studies and client references that align with your project's scale and complexity to validate their claims and ensure a good match for your specific needs.