Product design is a complex mix of creativity, strategy, and technical prowess. And if we’re being completely honest, the traditional project-based model in product design can feel a bit like trying to build a puzzle with missing pieces. You’ll probably end up with a decent picture, but it’s not quite the well-rounded image you had in mind.
That’s where the retainer model steps in, offering a refreshing alternative that’s all about collaboration, flexibility, and a shared commitment to creating something truly valuable. It’s like having a dedicated design team in your corner, ready to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and help your product shine.
In this post, we’ll break down the reasons why a retainer model is the foundation for building a successful product—both from a business and production side—drawing from our recent experience with two transformative brands: Kinetik, a health-tech innovator, and Studicata, a legal education pioneer.
#1 It’s Good for the Business
At its core, a retainer model is a flexible, collaborative approach to project management that offers a range of tangible business benefits in streamlining a product development process. We can break them down into four key areas.
Predictable budgeting
Unlike the fluctuating costs and unexpected expenses often associated with project-based work, a retainer model provides a predictable monthly fee. This allows for more effective budgeting, knowing exactly what the investment will be each month.
Strong project visibility
A transparent project management environment can be set up by leveraging different tools (like Teamwork, in our case), providing clients with real-time insights into project progress, upcoming tasks, and overall timelines.
Service flexibility
A retainer model gives clients access to diverse agency experts. Throughout our collaboration, clients can easily tap into our wide talent pool, whether they need an animator, UX researcher, or developer. This eliminates the need to manage multiple vendors, ensuring access to the right skills at the right time.
Scope adjustments
Retainers offer a flexible pool of hours, allowing for unlimited iterations, scope adjustments, and spontaneous brainstorming sessions. This agile approach ensures responsiveness to evolving project needs, with the ability to reallocate or pre-use hours as required.
