Lessons From 90 Days as the Only UI/UX Designer at a FinTech Startup
Explore key lessons and comparisons from 90 days as the only UI/UX designer at a FinTech startup versus enterprise life. Learn how to adapt, grow, and thrive in fast-paced design roles.
Do you constantly crave switching things up at work, or do you thrive in a consistent routine?
If you are new to design, you may not have had the luxury of working in various industries or companies of different sizes. So, what the hell is the difference between working at a large company and a startup, anyway?
In a small startup, you have a voice, see your designs first-hand as they go live, and always work on something new. In contrast, in an enterprise position, you may have multiple teams to rely on for support, systems, and processes in place, and designs take more time from ideation until release.
Working as a UI/UX designer for a startup can be rewarding, but depending on the designer and the company, it can also be a murky pool of stress and anxiety. After I transitioned from my contract at a large SaaS company into my new role at a startup SaaS company, I noticed some changes that were like night and day.
Let’s dig into the differences and see if I’m cut out for this startup life. More importantly, I want you to decide if your strengths as a designer are suited more for a startup or a more established enterprise-level company.
Lessons Learned as a UI/UX Designer in an Enterprise Setting
Shifting from the structured comfort of enterprise design to the unpredictable chaos of a startup felt like stepping onto a treadmill at full speed—steady one moment, flat on my face the next.
At an enterprise company, processes are streamlined, teams are defined, and you often have other designers to lean on. The pace is manageable, even relaxed. Leaving that behind was a shock, but it helped me see the unique perks of working in a large organization, which stand out in three areas:
Focused Responsibilities: In enterprise design, you’re part of a larger team with clearly defined roles. Tasks are tied to specific goals, and you have the space to dive deep into one area. For instance, at MasterControl, I worked on just one product, completing targeted tasks each quarter.
Collaborative Ecosystems: Big companies have the luxury of specialized roles—researchers, copywriters, developers—all working together. This leads to deeper, data-driven design decisions. I learned a lot from researchers who guided user interviews and helped shape smarter solutions.
Predictability: Enterprise environments thrive on structure. You know what’s coming and when it’s due. While startups can shift priorities weekly, predictability at a large company lets you refine designs without constantly pivoting.
Looking back, my time in enterprise design gave me invaluable lessons in collaboration, structure, and mentorship—opportunities that aren’t as common in the wear-many-hats world of startups. If you’ve worked in enterprise design, what did you take away? And if not, is it something you’d like to try?
Leading UI/UX Design as a Solo Designer in a Startup
With great power comes great responsibility.” That’s what it feels like stepping into a young startup as the sole designer. Imagine a treadmill set to a brisk walk—then tilting it uphill. You’re not sprinting, but you’ll break a sweat soon enough, baby.
Life as a Startup Designer
Constant Change: Startups thrive on chaos, so you have to embrace it. Today’s top priority might be scrapped tomorrow, and being adaptable isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Wearing All the Hats: You’re not just designing interfaces. One moment you’re creating marketing assets for a pitch deck. The next, you’re conducting scrappy research or troubleshooting bugs with developers. Communication and flexibility are your lifelines here because perfection doesn’t exist at this stage.
Full Autonomy: There’s no hand-holding. You’re in the spotlight, expected to assess a situation, choose a direction, and make it happen. With limited funds and KPIs driving every decision, everyone needs to contribute and own their role.
Working in a startup isn’t for everyone, but there’s nothing inherently wrong with it. It’s all about knowing yourself—your strengths, preferences, and how you thrive as a designer. If you crave structure, it might not be your jam. But if you love variety and autonomy, it could be the perfect fit.
Top Qualities Needed for a UI/UX Designer at a Startup
Thriving as a UI/UX designer in a startup is a whole different ball game compared to working at a larger company. Startups demand a unique blend of skills to navigate their fast-paced, ever-changing environments. So, what qualities should you sharpen to crush your startup role?
Key Startup UI/UX Skills
Communication: You’ll work closely with everyone, so being open to feedback and comfortable with constant conversations is non-negotiable. Good communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about listening, defending your ideas, and building trust with the team.
Adaptable and Efficiency: Startups move fast. Priorities shift, timelines shrink, and resources are limited. You need to juggle tasks, switch gears on the fly, and know when to push forward or pull back. Being able to prioritize efficiently is key to thriving in this chaos.
Confidence and Autonomy: You won’t always have the luxury of research or a detailed roadmap. At times, you’ll have to trust your instincts and confidently take the next step—startups value designers who can think independently and act decisively.
How to Build These Skills
If startups excite you, here’s how to sharpen these essential skills and step into your role like a pro:
Communication: Practice speaking up, defending your designs, and engaging with others. Conversation skills will set you apart. Whether chatting with strangers at a coffee shop, talking to old ladies at the grocery store, or explaining your design choices to stakeholders, every interaction builds confidence. Read about how I avoided conversations and ways to improve below.
Adaptability and Efficiency: Get comfortable with lightweight research and quick decision-making. Knowing the industry you’re designing for will give you a head start. Use tools like design libraries or templates to streamline your process and save time.
Confidence and Autonomy: Confidence grows with experience. Start small, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to fail. The more you practice taking the lead—whether in small projects or team discussions—the more natural it becomes to make decisions without waiting for a green light.
Working at a startup is like joining a tight-knit family: you’ll need to pull your weight, adapt quickly, and prove you belong. Nail these skills, and you’ll be set to thrive in the fast-paced world of startups.
Reflecting on My Design Journey in a Startup
I still remember what my boss said during one of my first interviews: “I just need someone that can come in here and run design.” The pressure was immediate, and imposter syndrome slowly crept into my head. I asked myself, “Can I do this?”
Looking back, I’ve come a long way. Early on, I was hesitant to make significant design changes, clinging to the old app’s structure. I spent too much time on personas and research, which was useful but not what we needed to tackle our main goal: reducing churn.
Now, I’ve learned to balance action with planning. I’ll sketch a quick flow to clarify a complex project, then dive into designing. With every project requiring desktop and mobile designs, I stay flexible, pivoting when discovery or business priorities shift.
If there’s one truth about startups, it’s this: things change constantly. Processes aren’t perfect, teams are scattered, and nothing stays still for long. But within that chaos is where the magic happens—if you’re willing to embrace it.
So, ask yourself: Is the startup life for you?
Wrapping Up on an Entrepreneurial Note
Working at a startup is an invaluable experience, especially if you have an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s like running a small ship in a vast ocean—challenging but rewarding. If your dream is to build a product, start a company, or sell your services, this is where you’ll toughen up and gain real-world grit.
In my time with this startup, I’ve added a whole new industry to my repertoire. I’m learning about investing, collaborating with clients who are startups themselves, and gaining insights from people with unique perspectives. It’s been a wake-up call to stop coasting and double down on being adaptable, efficient, confident, and autonomous.
If you’re a UI/UX designer looking to grow fast, startups are the perfect playground. They’re challenging, fun, and will teach you skills you simply won’t pick up in a large enterprise.
Now that you understand the differences between startups and enterprise companies, the next step is to start your career! Check out “UX/UI Design For Beginners” and learn how to begin your design journey.
