Top 12 Companies Design Trends to Watch in 2025
The world of companies design is transforming rapidly, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for business success in 2025.
Design now drives branding, digital experiences, and growth like never before. This article unveils the top 12 companies leading the way, highlighting their innovations and the trends that are shaping the future.
Explore how these trailblazers set industry benchmarks, their standout features, pricing, and unique benefits. Ready to discover the design partners and trends that could redefine your business in the coming year?
The Evolving Role of Design in Business Success
Design has rapidly moved to the forefront of business strategy. In today's landscape, companies design their success stories around creative innovation, not just aesthetics. This shift is transforming how brands connect with their customers and stay competitive in a digital-first world.
Design as a Core Business Driver
In the past, design was often seen as an add-on. Now, companies design their growth strategies with creativity at the core. Leading businesses understand that design is not just about visuals, but about shaping perceptions and delivering value.
From the earliest stages of product development, design influences how offerings are built, marketed, and experienced. This approach ensures that every touchpoint strengthens the brand and enhances user engagement.
Integration Across Functions
Companies design integrated workflows that bring together product, marketing, and customer experience teams. Design thinking is embedded across departments, fostering innovation and problem-solving at every level.
This cross-functional approach enables businesses to create cohesive brand identities and memorable digital experiences. It also bridges the gap between what customers expect and what brands deliver, ensuring consistency and clarity.
Data-Driven Impact and Notable Examples
A focus on design delivers measurable results. According to McKinsey, 73% of companies investing in design outperform their competitors in revenue growth. Design-driven companies outperform S&P 500 by building strong customer loyalty and market presence.
Iconic brands like Airbnb and Apple are proof of how strategic design partnerships can transform business trajectories. Their commitment to design has set industry benchmarks and inspired countless others.
Collaboration and Global Teams
Remote collaboration is now standard in the design world. Companies design project workflows that connect talent across continents, making use of digital tools and cloud platforms.
This global approach means diverse perspectives and skill sets come together seamlessly. Cross-disciplinary teams—combining UI/UX, branding, motion, and AI expertise—drive innovation and adapt quickly to changing market needs.
The Future: AI, Personalisation, Automation
Looking ahead, companies design their processes to leverage AI, automation, and personalisation. These technologies streamline creative workflows, making it easier to deliver tailored solutions at scale.
Automation accelerates repetitive tasks, freeing designers to focus on strategy and innovation. Personalisation ensures that every brand interaction feels unique and relevant, driving higher engagement and loyalty. The companies design of tomorrow will be defined by their agility and ability to harness these emerging trends.
How We Selected the Top 12 Companies
Selecting the top 12 companies design for 2025 required a meticulous and balanced approach. The design landscape is rapidly evolving, and it is essential to highlight firms that not only shape trends but also deliver measurable value for clients. Our process aimed to spotlight those setting new benchmarks for creativity, technology, and business impact.
We began by mapping out clear criteria for evaluating companies design. Innovation stood at the forefront, as leading agencies must demonstrate a forward-thinking mindset and adaptability to emerging technologies. Portfolio strength, demonstrated through diverse and high-impact projects, was equally critical. We looked for companies design with a proven record of successful collaborations and transformative outcomes.
| Selection Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Innovation | Adoption of AI, automation, new design trends |
| Portfolio Strength | Range and calibre of past work |
| Client Impact | Measurable outcomes, testimonials, long-term value |
| Industry Recognition | Awards, media coverage, sector leadership |
| Tech Adoption | Use of digital tools, platforms, and new media |
Inclusion in our list required strong client impact. We prioritised companies design whose work resulted in tangible growth, improved brand perception, or enhanced digital experiences for their clients. Industry recognition played a significant role as well. We referenced respected design awards such as the Webby, Awwwards, Clutch, and D&AD, which serve as credible external benchmarks.
Diversity was also key. Our selection covers companies design of varying sizes, specialisations, and global footprints. This ensures a balanced view that appeals to businesses seeking anything from boutique creativity to large-scale, cross-border solutions.
Transparency in pricing and accessibility was another important factor. While many leading agencies offer custom quotes, we included companies design with flexible packages and clear pricing models, ensuring options for startups, SMEs, and enterprises alike.
Data confirms the strategic importance of external expertise: over 60% of Fortune 500 brands now work with external design agencies. For additional insight, the Design statistics for business value page provides comprehensive data on the impact of design partnerships on branding and business outcomes.
We also considered a mix of established leaders and disruptive newcomers. This approach ensures that our list reflects both enduring excellence and fresh, boundary-pushing talent within companies design.
Finally, to maintain objectivity, the order of companies design in our list was intentionally shuffled. This allows each firm to be evaluated on its merits, rather than perceived hierarchy, giving you a truly unbiased overview of the design leaders to watch in 2025.
Top 12 Companies Design Trends to Watch in 2025
Staying ahead in the world of companies design means understanding which agencies and studios are truly setting the pace for 2025. The following list showcases the most influential players, summarising their unique offerings, pricing models, and the ways they shape industry trends. Whether you are a startup or a global enterprise, knowing who leads in companies design can guide your decision-making and fuel your creative ambitions.
Harley Oliver
Harley Oliver stands at the forefront of companies design, offering a blend of brand strategy, web and e-commerce solutions, AI integration, and growth marketing. Their pricing is tailored to each project, with quotes available online, making them accessible for businesses serious about innovation.
The agency’s end-to-end digital expertise and award-winning portfolio make them a go-to for startups and established brands seeking digital transformation. With veteran experience, a holistic approach, and a drive for innovation, Harley Oliver excels in companies design that delivers proven results.
Pros include multi-award recognition and future-ready AI solutions. The main drawback is the absence of fixed pricing, which may not suit ultra-small budgets. If you are planning a complete brand overhaul, e-commerce expansion, or want to integrate AI, Harley Oliver is a prime choice in companies design.
Pentagram
Pentagram is synonymous with excellence in companies design, particularly for mid-to-large enterprises seeking iconic brand identity and digital experiences. Their project-based pricing varies, reflecting the high calibre of their multidisciplinary teams and legendary partners.
Known for global influence and creative leadership, Pentagram’s core features include brand identity, digital design, environmental graphics, and editorial projects. Their client roster is filled with high-profile brands and cultural institutions.
While premium pricing can be a barrier for smaller firms, the unparalleled creative output justifies the investment. Companies design projects such as major rebrands and global campaigns are where Pentagram’s expertise shines most, setting benchmarks for the industry.
Landor
For enterprises looking for comprehensive companies design solutions, Landor offers custom pricing and a suite of services ranging from brand strategy and innovation to analytics and packaging. Their global reach and data-driven approach ensure impactful results across sectors like FMCG and technology.
Landor’s strength lies in delivering complex brand transformations and international rollouts. Their analytics-driven methodology provides deep sector insights, a hallmark of leading companies design agencies.
The main disadvantages are high cost and a process-heavy model, which may be less agile for smaller brands. For mergers, global launches, or intricate brand architectures, Landor remains a leader in companies design.
Superside
Superside disrupts the companies design market with its subscription-based, scalable packages for businesses of all sizes. Their core features include on-demand design, AI-enhanced creative, and services spanning motion, branding, web, and print.
Superside’s appeal lies in fast turnarounds and a global talent pool, making companies design more accessible and cost-effective. Marketing teams, scale-ups, and enterprises benefit most from their transparent pricing and ability to scale creative output rapidly.
While less suited for ultra-niche or highly conceptual projects, Superside excels in ongoing campaigns and rapid asset production, embodying the future of companies design.
Wolff Olins
Wolff Olins is renowned for transformative companies design, focusing on bold, disruptive brand change. Their pricing is custom and typically reserved for large-scale projects, reflecting their commitment to innovation and impactful design.
Expertise spans brand strategy, digital transformation, and experience design. Their work with Olympic-level projects and tech innovators highlights their pioneering approach to companies design.
High entry costs and limited small business focus are notable drawbacks. However, enterprises seeking global repositioning or large-scale rebrands find Wolff Olins an invaluable partner in companies design.
Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv
As creators of some of the world’s most recognisable logos, Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv are legends in companies design. Their premium, project-based pricing reflects their specialisation in logo design, visual identity, and brand marks.
Timeless design and a legacy of excellence define their approach. Their services are best suited for established brands and institutions seeking identity overhauls or legacy brand updates.
While their focus is less on digital product design, their expertise in companies design for visual identity remains unmatched, making them a top choice for logo refreshes and brand mark projects.
MetaDesign
MetaDesign is a global force in companies design, known for brand activation, experience design, and digital strategy. With custom pricing for mid-to-enterprise clients, they excel in sectors like tech, automotive, and luxury.
Their cross-industry experience and global perspective make them ideal for multinationals seeking digital transformation or product launches. Companies design projects benefit from MetaDesign’s ability to blend strategy with creativity.
While less suited for startups or small businesses, their expertise in multinational branding and digital-first experiences sets them apart in the companies design landscape.
Pearlfisher
Pearlfisher stands out in companies design for its award-winning packaging and future-focused innovation. Their project-based pricing varies by scope, catering to FMCG, food and beverage, beauty, and lifestyle brands.
With a visionary approach and a strong emphasis on sustainability, Pearlfisher leads in companies design for packaging innovation and eco-friendly solutions. Their niche focus allows them to deliver creative and effective results.
For product launches and sustainable brand projects, Pearlfisher is a trusted partner in companies design, although their services are less suited for sectors outside lifestyle and consumer goods.
Happy Cog
Happy Cog brings award-winning expertise to companies design, especially in web design, development, digital marketing, and UX. Their custom, flexible pricing supports a range of web projects for media, entertainment, e-commerce, and education sectors.
User-focused design and strong content strategy are central to their offerings. Companies design clients benefit from Happy Cog’s ability to deliver proven web experiences and digital product launches.
Their focus is more on digital than traditional branding, but for website redesigns and UX overhauls, Happy Cog is a top contender in companies design.
The Chase
The Chase is a leader in UK companies design, offering competitive, project-based pricing for corporate branding, print, exhibition, and advertising. With over 350 awards, they have a versatile portfolio and a reputation for innovative print and environmental design.
Their target audience includes corporates, museums, events, and the public sector. Companies design projects benefit from The Chase’s creative consultancy and UK market expertise.
Their UK-centric focus and less digital-first approach are limitations, but for corporate branding and event campaigns, The Chase delivers outstanding companies design solutions.
Mucho
Mucho is celebrated for its narrative-driven approach to companies design, offering custom, mid-range pricing for branding projects. Their international team excels in brand strategy, storytelling, and visual identity.
Global brands, cultural organisations, and tech startups find value in Mucho’s culturally aware and creative solutions. Companies design projects are enhanced by their strong emphasis on brand storytelling and international launches.
Their boutique scale limits capacity for large-scale production, but for cultural branding and narrative-rich projects, Mucho is a standout in companies design.
Charlie Smith Design
Charlie Smith Design delivers bespoke companies design services, with custom pricing accessible to SMEs and arts organisations. Specialising in packaging, digital, print, and moving image, they focus on detail-oriented and award-winning solutions.
Their small team offers personalised service, making them ideal for boutique branding, packaging, and book design. Companies design clients benefit from their creative packaging and hands-on approach.
While less suited for high-volume projects, Charlie Smith Design is perfect for arts, luxury, and non-profits seeking tailored companies design expertise.
Comparison Table: Top 12 Companies Design at a Glance
| Company | Core Focus | Pricing Model | Ideal For | Unique Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harley Oliver | Digital, AI, Branding | Custom Quote | Startups, Brands, Orgs | Future-ready, AI Integration |
| Pentagram | Brand Identity, Digital | Project-Based | Large Enterprises, Institutions | Legendary Partners |
| Landor | Strategy, Analytics | Custom, Enterprise | Global Brands, FMCG | Data-Driven, Global Reach |
| Superside | On-Demand, AI Creative | Subscription | Marketing, Scale-ups, Enterprises | Speed, Scalability |
| Wolff Olins | Transformative Branding | Custom, Large Scale | Enterprises, Innovators | Bold, Disruptive Work |
| Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv | Logos, Visual Identity | Premium Project | Established Brands, Institutions | Iconic, Timeless Logos |
| MetaDesign | Experience, Activation | Custom, Enterprise | Tech, Automotive, Luxury | Cross-Industry Expertise |
| Pearlfisher | Packaging, Innovation | Project-Based | FMCG, Lifestyle Brands | Sustainable Packaging |
| Happy Cog | Web, UX, Digital | Custom, Flexible | Media, E-commerce, Education | User-Focused, Web Experts |
| The Chase | Corporate, Print, Events | Project-Based | Corporates, Museums, Events | Award-Winning Print |
| Mucho | Narrative, Branding | Custom, Mid-Range | Global Brands, Startups | Storytelling, Cultural Focus |
| Charlie Smith Design | Packaging, Arts, Print | Custom, Accessible | SMEs, Arts, Non-Profits | Bespoke, Detail-Oriented |
For a deeper dive into how top companies design their strategies for success, explore this detailed Design strategy guide for 2025.
These leading agencies demonstrate the diversity and innovation at the heart of companies design in 2025. By understanding their strengths and areas of expertise, you can better align your business with the right design partner for future growth.
Emerging Design Trends Shaping 2025
The world of companies design is transforming rapidly as we approach 2025. Staying ahead means understanding the trends shaping branding, digital experiences, and consumer expectations. Let us explore how leading companies design new approaches that are set to define the next era.
Rise of AI-Driven Design Solutions
AI-driven innovation is now central to companies design, leading to faster, more personalised, and efficient creative processes. Many teams use AI for automating routine tasks, generating content, and delivering tailored experiences at scale.
For instance, Superside’s AI-enhanced creative services enable rapid asset production, helping brands stay agile. Recent data shows 45 percent of design teams now rely on AI tools for everything from ideation to implementation.
AI also supports data-driven decision-making, unlocking new possibilities for companies design. For more on how digital approaches are evolving, see Digital branding solutions for businesses.
Sustainability and Ethical Design
Consumers increasingly demand that companies design with the planet in mind. Brands are adopting eco-friendly materials, sustainable packaging, and transparent supply chains to align with these values.
Pearlfisher’s work in sustainable packaging is a prime example, championing both innovation and ethical responsibility. According to recent studies, 62 percent of consumers now prefer brands with visible sustainable practices.
This shift is not just a trend, but a necessity for companies design aiming to build lasting trust and relevance.
Hyper-Personalisation and Data-Driven Experiences
Personalisation is no longer optional for companies design. By leveraging analytics and behavioural data, brands can offer experiences uniquely tailored to each customer.
Landor’s data-driven strategies enable brands to adjust content and messaging in real time, increasing engagement and conversion rates. With companies design focused on dynamic, relevant experiences, businesses can foster loyalty and stand out in crowded markets.
The integration of personalisation into digital branding is crucial for modern companies design.
Immersive and Interactive Design
Immersive experiences are redefining how companies design customer journeys. The adoption of AR, VR, and interactive web elements is on the rise, particularly in retail, events, and education.
Pentagram’s experiential installations showcase how companies design can captivate audiences, driving deeper engagement. Demand for immersive design has surged by 30 percent since 2023, reflecting a clear shift in how brands connect with users.
Interactive elements are now a key differentiator for companies design.
Minimalism Meets Maximalism
In 2025, companies design is embracing both ends of the visual spectrum. Minimalism, with its clean lines and focus, contrasts with maximalism’s bold colours and expressive narratives.
Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv exemplify minimalist identity work, while Mucho leans into rich, story-driven visuals. Many brands now blend these approaches, using minimalism to clarify their message and maximalism to create memorable moments.
This hybrid style helps companies design identities that are both distinct and adaptable.
Inclusive and Accessible Design
Accessibility is now an essential aspect of companies design. Brands are prioritising WCAG compliance, diverse representation, and global usability to reach all audiences.
MetaDesign’s collaboration with international brands highlights the importance of inclusive design. With one in five users having accessibility needs, companies design risk losing up to 15 percent of the market by neglecting this area.
Ensuring inclusivity is not just ethical, but also a strategic advantage for companies design.
Brand Storytelling and Authenticity
Genuine narratives are at the heart of companies design in 2025. Brands are sharing founder stories, community initiatives, and real customer experiences to build trust.
Harley Oliver demonstrates how storytelling and performance can enhance brand resonance. In increasingly competitive markets, authenticity is what sets companies design apart.
Storytelling is vital for emotional engagement and long-term loyalty.
| Trend | Key Example | Data Point | Impact for Companies Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI-driven Design | Superside | 45% teams use AI | Faster, scalable creative |
| Sustainability | Pearlfisher | 62% prefer sustainable brands | Trust, ethical leadership |
| Personalisation | Landor | Higher engagement rates | Deeper user connections |
| Immersive Design | Pentagram | 30% increase in demand | Enhanced engagement |
| Minimalism/Maximalism | Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, Mucho | Hybrid approaches adopted | Distinctive identities |
| Inclusive Design | MetaDesign | 1 in 5 users needs accessibility | Wider audience reach |
| Storytelling | Harley Oliver | Authenticity drives loyalty | Emotional brand resonance |
Understanding these trends is essential for companies design teams seeking to remain competitive, innovative, and relevant in 2025.
How to Choose the Right Design Partner for 2025
Selecting the right companies design partner is a strategic decision that can shape your brand’s trajectory in 2025. With design now a core business driver, the right partnership can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and ensure your brand remains competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
To start, clarify your business objectives. Are you seeking a complete rebrand, a fresh digital presence, or innovative packaging? Identifying your priorities will help filter companies design options that truly fit your needs. Explore portfolios to ensure sector experience and creative alignment. Look for evidence of successful brand identity work, such as those outlined in Brand identity design services, which demonstrate the depth and versatility of top agencies.
Next, understand the range of pricing models available. Some companies design on a subscription basis, while others offer project-based or retainer arrangements. Transparency is crucial, so be sure to request detailed quotes and clarify deliverables upfront. Assess the agency’s communication style, collaboration approach, and cultural fit—these factors influence how smoothly your project will progress.
Innovation is another key criterion. Prioritise companies design partners that embrace AI, sustainability, and inclusivity, as these trends will continue to define success in 2025. Review third-party awards and client testimonials to gauge reliability and industry recognition.
Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your choice:
| Business Type | Recommended Approach | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | Boutique agency | Flexible, affordable, creative fit |
| SME | Mid-size studio | Sector experience, scalability |
| Enterprise | Global agency | Full-service, innovation, cross-border expertise |
Remember, over 60% of Fortune 500 brands work with external companies design specialists. Their success is a testament to the business value of strategic partnerships. For further insights on how design impacts growth, see the Impact of design on business success.
By following these steps, you’ll be well positioned to choose a partner that aligns with your vision, goals, and budget, ensuring your brand stands out in a crowded market.
