Designbyfail.com Review

Based on checking the website, Designbyfail.com presents itself as the professional portfolio of Sheikh, a User Experience UX & User Interface UI designer based in London.

While the site showcases a designer’s experience and projects, it lacks several critical elements typically found on legitimate, client-facing business websites.

This absence raises questions about its suitability for direct client engagement without further verification, especially for those seeking clear service offerings and business transparency.

Overall Review Summary:

• Website Type: Personal portfolio/CV site for a UX/UI designer.
• Purpose: To showcase past work, experience, and provide contact information for potential hiring.
• Transparency: Good personal transparency regarding the designer’s background and experience.
• Service Clarity: Poor. Does not clearly define services offered, pricing, or a formal client engagement process. It’s a personal resume, not a service-oriented business site.
• Trust Signals: Relies heavily on LinkedIn and past client names, but lacks formal testimonials or clear business registration details.
• Ethical Standing: No explicit ethical concerns raised by the content itself, as it focuses on professional design services. However, the lack of business formality could be a practical concern for clients.

The site is essentially an online resume, detailing Sheikh’s impressive 25 years of experience, a strong background in web and mobile application design, and proficiency in tools like Figma, HTML5, and CSS3. It highlights significant roles at companies like Lavanda, Exclaimer, Mimecast, and Hyperoptic, and mentions voluntary work for the Trussell Trust.

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The inclusion of links to past projects and social media profiles like LinkedIn and YouTube adds a layer of authenticity.

However, for a business, this structure is incomplete.

A client looking to hire a designer expects clear service packages, pricing models e.g., hourly rates, project-based fees, a portfolio clearly demonstrating problem-solving, client testimonials, and a formal process for project initiation.

The site’s “If you would like to hire me then please feel free to get in touch” is the extent of its call to action, which is informal for a professional service.

From an ethical standpoint, while the site doesn’t engage in anything explicitly impermissible in Islam, its lack of formal business structure and clear service definitions means potential clients must exercise due diligence as they would with any informal engagement.

It’s not a scam, but it’s also not a fully-fledged business platform ready for seamless client transactions.

Best Alternatives for Professional Design Services Ethical & Transparent:

• Upwork

  • Key Features: Global marketplace for freelancers, secure payment processing, project management tools, direct client-freelancer communication.
  • Average Price: Varies widely by freelancer experience and project scope e.g., $25-$150+/hour for UX/UI.
  • Pros: Large pool of talent, transparent profiles, milestone-based payments, dispute resolution.
  • Cons: Fees for both clients and freelancers, can be competitive for freelancers, requires careful vetting.

• Fiverr

  • Key Features: Service-based “gigs,” clear pricing tiers, quick turnaround for smaller tasks, seller ratings and reviews.
  • Average Price: Starts from $5 for basic gigs up to hundreds or thousands for complex projects.
  • Pros: Affordable for small tasks, easy to find specific services, clear pricing upfront, quick delivery.
  • Cons: Quality can vary significantly, less suited for large, complex projects, potential for miscommunication if requirements aren’t clear.

• Toptal

  • Key Features: Highly vetted network of top 3% freelance talent, rigorous screening process, dedicated account managers.
  • Average Price: Higher-end pricing, often starting from $60-$200+/hour for senior talent.
  • Pros: Exceptional quality designers, quick matching process, reliable for critical projects, professional support.
  • Cons: Premium pricing, less flexible for budget-constrained projects, not suitable for small tasks.

• DesignRush

  • Key Features: Directory of design agencies, filters by location, specialization, and budget, client reviews, portfolio showcase.
  • Average Price: Varies based on agency size and project scope, often project-based fees e.g., $5,000 – $50,000+.
  • Pros: Connects with established agencies, broader service offerings than individual freelancers, professional project management.
  • Cons: Higher costs compared to freelancers, longer engagement processes, requires formal RFP/briefing.

• Dribbble

  • Key Features: Leading platform for showcasing creative work, job board for direct hiring, inspiration gallery, community features.
  • Average Price: Varies significantly based on direct negotiation with designers.
  • Pros: Excellent for visual discovery of talent, high-quality portfolios, direct communication with designers.
  • Cons: Primarily a portfolio site, less focused on project management or payment processing, requires direct client-freelancer negotiation.

• Behance

  • Key Features: Adobe’s platform for showcasing creative work, vast collection of portfolios, community interaction, job listings.
  • Average Price: Negotiated directly with designers.
  • Pros: Wide variety of creative styles, good for finding visually strong portfolios, free to browse.
  • Cons: Similar to Dribbble, less emphasis on client-side project management, more a discovery platform than a hiring one.

• Muzli as a design inspiration and discovery tool, leading to hiring

  • Key Features: Browser extension that curates design inspiration, links to designer portfolios and articles, acts as a gateway to discovering talent.
  • Average Price: N/A it’s a tool, not a hiring platform.
  • Pros: Constant stream of high-quality design work, helps identify trends and potential designers, free to use.
  • Cons: Not a direct hiring platform, requires manual outreach to designers found through it, more for inspiration.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Designbyfail.com Review & First Look

When you first land on Designbyfail.com, it’s immediately apparent that you’re looking at a personal portfolio site, not a conventional business website offering design services with clear pricing and packages. The layout is clean, minimalist, and focuses entirely on the professional journey of Sheikh, a UX/UI designer based in London. It’s a digital resume, effectively.

The site opens with a brief self-introduction: “I’m Sheikh.

A User Experience UX & User Interface UI designer based in London.” This direct approach establishes the site’s purpose: to showcase the individual behind the work.

The text immediately dives into his extensive experience—over 25 years in designing web and mobile applications—and highlights his core skills: creating “eye-catching interfaces that provide a functional user experience.” He also mentions his design process, which includes user flows, wireframing, and prototyping, and his proficiency in tools like Figma, HTML5, and CSS3.

Key Observations on First Look: Airandenergy.biz Review

• Personal Branding: The site is heavily focused on individual branding rather than a company or agency. This is typical for freelancers or those seeking direct employment.
• Experience-Driven Content: The homepage is a narrative of Sheikh’s career, listing past roles and projects. This includes current and previous positions at companies like Lavanda, Exclaimer, Mimecast, and Hyperoptic, demonstrating a solid professional history.
• No Service List: Crucially, there is no explicit list of services offered e.g., “UX Audit,” “Wireframing,” “UI Kit Development” or any defined service packages. This is a significant deviation from what a typical design agency or freelance business website would present.
• No Pricing Information: Expectedly, given the lack of defined services, there is no pricing information whatsoever. Clients cannot gauge costs or project structures from the site.
• Informal Call to Action: The primary call to action is “If you would like to hire me then please feel free to get in touch…” This is an invitation for inquiry, not a formalized sales funnel.
• Portfolio Links: The site provides direct links to specific past projects e.g., Mimecast, Hyperoptic, aqKWa, SendPath, allowing visitors to delve into his work. This is a strong point for a portfolio.
• Contact Information: Contact methods include email, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and a direct CV download. The presence of LinkedIn is a strong professional signal.
• Update Transparency: The “Updated: 25th March 2025” at the bottom indicates recent maintenance, which is a good sign for site upkeep.

Overall, the first look suggests Designbyfail.com is designed for recruiters or direct employers interested in hiring an experienced UX/UI professional for a full-time role or perhaps very specific, negotiated freelance engagements, rather than for clients seeking readily available design services with transparent business terms.

Initial Impressions and User Experience

The website’s design itself is clean, intuitive, and loads quickly, which is a testament to Sheikh’s skills as a UX/UI designer.

The navigation is straightforward, with a clear “summary” link for those short on time and direct links to individual projects.

The overall impression is one of professionalism and experience, aligning with the designer’s stated expertise.

However, this ease of navigation pertains to exploring a resume, not navigating a service-oriented business. Onehourpestcontrol.nyc Review

The “Hand built, no templates” footer also adds a touch of personal craftsmanship, signaling attention to detail.

Target Audience and Purpose Clarity

Based on the content, the target audience for Designbyfail.com appears to be:

• Recruiters and Hiring Managers: Seeking experienced UX/UI professionals for full-time or contract positions.
• Potential Collaborators: Individuals or companies looking for a highly skilled designer for specific, potentially complex projects who are willing to initiate direct, informal contact.
• Industry Peers: Designers looking for inspiration or to learn about a peer’s career trajectory.

The site’s purpose is unequivocally to serve as an online CV and portfolio. It successfully communicates Sheikh’s capabilities and career highlights. However, for a user seeking a design service from a business, the purpose becomes less clear due to the lack of traditional business elements.

Designbyfail.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating Designbyfail.com, it’s important to separate its effectiveness as a personal portfolio from its suitability as a business platform. As a portfolio, it has significant strengths.

As a business site, it falls short of standard expectations. Remembear.uk Review

Pros: Showcasing Expertise and Experience

Strong Professional Background: The site clearly communicates Sheikh’s 25+ years of experience in UX/UI design. This extensive tenure is a significant selling point, demonstrating a deep understanding of the field and a history of adapting to industry changes. For example, mentioning his work on AI-focused projects shows current relevance.

• Detailed Career Narrative: The homepage reads like a compelling professional story, highlighting key roles at reputable companies such as:

  • Head of Product Design at Lavanda: Specializing in property management solutions.
  • Lead Product Designer at Exclaimer: Providing email signature management.
  • Senior UX Designer at Mimecast: A leading email security provider.
  • Lead UX Designer at Hyperoptic: An ISP known for full fiber connectivity.
  • Voluntary UX Consultant for Trussell Trust: A significant charitable contribution.

  This demonstrates not only commercial acumen but also a commitment to social responsibility.

• Concrete Project Examples: Direct links to specific projects and companies he’s worked with Mimecast, Hyperoptic, aqKWa, SendPath, Redux, Constructive, Mario’s Cafe provide verifiable proof of his skills. These aren’t just vague claims. they are tangible examples of his contributions. For instance, the mention of aqKWa, an environmentally-aware engagement platform, showcases a breadth of project involvement.

• Diverse Client List: The impressive list of past clients, including Arts Council England, Bank of America, Tesco Mobile, O2 Telefonica, BBC Radio 1, British Telecom, BMW Group, Corbis, Hyperdub, Warp, and Rephlex Records, signifies a broad range of experience across various industries and with high-profile entities. This speaks volumes about his adaptability and the caliber of his work. Thetacklewarehouse.fishing Review

• Clear Skillset: Sheikh explicitly states his proficiency in core design processes like user flows, wireframing, and prototyping, and tools such as Figma, HTML5, and CSS3. This gives potential employers or collaborators a clear understanding of his capabilities.

• Transparency and Contactability: The inclusion of direct contact methods—email, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and a downloadable CV—makes it easy for interested parties to reach out. The LinkedIn profile, in particular, offers an additional layer of professional verification.

• Up-to-date Information: The “Updated: 25th March 2025” timestamp at the bottom signals that the site is current and actively maintained, suggesting professionalism and attention to detail.

Cons: Missing Business Formalities

Despite its strengths as a portfolio, Designbyfail.com has several significant drawbacks when viewed as a business-oriented website, which can be problematic for clients seeking professional services.

• No Defined Service Offerings: This is the most glaring omission. The site does not list any specific design services e.g., UX research, UI design, usability testing, design system creation, product strategy. Clients cannot understand what specific services are available or how Sheikh typically structures his engagements. This makes it impossible for a potential client to determine if their needs align with what is offered without direct inquiry. Contentbird.io Review

• Absence of Pricing Information: There is zero transparency on pricing. No hourly rates, project fees, or package deals are mentioned. For a client, this means embarking on a potentially lengthy inquiry process without knowing if the designer’s rates are within their budget, leading to wasted time.

• Lack of Client Testimonials or Case Studies: While many reputable past clients are listed, the site does not feature any direct testimonials or detailed case studies. Testimonials provide social proof and build trust, showing that previous clients were satisfied with the outcomes. Case studies detail the problems solved and the impact of the design work, which is crucial for demonstrating value.

• No Formal Engagement Process: The call to action is simply “get in touch.” There is no outline of a formal process for engaging Sheikh’s services, such as:

  • Initial consultation steps.
  • Briefing process.
  • Contracting and payment terms.
  • Project timelines or methodologies.

  This lack of structure can deter businesses that require clear, predictable processes.

• No Terms of Service or Privacy Policy: Standard business websites, especially those collecting any form of data or engaging in commercial transactions, typically feature Terms of Service and a Privacy Policy. The absence of these legal documents suggests a lack of formal business operation, which can be a red flag for companies concerned with legal compliance and data protection. Marsleisure.com Review

• No Registered Business Information: There is no mention of a registered business name, company registration number, or official business address. This absence of corporate transparency is unusual for a professional service provider looking to engage with enterprise-level clients, raising questions about legal standing and accountability.

• Informal Tone for Business Engagement: While the tone is personable, the overall presentation is that of an individual seeking employment or highly personalized project work, rather than a structured business entity. This can be off-putting for organizations looking for a more formalized, agency-like interaction.

In summary, while Designbyfail.com excels at presenting Sheikh’s impressive professional background, it fails to function as a comprehensive business platform for clients seeking structured design services.

The strengths lie in its personal portfolio aspects, but its weaknesses are in the complete absence of business-critical information and formalities.

Designbyfail.com Alternatives

Given that Designbyfail.com primarily functions as a personal portfolio rather than a full-fledged service-oriented business website, the “alternatives” should focus on platforms or approaches that offer more structured, transparent, and service-oriented ways to find and engage with design talent. Resindrives-ors.com Review

This provides clarity, formal processes, and often, a built-in layer of trust and accountability that a personal CV site lacks.

Finding and Hiring Top-Tier UX/UI Talent

If you’re looking for UX/UI design services with clear processes, transparent pricing, and robust vetting, consider these alternatives:

1. Upwork:

   • Why it’s better: Upwork is a vast freelance marketplace where you can find UX/UI designers from all experience levels. Crucially, freelancers create profiles detailing their services, hourly rates or project fees, portfolios, and client reviews. You can post a job, receive proposals, interview candidates, and manage contracts and payments directly through the platform. This provides a structured hiring process, payment protection, and a clear record of engagement.
   • Key Features: Freelancer profiles, job posting, proposal management, secure payment system escrow for milestones, client reviews, dispute resolution.
   • Pros: Huge talent pool, flexibility in hiring hourly or fixed-price, robust project management tools.
   • Cons: Requires diligent vetting of freelancers, platform fees.

2. Fiverr:

   • Why it’s better: While sometimes perceived as more basic, Fiverr has evolved to include highly skilled UX/UI designers offering specific “gigs” service packages. These gigs come with clear descriptions of deliverables, pricing tiers, and often, revision policies. This is ideal for smaller, well-defined tasks where you want transparent, upfront costs.
   • Key Features: “Gig” based service packages, clear pricing, seller ratings and reviews, quick turnaround for many services.
   • Pros: Transparent upfront pricing, quick and easy to order specific services, good for smaller tasks.
   • Cons: Quality can vary, less suited for complex, long-term projects without careful planning.

3. Toptal: Place2book.com Review

   • Why it’s better: Toptal stands out for its rigorous vetting process, claiming to accept only the top 3% of freelance talent. If you need highly experienced, senior-level UX/UI designers for critical projects, Toptal offers pre-vetted professionals with proven track records. They also provide dedicated account managers to help match you with the right talent and manage the engagement.
   • Key Features: Elite, pre-vetted talent, dedicated matching service, focus on senior-level professionals.
   • Pros: Guaranteed high quality, fast matching process, ideal for complex or critical projects.
   • Cons: Significantly higher pricing, less suitable for smaller budgets or entry-level needs.

4. DesignRush:

   • Why it’s better: If you’re looking for an agency rather than an individual freelancer, DesignRush is a directory of design agencies worldwide. You can filter by specialization e.g., UX/UI, location, budget, and read client reviews. This allows you to find established design firms with full teams, formal processes, and comprehensive service offerings.
   • Key Features: Agency directory, client reviews, portfolio showcase, filtering options.
   • Pros: Connects with full-service agencies, structured processes, team-based approach, diverse portfolios.
   • Cons: Typically higher costs than individual freelancers, longer engagement processes.

5. Dribbble / Behance:

   • Why they’re better: While primarily portfolio platforms, both Dribbble and Behance have robust job boards and “hire me” features. You can browse thousands of designer portfolios, find styles that resonate with your vision, and then reach out directly. Many designers on these platforms explicitly state their availability for freelance work and outline their services. You’ll need to initiate direct communication, but you’re starting from a clear visual demonstration of their capabilities.
   • Key Features: Extensive portfolios, search and filtering by skill/style, job boards, direct messaging.
   • Pros: Excellent for visual discovery, direct access to designers, strong communities.
   • Cons: Less structured hiring process compared to marketplaces, requires more manual outreach and negotiation.

6. Traditional Design Agencies Local & Reputable:

   • Why they’re better: For larger projects, long-term partnerships, or when you need a full suite of services e.g., branding, marketing, development alongside UX/UI, local design agencies offer structured contracts, dedicated project managers, and comprehensive teams. They often have established reputations, case studies, and a physical presence.
   • Key Features: Full-service offerings, dedicated project management, formal contracts, established client relationships.
   • Pros: Comprehensive solutions, higher level of accountability, local presence for in-person meetings.
   • Cons: Highest cost, less flexibility than freelancers, longer sales cycles.

7. Professional Networking LinkedIn:

   • Why it’s better: Leveraging LinkedIn directly, as Sheikh himself does with his profile link, is a powerful tool for finding highly experienced professionals. You can search for UX/UI designers, filter by experience, location, and endorsements. Many designers on LinkedIn explicitly state their freelance availability, service offerings, and even rates in their summaries or service sections.
   • Key Features: Professional profiles, recommendations, skill endorsements, direct messaging, job postings.
   • Pros: Access to a vast network of professionals, ability to verify experience and connections, direct professional outreach.
   • Cons: Requires proactive searching and outreach, no built-in payment or project management features.

Each of these alternatives offers a more structured and transparent approach to finding and engaging design talent compared to a standalone personal portfolio site like Designbyfail.com. Balinea.com Review

They provide clearer service definitions, pricing indications, and formal engagement processes, which are essential for professional client-vendor relationships.

How to Engage with Design Professionals Ethically

When engaging with design professionals, especially for business-critical projects, it’s paramount to ensure the process is ethical, transparent, and fair for all parties involved. This aligns with Islamic principles of mu’amalat dealings which emphasize justice, honesty, and clarity in transactions.

Ensuring Transparency in Contracts and Deliverables

A key ethical imperative is transparency.

This means both parties—the client and the designer—must have a clear understanding of the project’s scope, deliverables, timelines, and costs.

• Detailed Scope of Work SOW: Before any work begins, a comprehensive SOW should be mutually agreed upon. This document should precisely define: 1moretee.com Review

  • Project Objectives: What problem is the design solving? What are the key outcomes?
  • Deliverables: What specific items will the designer provide e.g., wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, design system components, user research reports? Be as granular as possible.
  • Milestones and Timelines: A clear schedule with specific dates for each phase of the project and corresponding deliverables.
  • Revisions: How many rounds of revisions are included at each stage? What constitutes an additional revision that incurs extra cost?
  • Tools and Technologies: Which software will be used for design and collaboration e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Jira?
  • Communication Protocol: How and when will communication occur e.g., weekly calls, daily stand-ups, specific communication channels?

• Clear Pricing Structure: The pricing model must be explicitly stated and understood.

  • Fixed Price: If a fixed price, what exactly is included? What triggers additional costs scope creep?
  • Hourly Rate: If hourly, how will hours be tracked and reported? What is the maximum budget limit?
  • Payment Schedule: When are payments due e.g., upfront deposit, milestone payments, final payment?
  • Invoicing: What format will invoices take, and what payment methods are accepted?

• Intellectual Property IP Ownership: The contract should clearly state who owns the intellectual property of the designs created upon full payment. Typically, upon completion and full payment, the IP transfers to the client.

By meticulously defining these elements, you avoid ambiguity and potential disputes, fostering a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

Fair Compensation and Timely Payments

Fairness in compensation and timely payments are fundamental ethical considerations.

Delaying payments or attempting to pay less than agreed upon is unjust. Canineclubacademy.com Review

• Mutually Agreed-Upon Rates: Rates should be established based on the designer’s experience, the complexity of the work, market rates, and the value they bring. Negotiations should be conducted respectfully, aiming for a fair agreement.
• Prompt Payments: Adhere strictly to the agreed-upon payment schedule. Delayed payments can significantly impact a freelancer’s livelihood and cause undue stress.
  • Automate Payments: Consider using platforms that automate milestone payments or set up recurring payments if it’s a long-term engagement.
  • Acknowledge Deliverables: Promptly review and approve deliverables to trigger payment according to the contract.
• Avoid Unpaid Work: Never request “speculative” or unpaid work for pitches unless it’s a standard, well-compensated competition. Designers invest time and skill, which should be compensated.
• No Hidden Fees or Deductions: Ensure that the final payment matches the agreed-upon amount, without unexpected deductions or hidden fees.

Data Privacy and Confidentiality

Design projects often involve access to sensitive business data, user information, or proprietary strategies.

Upholding confidentiality is a professional and ethical obligation.

• Non-Disclosure Agreements NDAs: A robust NDA should be signed before sharing any sensitive information. This protects both the client’s proprietary data and the designer’s work methodology.
• Secure Data Sharing: Use secure, encrypted methods for sharing files and information e.g., secure cloud storage, project management tools with access controls rather than insecure email attachments.
• Limited Access: Only provide designers with access to the data and systems absolutely necessary for their work, following the principle of least privilege.
• Data Retention Policies: Define how long the designer can retain project-related data after project completion and how it should be securely deleted or returned.
• Anonymization of User Data: If user research involves sensitive personal data, ensure it is anonymized or handled in compliance with privacy regulations e.g., GDPR, CCPA.

Feedback and Communication Best Practices

Constructive feedback and clear communication are vital for project success and maintaining an ethical relationship.

• Clear, Actionable Feedback: Provide feedback that is specific, objective, and actionable. Instead of “I don’t like it,” explain “This element needs to guide the user more clearly because…”
• Respectful Communication: Maintain professionalism and respect in all interactions, even when disagreements arise. Avoid accusatory language or personal attacks.
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular meetings or check-ins to discuss progress, address blockers, and ensure alignment. This prevents misinterpretations and allows for timely adjustments.
• Acknowledge and Appreciate: Recognize and appreciate the designer’s efforts and contributions. Positive reinforcement builds stronger working relationships.
• Address Concerns Promptly: If issues arise, address them directly and promptly. Delaying difficult conversations only exacerbates problems.

By adhering to these ethical guidelines, clients can foster productive, respectful, and legally sound relationships with design professionals, ensuring that projects are completed successfully and fairly.

This approach ultimately benefits all parties involved and contributes to a healthy professional ecosystem. Polskatelewizjausa.com Review

How to Verify a Freelance Designer’s Legitimacy

Engaging a freelance designer, especially one operating primarily through a personal portfolio like Designbyfail.com, requires a proactive approach to verification.

You want to ensure they are who they say they are, possess the claimed skills, and operate professionally.

Relying solely on a personal website, no matter how well-designed, isn’t enough for due diligence.

Cross-Referencing Professional Profiles

The first step is to corroborate the information provided on their personal site with other established professional platforms.

• LinkedIn Profile: This is your primary verification tool. Maineinnerbeauty.com Review

  • Match Details: Check if the name, company history, roles, and dates on their LinkedIn profile precisely match those on their personal site. Inconsistencies are a red flag.
  • Connections: Look at their network size and the quality of their connections. A robust network, especially with people in their stated industry or past companies, lends credibility.
  • Recommendations & Endorsements: Pay close attention to recommendations from former colleagues or clients. Are they genuine and specific? Do their skill endorsements align with what you need? For example, Sheikh’s LinkedIn profile linked on his site can be checked for consistency and detailed experience.
  • Activity: Active engagement on LinkedIn posts, comments, articles indicates a current and involved professional.

• Other Portfolio Platforms Dribbble, Behance, etc.: If they claim to be on other design platforms, check their profiles there.

  • Consistency of Work: Does the work displayed on these platforms align with the style and quality shown on their personal site?
  • Activity and Engagement: Are their profiles active? Do they have followers, likes, or comments on their work?

• Company Websites: If they list past employers, visit those companies’ websites. While you won’t find the freelancer’s specific profile, you can verify the existence and legitimacy of the companies. Sometimes, larger companies might have a “team” or “alumni” section, though this is rare for past employees.

Requesting a Formal Portfolio and Case Studies

While a personal site might show snippets, a formal portfolio and detailed case studies offer deeper insight.

• Curated Portfolio: Ask for a curated portfolio that specifically highlights projects relevant to your needs. This shows they understand your requirements and can present their best, most applicable work.
• Detailed Case Studies: This is crucial. A real case study should include:
  • Problem Statement: What challenge was the client facing?
  • Role and Responsibilities: What exactly did the designer do? e.g., “I conducted user research, created wireframes, and managed stakeholder feedback”.
  • Process: How did they approach the problem? What methodologies did they use e.g., user interviews, A/B testing, design sprints?
  • Solutions: What specific designs were implemented? Show before-and-after if applicable.
  • Outcomes/Impact: What was the measurable result of their work? e.g., “increased conversion by X%”, “reduced support tickets by Y%”, “improved user satisfaction scores”.
  • Client Testimonial: Ideally, a direct quote from the client of that project.

Conducting Interviews and Skill Assessments

Interviews are essential for gauging communication skills and cultural fit, while skill assessments can verify practical abilities.

• Video Interview: Conduct at least one video interview. This allows you to assess their communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their design process. Ask specific questions about their past projects and how they handled challenges.
• Behavioral Questions: Ask about how they handle feedback, manage deadlines, or deal with scope changes. This reveals their work ethic and problem-solving approach.
• Technical Questions: Depending on the role, ask technical questions related to their stated skills e.g., “Describe your process for building a design system in Figma,” or “How do you ensure accessibility in your UI designs?”.
• Small Paid Test Project: For significant engagements, consider a small, paid test project. This is the most effective way to assess their actual skills, adherence to deadlines, and ability to follow instructions. It’s crucial that this is a paid task, not unpaid speculative work.
• Reference Checks: Ask for professional references from past clients or supervisors. Contact these references directly and ask targeted questions about the designer’s performance, reliability, communication, and ability to meet deadlines.

Reviewing Business Formalities and Legal Documents

For any serious engagement, particularly if it’s a direct freelance contract, look for signs of business professionalism. Steppingsober.com Review

• Contract: A legitimate freelancer will have a professional contract template. Review it carefully for clauses on scope, deliverables, payment terms, intellectual property, confidentiality, and termination.
• Invoicing: They should have a clear, professional invoicing system.
• Business Registration Optional but Recommended: While not all freelancers operate as registered businesses, those who do often provide their business name and registration number. This can offer an extra layer of confidence, especially for larger projects, as it indicates a formal operating entity. For example, in the UK, you might look for a Companies House registration number.
• Professional Communication: Assess the professionalism of their email communication. Are responses timely, clear, and well-written?

By systematically applying these verification steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of engaging with an unsuited or unprofessional designer and build a more secure foundation for your project.

How to Cancel Designbyfail.com Subscription N/A

It’s important to clarify upfront: Designbyfail.com is a personal portfolio website and not a service that offers subscriptions or free trials. Therefore, there is no subscription to cancel for this particular website. Sheikh’s site is a showcase of his past work and an invitation to hire him directly, implying a one-on-one professional engagement, not a recurring service model.

The absence of any subscription model means there are no formal cancellation policies, billing cycles, or account management portals associated with Designbyfail.com itself. If you were to engage Sheikh for a design project, the terms of that engagement, including any “cancellation” or termination clauses, would be defined within the individual contract you sign with him. This is standard practice for freelance designers and independent contractors.

Understanding Freelance Contract Termination

For typical freelance design engagements the type Designbyfail.com implicitly offers for direct hiring, “cancellation” is handled through the project contract.

Here’s what you’d typically expect to see in such an agreement: Plantekno.com Review

• Termination Clause: A well-drafted freelance contract will always include a termination clause. This outlines the conditions under which either party client or freelancer can end the agreement.

  • Notice Period: Often, a specified notice period e.g., 7, 14, or 30 days is required before termination.
  • Payment for Work Completed: The contract should stipulate that the client is obligated to pay for all work completed up to the termination date, or for any agreed-upon milestones completed. This ensures fairness to the freelancer who has invested time and effort.
  • Kill Fee/Break Fee: Some contracts may include a “kill fee” or “break fee” if the project is terminated without cause by the client, especially if significant planning or resource allocation has already occurred. This compensates the freelancer for lost opportunity.
  • Intellectual Property Transfer: The clause should also clarify when intellectual property for completed work transfers to the client, usually upon full payment for that work.

• Scope Changes & Disputes: While not direct “cancellation,” significant scope changes can sometimes lead to termination if new terms cannot be agreed upon. A good contract will have provisions for managing scope creep and dispute resolution.

Steps to Take if You’ve Engaged a Freelancer Not Designbyfail.com

If you’ve hired a freelance designer through a platform like Upwork, Toptal, or directly via a contract and need to terminate the engagement, follow these general steps:

1. Review Your Contract: This is the most crucial first step. Understand the specific terms and conditions regarding termination, notice periods, and payment obligations.
2. Communicate Clearly and Professionally: Inform the designer in writing email is usually sufficient of your decision to terminate the project. State the effective date of termination. Maintain a professional and respectful tone.
3. Provide Reason Optional but Recommended: While not always legally required unless specified in the contract, providing a brief, constructive reason for termination can help maintain a good professional relationship and is generally more ethical.
4. Settle Outstanding Payments: Pay for all work completed up to the termination date as per your contract. Request a final invoice if necessary.
5. Secure Deliverables and IP: Ensure you receive all completed deliverables and that intellectual property rights transfer to you as agreed in the contract.
6. Offboard: If the designer had access to any of your systems or sensitive information, ensure their access is revoked immediately upon termination.

In conclusion, for Designbyfail.com, there’s nothing to “cancel” as it’s a personal portfolio.

For any direct engagements with the designer or other freelancers, the terms of disengagement are strictly governed by the specific contract signed between you and the service provider.

Always prioritize clear communication and adherence to contractual terms to ensure an ethical and smooth process.

Designbyfail.com Pricing N/A

As previously established, Designbyfail.com is Sheikh’s personal portfolio website, not a commercial platform or a service with pre-defined pricing. Therefore, there is no pricing information available on the website itself because it does not offer standardized packages or services for sale.

When a designer, like Sheikh, presents a portfolio in this manner, it signals that any engagement would be custom, project-based, and negotiated directly. This is a common practice for highly experienced freelancers, consultants, or independent contractors who tailor their services to the specific needs of each client.

How Freelance Designer Pricing Typically Works

For those looking to hire a UX/UI designer, understanding typical freelance pricing models is essential, as this is how an engagement with Sheikh or a similar high-caliber independent professional would likely be structured:

1. Hourly Rate:

   • Description: The designer charges a set rate per hour for the time spent on the project.
   • Cons: Can be difficult to budget for if hours aren’t accurately estimated. requires careful tracking.
   • Typical Range for Experienced UX/UI Designers: In the UK where Sheikh is based and US, highly experienced UX/UI designers can charge anywhere from £60-£150+ per hour approx. $75-$180+ USD equivalent, depending on their expertise, specialization e.g., AI, complex enterprise systems, and demand. For someone with 25+ years of experience, rates could easily be at the higher end of this spectrum or even exceed it.

2. Project-Based / Fixed Fee:

   • Description: A single, all-inclusive price is quoted for the entire project, based on a detailed scope of work.
   • Pros: Clear budget for the client, predictable cost.
   • Cons: Requires a very precise scope of work to avoid scope creep. changes often lead to renegotiation or change orders.
   • Typical Range for UX/UI Projects: This varies wildly by project complexity.
     • Small e.g., UI for a single feature, quick audit: £500 – £3,000 $600 – $3,700 USD
     • Medium e.g., UX/UI for a small website redesign, new mobile app MVP: £3,000 – £15,000 $3,700 – $18,500 USD
     • Large e.g., comprehensive enterprise application redesign, full design system: £15,000 – £50,000+ $18,500 – $62,000+ USD, potentially much higher for very large engagements.
     • An experienced designer like Sheikh would likely focus on the higher end of the medium to large project range, given his extensive background.

3. Retainer Model:

   • Description: The client pays a recurring fee e.g., monthly for a set number of hours or for ongoing access to the designer’s services.
   • Pros: Ensures consistent access to the designer, good for ongoing support or long-term strategic work.
   • Cons: Less flexible if needs fluctuate. requires consistent work to justify the retainer.
   • Typical Use: For ongoing UX consultancy, design system maintenance, or fractional Head of Product Design roles. Retainers could range from £2,000 – £10,000+ $2,500 – $12,000+ USD per month, depending on the agreed-upon commitment.

Factors Influencing Freelance Designer Rates

When negotiating with a designer like Sheikh, several factors will influence the final cost:

• Experience Level: With 25+ years, Sheikh’s rates would naturally be at the premium end.
• Specialization: His focus on AI projects, enterprise solutions, and complex systems adds significant value.
• Project Complexity: Highly intricate projects requiring deep research, custom solutions, or large teams will command higher fees.
• Deliverables: The number and type of deliverables e.g., detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, full design systems, user testing reports will impact the price.
• Timeline/Urgency: Expedited timelines might incur rush fees.
• Location: While operating remotely, designers often factor in their cost of living and local market rates. London where Sheikh is based has high living costs, which influences rates.
• Value Provided: A designer who can demonstrate a direct impact on business metrics e.g., increased conversions, reduced development costs, improved user retention can command higher fees.

To get pricing for a project with Sheikh, a potential client would need to contact him directly with a detailed project brief. He would then likely provide a custom quote based on the specific requirements, scope, and estimated effort. This personalized approach is typical for high-level, independent consultants.

Designbyfail.com vs. Competitors

Comparing Designbyfail.com directly with “competitors” is a bit like comparing a highly specialized individual resume to a full-service agency or a talent marketplace. Designbyfail.com, being a personal portfolio, doesn’t directly compete on services, pricing, or formal business structure with established design firms or platforms. Instead, it competes for the attention of potential employers or clients seeking an individual with specific expertise.

Let’s look at how Designbyfail.com as a personal portfolio measures up against various “competitor” types that offer UX/UI design services.

Vs. Freelance Marketplaces e.g., Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal

Designbyfail.com Personal Portfolio:

• Strengths: Highly personalized showcase of one individual’s extensive career, direct access to the designer if they respond, no platform fees for the client, strong personal branding.
• Weaknesses: No clear service offerings or pricing, no built-in project management, payment protection, or dispute resolution. Client vetting and contract negotiation are entirely manual. Trust relies solely on the portfolio’s claims and LinkedIn verification.
• Best for: Direct employment, highly specific consulting roles where the client has a clear understanding of their needs and prefers a direct, informal relationship.

Freelance Marketplaces e.g., Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal:

• Strengths: Large pool of diverse talent, transparent profiles with reviews and ratings, structured service offerings especially on Fiverr, built-in project management tools, secure payment systems, dispute resolution mechanisms. Toptal offers pre-vetted, high-quality talent.
• Weaknesses: Platform fees, can be overwhelming with too many choices, quality can vary significantly on open platforms less so on Toptal. Less personalized initial engagement.
• Best for: Clients seeking flexibility, clear pricing, structured hiring processes, and built-in project support. Good for both small and large projects depending on the platform.

Comparison Summary: Marketplaces offer a structured, safer, and more scalable way to find and engage design talent. Designbyfail.com relies on direct, informal outreach, which suits clients who prefer a more personal, less institutionalized approach, but at the cost of formal assurances.

Vs. Dedicated Design Agencies e.g., DesignRush listed agencies

• Strengths: Focus on a single individual’s deep expertise, potentially more cost-effective for direct engagement no agency overhead, direct communication with the designer.
• Weaknesses: Limited capacity one person, no team-based brainstorming or specialized skills, no dedicated project manager Sheikh is the designer and presumably manager, no formal agency infrastructure legal, HR, multiple client support. Less accountability than a registered agency.
• Best for: Clients looking for a singular vision and deep experience from one individual, willing to manage the project themselves.

Dedicated Design Agencies e.g., DesignRush listed firms:

• Strengths: Full team of specialists UX researchers, UI designers, strategists, project managers, developers, comprehensive service offerings, established processes, legal contracts, higher capacity for large-scale projects, multiple points of contact, often more rigorous quality assurance.
• Weaknesses: Higher cost due to overhead, potentially slower communication due to team structure, less direct access to the core designer.
• Best for: Large organizations, complex projects requiring diverse skill sets, clients who prefer a managed service and formal engagement.

Comparison Summary: Agencies offer scale, diverse expertise, and robust processes that a single freelancer cannot. Designbyfail.com offers the depth of one individual’s experience. The choice depends on project size, complexity, and desired level of hands-on management.

Vs. In-house Design Hires Full-time employees

• Strengths: Offers a pathway to hiring an experienced individual, potentially more flexible engagement terms than a full-time employee e.g., contract-to-hire, project-based, no long-term employment commitment.
• Weaknesses: No employee benefits overhead healthcare, retirement, etc., but also no direct managerial control, no direct contribution to company culture unless hired full-time. The site’s primary function is to secure a hire full-time or significant contract, thus directly competing for employee positions.
• Best for: Companies looking to fill a specific design role or bring in high-level expertise without immediate full-time commitment.

In-house Design Hires:

• Strengths: Full control over employee’s time and focus, direct contribution to company culture, long-term knowledge retention, team collaboration, direct management and mentorship.
• Weaknesses: High overhead salary, benefits, taxes, long hiring process, less flexibility to scale up/down quickly.
• Best for: Companies building a permanent design team, needing consistent, dedicated design resources, and internal knowledge building.

Comparison Summary: Designbyfail.com implicitly serves as a tool for Sheikh to be considered for in-house roles or significant long-term freelance contracts. The key difference lies in the employment model freelance/contract vs. salaried employee and the associated benefits, overheads, and levels of integration.

In essence, Designbyfail.com is highly effective at showcasing Sheikh’s individual capabilities and career, making it a compelling candidate for direct employment or specialized freelance roles.

However, it is not structured to compete with or replace the services offered by comprehensive design agencies or the structured, secure environments of modern freelance marketplaces.

For clients seeking clear service definitions, transparent pricing, and established business processes, looking to these more formalized “competitors” is advisable.

FAQ

What is Designbyfail.com?

Designbyfail.com is the personal portfolio website of Sheikh, a User Experience UX and User Interface UI designer based in London, showcasing his 25+ years of experience, past projects, and professional background.

Is Designbyfail.com a legitimate business?

Based on the website, Designbyfail.com functions as a legitimate personal portfolio and online resume for Sheikh, the designer.

However, it is not presented as a formally registered business entity with defined services, pricing, or typical business terms like a design agency would.

What services does Designbyfail.com offer?

Designbyfail.com does not explicitly list specific services with descriptions or packages.

It showcases Sheikh’s experience in UX/UI design, including user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and work on web and mobile applications, implying he offers these skills for hire.

Can I hire Sheikh from Designbyfail.com?

Yes, the website encourages direct contact for hiring inquiries, stating: “If you would like to hire me then please feel free to get in touch.” Any engagement would be custom-negotiated.

What is the pricing for Designbyfail.com’s services?

There is no pricing information available on Designbyfail.com.

As a personal portfolio, any engagement would be custom, project-based, or hourly, with rates negotiated directly with Sheikh based on the project scope and his experience.

Does Designbyfail.com have customer reviews or testimonials?

No, the website does not feature explicit customer reviews or testimonials from past clients.

While it lists many past companies Sheikh has worked with, it lacks direct client quotes or detailed case studies with outcomes.

How can I contact Sheikh from Designbyfail.com?

You can contact Sheikh via the email address provided on the website [email protected], or through his linked social media profiles such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. A direct link to his CV is also available.

Is Designbyfail.com a good place to find freelance designers?

Designbyfail.com is a good place to learn about Sheikh’s specific experience and consider him for direct hire.

However, it’s not a marketplace for finding a variety of freelance designers.

For that, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal are more suitable.

Does Designbyfail.com have a physical office?

The website states Sheikh is “based in London,” but it does not provide a physical office address.

It functions as an online portfolio for an individual freelancer or consultant.

How updated is the information on Designbyfail.com?

The website includes an “Updated: 25th March 2025” timestamp, indicating that the content has been recently reviewed and is current.

What is Sheikh’s experience in UX/UI design?

Sheikh states he has over 25 years of experience in designing web and mobile applications, highlighting his work with major companies and recent focus on A.I. projects.

Does Designbyfail.com offer a free trial?

No, Designbyfail.com does not offer any services that come with a free trial.

It is a portfolio site for a designer seeking direct engagement.

How do I cancel a Designbyfail.com subscription?

There is no subscription to cancel for Designbyfail.com, as it is a personal portfolio website and does not offer subscription-based services.

Any project engagement would be governed by a separate contract.

What kind of projects has Sheikh worked on?

Sheikh has worked on a diverse range of projects, including property management solutions Lavanda, email signature management Exclaimer, email security Mimecast, fiber connectivity Hyperoptic, environmental engagement platforms aqKWa, and e-commerce platforms Redux.

Does Designbyfail.com list its legal terms or privacy policy?

No, the website does not appear to include explicit legal terms of service or a privacy policy, which is common for personal portfolios but less so for formal business websites.

Is Designbyfail.com suitable for large enterprise projects?

Based on Sheikh’s extensive experience with large organizations like Bank of America, BMW Group, and Mimecast, he appears qualified for enterprise-level projects.

However, engaging him directly would require a custom contract and due diligence, as the site itself doesn’t offer agency-level support.

What design tools is Sheikh proficient in?

Sheikh mentions proficiency in Figma, HTML5, and CSS3, and his process involves user flows, wireframing, and prototyping.

Does Designbyfail.com offer a job board or career opportunities?

No, Designbyfail.com is a personal portfolio and does not feature a job board or list career opportunities within a company.

It is intended for Sheikh to showcase his own qualifications for hire.

How does Designbyfail.com ensure quality in its design work?

As a personal portfolio, Designbyfail.com showcases Sheikh’s past work quality.

For new projects, quality assurance would depend on the agreed-upon process, deliverables, and revision cycles defined in a direct contract with Sheikh.

Are there any ethical concerns with Designbyfail.com?

The content of Designbyfail.com itself raises no explicit ethical concerns regarding its nature or the services implied. It’s a professional portfolio.

However, for a client, the lack of formal business structures e.g., clear services, pricing, legal terms means extra due diligence is required for transparent and formal engagement, aligning with ethical business practices.