I always thought in-house designers were the happiest with stable income and clear direction, while agency designers burned out juggling demanding clients. The UX Map 2025 report from UX Foundation VN completely shattered my assumptions about what actually drives designers across different work environments. (Vietnamese market only)
Insights
27/04/2025
1. Agency Designers Run on Passion
Agency designers are fueled by passion, not paychecks, with 70% motivated by interest (highest across all models). Only 15% are motivated by income, and 37% are driven by social impact. But here's the trade-off they face. 22% work alone (highest isolation rate), they have the lowest income and career stability, and they often juggle multiple roles as designer, BA, consultant, and pitcher all at once.
Outsourcing Prioritizes Pragmatism
Outsourcing designers take a more pragmatic approach to work. 49% are motivated by income (versus just 15% at agencies), and 37% focus on career opportunities over creative passion. They get higher pay, clear scope, and international exposure. But the work lacks the creative freedom and diverse portfolio building that agencies offer.
Product Companies Feel Confused
Product company designers show 60% driven by interest, but only 20% by career growth. They have balanced motivations but unclear direction about where they're actually heading. One agency designer summed up the chaos perfectly. "Client wants everything, but we never really know what the client actually wants, no detailed requirements, so we constantly ask and re-ask what they need."
Choose Your Path Strategically
Your work environment shapes not just your skills, but your entire relationship with design. Early career (0-3 years) should consider agencies for maximum learning and portfolio diversity, while mid-career (3-7 years) fits product companies for strategic impact and systematic thinking. Need stability or higher income right now? Outsourcing offers clear scope and better pay, but less creative control.
