How much is the UI Design Price Per Screen?

User interface (UI) design is a crucial factor in creating apps and websites that are not only functional but also visually appealing and user-friendly. As businesses and developers increasingly focus on delivering top-tier user experiences, understanding the cost of UI design is essential, particularly the common pricing model of “price per screen.” We break down the factors that influence UI design pricing, offering insight into how much you might expect to pay for a single screen in a UI project.

What Is “Price Per Screen” in UI Design?

The term “price per screen” refers to the cost of designing a single screen in a user interface, whether it’s for a website, mobile app, or other digital platforms. A screen in this context is any individual page or view that a user interacts with. This pricing model is commonly used by freelancers, design agencies, or even in-house teams to provide a straightforward, granular approach to estimating UI design costs.

Factors Affecting UI Design Price Per Screen

1. Complexity of the Screen
   • The more complex the functionality of the screen, the higher the cost. Simple screens with static information might cost less, while screens with dynamic content, animations, or intricate interactions (like a checkout process or a dashboard) are likely to command a higher price. Complexity also involves considerations like integrations with backend systems or databases.
2. Platform (Web vs. Mobile)
   • Designing for different platforms comes with varying degrees of difficulty. Mobile app screens typically require more attention to detail due to space constraints and the need for responsive design across multiple devices. Mobile screens are often priced higher than web screens due to these additional considerations.
3. Level of Customization
   • A highly customized screen that includes unique design elements, tailored illustrations, or animations will typically cost more than one that relies on standard design patterns or UI kits. Custom designs involve more time, creativity, and sometimes specialized tools.
4. Number of Revisions
   • The number of revisions or iterations included in the price also affects the final cost. A designer may offer a base price for a screen with one or two rounds of revisions but charge extra for additional changes beyond that.
5. Designer’s Experience and Expertise
   • A more experienced designer with a strong portfolio and industry reputation will likely charge more per screen than a less experienced designer. Specialized expertise, such as proficiency in niche design tools or familiarity with a particular industry (e.g., healthcare, fintech), can also drive up the cost.
6. Geographical Location
   • Location significantly impacts the price. Designers from regions with higher costs of living (e.g., North America or Western Europe) will typically charge more than those in countries where living expenses are lower.
7. Design Tools and Deliverables
   • The type of tools used (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, etc.) and the final deliverables can also influence the price. If a project requires highly detailed deliverables, such as interactive prototypes or development-ready assets, this could increase the cost.

Average Price Per Screen: A Global Perspective

While prices vary depending on the factors mentioned above, here are some average price ranges you can expect for UI design per screen:

1. Static Screens: For simple screens with minimal design elements, costs typically range from $100 to $500 per screen. This pricing is suitable for basic layouts without complex interactions or animations.
2. Animated Screens: More intricate designs that include animations or interactive elements can cost $500 or more per screen. These screens require additional effort in terms of design and development, which is reflected in the higher price.
3. Wireframes and Prototypes:
   • Low-Fidelity Wireframes: These can cost around $50 to $100 per screen.
   • High-Fidelity Wireframes: More detailed wireframes can range from $100 to $200 per screen.
   • Clickable Prototypes: Basic clickable prototypes typically cost between $500 and $1,500, while advanced interactive prototypes can go from $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on complexity

• Freelancers: $100 to $500 per screen
• Small Design Agencies: $200 to $1,000 per screen
• High-End Agencies or Experienced Designers: $1,000 to $5,000 per screen

These prices represent broad estimates, and actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the project’s specific needs.

How to Optimize Your UI Design Budget

1. Clarify Requirements Early On
   • Having a clear idea of your project’s requirements helps avoid scope creep, which can increase costs. Provide detailed wireframes or sketches upfront, so the designer knows exactly what to expect.
2. Prioritize Critical Screens
   • Focus on designing the most important screens first—those that will have the biggest impact on user experience. You can gradually roll out designs for less critical screens as your project progresses or as budget allows.
3. Use Design Systems or UI Kits
   • Leveraging existing UI kits or design systems can significantly reduce the price per screen. Many designers are willing to work with pre-built components, which speeds up the process and lowers costs.
4. Bundle Screens for Discounts
   • Many designers and agencies offer discounted rates for bulk screen designs. If your project requires multiple screens, ask about package deals or tiered pricing for a set number of screens.
5. Limit Revisions
   • Keep feedback and revisions organized and concise. Limit unnecessary changes to avoid additional costs related to multiple rounds of revisions.

In summary, the cost of UI design per screen can range from $100 for simple static screens to $2,500 or more for complex animated screens. Understanding the specific needs of your project and the factors that influence pricing can help you make informed decisions when budgeting for UI design.