SeamlessHR product designer, Seun Alakanse advises startups on outsmarting big brands through revolutionary design

In a groundbreaking new perspective shared by industry expert Seun Alakanse, startups are being urged to rethink their approach to competition with large, established brands. Alakanse emphasizes that startups don’t need massive resources to challenge billion-dollar giants—instead, they can use a powerful tool already at their disposal: design.

In an exclusive interview with SeamlessHR Product Designer, Alakanse shared insights on how smart, innovative design can be the secret weapon for startups, enabling them to outmanoeuvre much larger competitors. “Size is not what wins today’s market,” Alakanse said. “In fact, large companies can become too slow and cumbersome to effectively respond to today’s fast-paced demands. It’s the smaller companies with agility and creativity who can leverage design to disrupt entire industries.”

A New Perspective: Design as a Game-Changer

Alakanse’s advice highlights user-centric design as the key differentiator for startups in a crowded market. Rather than competing on budget or traditional advertising alone, startups can outsmart bigger brands by offering a superior user experience that speaks directly to customer needs. This, he explains, is where design becomes the great equalizer.

Take, for example, a small SaaS company that faced fierce competition from a billion-dollar industry leader. Rather than trying to match the bigger brand’s marketing spend, the startup focused on designing a seamless and intuitive user interface that simplified the customer journey. Within months, they saw an exponential rise in user sign-ups, as customers flocked to the product that gave them a better experience. “Great design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making the product feel right and working perfectly for users,” Alakanse explained.

The Power of Speed and Flexibility

Another key point that Alakanse raised was the speed advantage startups hold over corporate giants. “Big brands often get bogged down in endless meetings, legacy systems, and bureaucratic processes that slow them down,” he said. “Startups, on the other hand, can move quickly and iterate in real-time.”

He pointed to a case in the fintech industry where a startup launched a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in just six weeks. Unlike the larger players, who might take months to release new features, the startup continuously improved their product based on direct user feedback, releasing updates every two weeks. The result? Rapid growth and a loyal user base—an outcome that could have never been achieved by the slower-moving giants.

Building Trust with Design: Insights from Airbnb

Alakanse also emphasized the importance of building trust through design. “For startups, trust is everything. You’re competing with brands that have long-established reputations, but through design, you can create an experience that feels trustworthy and secure.”

He highlighted Airbnb’s early days as an example of a company that used design to build trust. “Airbnb didn’t just rely on marketing—it used design to instil a sense of comfort and safety in users. Their platform was simple, intuitive, and emotionally resonant. That kind of design made people feel comfortable inviting strangers into their homes,” said Alakanse.

For startups, he urges a focus on creating emotional connections through visual identity, intuitive user flows, and an experience that reassures users. “Your brand identity isn’t just about logos—it’s about creating an emotional bond with your customers.”

Design as Storytelling: Creating Meaningful Movements

Another powerful insight from Alakanse is how design can be used to tell a story that resonates deeply with customers. “People don’t just buy products—they buy into stories. They invest in brands that make them feel something,” he said.

He pointed out how Apple’s minimalist design communicates simplicity and innovation, creating an emotional connection with consumers. Similarly, a wellness startup, through empathetic design choices, wasn’t just selling a health app—it was selling a lifestyle of self-care and balance. This shift from functional design to emotionally-driven design transformed users into loyal advocates, creating a movement rather than just a product.

“Startups have the opportunity to create a narrative through their design that speaks directly to their audience’s core values and emotions,” said Alakanse.

The Future is for Bold Designers

Seun Alakanse concluded by stressing that the future belongs to startups that dare to design boldly and innovatively. “You don’t need a massive budget to beat the giants—you need the courage to break the rules and the creativity to build something truly remarkable,” he said.

By prioritizing smarter design, startups have the chance to carve out a unique space in their industry, challenging even the largest brands and creating lasting connections with their users.

“Big companies might have the financial muscle, but startups have the advantage of speed, adaptability, and the ability to design experiences that users love. They can outmaneuver the giants, not by being bigger, but by being smarter and more creative,” Alakanse concluded.

For startups looking to make a mark, design is the key. And with Alakanse’s advice, it’s clear: the power of design lies in the hands of the bold.

Seun Alakanse’s expert advice reveals how startups can disrupt billion-dollar brands by leveraging user-centric, agile design, enabling them to iterate quickly and innovate faster than their larger competitors. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and emotional connections through design, creating a brand identity that resonates deeply with customers. Alakanse also highlights how startups can use design as storytelling, turning their product into a narrative that fosters loyalty and drives growth. With his invaluable insights, startups now have a clear blueprint to outsmart bigger brands and make a significant impact in their industries—showing that the future is shaped by those who dare to think differently.