User experience is essential to running a successful online business, and more and more businesses are hiring UX professionals to help them. Read our definitive guide on UX contract templates, because we break down everything you need to know to create a clear, comprehensive contract.
UX contract templates need to have the perfect mix of detail and flexibility in order to serve the needs of both parties. They need to include clauses that deal with intellectual property and confidentiality, as well as clear scopes of work and termination clauses.
Our guide covers:
- What a UK contract is
- Time to use a UX contract template
- Elements to include in a UX contract
- Different types of UX contract
- Ways to use Bonsai’s UX contract template
- Tips for crafting a winning UX contract
- Frequently asked questions.
Ready to learn all about UX contract templates? Let’s get into it.
What Is a UX Contract?
A UX contract is an agreement that governs the relationship between the client and the designer or design agency in charge of user experience. The contract outlines the scope of the project, details the responsibilities of both parties and establishes payment terms for the completed services.
The document may contain sections that specify terms for deliverables, timelines, and success metrics. The document ideally also includes confidentiality clauses for both parties. This protects sensitive information shared as part of the project and protects the intellectual property in the agreement.
The contract makes sure the client and designer have a clear understanding of obligations, expectations, and the way things will be done in order to successfully collaborate.
The contract is drafted for the purpose of managing tasks and avoiding scope creep, ensuring the project is a success. It may also contain clauses allowing for review and modification as approved processes are updated and evaluated, ensuring both parties are able to implement revised tasks.
Benefits of Using the UX Contract
Using a contract when getting into a UX agreement is essential — it clarifies and finalizes the roles in the project, creating a more structured workflow. Defining responsibilities supports both parties when it comes to keeping their focus on core competencies.
A good UX contract ensures the quality of work by setting out expectations and criteria for success, which ensures the goals of both the client and designer align, especially once they have negotiated. A contract also clearly states payment terms, rates, and expenses, reducing future disputes.
A contract protects the intellectual property of the products and designs created, which is crucial in the design field. Lastly, a contract preserves confidentiality and protects customer data, while providing a framework for any unexpected dispute resolution.
When Should You Use a UX Contract Template?
A UX contract template is a helpful tool for almost any UX agreement. Using a template saves time and effort, and ensures that you’ve included all the necessary essential information.
Recognizing the Need for Formal Agreements
Although it might sound pleasant to keep your business relationships casual, formal agreements are always a good idea. A formal agreement establishes payment terms and clarifies the roles in the working relationship.
A template is very helpful for this as it provides a predefined structure that is binding between the client and the designer, ensuring all legal obligations are met.
Kickstarting a New UX Design Project
As you kickstart a new UX design project, using a UX contract template that outlines the scope of the tasks and mandates deliverables within a set timeline is crucial.
It is customized for setting expectations right from the beginning and provides guidelines for the success of the projects.
Collaborating with New Clients or Agencies
When collaborating with new clients and agencies, a UX contract is agreed upon by both in order to formalize the relationship.
The contract specifies terms for services to be provided, and details compensation and expenses protocols.
Establishing Clear Deliverables and Timelines
A UX contract is crucial for establishing clear timeframes and deliverables.
The template sets the timeline for projects to be completed, and details the responsibilities of the parties involved, ensuring that user experience is the absolute priority. It also prevents scope creep from slowing down the project timeline.
Safeguarding Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property rights are extremely important for designers, and a UX contract protects the intellectual property created throughout the business relationship. It has provisions for handling ownership and use of IP, which prevents misunderstandings and disputes.
Want to try a contract template to see if it’s the right choice for you? Here at Bonsai, we have a UX contract template that’s absolutely free!
In fact, at Bonsai we have a huge range of contract templates that cover every aspect of the design process, from this web design contract template to our software development contract template!
Once you choose one, simply download your template, customize it, and then save it as a PDF to send to your customers. You can even send it directly within Bonsai for your client to sign directly.
What to Include in the UX Contract Template
Although every UX agreement is different, there are certain factors that every UX contract template should include.
Client and Designer Information
Always include detailed client and designer information, including the name, address, and contact details of all pirates.
This establishes who is subject to changes in the agreement, in the case of amendments.
Description of Services to be Provided
This section clarifies the roles in the contract and outlines the scope of the work to be provided. This section is customized for the client’s needs, which ensures the quality of user experience.
These services could include:
- Logo designs or branding
- Wireframing
- Prototyping
- Interaction design
- User flow & journeys
- User testing
- User research and analysis
- Analytics & metrics
- A/B testing
- Emotional design
- Feedback collection
- Usability
- Accessibility standards and systems.
Payment Terms and Method
A section dedicated to payment terms and methods is essential, stating the rate, fees, and expenses expected, as well as the compensation structure, which is agreed upon by both parties.
Design Process Overview & Timeline
This segment should include an overview of the design process, as well as a timeline to achieve goals. This sets the timeline for each project phase and also requires revisions in a set timeframe to meet milestones.
Ownership and Rights to Work Product
This section protects the intellectual property of the UX designs and makes it clear how the rights are to be used by the client upon completion of the project.
Confidentiality Clause
This clause ensures both parties and any others who are associated (such as employees or contractors) are discreet when it comes to sensitive information. This safeguards company information and client data throughout the timeline of the contract.
Indemnification Clause
This clause states that each party agrees to protect the other against certain responsibilities or liabilities arising during the execution of the project. The reason for this is to protect against losses caused by something unforeseen.
Dispute Resolution Clause
This section outlines the agreed method for solving disputes and provides a blueprint for how to settle disputes without the termination of the contract.
Severability Clause
Having a severability clause in place means that if one part of the contract is deemed unenforceable, the rest of the contract stays valid. This is subject to changes in the law or jurisdictional differences.
Termination Clause
This clause details the circumstances under which each party can end the contract. It includes notice periods and defines the obligations in the event of termination.
Types of UX Contracts
The type of UX contract you choose will depend on the type of project. Factors that affect the type of contract include length, scope of the job, and payment types.
Fixed-Price Contracts
This is the type of contract to choose when the scope and deliverables for a project are set in stone. This contract is agreed upon by parties with the understanding that the work will be completed for a set fee. This creates a clear document that mandates deliverables within the agreed project costs, ensuring the quality of products and user experience.
Hourly or Time-and-Materials Contracts
Hourly or time-and-materials contracts offer a payment structure based on the actual time spent on the project and expenses.
This is customized for projects where scope creep is a risk — it takes into account that the project requires revisions in the course of work, and offers flexibility for clients and designers.
Retainer Agreements
A retainer agreement is used in circumstances where ongoing support or services are needed from the designer. Under a retainer agreement, the client pays a monthly fee to reserve access to the designer’s services over a specific time period.
If you want to try one of Bonsai’s many contract templates, why not sign up now for free! It’s super easy and will save you lots of time and effort.
Whether you’re looking for a simple UX contract template, or whether you’re an app or web developer, there’s a contract to suit every type of design professional.
How to Use the UX Contract Template
Using a UX contract template is easy, you just have to understand what you’re trying to achieve and have a clear idea of the project goals.
Selection of the Appropriate Template
Firstly, make sure you choose the right template! Bonsai has a huge range of contract templates you can download for free, but wherever you source your template, make sure it suits your needs.
The chosen template should be tailored to fit the specific type of project, and should also reflect the type of payment arrangement you prefer.
Remember the documents are binding between the client and designer, so you need to be sure it’s the right template before you add your signatures!
Understanding Key Contractual Terms
Make sure you research and expand your knowledge of all contractual terms included in your contract before you proceed.
This includes language relating to:
- Obligations
- Deliverables
- Intellectual property rights
- Confidentiality
- Payment terms
- Dispute resolution systems.
Customizing the Template to Fit Project Specifics
The best templates are fully customizable. You may need to alter the UX contract template to clarify the roles in the project, or to reflect the scope of work or responsibilities.
Ensure the template reflects the unique aspects of the project and meets the client’s needs.
Defining the Scope of Work Clearly
Ensure the template is explicit regarding the tasks and services to be provided to the client. This prevents scope creep and sets clear expectations for the work.
A clear scope ensures quality of user experience from the designer.
Setting Payment Terms and Schedules
Make sure you customize your contract to reflect the rates, fees, or expenses that will be incurred as part of the project, as well as the schedule for payments and how the payment statements will be delivered.
This ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to compensation and there is less risk of disputes.
Winning Tips for an Effective UX Contract
Anyone can create a UX contract, but for your contract to be effective and stand out, you need to ensure you incorporate clear objectives, defined scope, and details regarding timeframes and revision.
Begin with Clear Objectives
Beginning with clear objectives is a recipe for success. State what the project will achieve in terms of user experience and make sure there is an understanding between the designer and client regarding these goals.
Define Scope Precisely to Avoid Scope Creep
It’s easy for design projects to run off course, leading to the dreaded “scope creep”.
List the expected deliverables and tasks, and include any limitations to the objectives. This ensures all parties stay within the agreed boundaries.
Emphasize Deadlines and Timelines
Dates and milestones keep your project on track and help to manage client expectations. Ensure your deadlines and timelines are clear and agreed upon right from the beginning to maintain momentum and avoid stagnation.
Specify Terms for Revisions and Alterations
Revisions are an expected part of any design project, so make sure they’re accounted for in your contract template. State how many rounds of revisions are expected, and clearly define what a revision is compared to what a new request is.
Key Takeaways
A UX contract is a formal agreement that details the project scope and terms of a business relationship. This offers various benefits, such as clarity, IP protection, and clear payment terms.
A UX contract is essential when formalizing business relationships, beginning new design projects, or defining deliveries and timelines. It is also key for protecting intellectual property rights.
Included in the UX contract should be the details of all parties involved, a clear scope of work, a timeline, and payment information. It should also include confidentiality clauses and dispute-resolution tools.
There are different types of UX contracts, including fixed-price contracts, where the fee is agreed upon upfront, hourly/time-and-materials contracts for flexible billing, and retainer agreements for ongoing services. Which one you choose will depend on your unique circumstances
To get the most out of a UX contract template, make sure you choose the right contract to suit your needs and ensure you understand all contractual terms, including legal jargon. It’s also essential to be clear on payment terms and scope of work.
To create a winning UX contract, include clear objectives, emphasize deadlines and scope of work, and include details on revisions and alterations.
To get access to Bonsai’s full range of contract templates, sign up for free today! All our contracts have been legally vetted, so you can formalize your business relationships with ease and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a UX Designer Do?
The primary role of a UX designer is to create an accessible and engaging experience for customers using a variety of products and services.
It is their responsibility to take a human-focused approach to their design by analyzing competitors and customers, developing prototypes and wireframes, conducting user testing and coordinating with UI designers.
Where Can I Find a Reliable UX Design Contract Template?
You don’t have to look far to find a reliable UX design contract template because Bonsai has you covered. This template has been designed specifically to cover all the bases you need when contracting for UX design work.
Can a UX Design Contract Template be Customized to Fit Specific Project Needs?
Of course! Bonsai recognises that one contract won’t work in every situation. Therefore, our contracts are highly customizable, allowing you to change elements that don’t fit your current work and add in those that do.