things.is

What It Is

THINGS is a design agency focused on innovation in digital products and services, positioning itself as a “Design & Innovation Partner.” It is not an online self-service design tool; instead, it is a service team providing customized consulting and delivery. Its work spans mobile apps, web platforms, connected devices, smart hardware, IoT, AI, AR, and enterprise process experiences. The website highlights “Ecosystems Thinking,” meaning it designs users, devices, back-end systems, business processes, and multiple stakeholders as part of a unified product ecosystem.

Core Capabilities and Scope of Delivery

Based on the site content, THINGS focuses on product strategy and ecosystem architecture, app and platform experience design, smart products and connected devices, co-creation and value-chain design, as well as ongoing research and validation. Its case studies include Twinkly smart lighting, the Post Op post-surgery care platform, the Mercedes/Smart charging and parking experience, the Grifo GO financial services platform, and Tecne sensor-enabled boxing gloves. These examples suggest the team is particularly strong in complex scenarios that combine digital products with physical products. Deliverables are not limited to interfaces; they also include branding, visual design, packaging, websites, e-commerce, launch communication materials, and testing/validation.

Pricing, Collaboration, and Copyright

In terms of pricing, the website only provides a “Get Your Quote” entry point for custom quotes. It does not publish fixed packages, hourly rates, or project budget ranges, so buyers will need to confirm scope through requirements discussions before procurement. In terms of collaboration, THINGS emphasizes co-creation with internal teams, end users, and stakeholders. Its case studies mention user interviews, field observation, usability testing, feedback loops, and collaboration with IT and medical teams. Terms related to licensing, copyright, ownership of source files, and scope of commercial use are not disclosed in the main content, so these should be clarified before signing a contract.

Pros, Cons, and Best-Fit Users

Its strengths are a mature methodology and the ability to support end-to-end design from strategy to launch. Public figures include 12+ years of experience, 130+ projects, 65% repeat clients, and 90% of projects lasting more than 9 months, indicating that THINGS is more oriented toward long-term, in-depth collaboration. The drawbacks are limited pricing transparency and a potentially high project entry threshold. It is not a good match for clients who only want a quick logo, template page, or low-cost UI outsourcing. It is better suited to startups building 0-to-1 products, scaleups expanding their ecosystems, SMEs undergoing digital transformation, enterprises exploring new businesses, and EU social impact or sustainable innovation projects.

Access from China and Alternatives

The site does not provide information on access speed from China, payment methods, local invoicing, or Chinese-language support, so its China accessibility status is unknown. If procuring from China, users should first test the availability of the website and meeting tools, and confirm cross-border payments, contracting entity, and time-zone communication. Alternative options include international design consultancies such as IDEO, Frog, Work & Co, and Ustwo. If localized execution, Chinese user research, and domestic payments are required, Chinese service providers such as LKK Design, Tang UX, and ARK Innovation Consulting may be worth considering.