News analysis - What's the problem with crowdsourcing site 99Designs?
22.05.12
To be fair to 99Designs, they’re quick to acknowledge this controversy, with the press blurb stating ‘Do crowdsourcing sites help SMEs and start-ups by keeping costs low or do they undervalue industries? 99Designs would argue that its site generates leads and creates new markets.’
Now the site, which was founded in Melbourne in 2008 and set up a San Francisco headquarters in 2010, is launching a UK presence, with a co.uk web address and a physical presence in London. It boasts British clients such as London café Le Petit Village and charity KiDs of Bolton, founded by Bolton Wanderers footballer Kevin Davies.
The site operates by allowing clients to launch open design competitions. If you’re, say, in need of a logo, you can log on to 99designs.co.uk and start a ‘contest’. Input a few simple details (company name, sector, preferred colours etc.), post your brief and, hey presto, you’ll soon have hundreds of hungry young designers from around the world submitting their propals, of which you get to choose one. All for as little as £195.
Source: Design Week