Strategic UX design consultancy for climate and deep-tech startups

Technical operators need precision. Enterprise procurement leads need simplicity. Investors evaluating your demo need to see confidence in the product experience within seconds. These are not the same UX problem, and a single consultant applying generic best practices will not solve any of them. We provide UX design consultancy tailored to climate and deep-tech startups, using real user research, competitive analysis, and structured testing to deliver design decisions that work for your specific audience mix.

UX design consultant reviewing user journey maps and product flows for a climate technology platform

UX design services for complex products

From initial user research through developer-ready handoff, these services are built for technical products serving enterprise buyers, utility partners, and procurement teams who need clarity before they commit.

Website UX design

Map stakeholder-specific user journeys, structure information architectures for technically complex products, and validate flows through usability testing before a single line of code is written.

Website UI design

Build scalable component libraries and design systems that your development team can maintain and extend independently, keeping consistency across a growing product without constant design intervention.

Product UX and prototyping

Run research sprints to identify where buyers stall in your product flow, build testable prototypes to validate the fix, and iterate before handing off to development so rework stays minimal.

Interaction design

Design interaction patterns that give users clear feedback at every step, particularly in complex multi-step workflows where confusion leads to drop-off, support tickets, or stalled enterprise evaluations.

Landing page design

Design pages that communicate technical value clearly enough for enterprise buyers to understand your product before the first sales call, reducing the qualification burden on your team.

Website design

Design websites that create distinct paths for different buyer types: enterprise procurement teams, technical evaluators, and executive sponsors all need different things from the same URL.

How we approach UX

UX strategy that closes the gap between technical depth and user adoption

Climate and deep-tech products carry a particular UX challenge: they're technically sophisticated, often used by buyers who are not deeply technical, and sold in long sales cycles where every friction point delays the deal. A buyer who can't navigate your carbon accounting dashboard in a pilot session, or a utility partner who gets lost in your grid analytics tool during evaluation, is a deal that stalls quietly. We run structured research sprints to identify where users stall, build testable prototypes to validate improvements before development begins, and deliver design systems your engineering team can maintain independently. We has worked with climate and energy startups from seed through Series B, including teams building carbon accounting software, grid analytics platforms, and clean energy infrastructure tools. Our UX work focuses on two critical moments: what happens between a prospect's first click and their decision to move forward, and what happens between a new user's signup and their first moment of real value.

What if Design team conducting user research and journey mapping for a climate technology software product
Success stories

Trusted by innovators

Climate and deep-tech startups that improved product adoption, shortened enterprise sales cycles, and reduced onboarding friction through focused UX strategy and design.

"They very quickly understood the kind of messaging that was important to us and how to translate that into a compelling visual experience. I can't recommend them enough!"

Keenan Johnson
Keenan Johnson

"The team at What if Design was nimble, thoughtful and flexible. Their design process forced us to reflect and rethink our corporate strategy. They brought the company messaging to the forefront and accurately translated our vision to creatively visualize our deeply scientific work."

Susteon

"What If’s team did a great job learning our technology on a razor-tight deadline. They helped transform our complex interconnection process into clear, resonant visuals and messaging for both technical and non-technical audiences."

Lauren

"What if Design's leadership on our brand redesign was a dream. Their team worked as an extension of our mission, embodied our values, and then expanded upon our vision with ease. Our static, version 101 website was transformed into a full brand identity - professional, creative, and human."

Megan Holcomb
Megan Holcomb

"Before What If, we were relying on developers for design work — it was slow and clunky. From day one, the What If team understood exactly what we were building and came with proactive ideas to improve the user flow and features, not just execute on a brief. The ease..."

Vested Future

"They spoke our language from day one, delivered on every commitment, and never missed a deadline. Web traffic quintupled in our first week after launch, but more than the numbers, we went from a website we wanted to hide to one we're genuinely proud to show every new stakeholder. What..."

USIPA

"Working with What If Design felt like a true collaboration — flexible, responsive, and always ready to meet us where we were. Even with our ideas that weren't fully formed, they delivered a strong brand and pitch deck to show up confidently with investors and partners. That kind of adaptability..."

Warren/Gabe

"I’ve worked with a lot of agencies over the years: brand, web, comms, you name it. Every project has its own vibe, its own momentum (or lack thereof), and its own set of hurdles.But it’s rare to find a team that just gets it... the tech, the market, the nuance...while..."

Nathalie

"Working with the What if Design team has been an exceptional experience. Their attention to detail and creativity exceeded our expectations. Their expert guidance was comprehensive through every aspect of the project, from aesthetics to crafting compelling copy. Their efficiency and professionalism were evident in every interaction and team's kind..."

GetShine

"As a team of one, I needed partners who could match our pace. What If delivered on that completely. The speed of turnaround, the quick review cycles, the ability to iterate in near real time — that's what made the difference. Highly recommended if you're looking to move fast and..."

Jordan Con

"The extremely high quality of outputs with fast turn around times and availability of team at short notice has been perfect for our requirements"

Jackie

"The old website confused people about what we actually do, but post-launch, that sort of negative feedback has completely stopped. We received a lot of positive feedback on the professionalism and the design. Our previous contact page received maybe one or two hits per week, if that. After the launch..."

Tristan

"The extremely high quality of outputs with fast turn around times and availability of team at short notice has been perfect for our requirements"

Ayush Banerjee
Ayush Banerjee

"We went from people saying "I have no idea what you're doing" to immediately feeling credible and put together. What If took what was in our heads and made it real, even when we couldn't fully articulate it ourselves."

Ashley/John

"We knew it was time to reset, sharpen our focus, and build a foundation for the next stage of growth. The new website was a big part of that. What If understood the vision, spoke our design language, and actually delivered. Anyone working with them should know it's a great..."

Chris

"They very quickly understood the kind of messaging that was important to us and how to translate that into a compelling visual experience. I can't recommend them enough!"

Keenan Johnson
Keenan Johnson

"The team at What if Design was nimble, thoughtful and flexible. Their design process forced us to reflect and rethink our corporate strategy. They brought the company messaging to the forefront and accurately translated our vision to creatively visualize our deeply scientific work."

Susteon

"What If’s team did a great job learning our technology on a razor-tight deadline. They helped transform our complex interconnection process into clear, resonant visuals and messaging for both technical and non-technical audiences."

Lauren

"What if Design's leadership on our brand redesign was a dream. Their team worked as an extension of our mission, embodied our values, and then expanded upon our vision with ease. Our static, version 101 website was transformed into a full brand identity - professional, creative, and human."

Megan Holcomb
Megan Holcomb

"Before What If, we were relying on developers for design work — it was slow and clunky. From day one, the What If team understood exactly what we were building and came with proactive ideas to improve the user flow and features, not just execute on a brief. The ease..."

Vested Future

"They spoke our language from day one, delivered on every commitment, and never missed a deadline. Web traffic quintupled in our first week after launch, but more than the numbers, we went from a website we wanted to hide to one we're genuinely proud to show every new stakeholder. What..."

USIPA

"Working with What If Design felt like a true collaboration — flexible, responsive, and always ready to meet us where we were. Even with our ideas that weren't fully formed, they delivered a strong brand and pitch deck to show up confidently with investors and partners. That kind of adaptability..."

Warren/Gabe

"I’ve worked with a lot of agencies over the years: brand, web, comms, you name it. Every project has its own vibe, its own momentum (or lack thereof), and its own set of hurdles.But it’s rare to find a team that just gets it... the tech, the market, the nuance...while..."

Nathalie

"Working with the What if Design team has been an exceptional experience. Their attention to detail and creativity exceeded our expectations. Their expert guidance was comprehensive through every aspect of the project, from aesthetics to crafting compelling copy. Their efficiency and professionalism were evident in every interaction and team's kind..."

GetShine

"As a team of one, I needed partners who could match our pace. What If delivered on that completely. The speed of turnaround, the quick review cycles, the ability to iterate in near real time — that's what made the difference. Highly recommended if you're looking to move fast and..."

Jordan Con

"The extremely high quality of outputs with fast turn around times and availability of team at short notice has been perfect for our requirements"

Jackie

"The old website confused people about what we actually do, but post-launch, that sort of negative feedback has completely stopped. We received a lot of positive feedback on the professionalism and the design. Our previous contact page received maybe one or two hits per week, if that. After the launch..."

Tristan

"The extremely high quality of outputs with fast turn around times and availability of team at short notice has been perfect for our requirements"

Ayush Banerjee
Ayush Banerjee

"We went from people saying "I have no idea what you're doing" to immediately feeling credible and put together. What If took what was in our heads and made it real, even when we couldn't fully articulate it ourselves."

Ashley/John

"We knew it was time to reset, sharpen our focus, and build a foundation for the next stage of growth. The new website was a big part of that. What If understood the vision, spoke our design language, and actually delivered. Anyone working with them should know it's a great..."

Chris

"They very quickly understood the kind of messaging that was important to us and how to translate that into a compelling visual experience. I can't recommend them enough!"

Keenan Johnson
Keenan Johnson

"The team at What if Design was nimble, thoughtful and flexible. Their design process forced us to reflect and rethink our corporate strategy. They brought the company messaging to the forefront and accurately translated our vision to creatively visualize our deeply scientific work."

Susteon

"What If’s team did a great job learning our technology on a razor-tight deadline. They helped transform our complex interconnection process into clear, resonant visuals and messaging for both technical and non-technical audiences."

Lauren

"What if Design's leadership on our brand redesign was a dream. Their team worked as an extension of our mission, embodied our values, and then expanded upon our vision with ease. Our static, version 101 website was transformed into a full brand identity - professional, creative, and human."

Megan Holcomb
Megan Holcomb

"Before What If, we were relying on developers for design work — it was slow and clunky. From day one, the What If team understood exactly what we were building and came with proactive ideas to improve the user flow and features, not just execute on a brief. The ease..."

Vested Future

"They spoke our language from day one, delivered on every commitment, and never missed a deadline. Web traffic quintupled in our first week after launch, but more than the numbers, we went from a website we wanted to hide to one we're genuinely proud to show every new stakeholder. What..."

USIPA

"Working with What If Design felt like a true collaboration — flexible, responsive, and always ready to meet us where we were. Even with our ideas that weren't fully formed, they delivered a strong brand and pitch deck to show up confidently with investors and partners. That kind of adaptability..."

Warren/Gabe

"I’ve worked with a lot of agencies over the years: brand, web, comms, you name it. Every project has its own vibe, its own momentum (or lack thereof), and its own set of hurdles.But it’s rare to find a team that just gets it... the tech, the market, the nuance...while..."

Nathalie

"Working with the What if Design team has been an exceptional experience. Their attention to detail and creativity exceeded our expectations. Their expert guidance was comprehensive through every aspect of the project, from aesthetics to crafting compelling copy. Their efficiency and professionalism were evident in every interaction and team's kind..."

GetShine

"As a team of one, I needed partners who could match our pace. What If delivered on that completely. The speed of turnaround, the quick review cycles, the ability to iterate in near real time — that's what made the difference. Highly recommended if you're looking to move fast and..."

Jordan Con

"The extremely high quality of outputs with fast turn around times and availability of team at short notice has been perfect for our requirements"

Jackie

"The old website confused people about what we actually do, but post-launch, that sort of negative feedback has completely stopped. We received a lot of positive feedback on the professionalism and the design. Our previous contact page received maybe one or two hits per week, if that. After the launch..."

Tristan

"The extremely high quality of outputs with fast turn around times and availability of team at short notice has been perfect for our requirements"

Ayush Banerjee
Ayush Banerjee

"We went from people saying "I have no idea what you're doing" to immediately feeling credible and put together. What If took what was in our heads and made it real, even when we couldn't fully articulate it ourselves."

Ashley/John

"We knew it was time to reset, sharpen our focus, and build a foundation for the next stage of growth. The new website was a big part of that. What If understood the vision, spoke our design language, and actually delivered. Anyone working with them should know it's a great..."

Chris

Trusted by Industrial Leaders Worldwide

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Case Studies

Our work in UX

Real results for real businesses. See how we've helped our clients achieve their goals.

What sets us apart

Why climate startups work with us

UX research and strategy built specifically for the complexity of climate and energy software products.

Faster delivery through domain familiarity

Because we work exclusively in climate and deep tech, we skip the sector education phase that slows most agencies down. We understand how your buyers think, what your sales cycle looks like, and what kinds of UX friction are specific to complex technical products. Full UX projects typically complete in four weeks or less.

Senior-level UX without the hiring overhead

For startups not yet ready to build an in-house UX team, We provide senior-level research, strategy, and design as a single engagement without the overhead of a full-time headcount or the unpredictability of a large agency retainer.

Research grounded in how your buyers actually behave

We run usability testing, user interviews, and stakeholder research to understand how your actual buyers and end users navigate your product, not how you expect them to. This reduces costly rework after launch and gives your product team a clear picture of where to invest next.

Built for distributed teams

We work with US-based teams through structured remote collaboration: async design reviews, weekly sprints, and developer handoff documentation precise enough that nothing gets lost between design and build.

Meet the design leadership team

Co-founders with backgrounds in architecture and operations, focused on helping climate and deep-tech startups close the gap between technical depth and user-ready products.

Akhila Kosaraju, Co-founder of What if Design

Akhila Kosaraju

Co-founder

Akhila is the co-founder and lead strategist at What if Design. She helps climate tech companies turn complex science into brands and websites that close funding and partnerships. She has worked with teams backed by the US Department of Energy, ARPA-E, leading climate VCs across carbon capture, grid interconnection, and green hydrogen, contributing to over $105M raised. Founders trust her because she learns the science and market before designing, and translates what they build visually for effective communication.

Tejas Mahajan, Co-founder of What if Design

Tejas Mahajan

Co-founder

Tejas is the co-founder and product UX lead at What if Design. He leads product and UX for software companies, designing for adoption, retention, and the metrics that drive growth. His work spans battery management systems, fleet platforms, and ESG tools, plus enterprise software for the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia. Founders trust him because he treats every screen as a business decision, not just a design problem.

Frequently asked questions

What is a UX design consultant?

A UX design consultant works with product and technical teams to identify where user experience is creating friction, slowing adoption, or losing buyers before the demo. For climate and deep-tech companies specifically, this often means translating technically complex products into experiences that non-technical buyers, enterprise procurement teams, or utility partners can navigate without hand-holding. The work typically spans user research, flow mapping, wireframing, prototype testing, and design system development, all tied to measurable product and sales outcomes.

What does a UX consultant do?

How much does it cost to hire a UX designer?

What services are offered by What if Design?

How long does a typical UX design project take?

Do you work with clients across different locations?

What's included in your UX design process?

Can you help with existing products that need UX improvements?

Ready to improve your product experience?

Tell us where your product experience is creating friction. Whether it's onboarding that's slowing enterprise pilots or flows buyers can't navigate without hand-holding, we'll identify the gaps and prioritize what to fix first.

Let's talk about your product experience

Tell us where your product is creating friction. Whether it's onboarding that's slowing enterprise pilots, flows that buyers can't navigate without a demo call, or a product experience that hasn't kept pace with your feature development, we'll identify the gaps and show you what to fix first.

Contact Us Today

You can also send us a quick email at team@whatifdesign.in.