StudioRank.ai

Refokus vs The Gradient, compared on AI workflow

Independent verification scores, services, tools, pricing, and team details for Refokus and The Gradient side by side.

Refokus logo
Refokus
AI Verified
The Gradient logo
The Gradient
AI Verified
AttributeRefokusThe Gradient
Verification score75/10075/100
LocationLisbon, PortugalSan Francisco, United States
Team size40+ people2-10 people
Budget rangeNot specifiedNot specified
TurnaroundNot specifiedNot specified
Founded20212016
RatingN/AN/A
Services
AI Strategy
Brand/Identity
Full-Stack Dev
Motion/Video
Product Design
Vibe Coding/Prototyping
Web Design
AI Tools
Claude
Midjourney
 

Summary

Refokus and The Gradient are both verified AI-native design studios on StudioRank. They share an identical verification score of 75/100. Refokus is based in Lisbon, Portugal while The Gradient operates from San Francisco, United States. Refokus is the larger operation with 40+ people compared to The Gradient's 2-10 people.

Both studios offer AI Strategy and Full-Stack Dev. They differ on 5 other services between them.

Which should you pick?

Refokus and The Gradient sit close enough on verification that the choice comes down to scope, budget and team fit rather than overall AI rigour.

Pick Refokus if the project needs the scale of a larger studio (concurrent workstreams, dedicated leads), or your scope includes web design or brand/identity.

Pick The Gradient if you want a smaller team and faster access to senior people, or your scope includes product design or motion/video.

This verdict is generated from independently verified data on both studios - verification score, team size, budget bands, and service mix. It reflects the evidence on file, not editorial preference.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I hire Refokus or The Gradient?

Match each studio against your brief. Refokus is based in Lisbon, Portugal; The Gradient is based in San Francisco, United States. Refokus runs a larger team (40+ people) versus The Gradient (2-10 people), which usually means more parallel capacity but a higher floor on cost. For a structured pick, run our two-minute matchmaker, which scores both against your budget, timeline, and tool requirements before recommending one.

Which has a better AI verification score, Refokus or The Gradient?

Refokus and The Gradient share the same AI verification score of 75/100. Both pass our independent check on tool stack evidence, workflow integration signals, and portfolio output.

What is the difference in services between Refokus and The Gradient?

Both offer AI Strategy, Full-Stack Dev. Refokus additionally lists Web Design, Brand/Identity. The Gradient additionally lists Product Design, Motion/Video, Vibe Coding/Prototyping.

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