Designing a product that can be sold is a craft and an science. The art of designing products is the process of designing the new product that a business plans to sell to its clients is a lengthy process that involves a number of steps, resulting in multiple variations of a concept or idea , which are later developed into a final product. The aim of the process is to produce something that is a blend of design and function, and transforms the idea into a tangible object that can then be offered to the buyer.
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Launch of a Product Design
A product design project can be initiated either in answer to a need or project that’s intended to produce something completely new. In the case of the former the issue could be an unmet customer demand that’s not being fulfilled or a problem that is causing a decline in sales for an area of a particular product that requires attention.
In the second, individuals are usually focused on the next breakthrough or big idea that can rejuvenate a company’s product line. The process is usually identical no matter who starts it. The only different is that brainstorming to resolve a problem must be specific to the area when compared to an empty slate, any suggestions could be valid.
Process of Product Design
The process of creating products starts with innovation, A collection of innovative ideas that result from brainstorming sessions with no incorrect answers and all possibilities are on the table. The collection is then subjected to a review process where knowledgeable experts can sort the ideas through a thorough evaluation of their feasibility in terms of risk, potential rewards, appeal and other metrics that you would like to use.
From there, the final decision is made by the business’s directors, executives and/or top management. Most often, multiple projects are selected in order to go to the next stage, which is the creation and development of a prototype. These prototypes are reviewed and modified in response to feedback. The process goes on until the product is considered to be perfect.
Approaches to Designing Products Design
There are a number of methods to conceptualize this process and the most effective method for a particular company will depend on the products of the company, markets and goals. There are numerous methods to transform concepts into tangible products. Larger corporations may also develop their own product design philosophies based on past successes.
The Design of Products: Considerations
There are many elements to consider during the design of products and, even during the point of brainstorming, understanding of these elements is vital.
Customer requirements: The buyer has certain expectations with regards to safety, quality, reliability, lifetime and so on. Every object that is made into a product will need to satisfy these requirements prior to its introduction.
Production capability: In the event of tangible products, the current production plant structure must be able to produce the item. For systems or services that are not tangible the existing infrastructure will require the ability to create them. This might require capital investment.
Supply of raw materials The business will require to have reliable, stable supply of all the raw materials needed. New raw material streams must be verified to ensure the quality.
Cost and cost Cost and price: You should have an accurate understanding of the expected cost of producing the product as the anticipated price at the product to be sold. Comparing this cost with other competitors can help refine the product design.
The impact on the portfolio of products: Often, new product ranges can “cannibalize” sales for existing products. Customers who are currently using the product may choose to switch onto the new line, but leaving the original product unassailable. The company should consider how the new product on the future of sales and production, and adjust the mix accordingly.
Company brand: A business who has spent time to create a brand image in the mind of customers will want any new product to reflect the expectations of this image. For example, a company recognized for its environmental sensitivity is advised to think about whether new products can help to build that image , or if they counteract it.
Importance of Product Design
It can appear as if the product design process is too complicated and complex and business owners may consider reducing it to be able to get a new product on the market quickly. But good design can make the difference between the success of a product and its failure.
Good product designs must be both innovative and useful, and the benefits of a well-designed product cannot be overstated. It’s important to make sure your product is unique or different, and also that what it offers is of value to consumers of all ages.
These two pieces have a common thread A research team might provide 10 ideas for new the product but those concepts don’t concentrate on creating a product that is functional in a manner that makes people want to buy it, then they’ll never be good products. There are many ways to make innovations into new products. The focus should be on the customer’s needs and wants.
Product Design and Quality
Good product design also considers the quality. What aspects will signal quality to the buyer when they purchase and throughout the lifetime for the merchandise? This could mean that the aesthetics of the product are an important part of its design.
The durability and reliability are aspects of quality that should be considered in the design process. Do you expect the product to last of the product a year or 10 years? These are all factors which will be of value to the buyer and have to be expressed within the product design.
The Pathway From Concept to Purchase
The design of the product is essential because it’s the process that connects the innovative concept with the client’s purchase. Simply having a new model isn’t adequate. The product must appeal to the consumer with a price that reflects its value and has to be able of communicating to the customer the benefits it has over other alternatives.
This is why the development process could go through a number of iterations. Teams evaluating the product concept from many perspectives and then using these suggestions to improve ideas is the ideal way to smooth out the edges and produce the best possible product at the final stage.
Product Design for Global Markets
Companies operating in multiple markets must also consider within this process There isn’t a universal solution in the global market. Global markets are diverse due to a number of reasons. Diverse cultures, priorities and economic states, as well as logistics and laws can mean that an item that works at the level of America may fail in the United States might fail in Europe.
The business needs to be aware of the different expectations that different regions have and must provide products that suit these different needs. The company should not want to offer hundreds of different products in its portfolio because that level of complexity comes at the cost of a loss and seldom succeeds.
Globalization of a product usually starts with selecting the platform of choice and then offering variations on the base product to suit different areas of market. This offers a balance between streamlining and customization, which allows for easier access to research and development as well as manufacturing plant. The company will then be recognized worldwide for its product, further enhancing its image. Additionally, it is capable of delivering various versions of the product in accordance with the needs of each region.
Product Localization Strategies
The localization process involves researching that region’s markets to determine which key aspects will be important in that market. Local competition can differ according to region, which can influence the way that the product is marketed. Certain regions could be more expensive for importing items, which could impact pricing of the product.
Customers’ needs will definitely differ and, for instance you could think of a company that is developing a new tire with improved durability. Customers in Russia would expect the tire to have excellent ice traction, which is not likely to be a top priority for those in Brazil. Thus, the company might develop multiple versions of the robust tire for areas with different weather patterns.
In addition, a fast food company looking to develop a new product in the world might offer something different in regions that are mostly Muslim and where pork is forbidden. Different regions will have their own needs, wants and preferences.
Global Marketing Strategies
At the very end of the product development process is the introduction of the new product, and a key portion of that is marketing. Effective marketing strategies will ensure that customers are aware of the product’s new features, new advantages it offers and the way it can add value. For a company designing products for foreign markets, the marketing plan must take into account how to present a cohesive message for the product while highlighting the regional needs.
Strategies for global marketing of new products must always include the following elements:
Uniform brand names: This helps the brand communicate a clear message regardless of the area of sale.
Similar packaging: This eases production because every region will receive identical packaging, regardless of the location.
Products that are similar: It is in line with the core strategy of the product. The products available are regionalized variations of the same product , not distinct lines to each location.
Standardized advertising messages: While ads must be made to be adaptable to different languages and media However, the basic concept must remain the same to ensure that the identical content about the products is able to be seen no matter where the consumer sees it.
Price synchronization: Creating equal pricing in a global market is not likely to work since each country has its own import, tariff, taxing and fees and their own financial markets. However, synchronizing the pricing means prices should be similarand price adjustments should be made in all regions at the same time.
Coordinated launches of new products The product will be available on all global marketplaces at the same time and have the same accessibility.
The alignment of sales promotions: The sales strategy will require localization, but the overall campaign should be coordinated in order that all pieces work together.
Continuous innovation and improvement
Every company needs to innovate and adapt to today’s rapidly shifting market. This means that the creation of new product concepts should be a continual process in the company. The key to product development is to pair new ideas with customer value, innovating a market that is new and staying within the confines of production capabilities currently in place, available capital and the company’s brand and image.
In a global marketplace the process of designing a product may be complicated due to the various requirements of different regions, nationalities and cultures, yet the basis of the process remains the same: offering the latest product that appeals to the targeted consumers.
The best method to ensure the product will be successful and successful globally is to be aware of these concerns from the beginning of the design process for the product. making sure there’s a core idea for the product that could be used to market it in any location, recognizing the modifications that have to be made to the product as well as to the marketing scheme in accordance with localization, and making sure there’s an identical message for the product, which has been altered for each market.
Contact Flynn Product Design Agency for more information.