Did you know that the product design and development industry was valued at $8.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to continue to grow?
If you’re a product designer, this article is for you. Creating a product that people want can be challenging. There are a lot of moving parts.
If you miss one aspect, your whole business product could be ruined.
In this article, we are going to talk about five design tips that will push you past your competition. Keep reading so you can start bringing your product ideas to life.
1. Keep It Practical
When you’re designing a product it must be useful; otherwise, why would your consumers buy it? The product should add value to the customer’s life in some way.
If your product has a lot of different components, consider each one carefully. Ask yourself if all the pieces are necessary; if not removing them might be the best option.
You don’t want the primary function or purpose of your product to be lost because there are too many elements. When you are coming up with product ideas, keep your clients in mind. You are designing for them, not for yourself, even if you believe the product needs every aspect, your customers might not.
Just because you think it’s a great idea doesn’t mean it’s practical or that it will work well as a product. That can be tough to hear as a designer, but you must be realistic about your ideas and designs.
2. Solve a Problem
Before manufacturing a product, you need to look at your consumers and ask yourself what problems, issues, or barriers they have, that are hindering them. It will be much easier to sell your product if your customers need it to solve a problem.
This aligns with our first product development tips. Keeping your product practical will be beneficial. If your clientele doesn’t need your product, then you’ll likely be spending a lot of money to watch your product sit on the shelves.
If your customers don’t have a problem to solve, you’ll need to design a new product. Creating a product that is already on the market isn’t going to be as successful. A new product will catch the eye of your audience and will sell much better.
If you’re designing a product that has already been released, be sure to make it better. Add something new and fresh, otherwise, why would someone purchase your product over something else?
As you are thinking about your design, consider the advantages the product can provide, not just the features. If your product is solar powered focus on why that is good for the client.
3. Consider the Look
While your product does need to be functional, it also needs to look great. It needs to draw your customs in. You’ll need to create an aesthetic that people what to look at.
The look and feel matter just as much as important as the practicality. This doesn’t just apply to material goods that you can hold in your hand; it’s also true for software products and online courses.
It’s important that you know your audience. Sometimes a sleek, minimalist look will capture your consumers’ attention, while other times they want something bold.
4. Make It Worth It
When you’re designing a product, you want to make it good. While that may seem obvious, you may be tempted to save some money and skimp on quality. Your consumers will appreciate a better quality product and pay a little bit more for it.
Design for longevity and you’ll get lifelong customers. Good designs last a long time; think about antique furniture and cars. They have lasted as long as they have because the designers spent the time developing them.
Your consumers will know if you spent time and energy creating your design. They will also trust you and invest in your business products if they believe you care about them and your work. Keep that in mind when you’re trying to rush through a project.
5. Don’t Do Too Much
Keeping things simple is sometimes the best bet. If your clients can’t use your product with ease, they likely won’t use it at all. People will choose a different product if it’s easier to use.
Creating a design that people can understand will help your product sell and will last longer. It’s not likely that you can design a product that can do everything.
Focus on one thing and make it really great, instead of trying to do it all. Find a niche, identify their needs, and create a product or item that they will use. By trying to do too much, you may have to compromise on a certain area of the design.
As an artist or designer, it can be hard to cut some of your ideas and it can be really easy to add too much to a product. Sometimes making the item too extravagant can make it difficult to use.
Product Design
Running a business and creating products can be challenging. It can be hard to know what your clients want and how to make the best products for them.
Becoming overwhelmed can happen quickly when you’re in the business of product design. However, by following the tips in this article, you will be able to grow and sell your products.
If you have any questions or need help manufacturing your products, contact us. We have helped hundreds of customers with their businesses and we can help you too.
