Creating a competitive product is hard. Let’s not sugarcoat it, more people have failed then succeeded. Apparently, up to 95% of new products fail to hit the mark.
Whether you’re looking for the next great idea or think you’ve thought up a winning idea, you need the right people around you to get it to market.
There are common reasons why new products fail, and a product design company can step in to guide the way.
In this article, you’ll learn what a product design company is, what they do, and how you can find the best one for your particular product.
What Is A Product Design Company?
A product design company works alongside you and your team to create amazing products. Depending on the company you work with, each will offer different services. However, all the best product design companies will work with you through the complete development cycle, from idea generation, market research, validation, initial designs, evolution, and prototyping.
Some even take it a step further and offer industrial design services, helping you get your product manufactured and successfully to market.
Questions You Should Ask Yourself To Uncover The Best Product Design Companies
Do They Offer The Product Design Services You Need?
Depending on your experience and product design knowledge, the level of service you need from a product design company will differ. However, to find a product design expert that has experience in what you need, you have to ask.
So, before approaching anyone, it’s important to take the time to figure out what you need. Here are a few examples of product design services you might need. This is a starting point and prompt for you to consider what you really need from a product design company.
- Conduct market research and validate the viability of your new product idea.
- Design products similar to what your business offers and aims to achieve.
- Evaluation and auditing of existing products with the aim of improving them.
- Pre-launch strategy advice and manufacturing guidance.
- Product testing with end-users to assess consumer sentiment.
Do They Have Experience & Positive References From Your Industry?
A track record of getting products to market is a must. All the best product design companies will be able to give you examples and references from clients they’ve worked with in the past.
Additionally, you should be looking to partner with a product design agency that has experience in your industry with similar products. They’ll be familiar with the challenges you’re going to face, potential intellectual property dilemmas, and existing competitors.
Are Their Working Processes Suited To Yours?
Working with a product design company is a collaboration. You’re joining forces to bring exciting and new ideas to life – there needs to be harmony in your working processes. If your working styles clash, perhaps you’re not best suited.
For example, if you prefer a sporadic, organized chaos approach. Perhaps, it isn’t a good idea to work with a product design agency that prefers finer details, in-depth conversations, and finely-tuned processes.
What Is Their Communication Style & Frequency?
When bringing in any third party to work on a project brings communication obstacles. You’re not sitting in the same office to bounce questions around and get daily updates. An important question to ask is how frequently they will report progress updates.
Additionally, how will this feedback be given, will there be detailed reports and meetings to discuss the findings, or are you going to receive informal emails sporadically?
Obviously, you need a style that suits you. If you like to be in the loop all the time, you’ll want to work with someone who responds quickly with highly frequent updates.
Alternatively, if you prefer to give autonomy to the product design agency, in-depth reports and less frequent meetings might suit you.
Are They Eager & Enthusiastic About Your Project?
Finding a product design expert who is as enthusiastic about your product as you are can make or break its success. If they believe your product can be a winner, they’re more likely to put more energy and thought into making it exactly that.
Enthusiasm isn’t everything, but it can be the slight difference you need to take a new and original idea from concept to creation and onto market success.
In Summary
Choosing the right product design company doesn’t need to be a thankless task. However, it’s down to you to be specific about what you need and to ask the important questions. If they offer the services you need, have a proven track record in your industry, and are enthusiastic about the success of your project, then you’re on to a winner.
If you’re thinking of kicking off an exciting new product design project, get in touch today to find out if we’re your perfect match.