Build or improve your next consumer product
For your consumer product you'll need
Industrial Designer
An industrial designer is a professional who uses their creativity and technical skills to design functional and visually appealing products, considering user needs and manufacturing processes.
3D Modeller
Optional
A 3D modeller is a digital artist who creates three-dimensional computer models, specializing in objects, characters, or environments, using software to bring them to life in various industries like film, video games, and architecture.
Average rate
Senior
$130/hr
Mid level
$85/hr
Junior
$70/hr
Guide to Building Incredible Consumer Products
Consumer products are the backbone of the global economy. They come in all shapes and sizes, from smartphones to sneakers, and each product represents the culmination of countless hours of design, testing, and production. Building a consumer product is a complex process that requires a clear understanding of consumer needs, rigorous product development, and effective marketing. It begins with an idea, often driven by spotting a gap in the market or the need to improve existing products. This idea then transforms through numerous stages into a tangible product that consumers can use and benefit from.
Creating incredible consumer products demands not only a keen sense of design and functionality but also a deep comprehension of your target market. Understanding your audience and their needs is a pivotal step in designing a product that not only serves a purpose but also resonates with the user on an emotional level. Incorporating elements of design thinking - empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing - will help ensure the product will be well-received by the market. An incredible product must meet a real need, provide a simple and intuitive user experience, and deliver value consistently.
I have a new invention idea
Ideation
Creating a new invention starts with the ideation process. This involves brainstorming, sketching, and researching ideas, and is often the most fun and exciting part of the process. It's important during this stage to allow creativity to flow freely and to not dismiss any ideas as too outlandish. Collaboration and diversity of thought can bring the most innovative ideas to light.
Prototyping
The next step is to take the most promising ideas and create prototypes. This involves taking the abstract idea and turning it into something tangible that can be evaluated and tested. The prototype doesn't have to be perfect; it's a preliminary version of the invention that's used to identify potential problems and areas for improvement. Tools like 3D printing, virtual reality, or simply crafting mock-ups from cardboard or clay can be extremely useful at this stage.
Testing and Iteration
Once the prototype is built, it's time to test and refine it. This involves using the prototype, evaluating its performance, and gathering feedback from others. It's crucial to be open to criticism during this stage. Any feedback, positive or negative, is valuable for improving the product. Iteration is a crucial part of the process, and it may take several rounds of prototyping and testing to get things just right.
Finalizing the Invention
Finally, when the invention meets all your criteria for success and feedback has been addressed, it's time to finalize the design and start thinking about production. This step may involve making final tweaks to the design, choosing the right materials, and planning for mass production.
Enhancing Your Consumer Product: The Design Process
The journey to refining your consumer product typically involves an intricate design process. Having a designer on board can catalyze the transformative phase of your product from a mere concept to an improved, user-friendly commodity that appeals to the market.
Designers breathe life into the product with their creative thinking and keen eye for detail. They bring a unique perspective, focusing on aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall user experience. They step into the user's shoes, understand their pain points, and then redesign the product to address these issues. By empathizing with the users and testing different designs, a designer can help you elevate the look, feel, and usability of your product, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
Adding a Product Designer to Your Team via Design Match
In a dynamic marketplace, scaling your resources according to project demands is crucial. Sometimes, you may need an extra set of skilled hands to meet your product design goals. This is where Design Match comes in - a flexible platform designed to connect businesses with skilled designers on demand.
Design Match operates as a resource pool, providing you access to top-notch product designers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It enables you to seamlessly add more resources to your team as and when required. All designers available through Design Match come with their unique skill sets and perspectives, which can add immense value to your design process.
The process of adding a designer to your team via Design Match is straightforward. You simply specify your requirements, and Design Match will connect you with the most suitable professionals. This system gives you the flexibility to meet changing project demands without having to permanently expand your team. It is cost-effective, time-efficient, and ensures that you have the right talent working on your project at all times.
Incorporating Design Match into your hiring process not only helps you deliver high-quality design work but also nurtures a culture of creativity and innovation within your team. As these talented designers bring their own unique experiences and insights, your team can benefit from this diversity of thought, leading to innovative solutions and a dynamic work environment.