Over the past several years, business owners have increasingly turned to third-party industrial design companies to spearhead the development of their product ideas. And for a good reason- in fact, outsourcing is capable of reducing overall costs, increasing a product’s profitability, improving design-build quality, and so much more. Suffice it to say outsourcing has become quite a staple in the world of business and has led to some of the market’s most ingenious and innovative products to date.
However, like most things in life, outsourcing does present its own unique set of challenges, particularly among business owners who have yet to fully experience the ins and outs of product development. Luckily, these obstacles are easily remedied with some aid from your fellow design team. After all, part of our job as designers is to ensure smooth sailing on the client’s end so they may enjoy the full spectrum of benefits that outsourcing industrial design services has to offer without unnecessary hassle.
Interested in learning more? To help better prepare future clients, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common complications business owners run into during the product development process. Keep reading to learn more about how you and your design team can work together to avoid these mishaps with ease.
1. Difficulty Explaining Concepts And Ideas
When you initially meet with designers to discuss your product idea, you will almost certainly be asked to describe what exactly your vision entails. Unfortunately, it can be rather tough to perfectly articulate something that only exists in your mind! The issue here is that industrial designers rely on your description to mock up the sketches and prototypes, meaning they may be unable to fully execute your idea as you imagine it if there is any shortage of necessary details. Luckily, this issue can quickly be resolved with some communication. Try to be as descriptive as possible when explaining the functions and features of your desired product, and remember- no detail is too small! Additionally, industrial designers will always inquire about your level of satisfaction with their designs during the development process itself. If at any point you feel as though they are not fully grasping your product vision, don’t be afraid to speak up and request any changes.
Tip: Take a moment before meeting with your design team to make a comprehensive list of every feature, specification, and detail of your product idea. That way, you can be sure every element of your design is explored and noted during the consultation.
2. Lack Of Trust
As an industrial design company, one of the most common hesitations we hear about outsourcing is that business owners are wary of third parties stealing their product ideas. Unfortunately, this sentiment can have an unfavorable effect on clients that decide to continue outsourcing despite their misgivings in that they may feel reluctant to work alongside their design team. In reality, this misconception couldn’t be further from the truth! Any reputable design company will always have you sign an NDA to protect the rights of both parties, including your product concept. Of course, the purpose of these agreements is first and foremost to secure your intellectual property, however, they also encourage designers and clients to have conducive and extensive conversations about the product design without any feelings of distrust. Ultimately, we just want our clients to feel excited at the prospect of turning their idea into a tangible, beautifully designed product without any unnecessary stress.
Tip: Discuss NDAs with your potential designers prior to onboarding their services. If they require you to sign their own agreement, be sure to carefully read through the document and voice any questions or concerns you may have.
3. Unfamiliar Loss Of Project Management
As business owners, not having direct control over a project can be quite an unfamiliar feeling. Consequently, you might experience some reluctance in “handing” over control to a third-party firm, especially when it comes to developing your products. However, it’s important to remember that as the client, your ideas and opinions are still at the crux of the entire project. As industrial designers, we may throw in a suggestion if prompted, but at the end of the day, it is the client’s word that steers the entirety of the design and we will never stray from these requests. Essentially, outsourcing is collaborative, so you can expect to receive plenty of opportunities to consult with your designers and see how the product is coming along.
Tip: If you ever feel like you require more updates from your designers, let them know! Your design team will be more than happy to schedule an in-depth consultation regarding your project’s progress.
Schedule Your Design Consultation Today
At the end of the day, developing a product is not a linear accomplishment. It does come with certain battles and setbacks, but the right team of designers will always do everything in their power to rectify these challenges before allowing them to influence the product or trouble the client. Are you ready to take the first step toward turning your product idea into a reality? Give us a call at 714-375-4846 to schedule your consultation today.
This blog is brought to you by DesignStein Studios, a premier industrial design company located in California, servicing Irvine, Orange County, LA County, and San Diego County.