All great products start with a simple idea. By the time an item hits store shelves, it's gone through dozens of revisions and alterations.
So how does the product design process work? More importantly, how can you use it in your business to create great products?
Keep reading to learn about five top tips for designing products.
1. Start With a Market Summary
Before you set the world on fire with your innovative new product, you'll need a better understanding of similar products and the companies who make them. By collecting the information listed above, you'll have a stronger sense of what you can do to set yourself apart.
Start by gathering information on your target audience and creating a customer persona.
Next, look at the best-selling products in the field. What makes them so popular? How can you put a spin on these same ideas to better address the pain points of your audience?
This information is integral to the advertising process, as branding's core tenet is diversification from your competition. By marketing your product as different from the rest, you'll stand out in a crowded field.
2. Design With the End User in Mind
Now that you know more about your ideal buyer, you can start the product design process. As you do, put yourself in the user's shoes.
Are your products easy to understand? What could you do to make the use of your product more pleasurable?
Remember, product revision is common. Don't be afraid to simplify your products. With the right design and with the help of a pad printing equipment, you can get your desired simple product look.
3. Establish Documentation Standards
Whether you're running a small business or you're part of a larger corporation, odds are you won't make your products in-house. As such, you'll have to send the designs out of house.
To eliminate confusion and expedite the manufacturing process, make sure your design documents can be easily understood by those who need to access them.
4. Carefully Consider Packaging
Product packaging is the first way consumers interact with your product. Whether that means spotting a brightly colored container across the aisle, identifying your logo without a second thought, or creating an eye-catching and unique display, your packaging sends a message.
Think carefully about the type of message you're looking to send through your packaging.
Likewise, don't forget that your packaging factors into your total manufacturing cost. You can save money by cutting down on plastics and shrinkwrap and instead use methods like in mold labeling.
5. Incorporate Market Feedback
Before you prepare for a wide launch, give your product to a few trusted friends and family members. Have them use the product and look at the packaging. Then, ask for their honest feedback.
It's always helpful to have multiple sets of eyes on a project, especially if you can find someone in the same demographic as your target audience.
You'll also want to schedule a focus test comprised of members of your demographic to help with your product design plan.
Designing Products That Sell
Designing products can be a time-consuming and challenging process. But now, you have the knowledge and skills to create the next hit product. Thanks to these tips, you'll even save some money along the way!
Ultimately, focus on making your product easy and fun to use for your target audience. The customers are the ones buying it, after all.
If you're interested in more marketing and manufacturing tips, make sure to check back with our blog! We publish a wide variety of helpful articles on product designing and marketing, right here on Bootstrap Business.
