After conceptualization, product design is the first, and one of the most complicated steps involved in the new product development that scare entrepreneurs the most. In the beginning, everything appears to be perfect; however, gradually, the initial product design undergoes modifications to form a new design, which then undergoes more modifications to form another design, eventually bringing the entire project to halt. As an entrepreneur, while designing and manufacturing a new product for your customers, if you have ever faced such crucial situation, then here are five product design pitfalls to avoid in 2015.
Meeting a Need
The procedure of product design is intended to meet the requirements and answer the problems associated with new product development. It may sound simple, but requires experienced professionals having latest designing tools such as CATIA V5, CATIA V6, and many other CAD and designing software. With the product design step, as an entrepreneur, you should aim to solve problems without creating more. Avoid extra and unwanted features that can frustrate your customers.
Not Able to Design User Centric Products
You are manufacturing a product for your customers; hence, it is your responsibility to keep their likes and dislikes in mind while designing it. Your products should be able to solve the problems of your end-users, or it should fulfil their requirements. Moreover, don’t overlook human factors such as how your product will be used, is it ready to bear rough use, is it waterproof, and similar questions. If you get a chance, interact with your potential customers and try to find out their views and feedback about your new product idea, and even ask for some input. The most successful product designs are the ones that the end users can admire for aesthetics. Keep the end-users’ requirements in mind but at the same time don’t ignore creativity or its coolness.
Designing for Design’s Sake
In many cases, it has been observed that entrepreneurs get covered up in what appears “Cool” or “How Beautiful the Design is”, and commence the designing process with the intention to hit the bull’s eye instead of handling the real issues. Don’t just design a product because you have to do it, in fact, find effective solutions to real-time problems and try to meet the requirements of your end-users. A rewarding product design is one that meets or exceeds the needs of its end-users.
Fixing the Wrong Issues
Industrial product design is a highly creative and fluidic procedure, but do not confuse “Fluidity” with “Out of Control”. Gradually, as a product design takes shape, things are discovered, and tangents emerge. For entrepreneurs, it is wise to stay focused on the real concept and design intent, and don’t let your design raise a new problem or solve the wrong one.
Safety
Every day, thousands of new products are poured into the market to win hearts and to make profit. However, end-users prefer to buy products that are useful as well as safe. Therefore, you need to design a product that is useful, safe, as well as have some jaw-dropping features that can amaze your potential customers. Offer your customers a product, which they can share or tell their family and friends about. Spare some time to conclude likes and dislikes of your customers, and try to integrate those features into your project.
If you are an entrepreneur, then it is recommended to avoid these five deadly pitfalls mentioned above as it can ruin your entire project. Feel free to contact the GID Development Corporation, California, a full-service product design and development company specializing in a design, engineering, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling and new product manufacturing.
