From idea to a successful product
The distance between a great idea in your head and a successful product on the market may seem daunting at first. Indeed, it is a challenge that should be taken seriously, allocating the time and resources required for success. The purpose of the following paragraphs is to turn this seemingly daunting endeavor into a series of practical steps that can lead you to success.
Know Your Market
The new product you envision may be truly unique, however it will not stand alone on the shelf – there will always be competition. Learn the competition, read reviews and blogs written by thought leaders in your field. The deeper and more thorough the research you conduct, the better your product will eventually be.
Perfect Your Business Plan
Based on your market research, streamline your business plan. Make sure the product you envision has something unique to offer is comparison with the other products out there. Revisit your initial assumptions and estimates and make sure the resources you have lined up for the project are adequate. As you make progress, invest resources, and gather more data on the challenges you face, make sure to update your business plan so it remains a relavent guide for your future activities.
Test the Waters
Before you embark on full-scale R&D, consider producing a mock-up model of the intended product. Sharing it with prospective customers and experts, may prove to be very worthwhile. As opposed to an abstract concept, a tangible object will produce new and insightful feedback from your potential customers. If possible, try to assemble focus groups of potential customers to discuss your idea. Such guided discussions often yield surprising new directions for exploration and development.
Methodical Product Development
Once you are confident that the product you envision has true market potential, it is time to conduct a methodical R&D process. This includes product definition, conceptual design, detailed design, testing, and preparation of the production instructions. In order to accomplish this elaborate process, with minimum mistakes, it is highly recommended to consult professional Industrial Designers that have the training and experience in leading such processes.
Suppliers and Producers – Key Success Factors
Once the R&D process is complete, it is time to select raw material suppliers and component producers. Several important considerations need to be factored into these important decisions.
Firstly, seek individuals and companies with a proven record of accomplishments. Invest time in gathering references and recommendations from people you trust. Long term business relationships with trustworthy partners are priceless.
Secondly, ensure quality. While recommendations are important, it is as important to work with vendors that comply with the relevant quality standards. Beyond ensuring the quality of your product, working with accredited suppliers and producers will also pave the way for your products to the shelves of leading retailers that require such certification for every product they offer.
Cost is of course a major concern. Cost saving considerations often translate into sourcing manufacturing services and components from regions that traditionally offer low cost materials and labor. When doing so it is even more important to find reputable partners with a proven track-record of reliability and success. Moreover, shipping costs must be considered, based on the location of your target market.
Wrap It Up Properly
Product packaging is an art in and of itself. Packaging must be light-weight and compact to allow cost-effective shipping. It must also be sturdy so the product remains protected throughout its journey from the manufacturing plant up to the customers premises. Your product packaging must also be attractive, in-order-to stand out on the shelf and catch the eye of your potential customers. Professional Industrial Designers will be able to offer you different options and alternatives to best suit the packaging needs of your new product.
Quality Control
After much effort and perseverance your product design is complete. Before commencing mass production, make sure quality control measure are in place. Most producers and suppliers have quality control procedures that are implemented by their own Quality Control teams. However, depending on the sensitivity of your product components, putting in place your own quality control measures may prove to be a wise step. Shipping a whole batch of new products to your distributors, and then discovering at the last moment that they are all flawed, is always heart breaking and sometimes detrimental financially.
Launch
You have gone to great lengths to ensure your product design is flawless. Now, achieve the same level of precision and detail with you launch plan. Focus and the times and places where your target audience can be reached most effectively. After launch, analyze your sales performance continuously and respond with the required adjustments to your plan.
Here at Klipy design Ltd. our team of professional Industrial Designers and Marketing Experts will be happy to support you in realizing your vision and turning it into a bestselling product. Our expert team is highly experienced in guiding clients through all stages of design, prototype production, supplier & producer selection and more.
For more information contact us.
Product Design Services
For product design services of the highest quality, and for further professional assistance, please contact Studio Klipy at:
Tel: 972050-8873495