When it comes to creating a new product, the design is one of the most important things to get right. A good design will draw your target audience in and encourage them to buy into your brand, as well as communicate your ethos and USP.

That’s why it’s so important to carefully plan the process. Take a look at our tips below on how to successfully design your product.

Create the concept

The first step to creating a product is coming up with a solid concept. This means thinking about what the product is, what it will do, what function it will serve, and so on.

One of the key things to do here is think about your customer. Is your product going to satisfy a need or a want that they have? Is there a specific problem in their life that your product will solve?

Asking these types of questions will help you ensure your product will be appealing to potential customers.

Do market research

Once you’ve got a strong concept, test it out by undertaking market research. You might feel like jumping straight into designing your product once you’ve had your lightbulb moment, but it’s critical to get constructive feedback from the wider market to avoid costly mistakes later down the line.

There are many ways to do market research and two key types – qualitative and quantitative. Tide explains that “qualitative research focuses on data from first-hand observations, such as interviews, focus groups and questionnaires”.

Quantitative research “focuses on collecting and analysing big data from larger sample sizes, such as demographics, spending behaviours and opt-in rates”. Make sure you’re doing both types of market research as well as competitor analysis to get the most well-rounded feedback about your product.

Nail the design

If your market research shows that your product could be a success, you can go on to design your product. It’s important that your design communicates your USP and will stand out to your customers – enticing them to buy.

Using CAD design software, you can create 3D models of your product in different dimensions. You can develop your concept quickly and easily, bringing your product to life and allowing you to simulate real-world performance.

If you identify any problems, they can be fixed before the product goes to manufacture – saving you time and money. Plus, you can use any visuals to start marketing your product before it hits the market, creating demand and anticipation among customers.

Create a prototype

Once you’re happy with your design, you should create a physical prototype. This will allow you to test your product in the real world and highlight any issues there may be before you launch.

You may need to create several prototypes before you get to the final product – so be patient with the process. Undertake thorough testing and use your findings to make changes until you’re 100% happy with the design. 

By creating a unique concept, undertaking market research, nailing your design and doing rigorous testing, you can help ensure the design of your product is a success.