Design

2. Planning

Whether you are designing a complex product or process, or just a simple leaflet, investing in design minimises the risk of needing to make costly changes later.

Involve any outside help you need right from the start (see 5). A methodical approach will help to guarantee a successful outcome.

2.1 Assemble a project team (see 4) to manage the design process.

• Set specific, quantified objectives.
• Set a budget.Allow for contingencies and for the cost of external consultants.
• Set a timetable.Include any milestones for the project and the target completion date.

2.2 Prepare a design brief.

• The brief should describe your business background.Who are your customers and what are their needs? What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Your brief should include a clear description of the project. What are your objectives? How will the finished design be used?
• Budgets and timetables should form part of the brief.
• The brief should highlight any other constraints on the design.For example, are there any specific technical or legal requirements?

2.3 Turn the brief into a design specification (see 3).

• Most design specifications are a compromise between the features you need to meet your objectives and the budget, timescale and other constraints.

2.4 Make manufacturing and marketing plans an integral part of the design process.

• How much take-up are you anticipating and how long will it take you to meet demand?
• Which components will you make in-house and which will you buy in? Will you need to sub-contract any work?
• How can you minimise the cost of components?Can you use standard components and tools across a range of products rather than more expensive custom-made ones?
• What production capacity will need to be available, when? What volumes of supplies will you need?How will this fit in with your (and your suppliers') existing workflow?
• Can you improve your use of technology?
• Can you reduce the wastefulness of your production processes?Are you minimising wasted raw materials and energy usage?
• How will you promote and distribute new products and services?
• Will employees need support?

2.5 Plan how you will protect your intellectual property (see Intellectual property).

Protecting your intellectual property can reduce the threat from competition. There are several options:

For more information, contact the UK Intellectual Property Office on 08459 500505 or visit ).

• Patent protection for new and innovative products.
• Design registration to protect the shape or appearance of a product.
• Registered trade marks which distinguish your product or services from the competition.