Product Development

Can design help improve my production process?

Yes it can, because the design and manufacture of your products are closely related. Successful design helps to deliver efficient and effective manufacture; that is to say, the product is made cost effectively for its specifications and within set timescales.

You can use design improvements to all your products and services as a means of enhancing sales revenue and you can double its effectiveness by planning for and using design strategically. By thinking the big design picture, rather than focussing on one single product, you can link all of the parts of your company that benefit from design and create a powerful business response that is irresistible to your customers.

Team effort

A product designer, in conjunction with the project team at your company, should be involved in setting manufacturing specifications, ie the type of materials that must be used. These main specifications control the product quality that is required by the market. Therefore, the manufacturers, suppliers and, if possible, the customers should also work closely with your team and the designer to ensure manufacture of the best quality product.

Product designers vary in experience and style but they know that their results are dependent upon effective production and can often offer invaluable advice to improve your processes.

Early involvement

The early stages of the design process are crucial to successful, efficient production. It is then that up to 80 per cent of a product's manufacturing costs are committed. So it is essential that all of your project team - design, production, marketing and outside suppliers (like toolmakers) and trusted customers - are involved in the early stages of a project. Effective management of the early stages of new product development should reap rewards later.

A realistic design concept - such as a working prototype made from the correct materials - will help discussions between design and production. Developing your manufacturing plans alongside your product development will give you viable production options. It will also reduce the time it takes to move from concept phase to production.

For design advice visit the Design Council web site.