Industrial DesignEngineering
Product Design
I thought it would be appropriate to discuss how design can aid the rotational molding industry in attracting more OEMs to the benefits of this versatile manufacturing process. Typically the majority of molders and tool makers are introduced to OEMs after a design has been completed. Although this type of business growth is successfully attained with an aggressive sales and advertising campaign, it is reactive as opposed to proactive. In other words, growth is dependent upon the limited number of companies familiar with rotational molding and the designs they develop. However a proactive marketing strategy offers much more growth potential with significantly higher profits. This is because the potential customer base includes virtually any manufacturer and much less competition. The remainder of this editorial will discuss how design based marketing strategies can enable businesses such as yours to tap into this huge market potential.
Times are tough now and based on current forecasts, there doesn’t seem to be much improvement in the near future. The US federal stimulus package has done little to improve the economy and future spending plans combined with increased taxes will probably continue to dampen any quick economic rebound. So, what do you do when the US economy is in a slump and is being reengineered for socialism? You can stop working and live off the government or you can seek new business opportunities through innovation. Innovation leads to new products, new markets and increased sales.
If a survey were conducted amongst engineers and rotational molders requesting them to list the most important qualifications for a good designer, most would limit the list to technical knowledge. Few would include artistic skills, graphics, styling and marketing knowledge. Yet, when we become consumers looking for a TV, car, piece of furniture or any other personal item, how do we make our selection if price and performance are comparable? That’s right, by how the product looks! We look for a product that reflects our personal tastes and represents who we are. Products are designed with character, whether it is intentional or not. If a product looks cheap, it probably is. If a product is expensive, it is usually expensive for a reason.
Industrial Design