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Industrial Design Blog » Design
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.
Innovation starts with an idea which is developed through design into product. Good design is essential for any innovative idea to be successfully introduced into the market place. Now is the time for rotational molders and individuals in the industry to apply their creativity, marketing knowhow and technical expertise to expand into new markets. During an economic downturn, opportunities for cost reduction, parts consolidation, improving product performance and improving product value are foremost in most people’s minds.
For the past fifteen years I have been writing and speaking about the importance of good design. The return on investment for a well designed product cannot be underestimated. The best state of the art molding equipment, excellent resins, highest quality molds and a top notch staff of employees cannot yield a good product without a good design. During times like these, molders, inventors, entrepreneurs and business men should assess market opportunities that could benefit from rotational molding. Businessmen should collaborate with creative designers to brainstorm new product ideas ideally suited to rotational molding. Despite the current slump, people are still buying furniture, trucks, and recreational products, etc. and trying to save money. Opportunities for innovative products that provide value to the customer exist in all these market areas as well as many others.
Well designed products provide a balance of low cost, functionality, attractive appearance, quality and satisfaction to the buyer. Good designers that understand the market requirements, manufacturing process and functional requirements for a product can readily provide successful design solutions for any viable application. Application of aesthetic considerations such as form, proportion, color and graphics will impart consumer desirability to the product. When these factors are creatively integrated with functional considerations such as structural and mechanical requirements, the product is manufactured with market appeal.
Good product design should be appreciated and valued as much as any other investment. Unfortunately the majority of OEM’s and molders investing in rotationally molded products continually undervalue the importance of good design. The exceptions to this prevalent thinking have benefited with higher profits, higher growth and improved stability in economic downturns. Good design must be fully integrated with manufacturing, marketing and corporate culture. It should always be included as part of the overall investment in any product and amortized over its sales during a given period of time. One should never forget that design does affect sales, quality, productivity and profits. These factors can be easily quantified to determine a reasonable investment for any given application. If you want to be a market leader and improve your profits, talk to a good designer before you attempt to manufacture your next product.