All of us are experiencing the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930's. Times are tough 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 into a successful product by applying good design. Good design is essential for any innovative idea to be accepted into a market. Now is the time for progressive companies , inventors, entrepreneurs and tomorrows business leaders to apply their creativity, marketing knowhow and technical expertise by introducing new products. During an economic downturn, opportunities for new products are always in demand. Especially if these products offer better performance, lower cost, fewer parts, attractive appearance or improved value. During times like these reputable design firms such as Integrated Design Systems offer innovators the best investment. Final design solutions are always optimized for the specific market and price point.
The return on investment for a well designed product cannot be underestimated. The best state of the art technology, an unlimited marketing budget, ISO 9000 quality standards and a top notch staff of employees cannot yield a good product without a good design. It's during times like these that inventors, entrepreneurs and business men should cease market opportunities with designs that sell. Businessmen should collaborate with creative designers to brainstorm new product ideas ideally suited to their particular market. Despite the current slump, there is a continued demand for thousands of products in all market sectors including transportation, medical, industrial and consumer products. Company's and purchasers are seeking products that offer value, quality and a better life.
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 there are surprisingly thousands of companies that still undervalue the importance of good design. Conversely, companies that do invest in quality design and product branding 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 world class design firm like Integrated Design Systems before you attempt to manufacture your next product.