When it comes to product design, certain factors can make or break the product, and in turn the business. Here are some common product design mistakes to avoid.
Not Keeping to Specifications
The designer must meet the set of specifications unique to each product. One must not be too self-indulgent or rely solely on instincts, which can result in design issues. If the designer does not receive the entire project brief, they should make clarifications before starting the work. In a similar vein, designers must always keep the product’s design, testing, and manufacturing standards in mind. A material that melts at 160°F, for instance, cannot be used to design a product with heat tolerance of 170°F. Details like these must be properly communicated and adhered to by all team members.
Not Leveraging on Prototypes
Prototypes must be created and tested in the project’s earlier stages to meets design goals, product specifications, and user needs. This approach weeds out changes that need to be made, saving time and money in the long term. Attempting to cut costs by reducing the number of prototypes or prototype cycles may force teams to do too much with a single prototype., In addition to project risks,. do not compromise on functionality or usability. Consider creating a separate usability model and functional prototype for your testing needs.
Failing to Understand the Target Audience
Ultimately, the product is designed for consumer usage. The worst-designed products are overpriced and do not cater to the customer’s needs. No matter how amazing the product is, no one will buy it if it is being sold at the wrong price point. It is important to assess the target audience’s average disposable income, the amount they are willing to spend, and the competitor product’s pricing. Your product must also be placed into the context of a user’s experience and undergo sufficient testing. Frequent interaction with the prototype will help the designer understand the design’s physical realities.
Failing to Incorporate Feedback
When iterating in a design and engineering process, instincts are not enough. Your product must be experienced by actual users. This is a good structure to follow for iterative prototyping with integrated feedback and testing:
- ● Express: Give your idea enough form to receive relevant feedback.
- Test: Undergo testing and gather user feedback.
- Cycle: Repeat the process
How does the product feel in a user’s hand, and what do they think about the size and its potential utility? These are questions that need to be addressed.
Not Keeping the Product Design Process Organized
Work will back-track and be delayed if the team’s workflow is incomplete or have tasks all jumbled up. A design can attain a complete form and still be unsuitable for manufacturing, making the project and its investments go down the drain. This can be avoided by outlining the process at the beginning and updating it constantly as development progresses. This also allows for potential areas of weakness to be identified, keeping the project on track.
Always Make the Right Product Design Decisions with Kemperle Industries
With over four decades of experience, Kemperle Industries has the design expertise and the technological application to meet all your project development needs. We strive for design perfection and are passionate about every project we embark on, no matter how big or small. If you’re looking to embark on a new product development project, feel free to contact us or call us at 718-557-9578.
