A successful product design entails a clear understanding of how the end product will look, feel and the tasks it will be used for. This is why rudimentary goods are often made by specialists from different backgrounds. Below are the basics of a product design project.
Brainstorming
The term brainstorming first appeared during the 1950s, and two groups must be involved for its proper implementation. The first group consists of people who develop ideas for solving the problem. The second group involves the commission that processes the ideas proposed by group one. A proper brainstorming session can be broken down into 3 phases, including:
- Define the challenge: This stage identifies the problem or challenge to be solved.
- Idea generation: This consists of a brainstorming period where various different ideas are collected in order to create a database of viable solutions.
- Select the ideas which are most viable: During this phase ideas are sorted through, rejected, and refined in order to choose the best path forward.
Define the Product
Once the most viable ideas have been selected, product developers establish the guidelines for moving forward. The output can be abstract, rather than forming a set guideline for development. The goal is to determine the direction and additional steps for moving forward.
Conduct User Research
Research involves performing market research so one can determine the number of competitors, evaluate trends, and assess the longevity of a product. This task is typically performed by business analysts and marketers. The data generated from the research can be used to develop customer portraits and help team members understand what the final product should look like.
Sketching and Prototyping
If you intend to produce a large object that requires a substantial budget, sketches are a necessity to aid conceptualization. The prototype is a fundamental model that acts as the basis for future products. It does not have to look perfect but should showcase the basic functionality, methods for user interaction, and appearance.
Compiling Product Specifications and Factory Samples
Creating a product specifications list is a necessity since it enables product developers to review every requirement needed for the final product and their potential solutions. These specifications should be the last delimitation for deadlines, costs, and responsibilities related to the product development phase.
Factory samples help manufacturers decide whether their main product idea is attractive and viable for users. For physical products, you will be better positioned to rapidly produce the merchandise without sacrificing quality. The final stage is quality assurance, which entails every stage of your product’s development and ensures it works as intended for the target audience.
