It's not all look and feel...the right approach will save the day
This is certainly a biased perspective, but hiring an experienced, top-notch Industrial Design studio called Neon Moss (we had to) is incredibly important if you are a product based company.
In a study called “The Business Value of Design” McKinsey found that the best design performers increase their revenues at nearly twice the rate of companies that didn’t lead with good design. (Source)
Seems obvious to us, but that can be a hard sell if you’re a startup and your investors are breathing down your neck. We get it. We’ve been there ourselves. However a harder sell to investors is “hey we spent less money, but no one wants to buy our products.”
Product design plays a major role in shaping or re-shaping your brand identity. Beyond the visual identity of the brand, the product is the face of the business. The first time a customer receives, touches, and uses your product will shape their perspective of your brand forever. If that feels like a lot of weight on your shoulders, it is. We understand that challenge and that’s exactly why we exist: to make a product that is pretty, works well and gets made.
So what’s the secret? Turns out there are quite a few. A well-designed product not only looks good but also addresses the specific needs, preferences, and pain points of the end user. By incorporating user-centered design principles, we create products that are intuitive, ergonomic, and a pleasure to use. Focusing on user experience leads to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales. On the flip side, poorly designed products lead to frustration, negative reviews, and a decline in customer loyalty, all of which result in either a false start or a failure to launch.
Equally as important are design intent, materiality, engineering approach, manufacturing processes, manufacturing partners, assembly techniques, sustainability, repairability and more. These are all things we do every day and we’ve been told we are quite good at. Over the years we’ve heard many people say “hardware is hard”, which is true. However we much prefer to say “hire us and be happy”, which is also true.
And because who doesn't love a listicle, here the 10 principles of good design according to our lord and savior Dieter Rams:
1 / Good design is innovative: A well-designed product or solution should bring something new to the table, whether through the use of cutting-edge technology, creative problem-solving, or a fresh approach to form and function.
2 / Good design makes a product useful: The primary purpose of any design should be to serve a specific function and meet the needs of the user, without unnecessary complexity or superfluous features.
3 / Good design is aesthetic: A well-designed product should be visually appealing and create a positive emotional response, as aesthetics can influence the user's perception of its functionality and overall quality.
4 / Good design makes a product understandable: The design should clearly communicate its purpose and how it is to be used, making it intuitive and easy for the user to grasp its functionality.
5 / Good design is unobtrusive: A successful design should be neutral and restrained, allowing the user to focus on its functionality and intended purpose, rather than being distracted by overly flashy or attention-seeking elements.
6 / Good design is honest: A design should not misrepresent its function or create unrealistic expectations for the user. It should be truthful about its capabilities and limitations.
7 / Good design is long-lasting: Timeless design transcends trends and fads, remaining relevant and functional for years to come. A well-designed product should have a long lifespan and not become obsolete due to changes in fashion or technology.
8 / Good design is thorough: Attention to detail is essential in design, as even the smallest elements can impact the overall user experience. A good design should take every aspect into consideration, ensuring that each component works harmoniously with the others.
9 / Good design is sustainable: Sustainable design practices are crucial in today's world. A well-designed product should minimize its environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and end-of-life considerations.
10 / Good design is as little design as possible: The principle of simplicity is at the heart of good design. A successful design should be pared down to its essential elements, removing anything unnecessary or extraneous, making it easy for the user to interact with and understand.
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