It’s time to choose a partner in contract design. But why would you even want this partnership? What should you look for? How do you spot red flags? The answers lie within your checklist from the previous blog. Any good designer will aim to meet your needs and inspire new ideas while saving you time and helping you navigate the uncertain waters of the product development process. Focus on what you want to accomplish (realistically) when you look at the following aspects of any contract designer or design company. And don’t forget about how a potential partnership could benefit you and your product.
Individual vs Large Company
Solo designers, small businesses, and large design firms all have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are working on a small project with a quick turnaround, an individual designer will be your best bet due to their ability to complete work quickly at a lower price point than design companies. On the other hand, if you have a slightly more involved idea and want support with an inclusive and collaborative approach, a small company could be right for you.
Lastly, a large company may be an appropriate option if you have a large project with several components because a large design firm will have a variety of members with different skillsets. However, those skills come at a cost. We recommend looking on a designer’s website for samples of their work so you can determine if they’ll meet your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your consultations, and always be honest about your desires and hard limits.
Pricing & Quotes
Money talks. And while a lot of new entrepreneurs are outraged by the price of design services, the truth of the matter is that product development takes more than a good idea and a prototype to be successful. Like most things, you get what you put in. A contract designer or firm should have pricing that reflects the services and value an individual or company can add to your product. Next week’s blog will dive into that more.
When quotes are too good to be true, the quality of work may not be. Or even worse, hidden fees later down the line could result in the end cost being even higher than other previously received quotes. Conversely, if a quote seems much higher than expected, that doesn’t always mean you’re getting ripped off. Communication is key in these situations. Make sure that the person quoting understands your real needs and give them the opportunity to make changes or explain their pricing.
Capabilities & Processes
What type of design is right for your product? Does your potential partner have in-house prototyping abilities? Can they test and adapt efficiently? These are great questions to ask yourself when deciding on a contract designer or company. You should work with people who can help you reach goals and create an effective product. This means you must pay attention to the types of design they offer (mechanical, industrial, electrical, etc.), the resources they utilize, and the processes they follow.
For instance, iteration is a necessary part of every product design cycle. However, the capabilities a company or individual has will determine how well they can minimize iteration time and maximize knowledge gained from testing. The design and development process a contract designer employs also affects how well they can recover from setbacks and how quickly they can gather information. The more detailed the contractor or contract team can be in their plan to get to market, the more confidence you can have that they can guide you to success.
Industry Focus & Technical Expertise
Many designers have their niche, and if their focus aligns with your project, you may have found your match. For instance, a firm with expertise in the medical field may be a great choice for you if you’re creating a product for that space, or a designer with plentiful soft goods experience may be better suited for a project that relies on soft goods to be successful. Working with professionals in your desired industry allows you to gain more applicable knowledge in a shorter time. Not to mention, experienced designers can offer technical tips, trade-specific advice, and cost-saving workarounds for a variety of issues. These are some of the ways a design partnership can save you time and offer value to your final product.
Reputation
Whether clients are disappointed or thrilled with their experiences, word gets around. A designer’s reputation means just as much as their capabilities and expertise because new inventors and entrepreneurs have a better understanding of your point of view. Their needs, concerns, questions, or expectations may mirror yours, which means their opinions are valuable when you’re choosing an individual or company to work with. Look around their websites and search for them on review platforms to see testimonials and get their clients’ honest feedback.
Funding
The type of designer you choose will also depend on your funding. This may seem obvious, but often the reason potential projects don’t get completed is because their funding doesn’t allow for design and manufacturing work to be done properly or at all. Remember to be realistic. Consider whether you’re working with investors, starting a crowdfunding campaign, borrowing from friends and family, or taking out loans so you can assess the type of design services you can afford.
Benefits of Working with a Designer or Design Company
Time: The more assistance and expertise you have on your side, the less time you’ll spend researching, contacting vendors, screening manufacturers, and communicating with several points of contact.
Money: An experienced designer or firm should have connections and know ways to reduce costs during product development. They can determine what you really need and cut out any inefficiencies. They can also help find cost-effective manufacturers or offer solutions to otherwise pricey issues.
Design Efficiency: Functional, eye-catching design is on the horizon when you work with a professional. They can create your desired look and feel and make your product safe and appealing for your end users.
Project Management: Enlisting the help of a designer or design team means less hassle! This is a great way to make sure time and budget are in focus. They can monitor the process from beginning to end and address any questions or concerns you have along the way. That means less stress for you and more attention for your product.
Conclusion
You should be proud of yourself. Product development takes effort, determination, patience, and skill. Whether you’ve filled out most of the checklist or you feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface, congratulate yourself. You are taking the necessary steps to make your ideas into success stories. And knowing what you need to know is the hardest part. As experienced designers, creatives, and engineers, we understand how overwhelmed you may feel. But we’re in this together. With our checklist as a guide and the tools to find the right contract design company by your side, the sky is the limit.
Want a deeper dive into any of these topics, or have another question you want us to write about? Leave a comment below or reach out to us on social media!
info@flyingpigdesignsllc.com
720-470-9122
75 Waneka Parkway, Lafayette CO 80026
Katrice Stover is a passionate writer and the Community and Office Manager for Flying Pig Designs LLC. Combining her love for knowledge, growth, and a good read, it’s her mission to provide informative, engaging content for inventors, creatives, engineers, and industry professionals alike. In her spare time, you can find her dancing with her daughter, playing video games, and dying her hair vibrant colors.
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