Product design is a complex process, but there is a method to the madness. Designers follow a set of phases to come up with the right design solution. And if you understand these seven phases of product design, you will be able to create better products. Each phase is designed to ensure that you have the right product and will be successful in the market. From furniture to kitchen gadgets, smartphones to fashion accessories, product design is fundamental in augmenting everyday life experiences.  Let’s look at each of these phases in detail.

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In this article:

Understanding product design

Phase 1- Idea generation

Phase 2- Idea Screening

Phase 3- Concept design and testing

Phase 4- Defining business strategy

Phase 5 - Product design

Phase 6- Sample product screening

Phase 7- Delivering the final product

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What is Product Design

Product design is developing new products that integrate creative design, technical proficiency, and business strategy to formulate products that meet consumer needs. Product designers work closely with marketers, engineers, and other design experts to generate relevant yet cost-effective designs. Through inspection, prototyping, testing, and then launching the final product, product designers deliver products that interpret consumer issues and augment their lives.

Whether you monitor a small-scale production or large-scale project, product designing incorporates several tasks, such as analysis, conceptualization, prototyping, and refinement. To succeed in the design field, designers must understand the stages of product design. Deep knowledge of equipment, manufacturing procedures, user needs, and the ability to think outside the box are essential. However, with the right tools and approach, product designers can develop innovative products and solutions and leave a lasting impact.

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Phase 1: Idea Generation

Idea generation in product designing incorporates assessing consumer needs, brainstorming potential solutions, and evaluating the practicality and profitability of the idea. Product designers must also consider critical factors, such as manufacturing cost, product development process, and materials during idea generation. Collaborating with cross-functional teams allows a better flow of ideas and perspectives. Once ideas are generated, designers sketch the design, prototype and test it, and then release the final design. There are two fundamental types of idea generation, including:

• Internal Idea Generation

The process of internal idea generation in product design includes initial product analysis, brainstorming, and collaborating with other developers. The aim is to generate ideas that align with the product’s goals. You can attain this by sketching, storyboarding, and mind mapping. However, catering to market trends, user needs, and competition is significant. The most promising ideas can be refined and further developed into prototypes for testing. Internal idea generation is a continuous process requiring consistent innovation and iteration to formulate unique products that stand out amid the competition.

• External Idea Generation

External idea generation encompasses deeper analysis of the product and brainstorming the internal idea by seeking input from outside sources. One effective method is to hold focus groups with industry experts or potential consumers. This allows substantial insights into what characteristics and functionality would be the most suitable in a new product design. Another approach is to collaborate with other companies or solopreneurs. You can gather knowledge and create something unique and valuable by teaming up. Further, engaging with your target audience via online communities and social media allows you to uncover pain points and alternatives you may not have considered otherwise.

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Phase 2: Idea Screening

Idea screening is a vital phase in the new product development process. Incorporating evaluation and filtration of potential ideas to assess which are worth pursuing helps ensure resources are administered efficiently, and the final product meets market expectations. However, there are numerous factors to consider when screening ideas, such as consumer needs, technological feasibility, competitive landscape, etc. Furthermore, gathering stakeholder feedback ensures a well-rounded awareness of the idea’s potential. When you screen ideas thoroughly, you can save time and money, all while enhancing the user experience and effectiveness of the product.

Here’s how you can conduct effective idea screening:

• Talk to your friends and family about the idea.
• Start a crowdfunding campaign.
• Send out an online survey to get feedback.
• Ask your close-off consumers.
• Analyze market demand using Google Trends.
• Launch a “coming soon” page to gather attention from potential customers.

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Phase 3: Concept Development and Testing

The phase of Concept development and testing in the product design process includes the evaluation of the potential idea in terms of desirability, accessibility, and functionality. Testing these concepts helps uncover product weaknesses and potential improvements. Further, it enables designers to refine their ideas before investing time and resources in the final product. Several concept development and testing methods include surveys, user testing, focus groups, and prototyping. While each method has benefits and drawbacks, it allows designers to attain valuable insight from potential consumers to ensure the product meets quality and standards.

You may address questions to plan the probable roadmap of your product, such as

• Should I use premium resources or focus on sustainability?
• Can I use the product every day or on special occasions only?
• What are the success metrics of the product?
• Is it solving a significant problem and improving people’s life or bridging gaps in an existing product?

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Phase 4: Business Analysis and Marketing Strategy

Business analysis and marketing strategy are fundamental steps in new product development. Analyzing the business is integral to specifying the target audience, identifying competitors, and acquiring distinctive marketing strategies. When you conduct extensive market research, you gain an understanding of consumer tendencies, pain points, and buying patterns. Once you have identified the target market, you must expand a marketing mix to reach consumers. Approach methods like social media outreach, influencer promotion, advertising campaigns, or other strategies that align with the business’s values and goals. Combining practical business analysis with solid marketing efforts will make your product design stand out in a crowded marketplace.

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Phase 5: Product Development

The process of product development in product design starts with evaluating the market to recognize consumer preferences and designing the product accordingly. Once an idea is generated, a sample product or prototype is built to assess the feasibility of the design and make critical modifications. The prototype is then created, and testing is administered to discern whether or not the product is meeting desired specifications and customer requirements. Based on feedback, the product is perfected and prepared to launch. However, several factors, such as cost-effectiveness, functionality, performance, and aesthetics, should be catered to. Product designers can formulate successful products by following a comprehensive product development process.

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Phase 6: Sample Product Testing

The product testing process in product design is a detailed assessment of the product’s packaging and build. The design should be informative and visually appealing, providing specific details about the product’s characteristics and benefits. Upon opening the package, the product should be sturdy and well-made. Sample product testing involves rigid use in different conditions to assess effectiveness and quality. When businesses employ the sample testing method, they ensure the product surpasses market expectations and is an excellent choice for consumers seeking reliable, quality products.

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Phase 7: Final Product Launch

The last phase of the product development process is adding the final touches to the creation. From finalizing the package to testing the product, you must ensure your product design is ready for market launch. However, do not rush things and take your time during this phase. Once you have completed the steps and the finalized product is ready, it’s time for the launch. This means making the product accessible to potential consumers and creating a murmur around it. You must be efficient with marketing efforts, such as email campaigns, social media advertising, influencer partnerships, etc. During the final product launch, checking sales and customer feedback is crucial. This helps you inspect issues with the product that you can make improvements to for future iterations. With thorough scrutiny and enactment, the product launch can be a victory that paves the way for business growth in the future.

Here are some questions to help specify the right price, selling strategy, and ways to launch the final product.

• What unique value proposition will help you thrive in the competition?
• What is the selling strategy? Are you planning to promote cross-selling or product bundles?
• Is the product meant for a selected audience or mass consumption?
• Will you sell the product online or offline? What are your strategies for setting up the distribution channel?

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Final Words

Product designing is a fundamental component of any business. A well-designed product improves customer satisfaction and experience and authorizes businesses to attract new customers, retain existing ones, and increase sales.

There are many phases to product design, and it is important to ensure that you have the right team in place to ensure that you have a successful product. Ping Studio has a team of designers who are ready to help you build the next big product. Contact us today.

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