How to Outsource Product Design

Great product ideas can come from anywhere but finding the time and labor to design it can be difficult. Outsourcing the design to a specialized company gets a better product on the shelves faster than doing it in-house. Producing the next great product with an outsourced design team is a demanding process with a big payoff when done right.

Instructions

1. Sit down with the third party design company and define the product and its niche in the market. Consider variations, target market and product requirements during the initial discussion.

2. Question every aspect of requirements and assumptions associated with marketing and design. Technological advancements mean the needs and way people use products changes quickly.

3. Create a 3D graphic version of the design and focus on assemblies and manufacturing elements. Continue tweaking the design to add comfort, features and marketing friendly options.

4. Work with the outsource design company to produce the prototype based on the most basic design to speed creation and identify potential assembly problems. Test usability and function on the target market to determine further changes and identify bugs.

5. Continue refining the prototype to meet the needs of sales, marketing and the end user. Define the final product specifications and begin outlining the manufacturing process.

6. Determine the manufacturing and assembly process with the design team to identify additional money saving outsourcing opportunities. Consider work force needs as well as space and existing capabilities.

7. Take the outsourced design and implement the internal and external resources needed to produce the product. Begin assembly, make the final package available to the customers and watch the orders pour in.