Written by:
Erik
10/22/2008 6:08 PM
Outsourcing product design is becoming more and more common. There are
a number of reasons to do so, internal talent is lacking,
resources are taxed to the max, the project isn't big enough to warrant
more new hires, or a new take on old, tired products is
needed. Design firms and consultants can bring an outsider's
perspective on your products and your market, and infuse new life
into your brand. They can be employed during any and all stages of
product design, and can lessen the burden on your company.
Yet, many products designed by firms and consultants go on to fail, or
cost the company more than what the product ends up being
worth. To have success with a design firm you have to select the right
firm, set expecations, manage to those expectations, and
know when to bring the results in house.
Selecting a design consultant can be a challenging task. There are plenty of them out there, and all of them seem to have
something just a little bit different to offer. Many focus on a single industry or a single part of product design, but
others are a one-stop shop for all of your product design needs. The important thing to do is to find the one that fits
you and your needs the best. This takes research and references. Treat a design firm similar to a key new hire - check
references, evaluate past work, and evaluate how they would work with your organization. Buy some of the products they've
designed, and talk to companies they have worked with. Visit their facilities, meet their people, and understand their
capabilities. Has the firm worked in your market before, or similar markets? How large is the firm?
Complete article... at www.productdesignresources.com
Tags:
6 comments so far...
Re: Working with Product Design Firms and Consultants
As said, this is always good. We can bring new lease of life to our brand. But the hectic job is in selecting a quality design consultant. I just outsourced a simple task to guys. But i could out of ten only 2 finished their work properly. I had to do the quality check and i spent more hours in checking for quality. I could have done it my self. From then, i never outsource. The team must be very proactive and innovative. They must have some reputation to be outsourced.
By descorpio on
10/22/2008 10:56 PM
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Re: Working with Product Design Firms and Consultants
I agree descorpio..it can be time consuming....but once you find some good people it works great. It's the same as hiring local...a bad hire will kill you
By SteveX on
10/24/2008 6:17 PM
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Re: Working with Product Design Firms and Consultants
It does not mean that outsourcing will always give you the best of results needed. Sometimes, you may also find a bad worker there. It is the job of the company to get the best out of their employees. The boss should have the knowledge on what to get and how to get. Unless he is clear, nothing can be done. A wise worker may even cheat his boss.
By descorpio on
10/26/2008 2:19 AM
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Re: Working with Product Design Firms and Consultants
Outsourcing seems to be the in thing at the moment, with companies trying to cut costs, which is what outsourcing does - done correctly it is cheaper and with the right outsourcing, the job can get done faster too. Ultimately it all depends on the mentality and work ethics of both the outsourcing company and the company itself to work together to achieve good results.
By icepricessa on
10/29/2008 1:16 AM
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Re: Working with Product Design Firms and Consultants
Being able to bring in help when needed is a good thing as it helps people to be able to maintain work in this hard economy. However I think that when choosing someone close to home is a better option when you can find someone that is qualified. The sad thing is that in other countries they can charge less for their services which makes it hard for people in the US to compete with that.
By attagirl on
11/15/2008 11:13 AM
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Re: Working with Product Design Firms and Consultants
Am a computer professional and i get projects that are outsourced. I do a fair and better job than others. I try to give customer satisfaction because only then i can get the project for the next time. My company sees that i give my best. The mission to achieve your goal will always make you the best. Have the urge within you. Do not blindly trust others. Verify them. It applies to outsourcing.
By cogbuddy on
11/19/2008 10:25 AM
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