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Design Industry Insights that We Bet You Never Knew!

Posted on December 4, 2020

Being a design agency, we have a bunch of creative designers who have been working endlessly to produce designs to cater to our clients’ needs. In this blog, we would like to answer some of the frequently asked questions about product designing. We’re also going to share and give some overviews about what a product designer really do.

What is a Product Designer?

This may be the first question that you have as you read the blog. As the job title suggests, a product designer is an individual who designs products. They are responsible for the user experience of a product. They work hand-in-hand with the production team to come up with product ideas that are suitable for end-users. To further explain, here are seven stages of the design process that product designers go through before a product is produced.

7 Stages of the Design Process

Stage 1: Define

Before designers begin their design, they usually think of problems that end-users may encounter in the future. It is crucial that designers ask themselves questions before they begin the project. Some examples include the choice of target groups, how the product would be carried out, the resources required for the project, and so on. Therefore, they need to think of a problem that can be resolved using their product.

Stage 2: Research

Next, designers would collect background research on the product they are working on. Vital information can include the possible pain points that people are experiencing, a specific product, or even reading case studies on similar products. Other types of market research could consist of demographics of the age group that the product is targeting, consumer behaviour, and even competitor analysis on similar products.

Stage 3: Ideate

In this step, designers start ideating products that could potentially be the solutions to these pain points. This is when brainstorming for products come in. This process could take hours, days, months, or even years before they could come up with a feasible idea. Moreover, this step is a large stepping stone for designers as this is where they establish a rough outline of what the product would do for its end-users. Brainstorming could include coming up with the right colours, features, and even the type of material that would be used for production. These ideas play a big part in the production of different products.

Stage 4: Prototype

Prototyping is when the rough idea has come to life. A prototype is a tangible representation of the product idea. It is also a chance for designers to test out the product. Oftentimes, it isn’t easy to convert ideas into reality immediately. Hence, prototypes allow for user testing to check if the product serves its purpose. Additionally, it is used to make further changes or improvements if the features are not working according to what is planned.

Stage 5: Select

Selecting a product is a crucial step in making choices that would lead to the final output. This step allows the designers to select the most suitable features and designs that they feel would serve their end customers best.

Stage 6: Implement

At the implementation step, designers return to the design brief and use it to evaluate the products. They would have to consider if the product solves the problems that they were supposed to resolve. The product would be thoroughly analyzed whether it has successfully solved the issue. Furthermore, it gives test users a chance to try it out and review the product.

Stage 7: Learn

After testing the usability and feasibility of the product, it is important to gather feedback. Feedback is usually received from the users of the prototype and the production team. Constructive feedback is critical in the improvement of product design. It also gives product designers a better understanding of the product- its functionality, areas of improvement, and safety.

These 7 steps do not just happen once. They may repeat the cycle many times until the final product is perfected. It takes tons and tons of time to make a single product, so think about all the hard work product designers put in to ensure that their creations are beneficial to us, consumers.

So What Does a Product Designer Do?

Product designers make sure that their creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but functional and comfortable to use as well. They play a vital role in the initial and final stages of product development to ensure they meet the customer’s preferences. Moreover, they need to follow the specifications for various types of products- from products used in the kitchen (such as blenders, cutlery, coffee makers) to products used in the office (such as stationary) to toys for children, and even cosmetics.

How Much Time Does it Take to Design a Product?

This varies depending on various factors, which include the client’s requirements and timelines. The amount of time to design and processes involved in making them differ for every product. They also require prior research. For example, for POS display design requests, it is essential to research POS displays in supermarkets, convenience stores, and retail outlets. Next, the advantages and disadvantages are weighed to see its feasibility. Lastly, these findings will be used to establish a solution that would fit the client’s requirements.

What Tools are Needed to Design?

We believe that research is important; thus, books, websites, case studies are extremely important sources of information for planning and brainstorming.

For technical tools, we usually use a series of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools. You can refer to this blog on how to create technical drawings. From ideating to sketching to rendering, these tools are important for a product designer. Here is an example of a product that is being designed using design software.

What Makes a Good Product Design?

A good product design is one that accurately fulfils the purpose of the product. It must be easy to use, solves real-world problems, has great aesthetics, innovative, detailed, and are ideal for mass production. Mass production would mean that it is in high demand and would have extremely high usability.

Takeaways from Being a Product Designer

Here, we share some thoughts from our very own in-house designers.

“Being a product designer is not an easy job. It takes a lot of effort, time, brainpower and responsibility to follow the project till completion. It’s a long way from challenging patience with a client, solving problems to completing drawings. The biggest reward is seeing the product in the hands of consumers. “

“Product designers can find out the issues, take it as experience, and adapt for the next product in order to avoid mistakes. “

Conclusion

Being a product designer is an exhilarating job. One never knows when their product could be the next big hit. It is important for the industry to constantly innovate and come up with new ideas to meet customers’ demands. Moreover, product innovation brings about convenience to the daily lives of many.

How Can Mindsparkz help?

Mindsparkz is a design agency founded in 2013. It is the sister company of ODM Group, a promotional marketing agency. If you are looking for design services to make your dream product come to life, feel free to connect with us. We have a variety of services such as graphic design, web design, and definitely product design. Additionally, we also do other design projects as well. Contact us to find out more. We are always willing to help!

How does China design products? Check out #127thCantonFair

Posted on June 16, 2020

in Uncategorized

Mindsparkz works with Chinese factories to design for export markets. How Does China Design Products and how do I access the best in class products? Well, we have been tracking one of the largest trade fairs on Twitter, with the hashtag #127thCantonFair. We love the greatest minds in the promotional products community coming together to spread innovation and creativity in the designs of and their products. Continue reading to find out fresh findings about what industry leaders are up to on Twitter and how Mindsparkz can help you unleash your creativity to form promotional products for your brand.

Tracking #127CantonFair on Twitter

While Mindsparkz isn’t a promotional products business or factory, we are a full service design agency specializing in designing promotional merchandise since 2013. Creating high-quality designs with manufacturing in mind for export markets.

For the past week leading up to the beginning of the Canton Fair, 15 June. Mindsparkz tracked hashtags on Twitter relating to the trade fair, to find out the fresh and ongoing insights on this global event. Continue reading for the fresh findings from the past 2 weeks we found on Twitter!

It is no surprise that in the weeks leading up to one of the biggest trade fairs in the world, the engagement on Twitter with the #127CantonFair began to rise. The Canton Fair has grown to become one of the most well known and well respected trade fairs in the promotional products industry. It is a way of the community in the promotional products industry to come together and share innovative ideas within each industry.

What we can look forward to on 127thCantonFair

As we look through the Tweets we tracked, we came across interesting ways companies are adapting to the virtual switch of the Canton Fair. Instead of physical booths, companies have been preparing set ups for virtual booths, in the image below. With links that will lead you to their exhibitions. How cool is that ??

Companies like Hvacstar have set up to prepare for the online showcase of their booths!

Experience Cloud Crowd Streaming with the most high-tech brands and discover innovative products

In times of crisis and change we see brands unleashing creativity in their business! Other brands like Hune, have prepared an online introduction to their product.

What have Tweeters been saying?

We formed the word cloud above from the data sets of Tweets we collected over the past two weeks. The sizes of the words vary from the frequency of the words, the larger the word the higher the frequency. The words that stand out as seen are “online”, “trade”, “suppliers”, “chat”, “import” and “export”

In this coming 127th Canton Fair that is going to be held online is something people can take advantage of using the benefits of online platforms and reaching out to a wider audience globally. With the exhibitors and exhibits present there will be factories who act as suppliers for promotional products which will be prominent in the trade fair. We also believe in the time where physical interaction isn’t possible, chats and communications becomes more important this year! As brands come together as a community there will be trade ongoing, with the importing and exporting of ideas and products over this fair.

Here are the top users on Twitter! Do you see yourself?

Being able to have the fair physically present or having it virtually like this year, Twitter engagement plays a significant role in the days leading up to and during the Canton Fair. It allows for direct engagement from brand to customer, start conversations, begin retweeting and get your product and exhibitions out there! Do you see yourself as part of the top influencers with #127thCantonFair?

How can Mindsparkz help?

Mindsparkz is full service design agency providing high-quality designs with manufacturing in mind for our clients. Although we are not a promotional products agency, we are just as excited for the 127thCantonFair and will keep our readers updated on this very anticipated trade fair. With the tons of inspiration and innovative ideas brands will see during this trade fair, Mindsparkz can help you bring your inspiration to life! We are a team of experience designers who are dedicated to designing promotional merchandise in the best interests on our clients. Don’t hesitate to contact us! We’d love to here from you!

Keep a look out for more updates on the 127th Canton Fair!

Take a look at blogs on our work

Our superior services at Mindsparkz

Our authentic, creative and passionate staff works every day to bring out the best for our clients. Our focus is to help you add that extra sparkle to your business! Be it in Vietnam or in any other part of the world! Interested? Contact us!

Top 25 Promotional Products from 125th Canton Fair – Product Sourcing

The 125th Canton Fair brought to us many new and innovative products! If you are interested in product sourcing, here is our list of the Top 25 Promotional Products consolidated from all three phases.

Find New Promotional Products at the 125th Canton Fair in 2019

Even though this may be the 125th Canton Fair from a year ago, these promotional products we spotted at the fair with a pinch of creativity will never goes out of style. Check this blog out!

Product Design: Everything You Need To Know

We here at Mindsparkz are very experienced in product design, with countless product design projects for our clients! This blog will cover everything you need to know about product design to boost your marketing level!

How to design a custom Snow Globe

Christmas is coming and due to the popularity of this product, we wanted to share with everyone the different stages involved in designing a custom snow globe.

How to design On-pack Promotions

Posted on April 24, 2020

in Branding, promotion, Services, Uncategorized, Visuals

What are on-pack promotions?

On pack promotion is a sales promotion technique that is incorporated into the packaging of a product. This is commonly used for products that are in retail, and not as useful for the service sector. This technique is very popular with fast moving consumer goods, such as cereal boxes and toothpaste.

Why should I use on-pack promotions?

On-pack promotion is one of the most convenient way to promote your brand, as it is easily identified by customers when the promotion is incorporated onto the packaging. This is also a great strategy for marketing managers who want their brand their stand out from competitors in the retail environment.

How do I design an on-pack promotion?

On pack promotions can come in various forms. The main criteria is that it has to be part of the packaging. We’ve seen other brands do pretty well with discounts and premiums promoted on the packaging. However, we learn that these are not as popular as gifts-with-purchases. Gifts-with-purchases are much more enticing to customers as it gives them a perceived higher value of the product. We have simplified the process into 3 steps.

Step 1 : Understand your target customers and your product.

Market research is important, if time and resources permits. This will help you make a better judgement of your campaign, regardless of the strategy you choose to implement. For example, in the illustration – we try our best to design an appropriate gift that will make sense to the target customer. It is very crucial that your promotion aligns with your brand positioning.

Step 2 : Pricing

Sales promotions will always require an additional capital loss. Unless you own multiple fighter brands in retail, do not invest in sales promotions to make a loss. Therefore, take some time to plan out your expenses and returns.

Step 3 : Branding

The most crucial part of this is branding. We believe that sales promotions are not just about boosting sales volume, but also to create brand recognition. Relate your promotions to your brand as much as you can. Make sure your packaging has your website, brand logo and/or country of origin. Customers can sometimes associate the quality of your product with the country of origin. These are just some features of a packaging that will help with branding.

Why gift-with-purchase?

Customers tend to enjoy things that seem more tangible and therefore we recommend our clients to adopt a gift-with-purchase when designing an on-pack promotion. Gift-with-purchases are usually non-perishable goods. Therefore, when you personalize your gifts (with logos or mascots), it essentially creates a longer lasting brand exposure for your product.

What can Mindsparkz do for you?

Mindsparkz is a design agency operating under the ODM Group, with over 17 years of experience in the field of marketing. We help companies in almost every step of the process ; Branding, Product Design, Web Design and others. We can help you create your own branded packaging to help with your next on-pack promotion. This can also be complemented with our procurement office from the ODM Group, to help realize your designs. Check out our portfolio to check out our past projects.