In today’s society, consumer product design services play an essential role in our global economy. It has become a crucial part of gross domestic products everywhere. Not to mention, a vehicle for industries in advertising and retail, as well as product design companies. On The Product Startup Podcast, MAKO’s Founder + President, Kevin Mako, spoke to Tim Uys, a 25-year experienced senior leader, Director of Design at MAKO, and lecturer. His clients include Nike Golf, Dell, Ironman and so much more. You will truly have the opportunity to learn more about the process of working with product design development companies and the road to success. But first, let’s dive into what the core roots of consumer product design & manufacturing services truly are.
What Are Product Design & Manufacturing Services?
Consumer product design services and manufacturing focus on consumer products that are modified from commercial, medical, and industrial products. By using that intelligence, the industry mostly markets to the average consumer that is attracted to its cost, functionality, and or status piece. For instance, the TikTok famous Dyson Hair Wrap features a unique experience by catering to a wide variety of hair types with various nozzle options. Not to mention, a powerful digital motor that spins at 110,000 rpm for a faster dry.
MAKO’s team is curated with experienced and senior designers from Fortune 500 product design development companies, like Tim Uys, that have worked with empires to small businesses.
We work with an agile and modernized design process that has allowed us to create award-winning product designs. This includes the globally renowned Red Dot Design award, Entrepreneur360, Inc5000, Growth500, and also the Best Design Firm in North America award. It’s clear that we prove that startups, small manufacturers, e-commerce brands, and home CEOs can compete with the very best in the world.
How Does Consumer Product Design + Manufacturing Really Work?
Working with product design companies that are honest and treat your business as if its own is overall is vital and can be tough to find. Furthermore, there are six standard pieces to the product design and manufacturing process that we carry at MAKO.
Product Design
This is the first and most important step in the product development process. Your idea now becomes a well-functioning and manufacturable consumer product.
Engineering
Mechanical and electrical engineering for an electronic-based product will be employed through CAD to confirm each factor in product design work is in exceptional shape.
Prototyping
Before a product reaches its market, we thoroughly test the form and functionality within the prototype. The main benefit of prototyping is the way it can generate traction for marketing endeavors, pre-sales, crowdfunding, and financial initiatives.
Patenting
At MAKO, we have elite, yet, affordable connections and pricing throughout the US and Canada in our network of attorneys. They will help you with patenting and everything related to IP (Intellectual Property) protection during the consumer product design services process.
Manufacturing
After the process of prototyping and engineering are complete, tested, and refined, the invention is ready to move into production. In some cases, this step happens after pre-selling through crowdfunding or before selling if you choose to sell directly to buyers once inventory is in stock.
Selling
The major benefit of working with product design companies like MAKO is the endless connections we have accumulated over the years to launch and sell our client’s products. Not to mention, our options include pre-selling through crowdfunding, bulk order sales directly to wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and or directly to the end customer.
Tips For Consumer Product Design & Manufacturing From One Of The Best Product Design Firms Globally
Inventing a product can be an incredibly exciting process. However, it can be tricky to navigate your path to success without experts in your corner. We have created a few pointers to get one started:
Focus On The Purpose
We found that the best invention ideas are simple to understand. They solve one or two key points for your consumer and amalgamate adaptability in product design. Not to mention, simplicity is much easier to manufacture and reliable. Sometimes ‘less is more’ truly is universal.
Get User Feedback
3D printing or additive manufacturing allows us to create an MVP, prototypes, and often true blue units of your product. You can sell to build, measure, and learn how it functions in the environment.
Additionally, it allows you to undergo alterations based on feedback and preference from real test users.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
If your product at some point will be running at a larger production or selling the product IP to a bigger company, the manufacturing process of a 3D prototype and a final product of the production line is unassociated with each other.
In addition, it may affect the skeletal and artistic requirements of the final product and sometimes the manufacturability of the final CAD Design.
MAKO takes changes to geometry, material selection, surface finish, wall thickness, dimensional allowances, tolerances and other facets for your final product into account.
Work with Credible Partners like Mako
When launching your product, it’s important to work with reputable product design firms that are just as enthusiastic about your invention idea as you are.
MAKO is a fee-for-service company. This means we only charge for the services we actually provide, all while our clients are able to keep 100% of the intellectual property. It’s important to us that you know your company and product values will always be in the right hands every step of the way.
Consumer Product Design + Manufacturing: Frequently Asked Questions:
What is consumer product design?
Essentially, consumer product design is also a family member of consumer retention. You are not only making products that are made to satisfy the wants and needs of your consumer but place the customer’s entire journey as a priority to develop lasting relationships. Items can include apparel, major household appliances, furniture, toys, and so much more.
What are product design services?
Ultimately, it’s a fusion of manufacturing potential and product-to-business knowledge. You will be able to transform your ideas into a physical, working, and savvy product.
How much do consumer product design + manufacturing companies charge?
It can be difficult to say exactly how much your invention will cost. However, you can book a consultation with one of our MAKO offices. We have locations in Austin, Toronto, Miami, and San Francisco.
Where can I get a product designed?
Right here at MAKO, one of the world’s best product design firms. You can check out some of our work to see fellow entrepreneurs’ idea’s come to life!
About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!
