In today’s crowded marketplace, consumers have a plethora of products to choose from. So, it should go without saying, that the competition among businesses is fierce. Businesses must harness creativity and explore innovative solutions for developing products that stand out among the noise in order to drive profitability. That’s why savvy business owners and product designers are leveraging outsourced product development consultants to create superior products.
From conceptualization to completion, consultants offer a collaborative approach to bringing your vision to life. Think of a product design agency as a one-stop-shop, encompassing ideation, market analysis, design and prototyping, testing, and market launch.
So, the question is: is outsourcing right for your company? Here’s a look at the key advantages of utilizing outsourced product development consultants to transform your idea into a reality.
In-House vs. Outsourced Product Development
At one point, businesses had no other option but to design and develop products in-house. This means they were accountable for design exploration, conducting market research, engineering and prototyping, and more.
Performing such an intricate and multi-faceted process required either hiring additional staff to bridge knowledge gaps and execute on initiatives, or relying on employees already on the team. And these options don’t account for the additional expenses incurred to install and maintain the machinery required to develop new products.
For the last 10 years, more and more companies have been focusing on building up a complete vertical integration of the product development process internally thus building internal support. However, that trend seems to be changing since the Covid pandemic. Companies realize the baggage of carrying a huge fixed expense burden when their workforce is no longer committed to working within the company. With the current economy, I think this trend will continue.
Charles Choi, President of CHOI Design Group
Today, businesses can overcome these obstacles by outsourcing to a product design agency. These outsourced consultants act as an extension of your team and can assist with everything from initial brainstorming to product design and launch. Product development consultants have the expertise needed to transform your concept into a tangible, well-crafted product.
Even companies with internal design teams are increasingly turning to outsourced consultants as a way to lean on their unencumbered work process and bolster their success. Here’s a closer look at 5 reasons why outsourced product development is extremely advantageous for businesses.
Benefits of Using Outsourced Product Development Consultants
1. Unparalleled Expertise, Right at Your Fingertips
Think about it: having the craftsmanship and expertise needed to produce a quality product that’ll generate demand is integral for ensuring your undertaking is a successful one. A reputable design agency will have world-class engineers and designers on hand to evaluate everything from ergonomics to feasibility to technical specifications.
Every little detail counts – the materials you use, product manufacturability, and more. And with an effective process already in place, it’ll ensure you tick off all the boxes as you bring your design to life. What’s more, a design agency has access to advanced tools and technology, like 3D modeling, to cultivate a product with a high-quality design and features unique to the marketplace.
2. Cost-Savings? Yes, Please.
Securing cutting-edge prototyping and design technology, and hiring the in-house product development specialists needed to perfect your vision, can be incredibly expensive. And that doesn’t factor in additional expenses like maintenance and repair costs associated with owning this type of machinery.
When you outsource your product development needs to a reputable agency, however, you can significantly lower the expenses associated with bringing your product to life. You’ll work alongside industry experts while gaining access to state-of-the-art equipment – all at a fraction of what it would cost to take on this responsibility internally.
3. Accelerate Your Timeline
The reality is: the product development timeline can take months upon months to fully execute – especially if you don’t have a well-established process already implemented. Between assembling your team and setting up the corresponding equipment, it’s an arduous undertaking to tackle solely in-house.
Even the most modest designs are time-consuming and can take up to a year to move past prototyping without the right tools and resources. By partnering with a product design agency, you can significantly accelerate your timeline, while gaining access to fresh perspectives, high-level market trends, industry experts, and a reliable work process.
4. Get Help Where You Need It, When You Need It
Have an idea that needs to be fleshed out? Need help with sketching and 3D rendering? Whether you’re still in the initial brainstorming phase or you’ve created a prototype that requires an enclosure, your product development partner can provide assistance at any stage of the development process.
5. The Control Is Still in Your Hands
Hesitant about outsourcing your product development needs? You’re not alone. One of the biggest myths about utilizing a design agency is that it requires businesses to surrender their control. However, the complete opposite is true. Leading product development consultants ensure both stakeholders and business teams have a strong voice throughout the process. It’s a highly collaborative process that doesn’t require you to relinquish control or rights over your creations.
Bring Your Vision to Life
Whether you’re a startup with limited resources or an established business with an in-house design team, outsourcing your product development needs will provide you with the tools and guidance needed to ensure your creation thrives. Because designing a high-quality product requires more than a strong concept – it’s the culmination of planning, research, creativity, and unparalleled execution.
To learn more about how our experienced team of engineers, researchers, and designers can help bring your product vision to life, contact us today.
