Design in... manufacturing

A guide for manufacturers wanting to use design for business success

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Manufacturing is a challenging sector to be in. But there are design solutions to many of the problems smaller manufacturing companies are currently facing.

Here, our team of experts shows how introducing design thinking to your business can have tangible results. Every section also includes some real-life examples of companies who have developed their businesses, products and services using design approaches.

As well as increasing market share, working with designers - whether they are part of your in-house team or an external consultancy - can help to reduce costs by making manufacturing processes more efficient and cutting materials costs. It can also reduce the time to market for new products and services.

Of course, most manufacturers will be concentrating on the design of their products. But don't forget the other areas that designers can help you with - whether it's developing your brand, helping to make your office or manufacturing facility more efficient (and more pleasant to work in), or helping you in more surprising ways like enabling you to move into new markets, leverage your intellectual property or learn different ways of coming up with new ideas.

Other parts of this site you might find useful
Read more about product design in our in-depth resource
Find out about the methods that designers use to come up with and test ideas
Search our directory listings of business advice services and events in your area

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