Over the years, I’ve developed these eight principles to guide my projects, ensuring they consistently meet the highest standards.
Evolution or Revolution?
A product should never be the same as what came before.
As designers, it’s our mission to improve upon what we see or unlock something truly NEW.
Invisible assembly.
Remove evidence of the manufacturing process from the final product. The cleaner it looks, the higher quality it feels.
(Unless that process is what makes your product special)
Profitable.
If you’re trying to run a business, it doesn’t matter how cool, pretty, innovative or important your product is unless it can make the company money.
Marketable.
How is this product sold? What story are we telling to make the product stand out and attract the consumer?
Targeted.
Talk to your target consumer! Understand what they want and create features they can benefit from, understand and enjoy!
Safe.
Materials, processes, finishes and features should DO NO HARM to our consumers or the environment around them.
Controlled Quality.
It’s our responsibility to ensure the final product meets the standards we set during the prototype phases. When things go wrong, be vigilant and proactive.
:30 Second get.
If you can’t set up the reason for this product to exist, who it’s for and what makes it special in :30 seconds or less, simplify.