Industrial Design

Industrial Design & Product Design

We create desirable products which impact the market. By applying industrial design know-how, we transform ideas into positive user experiences that leave a lasting impression on the consumer.

Our Industrial Design Process

With a proven track record of awarded products, our industrial design team delivers smart usability and desirable forms using a robust five-phase design process.

Project Kickoff

Phase 1 Industrial Design Process

  • Collaboration brief creation
  • Project scope, timeline, and deliverables
  • Capturing industrial design framework
  • Mapping first opportunities

Our growing list of innovative clients includes some of the world's most influential brands and forward-thinking startups. We build sustainable partnerships based on commitment, professionalism and a trusting exchange at every stage of the project.

Project Kickoff — Teamwork

Collaborative kickoff workshops

Discovering Opportunities

Phase 2

  • Trend Research / Trendradar
  • Target group analysis
  • User Research
  • Design Analysis / Design Testing
  • Experience Roadmap
  • Usability Testing / Usability Laboratory
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Technology Roadmap

Every project starts by asking the right questions to uncover new observations. At the outset of every project we conduct in-depth research and exploration, to discover specific design needs, identify the market and competition and highlight the areas of opportunity.

User Research

In-depth user research and analysis

Defining Design Concepts

Phase 3

  • Ideation / Brainstorming
  • Concept generation
  • Concept consolidation
  • Design development
  • Color, Material, Finish

Once opportunities are identified during the research phase, our industrial design team generates design concepts to meet user, product, and business goals. We start broad, exploring a mild to wild range of directions. After bringing everything to the table, we identify a range of design concepts to further develop.

Ideation Sketches

Ideation and concept sketching

Refining Form & Function

Phase 4

  • Appearance models
  • Functional mock-ups
  • Design testing / User testing
  • Design optimization
  • Design engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Photorealistic visualization

Refinement is where the essential details take center stage. All the pieces must come together to define a complete product without compromising the basic design attributes and characteristics identified in earlier phases.

Design Optimization

KEPLER — Design optimization and detailing

Delivering Products to Market

Phase 5

  • Design for manufacture
  • Supplier sourcing / Component sourcing
  • Quality assurance

Our team is always determined to go from prototype into full production. We carefully communicate all critical details to manufacturing partners through drawings and manufacturing instructions, as well as face-to-face meetings.

Manufacturing

ER_VADER — From prototype to production

Trusted by

ABB
Vodafone
Henkel
Schüco
uvex
Novopress
Busch-Jaeger
Covestro
Coca-Cola
Fujifilm
Fun Factory
Gedore
Just Spices
Ulrich Medical
Vaillant
Fraunhofer
Bauerfeind
ITA RWTH Aachen

Frequently Asked Questions

Industrial design combines function, aesthetics and manufacturability into a market-ready product. We don't just design surfaces — we think through the entire user experience, from first sketch to production readiness. From the start, we consider manufacturing processes, materials and costs. Good industrial design makes a product not only attractive, but also manufacturable, usable and economically viable. At ENTWURFREICH, the process covers five phases: research and analysis, ideation, concept development, CAD engineering and production preparation. Each phase integrates insights from user research, market analysis and technical feasibility. The result: products that succeed in the market — like the 350+ products we have developed for over 125 clients in the last 14 years. From medical technology and consumer goods to mechanical engineering.

Costs depend on complexity, scope and project phase. For very tightly scoped assignments, we start in the four-figure range. Compact projects — such as a design study or concept draft — are in the low five-figure range. More comprehensive developments with multiple design variants, prototyping and user testing typically fall in the mid five-figure range. Complex projects with regulatory requirements, engineering and production support can reach six figures. We provide a transparent quote after the initial meeting with clearly defined service packages and milestones — so you know exactly what you get and what it costs. Important to know: As authorized go-inno consultants, we can help you finance up to 50% of our consulting fees through go-inno funding — up to EUR 15,400. This makes professional industrial design accessible even for smaller budgets.

Every project starts with a briefing and analysis. We clarify goals, target audience, technical constraints and market environment — before the first line is drawn. In the ideation phase, we develop different design directions that we evaluate and narrow down together with you. The strongest concepts are refined in detail: proportions, materials, colors, controls. We then translate the design into production-ready 3D CAD data — with realistic wall thicknesses, defined draft angles and specified materials. On request, we build functional prototypes for user testing, investor presentations or trade shows. You as the client are involved at every stage: regular check-ins every one to two weeks, feedback on designs and approvals at defined milestones. This is how products are created that not only look good, but also work and are manufacturable.

That depends on scope. A compact design project — such as a design study or concept draft — can be completed in 8 to 12 weeks. More comprehensive developments with multiple design variants, prototyping and user testing typically take 4 to 6 months. Complex projects with regulatory requirements, for example in medical technology per IEC 62366, can take 6 to 12 months. Key factors for project duration are: the complexity of the product, the number of design variants desired, whether prototypes or functional samples are needed, and how quickly feedback and approvals come from your side. We give you a realistic estimate in the initial meeting with a clear timeline and defined milestones. By the way: Thanks to our structured process with parallel work steps, we are often faster than expected.

Yes, on request we accompany you beyond design all the way into production. Specifically, this means: We deliver production-ready 3D CAD data in all common formats — SolidWorks, Siemens NX, CATIA or STEP. This includes technical drawings with tolerances, surface specifications and material specifications. During tooling coordination, we work with the toolmaker to ensure the design is correctly implemented. At first sample inspection, we compare the first produced parts against design specifications and identify adjustments needed. And at series launch, we ensure colors, surfaces and fits match the design intent. Beyond that, we have a broad international network of engineers, model makers and manufacturing partners that we can leverage together with you — in case internal resources are not available. Design does not end on screen.