Guide to Hiring a Product Design Firm: Process & Costs

Jul 25

Your team just nailed it. The big idea for the next campaign is brilliant, immersive, and unforgettable. There’s just one catch: it involves creating a custom piece of tech or a beautifully engineered influencer kit. Suddenly, your creative director is asking about injection molding, and the account manager is worried about battery safety. This is the moment where amazing ideas can stall, caught between creative vision and technical reality. But it doesn’t have to be. This is precisely why you hire a product design firm. They are the engineering powerhouse that steps in to handle the complexities, turning your concept into a functional, manufacturable, and stunning physical product.

Key Takeaways

Extend Your Capabilities, Not Your Payroll: Partnering with a product design firm gives your agency immediate access to a full team of specialized designers and engineers. It’s the smartest way to offer physical product development without the cost and commitment of hiring a full-time, in-house team.
Set the Ground Rules for Collaboration: A successful project depends on a strong partnership. Before you start, align on goals, establish a communication plan, and clarify roles to ensure a smooth process and prevent misunderstandings down the road.
Know the Process to Guide the Project: The product design process moves through clear stages: discovery, concepting, prototyping, and manufacturing handoff. Understanding this roadmap helps you manage client expectations, provide better feedback, and keep the project on track.

What Is a Product Design Firm?

Think of a product design firm as the specialized team that transforms a brilliant idea from a sketch on a napkin into a real, tangible product you can hold. For a creative agency, they are the perfect partner to bring a physical dimension to a campaign. They bridge the gap between your creative vision and a functional, manufacturable, and market-ready item. It’s one thing to have a great concept for a piece of branded tech or a custom influencer kit; it’s another to figure out the right materials, the mechanical engineering, and how to actually get it made. That’s where a product design firm steps in. They handle the complex, technical side of development so you can focus on the big picture.

What do they actually do?

At its core, a product design firm manages the entire journey from concept to production-ready files. This isn't just about making something look good—it's a holistic process that includes industrial design, mechanical and electrical engineering, and ensuring the final product is safe, user-friendly, and manufacturable. They take your initial brief and develop it through sketches, 3D models, and prototypes. They solve critical problems along the way, like choosing the right plastics, designing internal electronics, and making sure all the parts fit together perfectly. They are the architects and engineers who ensure your creative concept is built on a solid, functional foundation.

What kind of projects do they take on?

Product design firms work on an incredibly diverse range of projects. One day they might be developing a sleek piece of consumer electronics, and the next they could be engineering custom packaging for an immersive brand launch. For agencies, this could mean creating high-end influencer mailers, limited-edition merchandise, or interactive devices for an experiential activation. The work typically follows a clear product design strategy, moving from concept design and detailed development to building and testing physical prototypes. A great firm is adaptable, tailoring its process to fit the unique goals, timelines, and budget of your specific campaign or client.

Why Hire a Product Design Firm?

As an agency, you’re an expert at building brands and crafting unforgettable campaigns. But when a client’s vision includes a physical product—whether it’s a piece of custom merchandise, an interactive installation, or a full-blown consumer device—the game changes. Suddenly, you’re dealing with materials, mechanics, and manufacturing logistics. This is where a product design firm becomes your most valuable partner.

Hiring a firm isn’t just about outsourcing a task; it’s about integrating a specialized team that can translate your creative concept into a tangible, engineered reality. These firms live and breathe industrial design, mechanical engineering, and production strategy. They handle the technical complexities, from creating DFM-optimized CAD files to navigating the supply chain, allowing you to focus on the brand story and client relationship. Partnering with a firm de-risks the entire process, ensuring the final product is not only beautiful and on-brand but also functional, safe, and manufacturable. It’s the smartest way to extend your agency’s capabilities and confidently bring ambitious physical ideas to life.

Gain access to a full team of experts

Bringing a product to market requires a diverse set of skills. You don’t just need a designer; you need mechanical and electrical engineers, prototyping specialists, and manufacturing liaisons. Assembling a team of freelancers for each role is a massive undertaking, filled with interviews, contract negotiations, and the challenge of getting everyone to work cohesively.

A product design firm gives you immediate access to an entire, pre-vetted team of specialists who already have a shared workflow and language. This integrated approach saves critical time and money on hiring and training, allowing the project to get moving faster. Instead of managing multiple contractors, you get a single point of contact and a cross-functional team that’s already aligned and ready to execute on your vision from day one.

Benefit from a proven, collaborative process

Great products aren’t born from chaos. They’re the result of a disciplined, iterative process that moves an idea methodically from concept to production. Established product design firms have refined this process over hundreds of projects. They have a roadmap for navigating each stage, from initial research and concept sketching to prototyping, user testing, and final handoff to manufacturing.

This proven methodology brings predictability and clarity to what can otherwise be an opaque and messy journey. A firm’s process ensures all stakeholders are aligned and that key decisions are made at the right time. This structured approach to cross-functional collaboration minimizes costly mistakes and keeps the project on schedule and on budget. For an agency juggling client expectations and tight deadlines, this level of organization is invaluable.

Get the scalability and flexibility you need

The world of agency work is fluid. You might have a massive product launch for a key client one quarter and focus entirely on digital campaigns the next. Building a full-time, in-house product development team is often impractical because you can’t scale their salaries and overhead up and down with your project pipeline.

This is the core advantage of partnering with a firm. It gives you the flexibility to tap into world-class design and engineering talent exactly when you need it. You can engage a full team for a three-month sprint and then scale back once the project is complete. This model allows you to expand your service offerings and say “yes” to more ambitious client briefs without taking on the financial burden and commitment of permanent hires. You get all the benefits of a senior product team with none of the fixed costs.

How to Choose the Right Product Design Firm

Finding the right product design firm is a lot like casting the lead role in a major production. You need more than just talent; you need a partner who understands the script, works well with the entire crew, and can deliver a knockout performance on a tight deadline. For an agency, this choice is even more critical because the firm becomes an extension of your team, representing your creative vision to the client. Moving beyond a simple Google search requires a clear process for vetting potential partners. Here’s how to find a firm that has the technical chops and collaborative spirit to bring your most ambitious physical product ideas to life.

Review their expertise and specializations

First, dig into what the firm actually does. "Product design" is a broad term, so you need to find a team whose skills match your project's specific needs. Are you creating a piece of wearable tech for a product launch, or a custom-molded influencer kit? Look for a firm with a team that includes not just industrial designers but also mechanical and electrical engineers. This integrated approach to design is what separates a pretty concept from a functional, manufacturable product. Assessing their capabilities and the depth of their talent ensures they have the right experience to handle the technical complexities of your project from start to finish.

Look at the quality of their portfolio

A portfolio is your best window into a firm’s capabilities and creative style. Go beyond the hero shots and really examine the work. Does their design aesthetic align with your client’s brand? Do the products look thoughtfully engineered and built to last? A strong portfolio showcases a firm's design approach and their ability to solve complex problems with elegant solutions. Look for a variety of projects that demonstrate their range. If you’re developing a connected device, you want to see that they have experience with both the physical enclosure and the electronic components inside. The quality of their past work is the clearest indicator of what they can deliver for you.

Read client reviews and testimonials

While a portfolio shows the final product, testimonials tell you about the journey. Look for reviews on sites like Clutch or read case studies on the firm’s website to understand what it’s like to work with them. Pay attention to comments about their communication, project management, and ability to adapt to feedback. For an agency, finding a partner who understands tight timelines and the need for clear, consistent updates is non-negotiable. Checking client feedback is essential for gauging a firm's reliability and seeing how they handle challenges when they arise. A great partner will have a track record of successful collaborations and happy clients.

Ensure they align with your project goals

You can’t find the right partner if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Before you even start outreach, get crystal clear on your project goals. What are you trying to create, who is it for, what is the budget, and what does the timeline look like? A great firm will ask insightful questions that challenge you to think even more deeply about the project. This initial conversation is a test in itself. It shows they’re not just order-takers but strategic partners. Providing a clear product brief helps the firm understand your vision and ensures everyone is aligned from day one, which is the foundation of a smooth and successful project.

Find the right cultural fit

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of a good cultural fit. You’ll be working closely with this team, so you need to know you can collaborate effectively. Are they responsive and easy to talk to? Do they seem genuinely excited by your creative vision, or are you just another project on their list? A successful partnership is built on mutual respect and shared energy. Make sure the firm’s values and work style fit well with your agency’s team. A good cultural fit enhances collaboration and turns a transactional relationship into a true creative partnership, which almost always leads to a better final product.

How Much Does Professional Product Design Cost?

Talking about money can feel tricky, but when you’re planning a project, it’s the most important conversation to have. The cost of professional product design isn’t a one-size-fits-all number; it varies based on who you hire, what you’re making, and how complex your vision is. Think of it less as a cost and more as an investment in bringing a physical, tangible experience to your client’s campaign—something that goes far beyond a digital ad.

Most product design firms structure their pricing in one of two ways: by the hour or as a fixed, project-based fee. Understanding both models will help you create a realistic budget and find a partner that aligns with your agency’s financial workflow. The final price tag will ultimately depend on the scope of work, the technical requirements of the product, and how much development is needed to get from a creative idea to a production-ready design. Let’s break down what you can expect.

Understanding hourly rates

The hourly rate model is exactly what it sounds like: you pay the firm for the hours its team spends on your project. This approach is common for the initial phases of a project where the scope is still fluid, like early-stage brainstorming or concept design. Rates for concept development can range from $45 to over $105 per hour.

This model offers flexibility, which is great when your team is still exploring different creative directions. It allows you to tap into a firm’s expertise for specific tasks without committing to a full-scale project. The key is to maintain clear communication and set check-in points to ensure hours are being used effectively and you’re staying on budget.

Exploring project-based pricing

For projects with a clear scope and defined deliverables, a fixed, project-based price is more common. After an initial discovery phase, the design firm will provide a single quote to cover the entire project from start to finish. For more involved work like industrial or mechanical design, projects can start in the $5,000–$10,000 range and go up from there.

This model is often preferred by agencies because it provides cost certainty. You know the exact investment upfront, which makes budgeting and client approvals much simpler. It puts the responsibility on the design firm to manage their time and resources efficiently to deliver the final product within the agreed-upon price.

What factors influence the final cost?

The biggest driver of cost is complexity. A simple piece of branded merchandise will cost significantly less to design than an interactive display with custom electronics and moving parts. The more features, materials, and engineering challenges involved, the more time and expertise are required. The price of product design is also influenced by how developed your idea is.

If you come to a firm with a detailed brief, clear technical requirements, and visual references, you’ll spend less on the initial discovery and concept phases. A vague idea, on the other hand, will require more strategic work from the firm to define the product, which will be reflected in the cost.

Tips for budgeting your project

To get the most accurate quote and keep your project on track financially, a little prep work goes a long way. First, be as clear as possible about your product idea and what you need from the designer. Create a detailed brief that outlines your goals, target audience, desired features, and any constraints. The more information you can provide, the faster the process will be.

If you’re working with a firm for the first time, consider starting with a smaller pilot project. This could be a single component of a larger campaign or a small-batch merchandise item. It’s a great way to test the working relationship, communication style, and quality of work before committing to a larger, more expensive project.

Product Design Firm vs. In-House vs. Freelancers

Deciding how to bring a physical product to life is a major choice. As an agency, you’re not just managing a project; you’re protecting your client’s brand and your reputation. The right partner makes all the difference. You generally have three paths: hiring a firm, building an in-house team, or working with freelancers. Each has its place, but the best fit depends entirely on your project's complexity, timeline, and goals. Let's break down what each option really means for you and your clients.

Hiring a firm vs. building an in-house team

Building an in-house product design and engineering team is a massive undertaking. It means recruiting, hiring, and paying full-time salaries and benefits for specialized roles you may only need for a few key projects a year. For most agencies, this just isn’t practical. The overhead is high, and the talent can be difficult to find and retain.

Hiring a firm gives you on-demand access to a complete, experienced team without the long-term commitment. You get industrial designers, mechanical engineers, and project managers who already work together seamlessly. This model is far more cost-effective because you avoid paying for staff year-round. It allows you to scale your capabilities instantly for a big project and then scale back down, keeping your agency nimble and focused on its core creative work.

The pros and cons of working with freelancers

Freelancers can be a great resource for specific, well-defined tasks. Need a quick 3D rendering or some graphic design support for packaging? A freelancer can be a flexible and affordable solution. You can find talented individuals at various price points, but you should expect to pay a reasonable hourly rate for someone with solid experience.

The challenge with freelancers is that you become the project manager. You’re responsible for vetting them, managing their work, and integrating it with the rest of the project. If the project is complex—like an electronic device or a product with moving parts—a single freelancer rarely has the combined expertise in design, engineering, and manufacturing needed to deliver a final, functional product. A great way to mitigate risk is to start with a smaller test project to see if their skills and work style are a good fit before committing to a larger scope.

When is a firm your best option?

A product design firm is your best option when the stakes are high and the project is complex. If you’re developing a physical product that needs to be manufactured, requires engineering, or is a central part of a major campaign, you need a dedicated team. The success of a product launch is directly tied to the business value of design, and a firm brings a proven, collaborative process to the table.

Think of a firm as your dedicated product development partner. They don’t just execute a task; they provide strategic guidance, manage the entire process from concept to production, and take on the technical risk. For an agency, this is invaluable. It means you can confidently pitch and deliver ambitious physical concepts to your clients, knowing you have an expert team behind the scenes ensuring everything is beautiful, functional, and ready for the real world.

What to Expect: A Look Inside the Design Process

Partnering with a product design firm is a collaborative process. While every firm has its own unique workflow, the journey from a creative idea to a physical product generally follows a clear, structured path. Think of it as the roadmap that ensures your agency’s vision is translated into a tangible, high-quality, and manufacturable item. This process is designed to de-risk the project, encourage creative exploration, and keep everyone aligned from kickoff to production.

For creative agencies, understanding these stages is key to a successful partnership. It helps you know what to expect, when to provide feedback, and how your campaign goals will be integrated into the product itself. A great firm will guide you through each step, acting as your expert product team. This structured approach isn't about limiting creativity; it's about channeling it effectively. It ensures that big ideas are grounded in technical feasibility and that the final product not only looks incredible but also works flawlessly and can be produced on time and on budget. Let’s walk through the four main phases you’ll typically encounter when you bring a product idea to life.

Phase 1: Discovery and research

This is where it all begins. The discovery phase is dedicated to deep listening and alignment. Your design partner will dive into your project brief, brand guidelines, and the goals of your campaign. They’ll want to understand not just what you want to make, but why. Who is this product for? What role does it play in the larger brand experience you’re creating? This initial deep dive is crucial because it establishes the foundation for the entire project. Expect lots of questions as the team works to define the problem, constraints, and opportunities. This phase translates your initial concept into a clear direction, ensuring everyone is on the same page before any design work begins.

Phase 2: Concept development

Once the strategic foundation is set, the creative exploration begins. In the concept development phase, the design team will generate a range of initial ideas showing what the product could look like and how it might function. This is more than just sketching; it’s about exploring different forms, user interactions, and aesthetic directions that align with your brand. For an agency, this stage will feel familiar—it’s much like reviewing different creative routes for a campaign. You’ll be presented with several concepts, giving you and your client a chance to see the possibilities, provide feedback, and select the strongest direction to refine and develop further.

Phase 3: Prototyping and testing

This is the phase where your idea jumps off the screen and into your hands. A prototype is a physical model of your product that allows you to see, touch, and test the design in the real world. Prototypes can range from simple foam models to check ergonomics to fully functional units that look and work like the final product. This step is essential for testing functionality and usability, allowing the team to identify and fix any potential issues before committing to expensive manufacturing tooling. For agencies, prototypes are invaluable assets for client presentations, stakeholder approvals, and even early campaign photoshoots.

Phase 4: Final design and handoff to manufacturing

With feedback from the prototype incorporated, the team moves into the final design phase. Here, the approved concept is transformed into a highly detailed set of technical specifications for production. This includes creating precise 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models, defining all materials, finishes, and colors, and developing comprehensive assembly drawings. The final output is a complete technical package, often called a "tech pack" or Bill of Materials (BOM), that a factory can use to produce your product accurately. A great design partner won’t just email you the files; they’ll help you through the manufacturing handoff, ensuring the design intent is maintained all the way to the finish line.

How to Create a Successful Partnership

Hiring a product design firm is more than just a transaction; it’s the start of a creative partnership. The success of your project hinges on how well your agency and the design firm work together. Think of it as a collaboration where your team brings the brand vision and campaign goals, and the firm brings the technical and design expertise to make it real. A great partnership is built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and clear communication. When both sides are aligned and working in sync, you can move faster, solve problems more effectively, and ultimately create a physical product that feels like a seamless extension of your creative campaign.

The best firms, like us at Jackson Hedden, operate as an extension of your own team. We’re here to be your behind-the-scenes engineering and design powerhouse. But to make that relationship work, it’s important to lay the right groundwork from day one. It’s not about rigid rules, but about creating a shared understanding of the goals, the process, and how you’ll handle challenges together. By investing a little time upfront to establish how you’ll collaborate, you set the stage for a smooth process and a final product that exceeds everyone’s expectations. The following steps are simple but powerful ways to build a strong, productive partnership with your chosen design firm.

Set clear expectations from the start

The single best thing you can do for a successful project is to get on the same page before any real work begins. Setting clear expectations from the beginning helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is aligned on the project goals, deliverables, and timeline. This means getting specific about the scope of work—what’s in, and just as importantly, what’s out. Discuss the budget, key milestones, and what the final handoff will look like. This initial alignment creates a shared definition of success and gives both teams the clarity they need to move forward with confidence, avoiding scope creep and last-minute surprises down the line.

Establish a communication plan

Effective communication is the lifeblood of any collaborative project. Before you kick things off, agree on a simple communication plan. This doesn’t need to be a formal document, but it should answer a few key questions. Who are the main points of contact on each side? What’s the best channel for day-to-day questions (like Slack or email)? How often will you have check-in calls? Establishing these protocols early on streamlines the flow of information, ensures feedback gets to the right people, and keeps the project from getting bogged down by crossed wires or communication gaps. It’s a simple step that keeps everyone in the loop and the project on track.

Create a rhythm for check-ins and feedback

Momentum is everything in product development. To keep things moving, establish a predictable rhythm for reviews and feedback. This isn't about micromanagement; it's about creating a consistent loop that keeps the project from stalling. A regular cadence for feedback—whether it’s a weekly design review or a bi-weekly engineering sync—ensures that the project stays on track and that any issues are spotted and solved quickly. This steady rhythm allows for continuous alignment and gives your creative team opportunities to provide input as the design evolves. It turns the process into a collaborative conversation rather than a series of siloed handoffs.

Clearly define roles and responsibilities

To ensure a smooth workflow, it’s essential that everyone understands their role. Clearly defining roles and responsibilities eliminates confusion and empowers team members to own their part of the process. On your side, who is the ultimate decision-maker? For the design firm, who is your main point of contact for technical questions versus project management? Taking a moment to map out who is responsible for what—from providing brand assets to approving prototypes—prevents bottlenecks and ensures accountability. This clarity allows both teams to work together efficiently, with each person contributing their expertise at the right time.

Leading Product Design Firms to Know

The product design industry is filled with incredible talent, but every firm has its own unique strengths, processes, and areas of focus. Finding the right fit means looking for a team whose expertise aligns with your project goals, whether you need deep engineering knowledge for a tech product or a strong branding focus for a lifestyle good. To help you get familiar with the landscape, we’ve put together a list of some of the most respected names in the business. These firms are known for their innovative work, strategic thinking, and ability to turn great ideas into market-ready products. Exploring their portfolios is a great way to understand what’s possible and find a partner that resonates with your vision.

Jackson Hedden Inc.

Jackson Hedden Inc. is a full-service industrial design and product development firm that acts as an end-to-end partner for brands and agencies. They stand out by integrating deep engineering expertise—including mechanical and electrical—directly into the creative process. This ensures that every design is not only visually compelling but also fully optimized for manufacturing from day one. Their hands-on, execution-driven approach is perfect for agencies needing a nimble and reliable team to bring physical products, campaign assets, or immersive brand experiences to life. With a strong focus on turning creative vision into tangible, high-performance results, they are a go-to partner for projects that demand both aesthetic excellence and technical precision.

IDEO

A true giant in the industry, IDEO is globally recognized for popularizing design thinking—a human-centered approach to problem-solving. They are masters of empathy-driven innovation, focusing on understanding user needs to create meaningful products and experiences. For decades, IDEO has worked with some of the world's most influential companies, helping them tackle complex challenges across various sectors. Their process is highly collaborative and research-intensive, making them a great fit for foundational projects that aim to define new categories or radically rethink existing ones. If your project requires deep user insight and a framework for innovation, IDEO sets the standard.

Frog Design

Frog Design, often referred to simply as "frog," operates at the intersection of design, strategy, and technology. They position themselves as a creative consultancy that helps businesses transform and grow by creating exceptional products and services. With a global footprint, frog takes on complex, large-scale challenges for clients in industries ranging from healthcare to finance and consumer goods. Their work is known for its strategic depth, helping companies not just launch a product but also build a sustainable platform for future innovation. For agencies looking for a partner to help shape a client’s long-term brand and product strategy, frog offers a powerful combination of creative vision and business acumen.

Designworks

As a creative consultancy within the BMW Group, Designworks brings a unique perspective shaped by the world of advanced automotive design. While they are masters of transportation, their expertise extends to a wide range of industries, helping brands create products that feel both futuristic and intuitive. Their approach is heavily influenced by a deep understanding of technology, materials, and user experience, resulting in designs that are sophisticated and performance-driven. For projects that require a blend of premium aesthetics and cutting-edge functionality, Designworks offers a level of refinement that is hard to match. They are an excellent choice for brands aiming to convey luxury and innovation.

Ammunition

Ammunition has earned a stellar reputation for creating iconic consumer electronics and lifestyle products that build strong emotional connections with users. Led by designer Robert Brunner, the firm is behind some of the most recognizable products in recent memory, including the original Beats by Dr. Dre headphones. Their philosophy centers on using design to build brands and define market categories. They excel at creating a holistic experience where the product, packaging, and brand story all work together seamlessly. For agencies developing a product-centric brand, Ammunition is a top-tier partner known for delivering designs that are not only beautiful but also commercially successful and culturally relevant.

Fuseproject

Founded by designer Yves Béhar, Fuseproject is a design and branding firm with a strong conscience. They are known for integrating sustainability and social impact directly into their work, believing that design can be a force for positive change. Their portfolio is incredibly diverse, spanning from innovative tech gadgets and furniture to humanitarian projects. Fuseproject’s approach is holistic, often involving brand strategy, product design, and user interface development to create a cohesive experience. For brands and agencies that want to build products with purpose, Fuseproject’s commitment to creating a better future through design makes them a compelling and inspiring partner.

Smart Design

For over 40 years, Smart Design has been a leader in strategic, user-centered design. They have a long history of creating products that are not only functional but also a pleasure to use, like the iconic OXO Good Grips kitchen tools. Their process is grounded in deep user research, ensuring that every design decision is based on real human needs and behaviors. With a diverse portfolio that includes consumer products, healthcare devices, and digital experiences, they have a proven ability to solve complex problems across different industries. Smart Design is an excellent partner for projects that require a thoughtful and inclusive design approach to create products that resonate with a broad audience.

Pentagram

Pentagram is a legendary design firm with a unique structure—it’s owned and run by a group of partners, each a leader in their respective field. While widely celebrated for its groundbreaking work in graphic design and branding, its product design practice is equally formidable. This multi-disciplinary approach means they can create incredibly cohesive brand experiences where the product, packaging, and identity are all developed in harmony. Their work is known for its intelligence, wit, and timeless quality. For agencies seeking a partner with an unmatched legacy in design excellence, Pentagram offers a holistic perspective that can elevate a brand across every touchpoint.

Whipsaw

Whipsaw is a product design and engineering firm that consistently delivers award-winning work, particularly in the consumer electronics and medical device sectors. Founded by Dan Harden, the firm is known for its ability to create designs that are both elegant and highly functional. They have a knack for solving complex technical challenges while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Their process integrates design and engineering from the start, resulting in products that are innovative, manufacturable, and successful in the market. For projects that demand a seamless fusion of beautiful form and robust function, Whipsaw is a top contender with a proven track record of creating hit products.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the product design process typically take? This is the million-dollar question, and the honest answer is: it depends entirely on the project's complexity. A simple piece of custom merchandise might move from concept to final design files in a few weeks. A more complex electronic device with custom engineering could take several months. The best way to speed up the process is to come prepared with a clear brief. The more clarity you provide on your goals, timeline, and budget from the start, the more efficiently your design partner can work.

What should I have ready before I contact a design firm? To have the most productive first conversation, it helps to have a clear idea of your project's core elements. Think about the "what, why, who, and when." What are you trying to create? Why does it need to exist as part of your campaign? Who is the end-user? And what is your ideal timeline? Having a rough budget in mind is also incredibly helpful, as it allows the firm to suggest solutions that are realistic for you. You don't need all the answers, but a solid brief is the best foundation for a great partnership.

Will a design firm also manage the manufacturing? This varies from firm to firm, so it's an important question to ask. Some firms focus purely on the design and engineering, delivering a "tech pack" that you then take to a factory. However, a true end-to-end partner, like our team at Jackson Hedden, will guide you through the manufacturing handoff. This can include helping you vet factories, communicating your design intent to them, and overseeing the initial production runs to ensure the final product matches the approved design perfectly.

What’s the real difference between industrial design and mechanical engineering? Think of it this way: industrial designers focus on the user's experience—how a product looks, feels, and functions in someone's hands. They are the architects of form and usability. Mechanical engineers are the structural experts who figure out how to actually build it. They design the internal components, ensure all the parts fit together perfectly, and make certain the product is durable and can be manufactured efficiently. You need both disciplines to create a product that is beautiful, functional, and successful.

Is my project too small for a firm? We just need a custom influencer kit, not a whole new electronic device. Not at all. The best firms are adaptable and work on projects of all scales. In fact, creating high-impact campaign assets like influencer kits, custom packaging, or limited-edition merchandise is a perfect use of a design firm's skills. These projects still require creative design, material selection, and a strategy for production. A good firm can bring a level of polish and engineering know-how to these items that makes them feel premium and unforgettable, no matter the size of the production run.

Lindsay Sinclair