How to Hire a Product Design Agency (Step-by-Step)
Your agency comes up with brilliant ideas every day. But what happens when the best concept for a campaign isn't a video or a social post, but a physical product? Suddenly, you're facing a world of materials, electronics, and manufacturing—a place where a great idea can easily fall apart. This is the exact moment when you need a partner who speaks both creative and engineering. A product design agency acts as your expert technical team, turning your vision into a tangible, manufacturable reality. Instead of hitting a wall, you can confidently pitch and execute on bigger, more ambitious ideas. The decision to hire a product design agency is about adding a powerful new capability to your toolkit, allowing you to bring any brand story to life, in any dimension.
Key Takeaways
Expand Your Offerings with Physical Products: Partnering with a product design firm allows your agency to move beyond digital campaigns by offering tangible items like branded tech or influencer kits, creating deeper, real-world connections for your clients.
Look Beyond the Portfolio: A great partner has more than just pretty pictures. Vet their engineering process, technical expertise, and understanding of manufacturability to ensure your product is built for the real world, not just a render.
Drive Success Through Strategic Collaboration: Treat your product design firm as an extension of your team by setting clear goals, providing structured feedback, and communicating openly. This collaborative approach is essential for turning a creative vision into a successful product.
What is a Product Design Agency (And Why Your Agency Needs One)
Your team is brilliant at building brands and telling stories. But what happens when a campaign needs to live beyond the screen? When a client wants to put a physical product into their customers' hands, the game changes. Suddenly, you’re dealing with materials, mechanics, and manufacturing—a world that requires a completely different kind of expertise. This is where a product design agency comes in. While the term often brings digital apps and websites to mind, it also covers firms that specialize in creating tangible, physical products. Think of them as your expert partners for turning a creative concept into a real-world object. They handle everything from the initial sketch and industrial design to the complex engineering and prototyping needed to make something that not only looks incredible but works flawlessly.
Partnering with a product design firm allows your agency to offer something truly special: unforgettable, physical brand experiences. Instead of just pitching a digital campaign, you can pitch a custom-designed piece of tech, a beautifully engineered influencer kit, or a limited-edition product line. It’s about moving a brand from a passive ad into an active part of someone’s life. This deepens the customer connection in a way that digital alone often can't. More importantly, it protects your client’s brand and your agency’s reputation. A great idea can be quickly ruined by poor execution. A product design agency ensures the final product is high-quality, safe, and manufacturable. They manage the technical details so you can focus on the creative vision. Investing in professional design isn't just about aesthetics; it's a strategic move. In fact, research shows that companies that prioritize strong design significantly outperform their competitors, proving that a well-executed product is a powerful business driver.
What a Product Design Agency Can Do for You
Partnering with a product design agency is like adding a full-fledged invention lab to your team. For a creative agency, this means you can stop saying "What if?" and start saying "Here's how." Instead of just pitching concepts for branded products, influencer kits, or campaign assets, you can deliver tangible, engineered items that bring your ideas into the real world. A great partner handles the entire journey from a sketch on a napkin to a production-ready product. They bring the technical expertise in industrial design, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing strategy, allowing your team to focus on the creative vision and brand story. This collaboration turns your ambitious ideas into functional, beautiful products that your clients—and their customers—can actually hold.
User Experience (UX) Design
When we talk about UX for a physical product, we’re talking about how it feels to use it. Is it intuitive, comfortable, and satisfying? A good product design agency obsesses over these details. They consider the ergonomics of a device, the weight and balance, the sound a button makes when you press it, and even the unboxing experience. A good design makes a product feel like a natural extension of the user, preventing the frustration that sends a cool gadget to the back of a drawer. For your agency, this means the branded product you create won't just look good in a photo—it will be something people genuinely enjoy using, creating a much stronger connection to the brand.
User Interface (UI) Design
For physical products, the user interface isn't on a screen; it's the product itself. UI design involves the strategic placement of buttons, dials, lights, and ports. It’s about making the product simple to operate without a manual. A product design agency’s engineers and designers work together to ensure the interface is logical and effortless. They map out how someone will interact with the product from the very first touch. This focus on the physical flow of interaction ensures that the final product is not just functional but also incredibly user-friendly, reflecting a thoughtful and premium brand experience.
Prototyping and Testing
Ideas are great, but prototypes are proof. A product design agency will create physical models of your product so you can see, hold, and test your concept long before committing to a full production run. These aren't just static models; they can be high-fidelity, functional prototypes that look and work just like the final version. This step is critical for gathering feedback, refining the design, and ensuring everything works perfectly. For your agency, presenting a working prototype to a client is a game-changer. It makes the project real, builds confidence, and allows for crucial adjustments before it’s too late or too expensive to make changes.
Branding and Visual Identity
A physical product is a powerful piece of branding. A product design agency helps translate a brand's identity—its colors, values, and personality—into a three-dimensional object. They are experts in selecting the right materials, finishes, and forms to tell a specific story. This goes far beyond just slapping a logo on something. It’s about creating a cohesive visual and tactile experience that feels authentic to the brand you’re working with. By focusing on a holistic product strategy, the agency ensures the final product becomes a true brand ambassador, strengthening its identity with every interaction.
User Research and Analysis
The best products solve real problems. Before a single sketch is made, a product design agency dives deep into understanding the end-user. Through comprehensive user research, they study the needs, behaviors, and pain points of your target audience. This research informs every design and engineering decision, ensuring the final product isn't just a cool idea but a valuable solution that people will actually want. For your agency, this data-driven approach adds a strategic foundation to your creative pitch, proving to your client that the product concept is based on genuine consumer insight and is positioned for market success.
How to Choose the Right Product Design Agency
Finding the right product design agency is a lot like casting the lead role in a blockbuster campaign—the right partner can make the project a hit, while the wrong one can lead to costly reshoots. You’re not just hiring a vendor; you’re bringing on a creative and technical partner who will become an extension of your team. The goal is to find a firm that not only gets your creative vision but also has the engineering chops to bring it to life without any drama.
The best partnerships are built on a foundation of shared goals, clear communication, and proven expertise. It’s about looking past the slick presentations to see if they have a solid process and the technical skills to turn a brilliant concept into a tangible, manufacturable product. You need a team that can keep up with your agency’s pace and deliver results that will wow your clients. Let’s walk through the key steps to finding that perfect-fit partner.
Define Your Project Goals
Before you even start your search, you need to get crystal clear on what you want to achieve. Think of it as writing the brief before the pitch. What is this product supposed to do? Who is it for? What does success look like for your client and for your agency? Be specific about your core objectives. Is the goal to create a high-end influencer kit, a piece of branded merchandise, or a functional tech gadget for a campaign activation? Having a well-defined project scope is the single most important step you can take. It helps you filter out agencies that aren’t a good fit and gives your top candidates the information they need to create a relevant proposal.
Evaluate Their Portfolio and Expertise
Once you have your goals locked in, it’s time to look at the work. A portfolio is more than just a gallery of pretty pictures; it’s proof of an agency’s capabilities. Look for projects that are similar to yours in scope or industry. If you’re developing a piece of wearable tech, you’ll want to see that they have experience with electronics and miniaturization. Pay attention to how they showcase their work. Do they only show glossy final renders, or do they give you a peek behind the curtain at their industrial design process? Look for case studies that detail their engineering and problem-solving skills, as this demonstrates a deeper level of expertise beyond surface-level aesthetics.
Read Client Reviews and Case Studies
Reviews and case studies are your inside look into what it’s actually like to work with an agency. Go beyond the testimonials featured on their website and look for reviews on platforms like Clutch. Pay close attention to feedback from clients who are similar to you, like other creative agencies or brands in your client’s industry. Were they collaborative? Did they meet deadlines and stay on budget? How did they handle feedback and revisions? Case studies are particularly valuable because they show you how the agency approaches a problem and delivers a solution. They tell the story of the project, giving you insight into the agency’s strategic thinking and reliability.
Assess Their Communication Style and Culture
A successful project depends on a seamless partnership, and that requires great communication and a good cultural fit. Your product design partner should feel like an extension of your own team. During initial conversations, notice how they communicate. Are they responsive, clear, and genuinely interested in your project? Or do you feel like you’re just another sales lead? It’s crucial that their working style complements your agency’s pace and culture. Ask about their process for collaboration and who your main point of contact will be. A nimble, hands-on team can often be more effective and easier to work with than a large, bureaucratic firm.
Understand Their Design Process
A great product design agency doesn’t just jump straight into design. They have a structured process that ensures the final product is strategic, user-centered, and manufacturable. Ask potential partners to walk you through their typical project workflow. A solid process usually starts with discovery and research to fully understand your idea, the target user, and the technical requirements. From there, they should move into concept development, prototyping, and testing. A key indicator of a professional firm is their ability to provide clear documentation, like DFM-optimized CAD files and a Bill of Materials (BOM), which are essential for a smooth handoff to manufacturing. This shows they’re thinking about the end game from day one.
How Much Does a Product Design Agency Cost?
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: money. Budgeting for a product design agency can feel like trying to hit a moving target, but it doesn't have to be a mystery. The final price tag depends on a few key things: what you need, who you hire, and how you work together. Instead of looking for a single magic number, it’s more helpful to understand the components that make up the cost. This way, you can build a realistic budget and find a partner that aligns with your financial and creative goals. Knowing how agencies structure their fees and what drives costs will empower you to have a clear, productive conversation about pricing from the very first call.
Understand Common Pricing Models
When you start getting quotes, you’ll likely encounter a few common pricing structures. The most frequent are project-based fees, where you get a flat rate for the entire scope of work. This is great for budget predictability. Another is the hourly rate, which offers flexibility if your project scope is fluid or undefined. Finally, some agencies work on a retainer model, where you pay a set amount each month for ongoing access to their team. This is ideal for long-term partnerships or if you have a continuous stream of product-related work for your clients. Each model has its place, and the right one depends entirely on your project's needs and your agency's workflow.
Know What Factors Affect the Price
The cost of hiring a product design firm isn't random; it's tied directly to the value and resources required. The biggest factor is the scope of work. Designing a simple piece of branded merchandise is very different from developing a consumer electronic device with complex engineering. The agency’s reputation and experience also play a huge role. A world-renowned firm will command higher rates than a smaller, newer studio. Finally, the specific services you need will shape the price. A project requiring industrial design, mechanical and electrical engineering, prototyping, and packaging development will naturally cost more than one that only needs initial concept sketches.
Plan Your Budget for Long-Term Value
A smart budget looks beyond the initial quote. It’s wise to set aside a contingency—typically 10-15% of the total project cost—to cover unexpected turns or brilliant new ideas that pop up mid-project. Frequent feedback and significant changes in direction can lead to increased expenses, so clear communication is key to keeping the project on track financially. Think of this as an investment, not just a cost. A well-designed and engineered physical product can create a massive impact for your client’s campaign, generating buzz and brand loyalty that far outlasts the initial spend. The goal is to find a partner who delivers strategic value, not just a cheap, one-off solution.
Compare Agency vs. In-House Costs
For most creative and ad agencies, building an in-house industrial design and engineering team is impractical. The cost of salaries, benefits, specialized software, and equipment is substantial. Partnering with a product design firm gives you on-demand access to a team of experts without the massive overhead. You get specialized knowledge for exactly when you need it. Research has shown that companies with a strong focus on design tend to outperform their competitors, and hiring an agency is the most direct path to that expertise. It allows you to bring world-class physical products to your clients, expanding your capabilities and delivering more integrated campaigns.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Agency Partnership
Signing the contract is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you and your product design partner operate like a single, unified team. A successful outcome—whether it’s a stunning influencer kit or a functional piece of branded tech—depends entirely on the quality of your collaboration. Think of your product design firm not as a vendor you hand tasks off to, but as a strategic extension of your own creative department. They bring the specialized industrial design and engineering expertise that makes your physical concepts possible.
To make this relationship work, you need to be intentional. It’s about establishing a rhythm of clear communication, mutual respect, and shared goals from day one. When you get this right, you don’t just get a finished product; you get a smoother process, better creative results, and a partner you can rely on for future projects. By focusing on a few key areas, you can ensure the partnership is productive, efficient, and delivers on the ambitious vision you sold to your client.
Set Clear Expectations from the Start
The fastest way to derail a project is with ambiguity. Before any design or engineering work begins, you need to set clear expectations with your product design partner. This means getting specific about project goals, timelines, and deliverables. What does success look like for this physical asset? Is the goal to create a viral social media moment, or a durable piece of merchandise? Define the must-haves versus the nice-to-haves and establish a realistic timeline with key milestones. This initial alignment is your project’s foundation—it ensures everyone is working toward the same objective, prevents costly scope creep, and keeps the project on track and on budget.
Build a Collaborative Relationship
Your product design firm is your expert partner in the physical world, so treat them like one. The best results come from a strong partnership built on trust and open communication, not a transactional client-vendor dynamic. Invite them into your creative process early and be open to their insights on materials, manufacturability, and functionality. They can often suggest innovative solutions that make your concept even better. Fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared freely ensures the final product is not only true to your creative vision but also engineered for success in the real world.
Give and Receive Feedback Effectively
Feedback is the fuel for the design process, but it needs to be handled correctly to avoid stalling the project. Constant, scattered requests for changes can quickly burn through your budget and timeline. The solution is to establish a structured feedback process from the outset. Designate a single point of contact from your team to consolidate and deliver feedback. Be specific and constructive, explaining the "why" behind your requests. At the same time, be receptive to the feedback you get from your design partner. They have the engineering and manufacturing expertise to know what will and won’t work, so their input is invaluable for keeping the project feasible.
Measure Your Success and ROI
How will you know if the product was a hit? You need to define what success looks like before the project even starts. Companies with strong design consistently outperform their competitors, and the same principle applies to your campaigns. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) helps you measure the impact of your investment. For an agency, this ROI might not be direct sales but could be measured in social media engagement, press mentions, client satisfaction, or the number of new business inquiries a standout campaign piece generates. By setting these metrics upfront, you can clearly demonstrate the value of bringing a physical product to life.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring an Agency
Finding the right product design partner can feel like a huge task, but breaking it down into a few key steps makes the whole process manageable. A structured approach ensures you’re not just picking an agency that looks good on paper, but one that can truly function as an extension of your team. This is about finding a partner who gets your creative vision and has the technical chops to bring it to life, flawlessly.
Think of this as a roadmap. By following these steps, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve done the work to find a firm that aligns with your goals, budget, and timeline. Let’s walk through how to find, vet, and hire the perfect product design agency for your next big idea.
Define Your Project Scope
Before you even think about searching for an agency, you need to get crystal clear on what you want to create. A well-defined project scope is the foundation of a successful partnership. Be clear about what your product should do, who it’s for, and what its main goals are within your campaign. Your scope should act as a detailed creative brief for your potential partners.
Outline the core functions, key features, and any must-have aesthetic details. Also, consider your timeline and budget constraints. The more specific you are, the better an agency can understand your vision and provide an accurate, actionable proposal. This initial clarity saves you time, prevents miscommunication, and sets the project up for success from day one.
Request and Evaluate Proposals
Once you have a shortlist of potential agencies, it’s time to send out a Request for Proposal (RFP). This document invites firms to formally bid on your project. To make your decision easier, create a simple scoring rubric to compare agencies consistently. You can evaluate them on criteria like relevant portfolio work, engineering capabilities, proposed timeline, and overall creative alignment.
Your RFP should ask for more than just a price. Request a breakdown of their design and engineering process, who from their team would work on your project, and their initial thoughts on your concept. This helps you gauge their expertise and see how they think. Aim to narrow your choices down to your top three to five candidates before moving on to interviews.
Interview Your Top Candidates
This is your chance to see if the chemistry is right. An interview is a two-way street; you’re assessing their fit, and they’re assessing if your project aligns with their skills. The goal is to have a real discussion to ensure your project goals match their expertise and that they fully grasp your vision.
Come prepared with questions about their collaborative process, how they handle feedback, and what their approach to problem-solving is. Ask them to walk you through a similar project they’ve completed. Pay attention to the questions they ask you—smart, insightful questions are a great sign that they are already thinking strategically about your product. You’re looking for a partner who is engaged, communicative, and ready to build something great with you.
Finalize the Contract and Terms
You’ve found your perfect match—now it’s time to make it official. Before you sign anything, carefully review the contract and statement of work (SOW). The agreement should clearly detail the full project scope, all deliverables, a clear timeline with milestones, the payment schedule, and, crucially, who owns the final intellectual property.
Don’t skip the final reference check. Speaking with one or two of an agency’s past clients is one of the most valuable things you can do. Ask about their experience with communication, deadlines, and how the agency handled any unexpected hurdles. A solid contract and positive references are the final green lights you need to kick off your partnership with total peace of mind.
Common Hiring Pitfalls to Avoid
Finding the right product design partner can be the difference between a campaign that lands perfectly and one that falls flat. As you start your search, it helps to know about the common missteps that can derail a project. Being aware of these pitfalls will help you hire a firm that not only delivers a great product but also acts as a true extension of your team, making the entire process smoother for you and your client.
Prioritizing Cost Over Value
It’s tempting to go with the lowest bid, especially when you’re working with a client’s budget. But when it comes to product design and engineering, choosing the cheapest option often leads to costly revisions, manufacturing headaches, and a final product that doesn’t live up to the creative vision. Instead of focusing solely on the initial price, evaluate the potential return on investment. A slightly higher upfront cost for a firm with a proven process, deep engineering expertise, and a strong portfolio is an investment in quality, reliability, and a seamless launch. It protects your agency’s reputation and ensures your client gets a product that performs as well as it looks.
Ignoring the Research and Strategy Phase
Your agency would never launch a campaign without understanding the target audience, and the same rule applies to creating a physical product. Some firms might offer to jump straight into design to save time, but skipping the initial research and strategy phase is a major risk. This foundational work ensures the product’s features, materials, and aesthetics resonate with the end-user and align with the campaign’s goals. A great partner will insist on a discovery phase to understand user needs and market context. This isn’t an unnecessary delay; it’s the critical step that prevents you from creating something that nobody wants.
Underestimating the Importance of Collaboration
The best work happens when your agency’s creative vision and your partner’s technical expertise are in sync. Treating the product design firm as just another vendor you hand a brief to can lead to miscommunication and a final product that misses the mark. Look for a firm that emphasizes a collaborative environment. They should be eager to join your brainstorming sessions, provide proactive feedback, and work as an integrated part of your team. This ensures everyone is aligned on the project’s goals from start to finish, turning a simple transaction into a powerful, results-driven partnership.
Starting the Search Without Clear Goals
Before you even send your first email, you need to know what you want to achieve. Beginning the search for a product design agency without a clear set of objectives is like giving a taxi driver a destination of "somewhere fun." You’ll waste time and resources talking to firms that aren’t the right fit. Take the time to define your project goals internally. What is this product’s role in the larger campaign? Who is it for? What does success look like? Having clear answers to these questions will not only guide your selection process but also help your future partner deliver exactly what you need.
Top Product Design Agencies to Consider
Finding the right product design partner can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but the perfect fit is out there. The "best" agency always depends on your specific goals, whether you're developing a complex electronic device, creating a stunning piece of branded merchandise, or designing an immersive packaging experience for a campaign launch. Your ideal partner will not only have a portfolio that resonates with you but also a process and culture that align with your team's workflow.
To help you get started, I’ve put together a list of some of the most respected product design agencies in the industry. This list includes a mix of firms with different specializations. Some are legendary pioneers in human-centered design, while others are digital-first studios known for creating slick user interfaces. And some, like us here at Jackson Hedden, are focused specifically on the industrial design and engineering needed to bring tangible, physical products to life. Think of this as your launchpad for finding a team that can turn your agency's creative vision into a real, manufacturable, and market-ready product.
Jackson Hedden Inc.
Jackson Hedden Inc. is an industrial design and engineering firm built to be the go-to product development partner for creative and advertising agencies. We specialize in turning ambitious concepts—from high-tech devices to influencer kits—into fully engineered, production-ready products. Our team handles everything from the initial sketch and 3D CAD modeling to mechanical and electrical engineering, ensuring that the final product is not only beautiful but also functional and manufacturable. We act as your behind-the-scenes technical team, translating your creative vision into a tangible reality. You can watch our story to see how we help companies turn great ideas into real, successful products.
IDEO
You can't talk about product design without mentioning IDEO. As a true pioneer in the field, IDEO was instrumental in popularizing human-centered design and design thinking. Their approach is deeply rooted in understanding user needs to drive innovation. They work on a massive scale, tackling complex challenges for global brands and organizations. For agencies looking for inspiration on process and user-empathy, IDEO sets a high bar. Their work often defines categories, making them a key player in a booming global market for design services. They are a great choice for projects that require deep strategic thinking and a foundational, human-centered approach.
Frog Design
Frog Design is another iconic firm known for its strategic approach to design. They move beyond aesthetics to help brands innovate and launch meaningful products that connect with users on an emotional level. Their work is often at the intersection of brand strategy and product innovation, making them a powerful partner for companies looking to make a significant impact. Frog helps clients see what's next and builds the products and experiences to get them there. Their influence is significant, and they are consistently recognized as a worldwide leader in design alongside other top-tier firms.
Designit
Designit is a global strategic design firm that operates on the principle that what’s good for people is good for business. They work with ambitious companies to create products, services, and systems that people love. With studios all over the world, they bring a broad, international perspective to their work, combining Scandinavian design sensibilities with deep strategic thinking. Their process is collaborative and hands-on, aimed at creating unified experiences that deliver real-world impact. As one of the top UX design agencies, Designit is a strong contender for brands that need to align a physical product with a seamless service or digital experience.
Fjord
Now part of Accenture Interactive, Fjord specializes in service design and digital transformation. They are masters of mapping out and redesigning entire customer experiences. While their focus is often on digital services, their methodology is incredibly valuable for any agency thinking about the entire user journey associated with a physical product. They help large organizations reorient their services around the customer, creating intuitive and valuable interactions at every touchpoint. Fjord's strength lies in its ability to create innovative customer experiences that are cohesive, useful, and drive business growth on a massive scale.
Smart Design
For over 40 years, Smart Design has been creating products that are rooted in a deep understanding of people. They focus on designing things that enhance everyday life, seamlessly blending design with technology. Their portfolio is incredibly diverse, ranging from kitchen gadgets to complex healthcare systems. The common thread is a user-centered approach that results in products that are not just beautiful but also intuitive and a pleasure to use. They are a great example of a firm that excels at blending design with technology to solve real-world problems for consumers, making them a solid choice for user-centric physical products.
Pentagram
Pentagram is a design legend, and for good reason. The firm is structured as a cooperative of independent designers, making it a multidisciplinary powerhouse. Each of the partners is a leader in their respective field, whether it's graphic design, architecture, or product design. This structure allows them to offer incredibly diverse and innovative solutions across almost any sector. They are known for their intelligent, timeless, and often witty work. For an agency, partnering with Pentagram means gaining access to some of the sharpest creative minds in the business, capable of delivering innovative design solutions that are both culturally relevant and strategically sound.
Ammunition
Ammunition is a design studio that excels at creating both products and the brands around them. They are known for building iconic, category-defining products that stand out in crowded markets. Their work with brands like Beats by Dre is a testament to their ability to merge product design with brand identity to create a cultural phenomenon. They focus on delivering a complete experience, from the product itself to its packaging and digital presence. For agencies looking to launch a product that makes a bold statement, Ammunition is a firm that understands how to create iconic products that capture attention and build lasting brand value.
Metalab
Metalab is a digital product design agency that has been behind some of the most well-known apps and services, including Slack and Coinbase. They specialize in taking ideas from concept to launch, with a strong focus on user interface and experience design. While their work is primarily in the digital realm, their process for validating ideas and building intuitive products is something any team can learn from. They are a great partner for projects where a physical product needs a world-class digital counterpart. Their work with startups and established brands alike shows their ability to create interfaces that are both beautiful and highly functional.
Clay
Clay is a UI/UX design and branding agency that focuses on creating meaningful digital experiences. They work with a mix of startups and Fortune 500 companies to develop websites, mobile apps, and enterprise software that people love to use. Their approach blends creativity with a deep understanding of technology and user behavior. They are known for their polished, modern aesthetic and their ability to translate complex business requirements into simple, elegant interfaces. For campaigns that require a strong digital presence to support a product launch, Clay is a firm that knows how to blend creativity with technology to build a compelling online experience.
Fantasy
Fantasy is a digital product design agency that describes itself as a "human-centered UI & UX" firm. They focus on creating engaging and often cinematic user experiences for major global brands. Their work is visually stunning and pushes the boundaries of what's possible in digital interaction design. They think about the entire user journey, from the first impression to the last click, and aim to create memorable moments along the way. If your campaign needs a digital experience that feels truly premium and innovative, Fantasy is known for its ability to create engaging user experiences that capture the imagination and drive user loyalty.
Work\&Co
Work\&Co is a digital product agency that partners with brands to design and build the digital products and services that define their businesses. They are known for their hands-on approach, with senior talent actively involved in every project. Their model is built on small, dedicated teams that work closely with clients to achieve measurable results. They have a strong reputation for launching successful, user-centric products that not only look great but also drive business growth. Their focus on partnering with brands to create products that deliver real results makes them a trusted choice for companies investing heavily in their digital platforms.
Instrument
Instrument is a digital agency that combines strategy, design, and technology to create impactful brand experiences. They work as an extension of their clients' teams to build everything from brand campaigns to digital platforms. Their work is characterized by a strong strategic foundation and a high level of craft in both design and engineering. They are a great partner for projects that require a holistic approach, where the brand's story needs to be told consistently across multiple touchpoints, both digital and physical. Their ability to combine strategy, design, and technology makes them a versatile partner for complex, multi-channel initiatives.
AKQA
AKQA is a global digital agency that focuses on creating a better future through innovation and technology. They work with leading brands to design exceptional digital products, services, and communications. Their work is often at the forefront of technology, exploring new possibilities in areas like AI and immersive experiences. For agencies looking to create a truly cutting-edge campaign, AKQA is a partner that can bring a high level of technical and creative firepower. They are known for helping brands create exceptional digital products that are not just innovative but also have a positive impact on the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
My agency is great at digital campaigns. Why should we even consider physical products? Think of a physical product as the ultimate way to make a brand story stick. While a digital ad is seen, a well-designed product is experienced and becomes part of a person's life. It creates a tangible connection that digital alone can't replicate. Offering this capability allows your agency to pitch bigger, more integrated campaigns that create unforgettable moments for your clients and their customers, moving the brand from the screen into their hands.
What kind of physical products can we actually create with a design partner? Is it just simple merchandise? You can create almost anything you can imagine, from simple items to highly complex ones. A good product design partner can help you develop everything from beautifully crafted influencer kits and premium branded merchandise to fully functional consumer electronics with custom circuit boards and software. The right firm brings the industrial design and engineering expertise to execute on any scale, turning your creative concept into a real, manufacturable product, no matter how ambitious.
How long does it typically take to go from an idea to a finished product? The timeline depends entirely on the product's complexity. A simple piece of merchandise might move from concept to production-ready in a few weeks. A complex electronic device, however, requires months of detailed engineering, prototyping, and testing. A professional product design firm will provide a clear project roadmap with key milestones, so you always know where you are in the process and can manage your client’s expectations effectively.
How involved does my agency need to be in the design and engineering process? The best outcomes happen when it’s a true partnership. Your team brings the creative vision, brand knowledge, and understanding of the campaign goals. The design firm brings the technical expertise to make it real. You should expect to be highly involved in the initial strategy and feedback rounds to ensure the product aligns with your vision. After that, your partner handles the complex engineering, but you’ll remain a key stakeholder for major decisions and approvals.
Who owns the final design and intellectual property for the product? This is a critical point that should be clearly defined in your contract before any work begins. In most professional partnerships, the agreement will state that the client—and by extension, your agency on their behalf—owns the intellectual property for the final product design upon completion of the project and final payment. A reputable firm will be transparent about this and ensure the terms are spelled out to protect everyone involved.
