Design is one of the most important aspects when launching a new product or setting up a new product line. It can help turn your ideas into innovative and competitive products and services that are suitable for your market. You can also use design to make your business processes more efficient and to strengthen your marketing approach.
Evidence shows that using design improves business performance. Businesses that undervalue the importance of design may miss vital opportunities.
Design can bring a range of commercial benefits if used systematically across your business. These benefits include:
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Increased sales of your products or services.
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Improved market position relative to your competitors.
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Greater customer loyalty and fewer customer complaints.
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A stronger identity for your business.
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The ability to create new products and services and open up new markets.
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Reduced time to market for new products and services.
The effective use of design gives customers a reason to buy from you rather than from your competitors. It's a valuable source of differentiation — a well-designed product or service will stand out from the competition. In addition to enhancing the products and services you sell, design can improve the way your business operates, such as increasing the efficiency of its processes, reducing the cost of raw materials, and improving the quality of packaging.
Design encompasses far more than just the outward appearance of products or the graphic elements of your website, packaging, and marketing materials. It plays a role in nearly every aspect of what most businesses do. Design can also benefit your business in less obvious ways — it isn't just about managing the appearance of your business but also about optimizing your business processes to make them as cost-effective as possible.
Trends:
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More touchpoints
The number of touchpoints that customers share with brands is increasing as businesses harness new media. Blogs, case studies, infographics, and every piece of everyday design content will benefit from engaging visuals and clear, consistent messaging.
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Design crossing boundaries
The increased demand for good design will extend beyond designers into other departments. Sales, HR, product, and even finance teams will be expected to understand and utilize on-brand design in their work to fully immerse customers.
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A taste for depth
The rise in preference for 3D design is set to continue with even more intensity. Images with realistically rendered shadows create an interesting visual interplay between the foreground, middle ground, and background. Drop shadows and layered effects further enhance visual drama, making the experience more immersive for consumers.
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Playing with color
Color is critical in the digital arena. With so much visual stimulation available, designs that immediately stand out with bold, surprising, or pleasing colors will attract much-needed attention to the products they reference. One color trend gaining traction is gradients—blends of color that add texture and depth to everyday graphics.
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Authentic styles
Consumers are increasingly drawn to scruffier, handmade techniques that display a sense of care and authenticity. Effects that evoke a simpler time may convince customers to hand over their loyalty and affection.
