Choosing the right product design agency: How?
Choosing the right product design agency is crucial to the success of your project. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:
1. Choose a spirit:
Rather than simply hiring a product design agency, look for a mindset or culture that matches your values. The agency's values say a lot about the relationship you will have with them. Choose agencies that enjoy working together, are innovative and proactive. Their office environment and website often reflect their culture and energy.
2. Seeking innovation:
Design studios that are courageous, diverse and committed to innovation create more innovative and forward-looking products. Don't limit yourself to looking for exactly similar products in their portfolio, but rather look for truly innovative solutions they have developed and the experience they have gained by taking truly new paths.
3. Do not limit your search to a geographical location:
Location is not as important these days. With email, Skype and the telephone, you can stay in touch from anywhere. Do not prejudge. Sometimes, to get a new, fresh idea, an outside perspective can be useful.
4. Avoid too many alternatives:
Considering 30, 20 or even 10 agencies is not the best thing to do. If your file is well prepared, your initial list can be relatively short and targeted. This will help you compare design agencies more effectively. Take enough time for each agency, call them several times, understand their culture, their proposal and their way of working.
5. Do not choose based on price:
Price is important, but attempting to negotiate unreasonably could be counterproductive. It could lead to a decline in quality and dilute the service. You hire a design agency for the quality of its work, so avoid making cost the main criteria.
6. Defining expectations:
Decide who will make decisions during the design process. Participating in a design process is exciting and fun, but a limited number of people will lead to better decision-making. Favour design agencies that will help you make decisions rather than those that simply offer you more choices.
7. Do not choose based on brand:
Design agency brands are important. They provide insight into the agency's history and values. However, the agency's brand will be less important to you than the design team, the people who will be dedicated to your project. Their dedication and passion for your project will determine its success.
