Three Simple Pointers to Consider When Designing Your Own Materials

The accessibility of software today has made the design process more democratic than ever before. Companies of all kinds are now able to take care of a far larger proportion of their own work than would have been the case a decade ago.

With design being more accessible, it has also become more competitive. Whether it’s a promotional flyer or a 3D prototype product, the pressure is on when it comes to getting the design right. Here, we take a look at a few things that can help to get it right when it comes to designing your own materials.

1. Conduct thorough market research

Whatever industry you work in, market research should always be a number one priority. While it’s important to strive for your products and services to be unique, you first need to know what’s out there. Knowing your competitors and their products is the first step to the creation of a product and brand which will outperform any other on the market.

The products and materials you design do not exist in a vacuum. Instead, your design team should be working to understand how the items you produce will appear in the context of a market. Market research is the only way to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

2. Invest in specialist software

In today’s world, there is one design element which is more important than any other – software. From the 3D Solidworks product design software that will help you put products together, to the publishing software which you’ll use for marketing, these tools will provide the very foundation of any campaign.

Staff at all levels should be trained to use your software to the best of their abilities. A good piece of software used well, will be one of the most valuable tools a business ever invests in.

3. Consider the impact on your brand

Your brand is one of the most important elements of your business. One common mistake of businesses is to think that the brand is only the concern of the marketing department. In fact, all elements of a business have an impact on the brand image, and they should inform one another accordingly.

The design of products, literature and web sites should all show some level of continuity which works to establish and then reinforce your company’s brand image.