To select the right manufacturing partner, I developed a set of critical criteria based on my experience with past projects and insights gained from previous production challenges. This ensured that each potential partner was assessed thoroughly:

Selection Criteria

• I conducted an in-depth analysis of production costs, including materials and logistics, to find a balance between quality and budget. This was essential to ensure that our product could be competitive in the market while maintaining profitability.

• Knowing the specific requirements of our product, I evaluated each factory’s technical capabilities. This involved assessing the types of machinery, and their experience with similar projects.

• Quality consistency is non-negotiable, so I thoroughly examined each facility’s quality control systems and compliance with ISO standards. This was crucial to ensure that the final product would match our design expectations and user requirements.

• Clear communication with the manufacturing team is essential to address potential production issues quickly. I prioritized factories that demonstrated strong, responsive communication, as this would facilitate a smoother design-to-manufacturing process.

After applying these criteria, we chose a factory in China that aligned well with our needs. They had the technological capabilities, a modern machinery setup and stringent quality control protocols, all of which aligned with our product requirements. Their competitive pricing and ability to handle plastic injection components opened possibilities for expanding our collaboration beyond this project.

Post-Selection

Once we finalized the partnership, my role shifted to ensuring a smooth transition from design to production. Here’s how I facilitated this process:

• I worked closely with the manufacturing team to provide them with all necessary technical specifications, drawings, and detailed documentation. This knowledge transfer was essential to maintain design integrity and ensure the factory could reproduce the product as intended. I spent time clarifying complex elements of the design to avoid misinterpretation and ensure quality standards were met.

• Together with the quality assurance team, I implemented specific quality control procedures tailored to our product. These procedures involved regular checkpoints and tests to verify that each production batch met our design and durability standards. I monitored this process closely, conducting sample inspections and refining procedures based on results.

• To support efficient production and delivery, I helped establish and optimize the supply chain. By working with logistics and procurement teams, I ensured that materials would be readily available, production schedules would be met, and product delivery timelines remained on track.

This hands-on involvement in the design-to-manufacturing process allowed me to maintain the original design vision while adapting to the realities of large-scale production. By actively participating in supplier selection, knowledge transfer, quality control, and supply chain management, I was able to ensure that the final product stayed true to the high standards we set during the design phase.

Through this process, we achieved a reliable production setup, enabling us to bring a product to market that not only meets design expectations but also reflects our commitment to quality, efficiency, and market competitiveness. My role as a product designer was instrumental in bridging the gap between initial concept and tangible, high-quality product, positioning us for success in future projects as well.