Our Approach – Design That Makes Products Successful

Good industrial design is not created through attractive visualizations alone. What matters is whether an idea can be transformed into a functional, manufacturable and successful product.

At Target Design, we combine creative design with technical expertise and commercial viability. Our goal is not simply to develop compelling concepts, but solutions that take the entire development process into account – from the initial idea to a market-ready product.

Successful product development is based less on experience with a specific product category than on a systematic approach and transferable principles. The ability to understand users, design functions intelligently, master materials and manufacturing processes, and combine experience from different industries enables innovative solutions for a wide range of markets.

Our approach is based on four key principles:

1. Understanding Users – the foundation of successful product development

2. Form is Function – design emerges from function and requirements

3. Understanding Materials, Manufacturing Processes and Distribution Channels

4. Cross-Industry Experience Creates New Perspectives

Thanks to our broad, cross-industry portfolio, we offer our clients experience and perspectives that few other design teams can match – resulting in a well-considered product that works technically, can be manufactured economically and succeeds in the market.

Every project presents different challenges – but the principles of successful product development remain the same. The following project stories show how we apply these principles in practice through specific examples.

Project Stories: Sachs Beast, Roto Trade Fair Stand, Precision Optics, Porsche, Montana, Marker Ski Bindings, Hüppe Magna, Dynafit, Centra ‘Spy’, Casco, BUSS Compeo, BMW Windshield, BMW Luggage System, BMW GS, Audi Q7 Coastline.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical design project take, and what does it cost?

This question cannot be answered with a standard figure. A pair of sports glasses is a completely different project from, for example, a roof window, a machine or a vehicle. In general, however, a precise brief and clearly defined milestones form the foundation of our collaboration. Based on these, you receive a binding fixed-price proposal divided into logical development phases. This provides maximum transparency and planning security for your innovation budget. Regular design reviews ensure that you remain fully in control at every stage of the project and can actively influence the development process.

What can a professional design team do for our company?

A professional design team does more than develop attractive and innovative products. It can fundamentally change how an entire company is perceived. Taking an existing corporate design and strategic positioning into account, design can help make a company appear more contemporary, innovative and competitive. This effect often extends to existing products and the product range as a whole. Good design therefore does not just create individual new products – it can strengthen a brand and its overall market position.

At what stage should we involve a design team in a development project?

As early as possible. We do not see design as cosmetic treatment applied at the end, but as an integral part of the development process. One of our particular strengths lies in combining design with technical understanding. We speak the language of engineering and work closely with development teams. This allows us to influence the integration of functions, technical implementation, manufacturability and costs at an early stage. The earlier design is integrated into the development process, the greater the creative freedom – and the greater the opportunity to develop a product that is technically convincing while also being desirable.

What does a typical design project at Target Design look like?

Every project is different. In general, however, our collaboration begins with a kick-off meeting in which we analyze the objectives, the brief and the market environment. Among other things, we clarify: What should the new product achieve? In what competitive environment does it need to succeed? Which components or technical solutions already exist? Which functions and requirements need to be considered? What are the cost and development targets? Based on this, we prepare a transparently structured proposal. The design process is divided into clearly defined development phases and milestones. Each phase is presented to the client and evaluated together. Typical development stages include:
1. Ideation and concept development
2. 2D design and design refinement
3. Creation of a 3D model
4. Mock-up and prototype development
5. Support during technical implementation through to final engineering
This keeps the client involved throughout the entire process and enables them to actively shape the development.

How do you work with our engineering and development teams?

Through continuous communication, regular exchange and close collaboration on equal terms. We work with drawings, 3D data and technical information and continuously coordinate our work with the development and engineering teams involved.
Mutual respect is essential to us. Design and engineering may approach a project from different perspectives, but they are working towards the same goal:
to develop a product that works technically, can be manufactured economically and convinces the customer.

Can you also design technically complex products and capital goods?

Yes – and we consider this one of our particular strengths.
Especially with technically complex products and capital goods, it is crucial not to consider design and engineering separately. A product must not only look good. It must also communicate its technical performance, quality and value visually.
Our technical understanding allows us to engage deeply with complex challenges and work closely with development and engineering teams.
You can get a good impression of our experience in this area in our portfolio.

How do you ensure that a product design fits our brand and market position?

By clearly defining the objectives and maintaining continuous coordination throughout the entire development process.
At the beginning, we analyze the brand, the competitive environment and the desired market position. As the project progresses, clearly defined milestones and regular design reviews ensure that you can follow the development at all times and actively influence it.
This means the final design does not emerge as a surprise at the end, but develops step by step in close collaboration with you.

Does Target Design also support technical implementation through to series production?

Yes. If desired, we support our clients beyond the actual design process through to technical implementation.
In addition to our own capabilities, we have a strong network of experienced partners. This also allows us to support companies that do not have their own engineering department or currently lack sufficient capacity.
Depending on the scope of the project, we can support development through to final engineering and assist with implementation towards prototypes and series production.

What are the economic benefits of good product design for our company?

Good product design can significantly increase a company’s competitiveness.
Compelling design does more than make a product more attractive. It can make its quality, technical performance and value immediately visible.
At the same time, it helps clearly differentiate a product from the competition and create desire among customers.
Design is therefore not purely an aesthetic factor. When used strategically, it supports positioning, brand perception and the commercial success of a product.

We already have a technical idea – how can Target Design turn it into a compelling product?

First, we need to understand your idea and your objectives.
The best way to do this is through a personal conversation or an initial online meeting. You explain the technical idea behind the product, the target audience and the requirements the product needs to meet.
We then develop a clear brief together and define the next steps.
The process continues through the individual development phases – from concept development and ideation through 2D and 3D design to mock-up and prototype development and technical implementation.

Can Target Design also analyze existing products and develop them further?

Yes. This type of development is often referred to as a model update or facelift.
First, we analyze how the market and competitive environment have changed since the product was introduced. Equally important are feedback from sales, customer feedback and new requirements resulting from market developments.
Based on this, we identify weaknesses and development potential in the existing product.
We then define together which changes make sense and can be implemented within the available budget and technical possibilities.
Only then does the actual design process for the facelift begin.

How do we start a project with Target Design?

The easiest way is to contact us directly – by phone, email or through our contact form.
In an initial conversation, we can discuss what your project is about and what kind of support you need. An informal online meeting is often a good way to start.
This gives us the opportunity to discuss your challenges in detail and explore how Target Design can support you.
The first step is simple: Talk to us about your idea.