23 Mar The mistake most companies do.
In modern times, collaboration between designers and entrepreneurs has become increasingly important for companies looking to stay competitive in the market. Historically, designers played a fundamental role in the development of businesses, fostering intimate relationships with factories and people. However, too many design proposals flooded the market and companies began to undervalue designers’ work.
Designers were seen as akin to vacuum cleaner salespeople, with a lack of quality in their work. However, in doing so, they lost the value they once brought to the table. As a reaction, some designers began to focus on self-production. The solution? To revive the old value of designer-entrepreneur collaborations and to use modern tools to create a designers community that can increase the quality of their products.
When entrepreneurs collaborate with designers, they can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. By working together, they can create innovative products that meet the needs of their target audience. Here are a few benefits of collaboration between designers and entrepreneurs:
+ Better products: by working together, designers and entrepreneurs can create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Designers can bring their expertise in user-centered design to the table, ensuring that the product is intuitive and easy to use.
+ More innovation: collaboration between designers and entrepreneurs can lead to more innovative products.
+ Designers can bring new ideas to the table, while entrepreneurs can offer insights into the market and the target audience. Competitive advantage: companies that collaborate with designers can gain a competitive advantage in the market. By creating unique, high-quality products, they can stand out from their competitors and attract more customers.
To collaborate effectively with designers, entrepreneurs should follow these tips:
+ Communicate clearly: effective communication is key to a successful collaboration. Entrepreneurs should be clear about their goals and expectations, and designers should be able to communicate their ideas clearly.
+ Set clear expectations: both parties should have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the collaboration. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
+ Build a strong relationship: collaboration works best when there is trust and mutual respect between the parties. Entrepreneurs should take the time to build a strong working relationship with their designers, fostering open communication and a positive working environment.
Successful collaborations between designers and entrepreneurs are happening all around us. For example, companies like Poltrona Frau, Vitra or +Halle (and many others) have all leveraged the expertise of designers to create innovative products that have become iconic in their respective industries. By collaborating with designers, entrepreneurs can tap into this expertise and create products that are both functional and beautiful. They do not simply give briefs, they select and establish a designers community that feels appreciated and gives a recognizable value to the brand.
In conclusion, entrepreneurs who collaborate with designers are better positioned to succeed in today’s market. By leveraging the strengths of both parties, they can create products that are innovative, high-quality, and competitive. By building a strong relationship with designers, entrepreneurs can unlock new possibilities and achieve their business goals.
Want to read more about the role of the designer in the industry? Have a look at “Food Design & Industrial Design“, a focus of how designers can be useful in the food industry.