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Devon is a beautiful part of the world. Is there a real sense of community between Hillside Design and the companies you work with locally?
We do enjoy close working relationships with a large number of great South West based companies. With the continued advancement of improved IT and communications the South West has become a force to be reckoned with in terms of technical, professional and manufacturing industries. Devon and the greater South West have a fantastic number of diverse manufacturing industries which offer a broad range of skills and services which prove invaluable in bringing a new product to market.
Over the years we have built up a strong network of alliances. In addition, our contacts include Intellectual Property Lawyers, marketers, graphics designers, packaging experts and investors. In fact, we pride ourselves on being able to assist clients to bring a product to market regardless of how little experience or knowledge they may have in the process.
And yes, Devon is beautiful. We are very fortunate to live and work in a stunning part of the country with incredible sea views – it could be said it helps the creative thought processes.
Where do you see current trends in product design?
Our industry was one of the early-adopters of 3D-printing technology, for the purposes of quickly producing prototypes and physical models. As the cost of the technology has decreased, it has put it within the reach of small businesses, so that we can produce cost-effective prototypes in-house, and it’s now cheap enough for consumers themselves to buy a 3D printer, download designs from the Internet and print them at home. As the technology matures and new applications and materials are found to use with it, this trend will continue for a long time to come.
The other main trend we’re seeing is the growth of the Internet of Things, where products have the capability to connect to the Internet. The potential for the Internet of Things is huge and so far we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities there may be, not to mention the questions and challenges it brings.
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring young designer, who is just starting out in the world of product design, what would you tell them?
Don’t stop learning! Product Designers need to be up to date on a huge number of topics. New developments and advances are occurring all the time in manufacturing, electronics and materials. Styling trends come and go and return. Regulations and compliances for products change all the time. Every designer should spend some part of their day expanding their own understanding of local, national and global issues.
If you’ve got an idea you want to take to market, we will assist you through your journey. We work closely with all our clients to ensure they have all the support they need throughout the product development process.
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