Unlocking the Business Value of Design in the Industrial Sector

- 3 October, 2023
l f w

In the realm of the industrial sector, questions about the return on investment (ROI) of design often arise. Does investing in design yield substantial results, especially in a field where thousands of units are produced annually? The unequivocal answer is a resounding YES!

The industrial sector stands to gain tremendous benefits from strategic design investments. When a product is thoughtfully designed, it goes beyond aesthetics to become an efficient, functional, and reliable workhorse that precisely aligns with user requirements.


Consider this: Strategic design optimization not only enhances the user experience but also streamlines manufacturing processes. It reduces production costs while maintaining quality standards. It’s like setting up a streamlined assembly line, ensuring consistency across every product and minimizing waste. The outcome? Augmented profit margins and reduced manufacturing expenses.


Furthermore, a meticulously designed industrial product elevates user satisfaction, fostering enduring relationships and customer loyalty. Happier customers translate into fewer product returns, resulting in cost savings on return processing and replacement expenses.

But the benefits extend beyond operations. An appealing, user-friendly product tends to captivate the market more swiftly, inspiring quicker decisions, which can accelerate sales and expedite the return on design investments.

Moreover, embracing a comprehensive approach to design can significantly reduce the possibility of defects in the research and development process. This approach involves integrating design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing techniques. By identifying and addressing potential issues early in the design phase, companies can enhance the overall quality and reliability of their products, ultimately reducing costly defects and recalls.

According to a McKinsey article by Benedict Sheppard, Hugo Sarrazin, Garen Kouyoumjian, and Fabricio Dore, the impact of design on financial performance is indeed profound. The research showed that top-quartile MDI scorers saw a 32% higher revenue growth and 56% higher total returns to shareholders over five years compared to industry counterparts.

Our own experiences corroborate these findings, showcasing how investing in design is akin to planting a seed that rapidly grows into a productive tree. It’s a sagacious business decision that yields returns not just in aesthetics and functionality but also on the balance sheet.

The industrial sector can tap into this incredible potential, reaping the rewards of well-planned design investments.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!


If you want to stay informed about more information like this, join our #bigD Newsletter on LinkedIn.

Subscribe on LinkedIn