The design mix refers to three aspects of design that companies need to consider when developing a product. All three are functions, manufacturing costs, and aesthetics.
Why is the design mix important?
All products have the same goal, which is to meet or exceed the customers’ expectations. Often, some companies sell different products for the same target market. They fight over the same customers and compete with each other.
Competition brings about losers and winners. To win, companies must ensure that their products are attractive, so customers want to buy them.
The right product design attracts consumers in the target market. Through it, the company can distinguish its offerings from competing products. It is also economical and straightforward to produce and distribute.
So, by choosing the right design mix, companies can:
- Predict how the product demand in the market
- Ensuring the costs are more effective and efficient
- Build a more trustworthy reputation and product image
- Extend the product life cycle
What are the three components of the design mix
When developing a product, a business should consider three factors:
- Function. It is related to what the product can do. Did the product do as planned? How reliable is the product doing it?
- Cost. Companies need to ensure that products are economical to produce and to distribute. That way, the company can sell it profitably.
- Aesthetics. This factor is how a product can attract customers, especially, for example, in terms of appearance or taste. Not only that, but companies must also consider how to distinguish them from competing products.
How does the design mix work?
The design mix helps companies to develop products in ways that attract target markets and distinguish them from competitors.
Now, let’s take the example of a car to show you how the design mix works.
You can find various types of cars. And, let’s take three categories, including cheap cars, luxury cars, and family cars.
Cheap cars emphasize affordable prices. Carmakers prioritize production costs. By bearing low cost, they can offer more reasonable prices as demand in the target market.
But, remember, even if they focus on costs, that doesn’t mean ignoring functional or aesthetic elements. They still pay attention to both aspects, although less.
Furthermore, luxury cars put more emphasis on aesthetics. They emphasize how design can attract customers. The function is also an essential element.
In this case, carmakers are ignoring costs a little. They may be responsible for expensive production costs. Because they target wealthy customers, premium prices are not a problem. They are still willing to pay for this type of car.
Finally, the family car will usually prioritize its function. Features like safety and size of the vehicle are the primary considerations.