In this article, we’ve created a starter Freelance Industrial Designer Workflow Map that you can use to start planning out your product/service delivery and we’ve outlined a few examples of experiments that you can run in your Freelance Industrial Designer role.
Ready to get started? Download the Workflow Map template or get in touch to discuss how a workflow coach could help you fast-track your business improvement.
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The path towards better systems and processes in your Freelance Industrial Designer role starts with mapping out your most important business processes. Being able to see your business processes laid out visually helps you to collaborate with your team on how to improve and grow. By repeating this collaboration process, you’ll develop a culture of continuous improvement that leads to a growing business and streamlined systems and processes that increase customer & staff experience.
To help you start mapping out your processes, we’ve developed a sample flow for a Freelance Industrial Designer Workflow Map that you can use with your team to start clarifying your processes and then run Business Experiments so you can build a better business.
1. Initial consultation: Meet with the client to understand their requirements, goals, and vision for the product or service.
2. Concept development: Brainstorm and create initial design concepts based on the client’s specifications and industry trends.
3. Design refinement: Collaborate with the client to refine and iterate on the chosen concept, ensuring it meets their expectations and aligns with their brand.
4. Prototype creation: Develop physical or digital prototypes to test the functionality, aesthetics, and usability of the design.
5. Client feedback and revisions: Gather feedback from the client on the prototype and make necessary revisions to improve the design.
6. Final design approval: Obtain final approval from the client on the refined design, ensuring it meets all requirements and expectations.
7. Manufacturing coordination: Collaborate with manufacturers or suppliers to ensure the design can be produced efficiently and within budget.
8. Quality control: Oversee the manufacturing process to ensure the final product meets the desired quality standards.
9. Packaging and branding: Develop packaging and branding materials that align with the client’s brand identity and enhance the overall product experience.
10. Delivery and post-sales support: Coordinate the delivery of the final product to the client and provide any necessary post-sales support, such as troubleshooting or additional design modifications
Experiment 1: Collaborative Design Process
Description: Implement a collaborative design process by involving clients and stakeholders in the decision-making and ideation stages. This can be done through regular meetings, workshops, and feedback sessions. Encourage open communication and active participation from all parties involved.
Expected Outcome: By involving clients and stakeholders in the design process, the freelance industrial designer can gain valuable insights, improve client satisfaction, and ensure that the final product meets their expectations. This collaborative approach is likely to result in more innovative and successful designs.
Experiment 2: Streamlined Project Management System
Description: Implement a project management system to streamline the workflow and improve efficiency. This can include tools such as project management software, task tracking, and clear communication channels. Set up a standardized process for project initiation, progress tracking, and delivery.
Expected Outcome: By implementing a streamlined project management system, the freelance industrial designer can improve organization, reduce errors, and enhance overall productivity. This experiment is expected to result in better project outcomes, timely delivery, and improved client satisfaction.
Experiment 3: Networking and Partnerships
Description: Actively engage in networking activities and seek partnerships with complementary professionals or businesses in the design and creative industry. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and collaborate with other freelancers or agencies to expand the network and create mutually beneficial relationships.
Expected Outcome: By networking and forming partnerships, the freelance industrial designer can increase their visibility, gain access to new clients and projects, and tap into a wider range of expertise. This experiment is likely to result in increased business opportunities, referrals, and a stronger professional network.
Experiment 4: Client Feedback Surveys
Description: Implement a system to collect feedback from clients after project completion. This can be done through online surveys, phone interviews, or face-to-face meetings. Ask specific questions about the client’s experience, satisfaction level, and suggestions for improvement.
Expected Outcome: By collecting client feedback, the freelance industrial designer can gain valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and enhance their service offerings. This experiment is expected to result in improved client satisfaction, increased repeat business, and a better understanding of client needs.
Experiment 5: Continuous Professional Development
Description: Invest time and resources in continuous professional development by attending workshops, conferences, or online courses related to industrial design and creative fields. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry.
Expected Outcome: By continuously improving their skills and knowledge, the freelance industrial designer can stay competitive, offer innovative solutions, and provide added value to clients. This experiment is likely to result in increased credibility, a broader skill set, and the ability to take on more complex and challenging projects
The above map and experiments are just a basic outline that you can use to get started on your path towards business improvement. If you’d like custom experiments with the highest ROI, would like to work on multiple workflows in your business (for clients/customers, HR/staff and others) or need someone to help you implement business improvement strategies & software, get in touch to find out whether working with a workflow coach could help fast-track your progress.
