Developing a product idea can be expensive and full of uncertainty. Design Anthology has launched a new concept designed to help local businesses move new products forward through tailored advice.
Over the past couple of years, Design Anthology (DA) has been delivering Kick start Workshops and Design Reviews to individuals and businesses in the Hunter region. These services are designed for people who are at the beginning or middle of their design journeys.
However, the Design Anthology team noticed that some people had very specific questions or issues they wanted to discuss to navigate the next steps, identify gaps or access guidance on processes. As a response,Design Anthology has launched Expert Hour.
The Expert Hour is for individuals or businesses that would like an expert opinion at a time when they need to make important decisions about their idea. Whether that’s how to take the next step safely or what to spend money on next, the DA team will help identify the risks in a product idea and find the most promising opportunities.
Principal Designer at DA, Josh Jeffress said members of the team will provide their honest, unbiased, objective thoughts during the hour.
“The Expert Hour is a one-hour video call or face-to-face session at our studio,” Josh said.
“People bring their specific questions related to one product idea. It’s really important that we focus on one idea to make sure they get the most out of the hour.”
Josh and his team want people to ask their most challenging questions. Questions might include where to start with development, how to progress from an idea to a validated concept, risks to be aware of, how to prototype, manufacturing methods, materials, ergonomics, styling, user interfaces, functionality, strength, durability, appeal, safety, or anything else.
Josh said DA’s role is to listen carefully, ask follow-up questions to clarify and then provide three concrete actions that will help move the idea forward.
“We think this is going to be a format that people will love because it is quick, inexpensive and will really help them to make some decisions at, what is probably, a tough point in the development of their idea,” Josh said.
IMAGE | Design Anthology in action.
