How to Design and Develop a New Product that Meets Market Demands

How to Design and Develop a New Product that Meets Market Demands — Providing Customized Design Services for American Clients

Hello, I’m Kaiwin. Since 2012, I have been working on new product design, production and supply chain management. Over the past 13 years, I have helped many global customers develop various products, covering various industries such as mobile phone accessories, 3C consumer electronics, pet products, new energy equipment, smart products, etc. In this process, I have accumulated rich experience in product design, market research and production supply chain management. 

Today, I’d like to share some insights on how to design and develop a market-driven product, using a case where I helped a U.S. client develop a hand strap as an example. I hope that my sharing will be helpful to every enterprise planning to develop and sell new products, and I look forward to exchanging experiences on product design, innovation and product development with everyone.

In March 2024, I traveled to the United States again for business. After landing in Los Angeles, we rented a car and drove to Santa Barbara to meet a new client – Mr Eric. This was our first time meeting Eric, as we hadn’t worked together before. His business focuses on tablets and industrial computers.

During our conversation, I learned about their market performance and challenges they were facing. One of key issues was that prolonged use of tablets caused discomfort for consumers, especially those with conditions like tendonitis. This problem was particularly pronounced with their industrial tablets, which are quite heavy, adding to the strain of holding them for extended periods.

Drawing on my years of experience in product development and consumer behavior analysis, I shared my perspective with Eric. I suggested that a well-designed tablet handstrap could be a game-changer for improving user experience. Regardless of whether a tablet is used for entertainment, business, education, or smart production scenarios, key design considerations—such as making it easier and safer for users to carry and use the device, while reducing strain are crucial.

Eric agreed with my observations and insights. He then brought out their current tablet models, and we started discussing potential design solutions together.

The first step in designing a product that meets market demand is conducting in-depth analysis of product development background and market needs. From the perspective of product development, tablets are now widely used across industries such as work, daily life, education, and IoT production. Consequently, market potential for tablet accessories is substantial. However, many users face issues such as hand discomfort and inconvenience during prolonged use of tablets, particularly outdoor workers who rely on these devices for extended periods.

Standard tablet stands often fail to provide stable support, and traditional handheld methods frequently result in wrist fatigue. After analyzing Eric’s existing tablet handstrap, we identified the following three significant issues:

Insufficient Thickness: The current handstrap is too thin to withstand prolonged weight of tablets in various usage environments.

Lack of Ergonomic Design: The existing handstrap does not adequately conform to shape of the hand and supports only single-directional use. This design does not align with ergonomic principles, leading to hand fatigue during extended usage.

Compatibility Issues: The current handstrap is only compatible with specific tablet models and cannot be used across different models. This lack of versatility requires Eric to maintain extensive inventory of various sizes, which poses a significant burden for business operations.

To address these issues, we immediately compiled our findings and sent them to our design team. Designers will apply meticulous design techniques and ergonomic principles to develop a lightweight, durable, safe, and comfortable solution that significantly enhances user experience.

After receiving design instructions, our engineers quickly got to work and delivered first draft next day. This allowed us to discuss feasibility with Eric right away. Here’s how we approached design, focusing on six key areas:

First, we researched all tablet sizes on market and determined base dimensions for Handstrap. This size fits 90% of tablets, whether 8-inch, 10-inch, or 12-inch, ensuring it works well with most devices.

Second, we added straps to all four corners of Handstrap to securely hold tablet and prevent drops. Instead of traditional ladder lock buckles, we used strong hook-and-loop fasteners for adjustment. This makes it easier to tighten and ensures snug fit for tablets of different sizes.

Third, we focused on ergonomics. Handstrap’s palm rest is made from soft leather and padded polyester, with adjustable sizing so users can customize fit for maximum comfort.

Fourth, we considered how tablets are used at various angles—90 degrees, 180 degrees, or anything in between. To address this, we designed Handstrap with 360-degree rotation, allowing users to adjust tablet to their preferred viewing angle.

Fifth, we chose materials that are soft, comfortable, and durable, ensuring Handstrap lasts through long-term use. All materials are RoHS certified, meeting environmental and safety standards.

With these ideas in place, engineers finalized design and sent draft to Eric for approval next day. Fast and efficient!

Upon receiving design drawings, Eric was genuinely surprised and highly praised our product design capabilities and speed. After confirming a series of design details, we began new product development process – sample production. Throughout this process, we continuously refined product details to achieve perfection. Following three rounds of sample revisions, we finalized pre-production samples.

When Eric received samples, he was thrilled and expressed that this was exactly the product he had been envisioning. He even proposed exclusive distribution rights. After discussing business collaboration details, we confirmed production for first batch of orders. During production, Eric shared that samples had already gained approval from many of his clients, securing orders in both United States and Mexico.

Our collaboration with Eric proceeded smoothly. Final design of Tablet Handstrap not only met his high standards but also exceeded his expectations. Eric mentioned that this Handstrap design revolutionized traditional tablet accessories, enhancing both comfort and portability.

Through joint efforts with Eric, this Handstrap successfully entered market, receiving numerous orders and widespread acclaim from consumers.

Through our collaboration with Eric on Tablet Handstrap project, I believe you’ll realize that when you have a great new product idea, finding a professional supplier is crucial. Supplier’s market insight can make your product design more rational and aligned with market trends, while their supply chain management ensures smooth and fast production, allowing your product to enter market and generate profits quickly.

At Grandshine, we have nearly 20 years of experience in product development and manufacturing, covering industries such as 3C, pet supplies, mobile accessories, daily necessities, and new energy. We have a professional engineering team, in-house mold factory, production facilities, assembly lines, and a robust supplier management system, providing end-to-end customized services from design to production. Whether it’s material selection, processing techniques, or user experience design, we pay attention to every detail to ensure each product meets high-quality standards.

Unlike other suppliers, we focus not only on functionality but also on fashion and comfort, ensuring every design meets market demands and delivers the best experience for customers. Additionally, our factory is certified with ISO9001, ISO14001, BSCI, and more, enabling your products to qualify for sales in major retail stores.

Whether you’re a brand owner, retailer, or startup, Grandshine can provide professional product design and manufacturing support. If you’re interested in learning more or want to develop unique products under your brand, feel free to contact us anytime at kaiwin@grashine.com . We look forward to collaborating with you to create more comfortable and stylish products together!