Victorian businesses are being encouraged to boost their revenue using innovative design factors, with Design Victoria launching a new guide this week.
Design Victoria, a Victorian Government initiative delivered by RMIT University, launched “Demystifying Design, A guide to designing your business growth”, which encourages Victorian SMBs to consider how design can help build competitive advantage and boost their bottom line. The guide features case studies on Victorian businesses that have recently worked with a designer in their organisation, through Design Victoria’s Business Immersions program.
The insights demonstrate how working with a designer can boost a business’ competitive edge, says Director of Design Victoria Michele Azzopardi.
“Demystifying Design demonstrates how design factors into business strategies – to expand domestic and international markets, transform a service, reach new markets or attract capital investment – to assist business to achieve strong, positive outcomes,” said Ms Azzopardi.
“(It) gives businesses unacquainted with design an understanding of what typically happens during design and the skills and expertise that designers bring to business projects,” said Ms Azzopardi.
Businesses that have ‘been there and done that’ offer tips and pointers for successfully navigating the design process, from sourcing and engaging a designer to the design brief and sharing information.
A good working relationship between the business and the designer translates into real business benefits, found Managing Director of Patron Power David Harris.
“Initially we were concerned that there would be ongoing costs and delays due to the unknowns involved in the design and manufacture of the product. In hindsight, what was most important was the relationship we had with the designer, which enabled tough decisions to be worked through,” said Mr Harris.
Design Victoria also delivers tailored seminars and workshops to increase competitiveness, innovation and export performance among SMBs.
