As simple as it sounds, building functionality into a beautiful design is not always easy. At times you will need to sacrifice design aesthetics to achieve the need in functionality. The ultimate goal of any product team is to achieve the “hybrid” formula of “simple” sophistication with a “functional” design.
Great brands have established a certain “look” , “feel” and “mystique” behind what they build and do. This is intentional and by design, being at the outset you established your “foundational” principles in driving the brand to your”core” enthusiasts. Correct …? When you have this foundation established, everyone no matter how difficult the task, understands the need to achieve a great design, but a functional one that serves the purpose of its intended use. As you move along the path of building product line extensions and growing your brand overall, this will continue to be your challenge, stay “true” to the foundation as a team. For if you sacrifice to quickly or not collectively, you risk losing your “Edge” as a brand, your defined POD and degrading the “Innovation” driven mindset.
Brands must grow, and the goal of building “simple”, yet sophisticated designs with increasing functionality becomes more challenging. This is where your established foundation will serve you best. The brand will lock arms, refuse to give in to mediocrity, and build the greatest products on the planet, period….!
“Always look to “blend” Design sophistication with Functionality…”
“Always look ahead, never behind…”
“Always stay “True” to your Brand Principles…”
Enjoy the Ride.!
Bryan Smeltzer
www.bryansmeltzer.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer
“Product Innovation and Marketing Success Blog…”
The author
I have a passion for living balanced life and a strong faith...each equally important for thriving and excelling…I love crushing mountain bike trails, exploring and finding ways to grow beyond the “status quo”. I am a dedicated, innovation driven team leader with a passion for establishing a disruptive vision and executing a market dominating strategy… Our industry has always been about creating innovative, market driving solutions that enhance performance or provide for a better life beyond sport. It has also been about culture, fit and passion for the brand. When these foundational pillars are removed, the brand starts to crumble. Being part of an industry that bridges talent between product creation, marketing, sales, finance and operations is formula for success, because every function is about building a foundational performance brand. It’s galvanizing when elite athletes wear and endorse our creations, but the real strength is leading the teams that combine their creative forces and technical expertise to make the engine roar. I am always passionate for defining and leading the next industry revolution… Extensive executive level experience across globally recognized brands, each number one in their respective markets, along with having founded and successfully sold my own branded apparel company. Whether establishing new product lines, building global marketing strategies, leading design/development teams, I have a passion for building and growing brands. Some examples; • Built Zamst from start up to achieving nationwide North American distribution, and 845% revenue growth over a 3 1/2 year period. • With Gathering Storm, grew TaylorMade/adidas Golf Accessories from $11M to $48M over 3 years. • K-Swiss, global executive management of $38M in international licensee’s and domestic apparel/accessories division. • OAKLEY, built and successfully developed “Athletic Division” NCAA licensed team eyewear/apparel product lines achieving $1.4M in initial season.