A useful product design brief explains who the product is for, the problem it should solve, what it must do and which constraints shape the work. Add the material you already have, the decisions still open and the deliverables you need next. You can begin while some answers are uncertain.
1. Describe a real use situation
Start with the person using the product. Where are they, what are they trying to do and what makes that task difficult? Include observations, customer feedback or photographs when you have permission to share them. Label assumptions as assumptions.
The Design Council's Double Diamond begins by understanding the problem through the people affected, then defining the challenge from those insights. Your brief can follow that principle without prescribing the final shape too early. Design Council: The Double Diamond
2. Separate requirements from preferences
List what the product must achieve and what you would like it to achieve. Identify fixed interfaces, operating conditions, size limits and any components that must be retained. Explain how you would judge success.
For example, “easy to carry” leaves several questions open. A better brief names the person carrying it, how they carry it and the space it must fit. This is an illustrative example, not a claim about a client project. If a limit has not been established, record the question for review instead of inventing a precise target.
4. Show what exists and what needs to change
Share a short description of the current stage, such as an idea, sketches, existing CAD or a product being redesigned. Explain which files are current and who owns them. Include supplier feedback or test findings if available.
Reference images can help communicate appearance. Say which features you like and why, and confirm you have permission to share any private material.
5. Agree the next deliverables
Describe the next decision you need to make. Exploring form and usability may call for product and industrial design. Developing dimensions, parts or assemblies may call for technical design and CAD. An unresolved feasibility question may need a separate assessment first.
Agree what will be supplied and what closes that stage. Depending on the scope, this could include selected design directions, CAD, drawings or specifications. Physical manufacture and testing need their own arrangements.
A brief you can copy
- Product and user: What is the product, who uses it and in what situation?
- Problem: What should improve, and what evidence do you have?
- Requirements: What must it do? What can change?
- Constraints: Interfaces, environment, materials, supplier process and intended markets.
- Starting point: Existing files, current revision and known problems.
- Next deliverables: What do you need to review or hand over?
- Timing and budget: Design milestone, wider project dates and available range.
- Open questions: What needs investigation before a decision?
Further reading
Common questions
- Do I need finished CAD before contacting a design studio?
- You can begin with an idea, sketches or a description of the problem. Explain what exists so the studio can assess the appropriate starting scope.
- What if I do not know the manufacturing process?
- Say that it is undecided. Share expected quantities, functional needs and any supplier information so the options can be assessed rather than assumed.
- Does a prototype-ready design service include making the prototype?
- At We Master Design, prototype-ready work supplies agreed design files and specifications. Physical production is arranged separately.
Service: View related services