FAQ
1. What is industrial design, and how is it different from engineering or graphic design?
Industrial design focuses on the form, usability, and user experience of physical products, whereas engineering ensures technical function and feasibility. Graphic design deals more with visual communication and branding. Iterator.de incorporates a mixture of all these disciplines, and at times uses partners services to fill in any gaps in expertise.
2. What types of products do you design?
We design a wide range of products — from consumer electronics and wearables to tools, furniture, and specialised industrial equipment. If it has a physical form and interacts with people, we can design it.
3. What does your design process look like?
Our process typically includes research, concept development, CAD modelling, prototyping, user testing, and preparation for manufacturing. We tailor the steps to fit your project's needs and timeline. We follow a simplified “4D” approach - define - discover - design - deliver.
4. Can you help us take an idea from sketch to production?
Yes — we offer end-to-end services, including early concept generation, prototyping, design for manufacturing and additive manufacturing (DFM and DFAM), and liaison with manufacturers to ensure a smooth production process.
5. Do you work with startups or only with established companies?
We work with both. Startups often come to us with big ideas and no internal design team, while established companies bring us in to inject fresh thinking or scale product development.
6. How much does a typical project cost?
Cost varies depending on the project's complexity, scope, and timeline. After a brief call to understand your needs, we’ll provide a tailored quote or phased proposal.
7. How long does it take to complete a project?
Timelines vary — simple projects can take a few weeks, while complex systems or regulated products may require several months. We’ll define clear milestones and deliverables early on and each project we engage with adheres to a premium standard of project management. Regardless of your needs, we’ll get you there as efficiently and transparently as possible, while sticking to your budget and timeline.
8. Can you work with our in-house team or external partners?
Absolutely. We're used to collaborating with in-house engineers, marketing teams, UX researchers, and external partners like manufacturers or software developers.
9. Do you handle prototyping and testing in-house?
Yes, we build and test early prototypes in-house and work with trusted partners for high-fidelity or production-grade models when needed. We work with almost any type of material, so feel free to be as creative as you want to be.
10. What if we only need help with part of the process?
That’s fine. Whether you need idea validation, CAD support, or just final DFM tweaks — we’re happy to plug in wherever you need us.