Planning the design and production of your products is essential for any manufacturing business. There are many tools to help you sneak a peek at how customers will react to your upcoming products and help you create a business plan that will ensure the highest sales. One such way is storyboarding.

Pro Dev industrial design storyboard

A storyboard can help you predict the outcome of your product. It'll help you visualise the users' experience with the product. A decent storyboard will also tell you how your client base will interact with your product or offered services.


Despite its usefulness, a storyboard is an underutilised tool in the industry. But with the help of this complete guide to industrial design storyboarding, you might be able to revolutionise your whole business process.

 

What Is A Storyboard?

Storyboarding is a revolutionary technique that has existed in many industries for visualising projects. In fact, Alfred Hitchcock used to use storyboards to precisely plan out his films. And he used to do it with precision. Everyone has their method to conduct an operation. So, storyboards mean something different to each individual.

what is an industrial design storyboard

However, there's a general definition for storyboards. It's basically a visual representation of the phases of your product or service. Storyboards are there to help you plan out the process of designing and manufacturing your products. Any industrial design storyboard depicts how your customers will react to your product and how they'll interact with it through a series of ordered drawings.

While the process is widely popular amongst filmmakers and animators due to its ability to pre-visualise an interactive media sequence, it has its place in different industries. The word itself comes from the idea of pinning down separate images describing a story on the board. That way, you don't have to change the whole thing but just modify a single image to alter the productions developed.

How Storyboards Help In Product Design

how industrial design storyboard helps

Disney first developed the process of storyboarding back in the 1930s. Back then, storyboarding was a process used only in the film and television industry. Its popularity in that particular industry was thanks to its ability to communicate the scenes, shots, camera movements, and the entire plot with the whole team.

But now, various other industries are slowly opening up to the idea of storyboarding to ensure a better production phase. Especially in manufacturing, storyboarding has become quite popular.

With the advanced UX storyboard, a manufacturer can visually explore the user experience. The storyboard will depict how the general populace will react and interact with the service or product. It can also show the manufacturer what the customers expect from the said product.

Finally, the UX storyboard will help the seller understand the buyer's motivations behind purchasing that particular product.

The Benefits of Storyboarding

As any experienced business owner, you would like to know what benefits you can gain from using a storyboard. While there's a long list of perks that storyboards have to offer, here are some of the most important ones.

visual benefits of industrial design storyboards

Visual Benefits

If you present your plan through images, anyone would better understand it compared to when you try to make them know it through words alone. Using only words to describe your project can be pretty inefficient and hard to understand.

But storyboards can solve that issue. No matter what your plans are: your actual product, its specialty, functions - every type of information, you can better express it with pictures. And others would no longer have to visualise all that information in their head because the storyboard will do it for them.

 

product designer team looking at visual insights

Better Insights of Stakeholders

The best thing about storyboarding is that it puts everything into perspective. It'll hold up the entire picture of your project, the ins, and outs of it in clear sight.

This will let the stakeholders have a clear view of what they're investing in. The stakeholder will be completely aware of how the project will go, the selling points of said project, and how the customers will react to it.

This will also benefit your planning phase. Seeing how the product will be will allow you to create an effective manufacturing process that will reduce cost and increase efficiency.

 

Improved Team Collaboration

Improved team collaboration

If a company is a machine then its employees are the cogs. All of them have to work together in harmony for the highest possible efficiency. But, without properly explaining their tasks for individual projects, that can be difficult to achieve. With storyboarding, your employees will have both written and visual instructions to guide them through their tasks.

You can simply show them the storyboard, and understand their part in the process with ease. It's even scientifically proven that people understand instructions better when they receive visual, verbal and written instructions at the same time.

 

Quicker Creation Phase

Storyboards help you put down specific and realistic timelines for every one of your project's checkpoints. You can consider each picture as a checkpoint and see what type of work you've to do.

After you've seen what exactly you've got to do, you can make an educated decision of whether you'll be able to finish the project within the timeline or not. Moreover, the client will be able to stay in the loop by going over the general outlines of your project.

 

Quicker phase for industrial design storyboards

When to Use A Storyboard In Industrial Designing?

If you're still skeptical about using storyboards in the industrial product design process, you might want to know when to use your storyboard. Some may even ask if this creative process will help suit their products.

Well, we're here with the answers to all of your questions about when to use a storyboard.

During the Building Phase

A UX storyboard will show how a developing or an existing product will do in the market. It shows their necessity, their implantation in the user's daily lives.

Moreover, it'll also show how your client base will interact with the product you bring out. Finally, this designing tool will show the stakeholders and the creators precisely what's so special or boring about their product.

 

new product storyboard with product design notes

When Discovering A New Product

When working on a completely unknown and new product, a storyboard can come in handy. It can summarise and explain the whole big picture in front of you and show you what benefits your clients the most and what problems they may face or are facing.

A storyboard can help you in understanding what you're working on and building the product with ease.

With a storyboard, you can use it to keep yourself updated as to the ins and outs of that particular industry. It'll help you keep track of the preceding products' problems and their success. That way, you can keep track of what your customers expect and what you need to give them.

Final Words

Efficiency is a huge factor in succeeding in any industry. The manufacturers usually do everything that they can to gain maximum efficiency. But for that visualizing how their products will function, and their design is a must.

And it can be done with storyboarding. We at Pro Dev provide such services. With our 3D CAD virtual models, you can create a visual representation of your ideas. We even use 3D printing technology to create prototypes for a better understanding of how your customers will interact with your product. So, Contact Us now to learn more about how we can help visualise your projects.

product prototyping

Understanding the Importance of Prototyping in the Design Process

Explore how prototyping drives innovation, turning ideas into functional products that exceed expectations and thrive in competitive markets.

read more
metal material for Product design

Exploring Materiality: Choosing the Right Materials for Product Design

Choose suitable materials for product design: functionality, durability, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, user experience, and compliance.

read more
product manufacturing v2

Understanding the Importance of Quality Control in Manufacturing

Discover the role of quality control in manufacturing for compliance, production optimisation, cost reduction, liability mitigation, and customer satisfaction.

read more
3d printing prototype

Innovations in 3D Printing and Its Role in Industrial Design

Explore the evolution of 3D printing, its role in industrial design, and how innovations in this technology are reshaping manufacturing processes.

read more
CAD in product design

Understanding the Role of CAD in Product Design

Explore the transformative impact of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) on modern product design, revolutionizing the innovation process in various industries.

read more
Product Design Manufacturing

Understanding How Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Works

Unlock efficient manufacturing with Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Learn principles, benefits, and examples. Engage with design experts for optimal results.

read more
industrial design products 1

The Intersection of Art and Function in Industrial Design

Discover industrial design's dynamic blend of creativity and innovation, shaping a world where functionality, culture, sustainability, and emotion converge.

read more
industrial design products

A Quick Look at the Evolution of Industrial Design

Discover the history and future of industrial design, from Bauhaus to 3D printing. Explore the influences shaping this creative and innovative field.

read more
rapid prototyping

6 Benefits of Rapid Prototyping in Product Design and Manufacturing

Revolutionise product development with rapid prototyping—swift, cost-efficient, collaborative, flaw-detecting, customisable, and streamlining processes.

read more
Product design for people with disabilities

Designing for Accessibility: Inclusivity in Industrial Design

Dive into inclusive industrial design, prioritising user needs, universal principles, ergonomics, accessible materials, and intuitive controls.

read more
successful executive asia young businesswoman smart casual wear drawing writing using pen with digital tablet computer thinking inspiration search ideas working process modern office

Navigating Entrepreneurial Passion in the Realm of Product Development

Some of the best things ever made often start out as an inspirational idea. It could be because the person with the idea noticed a glaring need that was never addressed, or maybe was not addressed satisfactorily. Many people are often moved by the idea that "this could always be made better", and this idea also happens

read more
business presentation

Mastering the Complex Landscape of Product Development Challenges

In and of itself, product development is no simple feat. To the untrained eye, it involves masterful planning, complex processes, requiring accurate mathematical precision, and a good amount of monitoring when the actual production gets underway. A new product is actually the result of hundreds, if not thousands, of ho

read more
bulb with speecch bubbles

Navigating the Art of Novel Product Ideas in the Modern World

Considering the modernity of the world today, figuring out an idea for a new product is both severely limiting and potentially limitless. It is limiting in that the way product development has shaped throughout the years, manufacturers have created almost something for everything, making ideas for new products somewhat

read more
online marketing

What Goes into New Product Development?

Ask anyone who is into new product development and they will mostly agree: bringing in a new product from idea to reality is both the most wonderful thing and the most nerve-wracking thing in the world.

read more
Product concept testing team

The Role of Collaboration and User-Centered Product Design

Collaboration and user-centred design are integral to the country's design process, helping designers create functional and visually appealing products while meeting consumers' needs.

read more
emotional connection

Designing for Emotional Connection: How to Create Products That Resonate

Designers who prioritise emotional connection in their work may see more significant results in customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business success.

read more
product manufacturing

A Guide to Understanding the Manufacturing Process (+Steps and Types)

Manufacturing consulting is a crucial component of the product development process that contributes to the efficiency and competence of the entire procedure.

read more
3D model designs

A Quick Guide to Product Design: Deeper Understanding of What Your Product Designers Do

A product designer understands what it takes to produce a functional and aesthetically pleasing design. Creating a successful product design requires much effort, but another issue is rectifying faults and consistently staying current with new trends.

read more
Pro Dev with Chinese manufacturers 1

A Quick Guide to Understanding the Phases of Product Development

Every path to a final product during product development is diverse, and each sector has challenges while innovating. The process of product creation necessitates consistency and balance for most businesses. Entrepreneurs who want to be profitable and relevant must always come up with and produce new items that succeed

read more
From Ideation to Manufacturing Product Development Guide

From Ideation to Manufacturing: Product Development Guide

If you've decided to bring your idea into development into a product, understanding the process associated with it can help you understand behind the scenes better.

read more
Product Compliance

10 Best Practices for Management of Product Compliance

Product Compliance Management monitors future regulations to ensure that your systems, team, and processes are prepared for them. Improve your Product Compliance Management with the following practices.

read more
People using industry disrupting innovations

How To Create An Industry-Disrupting Product

Disruptive innovation spurs growth and finds new and better ways to solve problems. Understand your industry before creating a disruptive marketing strategy.

read more
421A2070

12 Steps of the Product Design Process

A product design process is essential for creating high-quality, user-friendly products. Following a well-defined step-by-step process, you can create visually appealing products that work well for their intended purposes. Creating a new product should be as smooth and straightforward as possible.

read more
Facial Recognition

Facial Recognition: The Future of Biometrics Security

If you are a fan of spy movies, you will find gadgets not yet invented come to life. Fingerprint scan. Voice activation. Facial recognition

read more
a person scanning a QR Code for cashless payment

How QR Codes are Transforming the Contactless World

Quick Response (QR) Technology is an advanced innovation that became a readily available solution. It’s a type of barcode that is read by a digital device and can store information in the form of a series of packed pixels.

read more
new product launch

7 Ways to Identify a Winner Product Idea

Only a fraction of thousands of products launched every month succeed. To guarantee that your product idea will succeed, it should gain traction once it is out in the market.

read more
Design production Mass manufacturing

Find a Good Manufacturing Company: What You Need to Know

Unleash your innovative ideas with the right manufacturing company. Explore types of partners, essential considerations, and the path to turning your vision into reality.

read more
Dual level cabin

Exploring Vertically Staggered Airplane Seating

Discover the innovative concept of vertically staggered aeroplane seating and its potential benefits for airlines and passengers. Explore how this alternative seating arrangement can maximize space utilization, enhance comfort, and potentially revolutionize the passenger experience.

read more
Product Design and Parts Christchurch

Benefits of Rapid Prototyping You Should Know

All products resulted from conceptualising, designing, and prototyping hours before they hit the market.

read more
brainstorming for product design customer journey

What is Product Lifecycle Management and It's Benefits?

Discover the concept of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and explore how it can benefit businesses in terms of longevity, market insights, consumer behavior, and brand sustainability.

read more
Product manager v2

A Comprehensive Guide to Product Design

The term "product" can evoke a wide range of imageries in mind. When you walk into a retail store, you pick up products—things that satisfy your needs and want.

read more
product lifecycle management

Why Understanding the Product Lifecycle is Important

Gain insights into the significance of the product lifecycle and how it impacts business decisions, marketing strategies, and long-term success.

read more
product management report

Product Concept Testing

Product concept testing is a research method that involves asking your customers or target audience what they feel about the concept of a product or service before launching it.

read more
Project management

Product Management

Product management refers to a series of activities that deal with managing a product's lifecycle. The product management job starts right from planning for a new product.

read more
CAD

Benefits of CAD Design in Product Development

Time is money, as the old saying goes, so heightened productivity will positively impact your corporate bottom line.

read more
Los Angeles Product Design

A Complete Guide to Industrial Design Storyboard

A storyboard can help you predict the outcome of your product. It'll help you visualise the users' experience with the product.

read more
marker rendering of product designers

From Idea to Marker Rendering: Product Designers Guide

Whether you're working alone or with a team of designers and product managers, having a clear picture of the product you're creating is vital to the success of the project.

read more
Product design Concept

What is Product Design and How Does it Work?

Every step in the product design process involves detail-oriented expertise combined with efficient project management and today's best methods and software platforms.

read more
product manufacturing work

How Does Product Manufacturing Work

Bringing your vision for an original product to reality is undoubtedly one of many business owners' biggest hurdles.

read more
3D Product Design

What to Expect When Working with an Industrial Designer?

Industrial design is a field of design that involves creating and developing products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, safe, and user-friendly.

read more
marketing team getting to know their target market v2

Elevating Product Innovation: The 7 Stages of Product Innovation

In this article, we will explore the 7 stages of product innovation, from idea generation to launch. We will also discuss where to manufacture a new product and the importance of working with a product design services company.

read more
User centred product design and development

Why User-Centred Design is Crucial to Product Development Success

Design is all about problem-solving, and people-centred design approaches prioritise the user as the central element of the design process.

read more