Design = fast business growth

You’ll notice the banner above suggesting that 76% of Australia’s “Fast-starter” companies make a point of integrating Design into their business strategies and processes?

This figure has been identified through the work of Dr Kosmas Smyrnios at RMIT. You can find more information about his work at Design Victoria

It’s interesting in that the vast majority of new business owners and entrepreneurs understand the value of Design to such an extent that they place it front-and-centre in their strategic activities.

So what can you do to increase your exposure to Design, and therefore, understand the benefits that Design can provide?

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Can you keep a secret?

Confidentiality is the life-blood of any new product development program. Maintaining secrecy for the duration of your project is pivotal to being able to apply for intellectual property (IP) protection, and to exploit any market advantage you may have upon launching your new design.

No doubt, you will need to discuss your project with various people and organisations – be they consultants, manufacturers, technical experts, marketing agencies and the like. Before discussing any aspect of your project with external parties, it is vital that you have them sign a formal Non-Disclosure or Confidentiality Agreement (aka “NDA”). In doing so, you can safeguard your ideas, technology, systems and market insight, as well as establishing a professional and legal expectation that all matters relating to the project remain secret.

Any reputable organisation wishing to discuss your project will generally have no problem signing a Confidentiality Agreement. Some NDA’s can be many pages long, others simply one page. Try to find one that suits your needs. Check out IP Australia’s Confidentiality Agreement Generator here for further tips and templates.

If there are objections to your NDA, there may be logical reasoning – so try to determine what concerns exist, and attempt to resolve either via amending the terms of the agreement or seeking some independent legal advice before proceeding with any discussions at all.

As a design consultant, I would not be able to earn a living without confidentiality. It is a daily reality for me, so please don’t feel awkward when asking me to sign your NDA – you’d be amazed how many people feel they will offend by asking to sign up to an NDA.

Don’t be lazy when it comes to Confidentiality. Be sure to sign up any and all prospective partners to your project before commencing any dialogue.