CUSTOMER WANTS DESIGN & INNOVATION
In today’s competitive world, design has become the cornerstone of building products sector. Manufacturers are recognizing the customer’s growing emphasis on design & innovation, and are leveraging data and technology to create personalized product designs for consumers. As more and more consumers gravitate towards the uniqueness aspect of a product, the manufacturers too will continue to think out of the box to give what the customer wants. Jayanth Jain, Founder at GM Modular agreed that design plays a vital role in making a longstanding instant impact, and it makes the building products process more meaningful. He said, “Without a unique design, innovation is incomplete. It also in- fluences the company’s reputation, and in a world that is dominated by social media, creating exceptional product designs will help capture the customer base's attention and stand out in an oversaturated market. In terms of demand for premium segment products, the customers; tend to consider a product’s price only when its design innovation captures their attention or evokes emotion. There is also a growing demand among certain groups of people for the old retro look, fostering a lot of brands to do special R&D to come up with retro design looks in new product lineups.” Shyam Motwani, Business Head, Godrej Locks & Architectural and Fitting Systems too concurred, “Customers around the globe have become design conscious. They wish to design their homes such that it is a perfect amalgamation of aesthetics and functionality. We firmly believe design-led innovation, which combines design thinking and technological expertise is the way forward.” As per Sudeep Kolte, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain Gyproc Business India the drive for design innovation in building products had never been so important. “People are increasingly concerned about sustainability and other innovations; unique architectural designs are also becoming more sought after as cities expand. Design innovation al- lows us to develop products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also energy-efficient. It's all about creating spaces that not only look good but also feel good to be in.” Sharing another perspective on the new found love for innovation in building products sector, Kamlesh Patel, Chairman and Managing Director Asian Granito India Ltd expressed, “Factors like rapid urbanization, increased demand for real estate, rising disposable in- comes, and a growing preference for branded solutions has boosted the organized building materials market in India. Moreover, Indian manufacturers are now proactively focusing on enhancing quality and adopting the latest technologies to meet global export demands.” ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN PRODUCT DESIGN The world of product design is constantly evolving and being driven by technological advancements, Also, automated technology is gaining traction and going mainstream by outpacing the traditional ap- proach to home interiors. Prioritizing sustainability has also become essential for both current and future generations. Additionally, the inno- vations must ensure cost efficiency and reliability. Thus, technology in manufacturing has gained promi- nence in the business approach of the manufacturers across all build- ing products and materials vertical. As per Jayanth Jain, technology is the driving force behind innovations in product design that set the stan- dard for brands/company products. Leveraging advanced technology to create an appealing product design helps a company stand out as a differentiator among competitors. “Consumers are now embracing technology trends and handpicking smart, premium products such as mood lighting solutions, providing users with personalization and exceptional control via their smartphones. Also, the integration loT technology in the electrical domain has brought about a revolution in enhancing security and convenience. Upgrading every product according to consumers' present lifestyle preferences and needs has become one of the focus points in manufacturing products,” he added. Sharing their approach to technology, Kamlesh Patel stated, “AGL has made tangible investment in research and development and has achieved 'Many Firsts' through in- dustry-leading innovative products. For instance, the 3D visualization feature enhances the customer experience significantly, enabling them to engage with the product range more intimately. Whether inside the showroom or remotely, clients can now virtually explore and assess the look and feel of the products in a practical and immersive manner to help them make informed decisions about the products they choose.” Sudeep Kolte was of the view that, “Indian companies in the last decade have made many transformational developments in the infrastructure, technology advancements crucial for the smooth functioning of industries. Along with a trained and skilled work-force maintaining high productivity has resulted in the India advantage. An example is our product Gyproc, that offers comprehensive ceiling and drywall solutions. Advancements in technology have enabled us to explore new materials and construction methods, further fuelling the push for innovative building products.” “Technology is pivotal in our prod- uct design and has helped enhance safety and user experience, remarkably,” concurred Shyam Motwani. “The innovations are centred on of- fering customers unparalleled convenience and robust safety, with a focus on usability, durability, and aesthetics. For instance, we have equipped our residential locks range with notable tech features like advanced biometric and IoT technology that offers a wide array of access options, ranging from mobile phone app, NFC technolo- gy and smartwatch compatibility to fingerprint recognition, RFID cards, passcodes and remote control that allows the flat owners to control access with ease," he added. EMPHASIS ON CONSUMER- CENTRIC PRODUCTS Today’s customer prioritizes a superior user experience and highly personalized recommendations that meet their demands throughout their buying journey. Manufacturers too are investing heavily on product usage research. Leveraging data, companies are constantly tailoring unique experiences across all channels to engage effectively with the customers in sync with the new trends. Explaining the approach, Shyam Motwani said, “Consumer-centric products are developed through a deep understanding of the us- er's needs and expectations, ensuring they meet both explicit and implicit demands. breaking down departmental silos and encourag- ing cross-functional collaboration is crucial for providing a consistent client experience. Sharing consumer insights and working together on solutions helps improve product quality, timely delivery, and overall customer pleasure. A lot of focus has to be given on after sales service to ensure correct product installation as well as maintenance.” Jayanth Jain expressed similar sentiments, “The consumer ap- proach has drastically changed with time; they are now scouting and purchasing smart, premium prod- ucts at affordable prices. Also, the demand for sustainable products is in utmost vogue among discerning consumers, as they consume less energy and are eco-friendly. Manufacturers are recognizing this pivotal change taking place and keeping that in mind, emphasizing consumer-centric products to deliver a seamless customer experience. Customers these days diligently do their research before they purchase anything. So, the USP of any product plays a vital role. Additionally, the utility of a product and its price point are crucial factors in making it stand out.” As a matter of fact, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on consumer-centric products to address the evolving needs and pref- erences of end-users. By prioritizing consumer feedback and insights, manufacturers can better understand the pain points and desires of their target audience, leading to the development of products that truly resonate with consumers. Sudeep Kolte added, “Consum- er-centric design fosters greater user engagement and satisfaction, ultimately driving brand loyalty and market success. One of the main pillars of this approach is robust research and development. Understanding the geography, climate conditions, and specific concerns of households in different areas is crucial. By tailoring products to meet these unique needs, manufactur- ers can ensure they are delivering the best possible solutions for their customers. By focusing on the dis- tinct needs of various consumers, Gyproc ensures their products not only meet functional requirements but also provide significant value and improved living experiences.” According to Kamlesh Patel, Innovation, technology, reliability, adaptability, competitive pricing, and an unwavering commitment to quality are the driving force for impressive growth and setting new milestones when it comes to customer experi- ence. Companies are consistently working on incorporating innovative and value-added products portfolio to provide complete solutions.” Indeed, in today's highly competitive landscape, differentiation through consumer-centric prod- ucts can be a key driver of business growth and profitability. By putting the consumer at the centre of the product development process manufacturers can create solutions that not only meet functional require- ments but also deliver meaningful value and experiences to users.
Tags : CUSTOMER DESIGN & INNOVATION BUILDING PRODUCT UNIQUE DESIGN CONVENIENCE SMART FEATURES