From Sketch to Factory: Industrial Design For Manufacturers (Feat. Vera Roldan)

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October 10, 2025 • 30 mins

In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, host Adrian is joined by Vera Roldan, head of the design department at Sofeast, to unpack how industrial design links user needs, aesthetics, and manufacturability. Vera outlines the practical workflow: research, mood boards, sketches, 3D CAD, renders, and tight collaboration with engineering and suppliers; plus why bringing design in early prevents costly rework. They cover differences between electronics and home goods, balancing looks with cost, the rise of sustainability, and why startups must not skip prototyping or user testing.

Episode Sections:

00:00:12 — Introducing Vera & the topic
00:01:49 — Why industrial design matters (beyond looks)
00:02:58 — Example: simplifying complexity & “design as insurance”
00:05:02 — Getting started with an ID team: what to share in your brief
00:07:50 — ID is consultative: research, sketches, 3D CAD, renders, handover
00:10:42 — Electronics vs home goods: different constraints
00:12:40 — Pitfalls of bringing design in late (rework, fit issues, cost)
00:16:27 — Designers × engineers × suppliers: prototype feedback loops
00:18:50 — What you should receive at the end of ID (deliverables)
00:20:06 — Why hire a pro ID team vs doing it in-house
00:21:27 — Balancing aesthetics and cost
00:23:23 — Startups: don’t skip prototyping/user testing
00:24:41 — Sustainability trends & competitive advantage
00:25:41 — #1 thing for first-time creators: test with real users
00:26:50 — Vera’s favourite design stage
00:27:46 — Success story: UX focus transformed the outcome
00:28:56 — Wrapping up

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.css-15opob5{left:0;position:absolute;top:0.8rem;} All Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}From Sketch to Factory: Industrial Design For Manufacturers (Feat. Vera Roldan)