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

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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