Hothouse calls for more design in the boardroom

Hothouse Product Development Partners has called for design to become a board level priority for all engineering led companies.

Hothouse Product Development Partners has called for design to become a board level priority for all engineering led companies.

This follows the results of its recent survey, which showed that only 74% of these organisations' top management assign enough value to product design.

"Our survey results show that 26% of engineering led companies are missing out on opportunities to increase their business", stated Neville Pryke, Senior Partner at Hothouse.

"Research proves that design gives a product competitive edge, improves perceived value and boosts an organisation's image".

Pryke points to the recent Design Council report which shows that 84% of the UK's rapidly growing companies embrace design for product development.

100% of rapidly growing companies view design as "about products working well to meet customer's needs", yet this figure drops to only 68% when all companies are considered.

"All businesses should be following the example of rapidly growing companies and embrace the impact of design", suggests Pryke.

"For this to happen it must be championed from the top".

"Boardrooms now need to consider the implications of not putting design top of the agenda".

The survey, carried out by an independent research company on behalf of Hothouse, questioned 100 design engineers.

In response to the findings of the survey, Hothouse is offering free consultations for organisations looking to explore the advantages that product and industrial design can bring to them.

Back to top