IDM is a new approach to product development. By combining strategy, industrial design/engineering, and manufacturing under one roof—informed by decades of knowledge, experience, and leadership—we can offer decision-makers something they can’t get through conventional means: a partner with a shared interest in creating impact from the income statement to the balance sheet.

Working with IDM, executives can create new revenue streams, add value that drives sales price, reduce bill-of-materials expenses and CoGS, increase margins through efficiencies in manufacturing, cut time-to-market, and deliver experiences that engage users like never before.

No. IDM clients want a strategic partner to help them navigate the entire product development lifecycle — from business strategy and ideation through manufacturing and supply chain management.

Unlike contract manufacturers whose business interests are often at odds with those of their customers, only IDM contributes to a product’s success by inventing the right opportunity, designing with manufacturing in mind, and then making the product in-house. This allows IDM to build a quality product at a cost low enough for the customer to maximize their gross margin.

There are no a la carte services at IDM. We engage with clients through every phase of product development from financial modeling to design and engineering all the way through to production and distribution.

While we do produce prototypes in-house as part of our integrated approach, IDM is not a prototyping shop. Instead, we use models, simulations, mockups, and other tools to answer questions, evaluate options, test solutions, and provide real-time insights throughout the development process.

Until recently, there’s been a huge chasm in product development between design/engineering and manufacturing. Business leaders have thrown tons of resources into that black hole, only to find their products couldn’t be produced as designed without major compromises to quality or untenable cost updates.

How did this happen? There are lots of contributing factors. Inexperienced designers with no understanding of engineering or manufacturing. Engineers making arbitrary decisions with little regard for the product strategy or the user experience. Manufacturers that are interested only in their margins. The process is chaotic and contentious by nature. Add in personalities, agendas, and distractions and it’s easy for organizations to lose sight of their goals.

Only strong leadership and a holistic approach can close these gaps and ensure the strategic vision is realized in the final product. IDM is built to do that. We bring disciplines together, embrace conflict, and advocate for the right solution—not simply the expedient one.

Our clients see IDM as stewards of their brand promise and of the product experience. That means not only designing a physical product—but also designing the interactions that happen between the user and that interface. It’s all connected, so we do whatever it takes to deliver a simple, engaging, integrated experience.

No. We make what we design, and we design what we make. It’s the best way to maintain the product’s integrity, and it makes IDM an accountable partner with a real stake in the product’s success.

Leaders turn to IDM at the point where innovation becomes essential to their business models. They trust our insight and experience to help create new market opportunities, new revenue streams, and even cultural shifts within their organizations. When a prospective client approaches us with a concept, a design, or a set of engineering drawings, we take a step back and evaluate those elements against their strategy and goals. Sometimes, it means making a collective decision to reset with a renewed sense of purpose, focus, and direction.

IDM provides perspective, expertise, and leadership that aligns internal stakeholders around a shared vision. We challenge rote thinking and traditional processes. We refuse to take “No” for an answer. Instead, we empower team members to explore alternative solutions and present options in the context of their impact on the product or the user experience. In doing so, we put decision-making power back in the hands of leadership—where it belongs. We expect and model a results-oriented, customer-focused, dynamic, fast-paced, and sometimes messy environment—but also one in which people are valued for their skills and contributions. In short, we act as an internal resource fully committed to the product experience.

IDM is a small, nimble, and generalist organization by design. We believe in assembling the best possible teams of people to take on each unique challenge. So, we work closely with a number of resources in several disciplines—from research and ID to testing and tooling. This allows us to work where our clients need us most—focused on the big picture, navigating the process, managing the day-to-day, and delivering a meaningful product that reflects their strategy and vision.