{"id":1804,"date":"2024-11-11T03:59:45","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T03:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/?post_type=podcasts&#038;p=1804"},"modified":"2024-12-19T03:28:04","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T03:28:04","slug":"the-significance-of-design-internalization-and-product-portfolio-strategy","status":"publish","type":"podcasts","link":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/the-significance-of-design-internalization-and-product-portfolio-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Significance of Design Internalization and Product Portfolio Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ep. 7: The Significance of Design Internalization and Product Portfolio Strategy\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jwJrY3b3_zU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this episode of <em>The eCom Growth Show<\/em>, <strong>Danan Coleman<\/strong> interviews <strong>Mauricio Villalobos<\/strong>, founder of <strong>IDW Innovation Studio<\/strong>. Mauricio shares how product design, engineering, and innovation strategies can help eCommerce brands set themselves apart, extend product lifecycles, and reduce costs through thoughtful design internalization and portfolio strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet Mauricio: The Design &amp; Innovation Expert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauricio Villalobos is a <strong>product design engineer<\/strong> and founder of <em>IDW Innovation Studio<\/em>. With over <strong>10 years of experience<\/strong> in industrial design and mechatronics engineering, Mauricio specializes in helping eCommerce brands in the <strong>consumer durable goods<\/strong> space innovate and grow through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Design Internalization<\/strong>: Creating products that stand out from competitors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Portfolio Strategy<\/strong>: Planning incremental and impactful product improvements.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Design Internalization is Crucial for eCom Brands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most eCommerce businesses rely on reselling or sourcing products already being produced by manufacturers. While this approach offers <strong>lower risk<\/strong> and faster entry to market, it comes with a major limitation: <strong>lack of control<\/strong> over the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Problem With Commodities:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Products sourced directly from suppliers often turn into <strong>commodities<\/strong>, driving down profits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Competitors quickly saturate markets with similar products, shortening the product lifecycle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brands must spend heavily on <strong>marketing<\/strong> just to maintain visibility and sales.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Solution: Design Internalization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Brands can take control by designing their own products or making <strong>incremental improvements<\/strong> to existing products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This approach reduces dependency on suppliers and creates unique, innovative products that stand out in the market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Insight<\/strong>: \u201cIf you\u2019re just sourcing and reselling, you\u2019re not innovating\u2014you\u2019re just buying the next commodity.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portfolio Strategy: Extending Product Lifecycles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauricio emphasizes that innovation isn\u2019t just about creating new products\u2014it\u2019s about planning for the <strong>entire lifecycle<\/strong> of a product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How a Portfolio Strategy Works:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Incremental Improvements<\/strong>: Small changes that improve product quality or reduce costs (e.g., updated features, material changes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Innovations<\/strong>: Larger improvements that disrupt the market and attract new customers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parallel Product Lines<\/strong>: Expanding into related product categories to diversify and grow your business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real-World Example<\/strong>: Brands like Apple and Tesla excel at making small, incremental improvements while planning for larger innovations in their product roadmaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Takeaway<\/strong>: A portfolio strategy ensures you\u2019re not reacting to competitors but proactively planning the future of your product line.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Case Study: Real-Life Product Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauricio shares an example of how IDW Innovation Studio helped a brand redesign a critical product component to improve user experience and reduce costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Challenge:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The original product had multiple parts, required drilling, and didn\u2019t adapt well to different sizes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Production costs for the original version were <strong>$6 per unit<\/strong>, with multiple units required per product kit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Solution:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>IDW Innovation Studio redesigned the product to simplify the user experience while improving functionality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Through <strong>prototyping<\/strong> and engineering iterations, they reduced production costs to <strong>$3.38 per unit<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The new version was not only less expensive but also <strong>significantly better<\/strong> than the original.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Insight<\/strong>: Prototyping doesn\u2019t have to be expensive. IDW provides clients with <strong>weekly iterations<\/strong> to ensure products are commercially viable, functional, and cost-effective.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Should Consider Product Innovation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauricio explains that <strong>not every brand<\/strong> needs to innovate right away. Instead, product design and portfolio strategies are ideal for brands that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are generating <strong>six-figure revenue<\/strong> or more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have already <strong>maxed out marketing strategies<\/strong> and are seeing diminishing returns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want to reduce production costs or extend the lifecycle of existing products.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Insight<\/strong>: \u201cMax out your marketing engine first. When you can\u2019t grow further, that\u2019s when innovation will take your business to the next level.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How IDW Innovation Studio Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IDW Innovation Studio provides a <strong>customized, hands-on approach<\/strong> to product innovation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dedicated Engineer<\/strong>: Each client is assigned a dedicated engineer to lead the project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weekly Updates<\/strong>: Clients receive <strong>weekly iterations<\/strong> and prototypes to ensure progress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost Optimization<\/strong>: IDW works with your existing suppliers or sources specialized manufacturers to reduce costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Long-Term Strategy<\/strong>: Product design is aligned with a roadmap for incremental and major innovations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Products Does IDW Work On?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Consumer Durable Goods<\/strong>: Non-perishable, physical products like electronics, camping gear, tools, and household items.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Products involving <strong>plastic injection<\/strong>, <strong>metal stamping<\/strong>, or similar manufacturing processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IDW even tackles <strong>complex products<\/strong> involving <strong>electronics<\/strong> and <strong>hydraulics<\/strong> where expertise allows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fun Fact<\/strong>: One of IDW\u2019s products, a moisture sensor for plants, was recently featured on <strong>Shark Tank<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Takeaway: Why Innovation Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mauricio believes that thoughtful product innovation not only helps brands <strong>stand out<\/strong> but also reduces waste, improves product quality, and makes the world a better place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Quote<\/strong>: \u201cIf you\u2019re improving your products, you\u2019re creating value and making the world better\u2014one innovation at a time.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Connect With Mauricio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about how <strong>IDW Innovation Studio<\/strong> can help your brand with design internalization and portfolio strategy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Email<\/strong>: Contact Mauricio at <strong><a href=\"mailto:contact@idwmx.com\">contact@idwmx.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Website<\/strong>: Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/idwmx.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IDWMX.com<\/a> for more information and inquiries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your eCommerce business is ready to take control, reduce costs, and extend product lifecycles, <strong>product innovation<\/strong> is the key. IDW Innovation Studio provides the expertise and support you need to set your brand apart today and in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay tuned to <em>The eCom Growth Show<\/em> for more insights from leaders like Mauricio Villalobos, who are helping brands thrive through strategic innovation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this episode of The eCom Growth Show, Danan Coleman interviews Mauricio Villalobos, founder of IDW Innovation Studio. Mauricio shares how product design, engineering, and innovation strategies can help eCommerce brands set themselves apart, extend product lifecycles, and reduce costs through thoughtful design internalization and portfolio strategy. Meet Mauricio: The Design &amp; Innovation Expert Mauricio&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1807,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false},"class_list":["post-1804","podcasts","type-podcasts","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ep7yt-1024x576.jpg",1024,576,true],"author_info":[],"comment_info":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcasts\/1804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcasts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/podcasts"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1807"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}