Design for technology businesses

Many different small and medium technology businesses use design to develop new products that meet user needs, create a recognisable brand identity and ultimately generate revenue.

For example, software developers are increasingly employing designers to help them create new products that meet user needs. This user-centred design approach tries to optimise the user interface around how people can, want or need to work, rather than forcing the users to change how they work to accommodate the software developer's approach. For more information, see user-centred design.

Product design can also make a functional tool - eg a mobile phone - more desirable for consumers. Experience design is also helping mobile phone businesses create an image for their products that goes beyond the simple, functional handset, and is more useful and attractive to people.

For examples of how businesses use good design principles, watch Invest Northern Ireland's case studies below.