What makes a consumer product feel "premium"? Most people assume it's the material. In reality, p...What makes a consumer product feel "premium"? Most people assume it's the material. In reality, p...
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Deborah's avatar
Deborah Ayodele
• Jul 13
What makes a consumer product feel "premium"?
Most people assume it's the material.
In reality, premium products are the result of hundreds of engineering and design decisions working together.
Take an ice maker like this.
At first glance, it looks like a simple countertop appliance. Under the outer shell, however, every component has to work within tight space constraints while remaining easy to manufacture and assemble.
Here are a few design principles commonly used in products like this:
A balanced visual hierarchy
The control panel is positioned where users naturally look first, reducing the learning curve and making the interface intuitive.
Material contrast
Brushed metal paired with matte polymer creates a perception of quality while allowing each material to serve its functional purpose.
Efficient internal packaging
The compressor, condenser, fan, water reservoir, and ice-making mechanism all compete for limited space. Good product design is often about arranging these components efficiently without compromising airflow or serviceability.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
A visually appealing enclosure still needs to be manufacturable. Wall thickness, fastening methods, draft angles, and assembly sequences are considered long before the product reaches production.
One lesson I've learned from product design is that users rarely notice good engineering.
They simply notice that a product feels intuitive, reliable, and well made.
That's exactly what good industrial design should achieve.
3D ModelingFusion 360Rhino 3DSolidWorksIndustrial DesignProduct Design
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