Most people only see the
Deborah Ayodele
Most people only see the finished product. Designers see everything that came before it.
When someone picks up a handheld vacuum, they usually notice the color, the buttons, or how lightweight it feels.
As a product designer, I see something completely different.
I see the hundreds of decisions that shaped the final product.
Before a product ever reaches the rendering stage, it typically goes through a process like this:
1. Understanding the problem
Who will use it? What pain point does it solve? Where will it be used?
2. Exploring concepts
Multiple sketches and ideas are created before narrowing down the most practical direction.
3. CAD development
The product starts taking shape in 3D, where proportions, internal components, assembly, and manufacturability are carefully considered.
4. Engineering refinement
Every wall thickness, snap fit, screw boss, ventilation opening, and internal clearance is reviewed to ensure the product can actually be manufactured.
5. Visualization and validation
Only after the engineering work is complete do realistic renders bring the design to life.
By the time you see a polished render like this, most of the real design work has already happened.
The final image is simply the result of countless decisions made throughout the product development journey.
What's one consumer product you use every day that you think has exceptional design?
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Posted Jul 13, 2026
Most people only see the finished product. Designers see everything that came before it. When someone picks up a handheld vacuum, they usually notice the col...
