IDC Announces Chinese Website and Shanghai Presence
17 September 2009
Product design specialist Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC) is expanding its presence in China, following repeated success with new product developments and a burgeoning client list. This month sees both the launch of a Chinese website and the opening of a business development department in Shanghai.
In 2008, the product development agency opened an office in Hong Kong after establishing firm local knowledge and extensive work experience in Asia over the last 30 years. Having also been hand-selected by the Department of UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) to join a 12-strong team of leading British design consultancies to capitalise on a £3bn emerging market, IDC has established a solid reputation among Chinese companies in need of an international product design team.
IDC's managing director, Stephen Knowles, explains, "Chinese businesses are recognising how tough the competition can be in a global market. The impact of globalisation and concerns about sustainability are also central issues for companies. A product that works well for the Chinese market may not necessarily see the same success internationally without some modifications and support. Equally, a UK company looking to move into Chinese markets is up against the same difficulties. Local knowledge and on-the-ground understanding of subtle cultural distinctions, in addition to market awareness, is essential in positioning a product for competitive success, be it at home or abroad."
Coupled with IDC's proven experience in a variety of sectors from consumer to commercial, industrial, medical and automotive, this approach has consolidated multiple client wins over the last year.
Earlier this month, the product design team at IDC added another success to its list with the launch of a voice-activated CPR assistant which combines spoken instructions with a carefully sculpted head and neck support to open the airways in preparation for CPR. The product design, undertaken for Chinese company XFT Shenzhen Xunfengtong, is a first for the medical market in both Europe and China. Already attracting much interest, the life saving product is being introduced at Shenzhen Airport as well as the Asian Games.
The XFT CPR assistant will be on display at Arab Health in Dubai in January 2010, and will be among other medical products designed by IDC at the China Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) in October 2009.
