DSGN7722 International Industrial Design

A critical decision in the product innovation process, is the selection of a competent and reliable manufacturer. While some organisations may decide to keep production local, many will choose an international supplier (typically in China) for competitive pricing reasons. It is therefore critically important that product designers develop an understanding of how to conduct business in China, as there can a considerable differences between the "price" and "cost" of doing business in China.

This topic will therefore broaden participant's knowledge and understanding around issues relevant to innovation, design, manufacturing and business culture, within national and international design practice, through their participation in a supervised international study-tour.

By making low cost products and selling them internationally, China has transformed its economy and the world's economy with it. In 1990, China produced less than 3% of global manufacturing output by value, whereas its share is now almost 25%. China's ascent has created supply chains that span South-East Asia and the "world factory" now makes almost half the world's products.

This topic therefore addresses issues such as, how to do business in China? How to find, manage and keep manufacturers & suppliers in China?

This topic aims to provide students with knowledge and skills in:

• Business Culture in China
• Design Culture in China
• Product Compliance
• Quality Management
• Design for Manufacture in China
• Tool Sourcing and Management
• Customer Management and Relationships
• Product Pricing
• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
• Ethical Behavior and the Chinese Legal System
• Contract Law and Payment

1. Experience business culture in China
2. Experience manufacturing processes and systems in China
3. Experience design culture in China
4. Understand issues surrounding product compliance
5. Understand issues surrounding quality management
6. Understand design for manufacture in China
7. Understand tool sourcing and management
8. Understand customer management and relationships
9. Understand product pricing and managing the RFQ process
10. Understand Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
11. Appreciate ethical behavior and the Chinese legal system
12. Appreciate contract law and payment
13. Experience in planning, researching and executing a unique international study-tour experience