From Concept to Consumer: Product Development for YARDHAUS
From ideation to project completion, designing a ready-made product fit for consumers requires innovative thinking and practiced design precision. Our work with YARDHAUS exemplifies this process, showcasing Sprout’s full spectrum of product development services and resulting in a simple yet sophisticated design.
Sprout’s multidisciplinary design team collaborated with YARDHAUS to develop the Pillar Pro Deck System, an easy-to-use and aesthetically pleasing string light hanging system. From prototyping to packaging, Sprout’s capabilities were fully displayed throughout the product development process.
For every product we design, we take important steps to ensure market viability and consumer appeal. With YARDHAUS, we identified a market gap and zeroed in on the consumer’s desire for an attractive yet straightforward solution.
Ideation and Concept Development
When we began this project, we knew two things: string lights are a major home trend in outdoor decor, and there were practically zero products available to hang them effectively. Our team didn’t need to “reinvent the wheel” with YARDHAUS. Instead, we aimed to design a solution that solved the consumer’s problem in the simplest way possible. Rather than being the centerpiece of an outdoor space, the product was designed to complement and enhance the environment. Homeowners want functional, user-centered designs that don’t overshadow their personal space.
Design and Prototyping
Understanding the consumer’s need for an easy-to-assemble fixture, our product concept consisted of only two components: the Crown Elite anchor and the Pillar Pro pole. This minimalist approach catered to the consumer’s need for simplicity and intuitive setup.
With just a cordless drill and an ounce of handwork for installation, the Pillar Pro Deck System offers a hassle-free alternative to makeshift solutions, eliminating the need for a complicated DIY project. Moreover, the design fits nearly all outdoor spaces, catering to unique consumer needs like sizing and space.
Our solution removed the guesswork from outdoor illumination, allowing homeowners to personalize their space as they please. Rather than creating an excessively cumbersome or eye-catching product, the Pillar Pro Deck System complements outdoor decor, allowing homeowners to customize their deck or patio without constraints.
Engineering and Design for Manufacturing (DFMA)
Conceptualizing a product is one thing; designing it for ease of use and cost-effective manufacturing is another. A complex and costly design can lead to high retail prices and a prolonged manufacturing process, potentially undermining a product’s success. With these challenges in mind, we designed the Pillar Pro Deck System to streamline manufacturing and ensure affordability.
Constructed from premium materials, the Pillar Pro Deck System is built to withstand the elements while maintaining quality over time. By simplifying the design for manufacturing, Sprout and YARDHAUS avoided common pitfalls, expediting the production process.
With its minimal components and sleek design, the Pillar Pro Deck System was straightforward and efficient to manufacture. Sprout oversaw the entire engineering and manufacturing process, ensuring design integrity and serving as a liaison between the client and our network of partners. This hands-on involvement maintained strong relationships and ensured the product met our high standards.
Marketing
With a great product ready for the consumer, our next step was getting it to them. Our team designed a cohesive brand identity, packaging system, and marketing materials to support the launch. The YARDHAUS brand was crafted to be sophisticated, calm, and contemporary, with colors chosen to evoke a relaxed feeling, mirroring the intended user experience.
Leveraging our CGI capabilities, Sprout created compelling visualizations for the Pillar Pro Deck System. These visuals accelerated the go-to-market timeline, attracting attention from retailers and investors. They also helped convey the product’s story and potential during the manufacturing process.
Additionally, 3D animations demonstrated the product’s functionality and installation process, providing potential customers with a comprehensive preview. This transparency reduced the likelihood of dissatisfaction and provided a deep understanding of the product’s features.
For YARDHAUS, we designed packaging that was both attractive and functional. Our robust packaging was designed to protect the product and maintain structural integrity during shipping. Furthermore, our design communicated the product effectively and stood out against competitors on store shelves.
Product Launch Strategy
Today, a product launch isn’t complete without an event. In today’s market, a product launch isn’t complete without a well-orchestrated event. To introduce the Pillar Pro Deck System, YARDHAUS participated in the annual Brand Activation event at the Summer House on Nantucket. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for media members and influencers to experience the product firsthand, sparking conversation and generating excitement.
The event was a key element of our product launch strategy, helping to establish YARDHAUS in the marketplace. The positive reception from notable influencers amplified the product’s visibility, creating additional exposure across digital and social media channels. In an era where digital presence is crucial, generating buzz online is a vital component of any successful product launch strategy. The Summer House event proved to be an effective platform for promoting YARDHAUS, enhancing brand recognition, and making the product more desirable to potential customers.
Continuous Improvement and Consumer Feedback
At the outset of our partnership with YARDHAUS, we knew there was a market for their product. Coupled with our design expertise, this insight helped us bring their vision to life.
The Pillar Pro Deck System has received rave reviews on Amazon, perfectly addressing consumer pain points. At the outset of our partnership with YARDHAUS, we knew there was a market for their product. Coupled with our design expertise, this insight helped us bring their vision to life.
YARDHAUS CEO and founder Michael Carpenter spoke to Sprout’s ability and professionalism, saying “Not only have they grasped our vision and goals, they brought vast experience of launching new products to the process— helping us solve problems and exceeding our expectations at every step. They’ve become an invaluable partner and a trusted resource.”
In Conclusion
At Sprout, our commitment to excellence as a product development firm is paramount. Our projects are led by creative problem solvers dedicated to enhancing our partners’ brands. Our collaboration with YARDHAUS fostered innovative ideas and imaginative designs. From the product concept to the product launch, our comprehensive design approach delivers exceptional results and builds lasting partnerships.
