Choosing a product design tool requires thorough research about the print industry, target audience, and customer demands. If you’re here, it means you know about the growing customization trend and the importance of having a designer tool. You are aware of the perks of product design software, i.e., more traction and faster production. But what unmoors you is choosing the right solution from hundreds of “claiming to be perfect” design softwares.
To be honest, selecting the right software won’t be easy. However, you will know what features and specifications to look for in a product designer tool with the factors below.
Easy to Use
Check if the designer tool has an appealing interface. If the software has a simple yet compelling frontend, customers are more likely to use it. It would be easy for general users (non-tech/ first time users) to customize the product. However, it depends on your target audience. Are you targeting designers and professionals or everyday customers who have little to no knowledge of tools and softwares?
If you have a B2B business and your audience includes tech-experts, then it might not be a problem. But if you have a t-shirt printing business, and you want your generic customers to customize their prints, your designer tool must be easy to use. If you have to hire a professional to handle it, you better opt for another software.
Also, the software should make the backend process easy. It should allow the admin to enable or disable certain features. Admin should be able to view and update the design requirements easily from the admin panel.
Feature Rich
Customer Engagement = UI/UX + advanced features
It means that the design and handling of your software would attract customers. However, to keep them engaged, you need to provide them with unique features.
So, it’s necessary to have a product design tool that offers advanced features like clipart customization, smart search, overlays, and more. Ensure that your design software has a huge library of texts, images, clipart, and ready templates. Also, check whether the tool provides features including
- Custom fonts manager
- Customizable texts and numbers
- Image editing and effects
- Social media image upload
- Design watermarking
- Image resolution alerts
- SVG support
- Object handler
- Layer management
- Clear objects
These features would help your customers customize their design just the way they want. And as you know, a happy customer brings in more customers.
Seamless Integration
How do you prefer integrating softwares or modules into your e-store?
In general terms, it should easily integrate with the store without requiring prior technical knowledge. Further, it should interact with different modules like CMS, CRM, and database for design details. Hence, check that the tool you select integrates with various modules and provides seamless communication.
Besides, design software should support multiple eCommerce platforms. For instance, you have a WordPress website, and later you move towards Magento or Shopify. Instead of replacing the product designer tool later, pre-check that it works well with various platforms.
Device/Platform Compatibility
Do you know the primary reason for product failure? It’s the compatibility.
Often tools are developed but ain’t tested on different platforms and devices. It happens that they run smoothly on Chrome but have problems with Edge. Or the screen that fits the desktop doesn’t adjust itself accordingly on the mobile screen.
This ambiguity around compatibility and responsiveness often results in failure. Therefore, your design tool must be cross platform compatible. It means it should work seamlessly on various platforms and browsers. To make it more effective, it should be mobile consistent, and responsive. Customers should be able to use it from their smartphones and tablets.
Timely Support
The process of software development and integration doesn’t end with launch. It’s where the actual work starts. The vendor from whom you purchase the product designer tool must not vanish after selling it off. The software needs support, regular checks, and maintenance. While making a final call for the tool, talk to the vendor. Ask them if they would provide post-launch support, technical support if required. Talk about the installation procedure and ask whether they would help you in the process.
Make sure that the development team keeps you informed with the software updates and the new features. Go for the design software only if the vendor provides timely support.
A Word of Encouragement
Along with the factors mentioned above, consider features such as powerful dashboard, safety, and security, customer dedicated area, etc. For the initial stage, they would help you sort out the best ones from a vast list. Moreover, while selecting the product design tool, check out its specifications, developer information, client testimonials, and ratings and reviews.
