Consumer product design software

A new era of consumer product design and manufacturing is here with Fusion

Accelerate time-to-market, enhance product desirability, and boost profitability with the only cloud-based consumer product software solution of its kind.

Team brainstorming ideas for consumer product design.

What is consumer product design?

Consumer product design involves creating everyday products by understanding consumer needs and preferences. It combines industrial design, engineering, and marketing to ensure products are functional, aesthetically appealing, and can be manufactured at scale.

The goal is to enhance user experience, meet market demands, and stand out competitively – requiring creativity, technical expertise, and knowledge of consumer trends and technology.

Man using Autodesk Fusion for consumer product design..

What is consumer product design software?

Consumer product design software assists designers and engineers in creating, visualizing, and refining products. It offers advanced CAD capabilities for detailed 3D models, rendering for realistic images and animations, and simulation tools for performance testing.

Consumer product design software supports rapid prototyping, collaborative work, material selection, and design automation. Tools like Autodesk Fusion help efficiently bring unique products to market.

Benefits of implementing consumer product design software

Implementing consumer products software offers numerous benefits to organizations, including:

Enhanced collaboration

Consumer software products facilitate teamwork and communication among designers, engineers, and stakeholders with real-time sharing and feedback tools.

Accelerated prototyping

Consumer product design software speeds up the creation of physical prototypes through integrated rapid prototyping methods.

Improved accuracy

Consumer software products offer simulation and analysis tools to test and validate product performance. This helps make sure that designs meet specifications before manufacture.

Increased efficiency

Consumer product design software automates repetitive tasks and streamlines workflows, reducing time-to-market and boosting overall productivity.

Autodesk Fusion for consumer product design

Factors to consider when choosing a consumer product design software solution

When choosing a consumer product design and manufacturing solution, several key factors should be considered when finding a solution for your organization. First, look for a comprehensive solution that combines, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PDM. A comprehensive set of 2D and 3D modeling, rendering, and simulation capabilities, are also important.

Consumer product software should also offer collaboration tools to facilitate teamwork and communication among designers, engineers, and other stakeholders. Design automation features that streamline repetitive tasks and enhance efficiency are valuable as well. Finally, assess the scalability and flexibility of the tool to accommodate future growth and evolving project requirements.

Autodesk's consumer software products

Gain access to advanced design and simulation tools.


Cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for product design


Autodesk Fusion for consumer product design

Autodesk Fusion for consumer product design

Autodesk Fusion for Design combines the core capabilities contained in a subscription to Autodesk Fusion with the professional-grade tools contained in the Fusion Design Extension, the Fusion Simulation Extension, and the Fusion Manage Extension, and at a more competitive price than purchasing each individually.

Unlock advanced 3D design and modeling tools, including generative design, that are manufacturing-aware and automate processes. Manage design changes at any production stage with pre-built workflows and assess performance and manufacturability through integrated simulation.

Fusion's consumer product design workflows and capabilities

3D design and modeling

Comprehensive 3D modeling tools that including mesh, subdivision, surfacing, and solid modeling, along with direct, and parametric workflows. Rapidly create and evaluate multiple design iterations with manufacturing-aware tools and design advice.

Collaboration and PDM

Cloud-based data management connects teams to the right data, at the right time. Import or reference CAD files with AnyCAD, edit with original software, and export to industry standard formats.

Rendering

Advanced rendering capabilities provide realistic visualizations of 3D models with materials, lighting, and environments to enhance design presentations and decision-making.

Prototyping

Integrated additive and subtractive technologies allow for the creation of high-quality CNC machined parts and 3D printed components. Quickly realize designs for review, gain feedback, and test form, fit, and function.

Electronics

Robust electronics capabilities, including schematic design, PCB layout, and simulation, enable seamless integration and optimization of electronic components within mechanical designs.

Simulation

Integrated 3D simulation tools test product performance early, simulating stress, thermal, molding, and electronics cooling, with cloud processing to save time and local resources.

Documentation

Documentation tools allow for the easy conversion of 3D models to precise 2D drawings. Annotate, dimension, and document. Share securely in the cloud, and export to PDF, DWG, or DXF for manufacturing.

Automation

Customize Autodesk software with 3rd party plugins or automate workflows using C++ or Python. Connect systems with Platform Services, linking PLM, ERP, and visualizing data.

Man using Autodesk Fusion for consumer product design.

Key steps in the consumer product design and manufacturing process:

  • Concept ideation: Generate and refine ideas based on current market trends
  • Research and analysis: Conduct market and user research to inform design decisions
  • Design: Create detailed 2D and 3D models
  • Prototyping: Develop prototypes to test and validate designs
  • Engineering: Ensure manufacturability by selecting appropriate materials and methods
  • Testing and validation: Perform comprehensive testing to confirm product quality and performance
  • Manufacturing: Produce the product with quality control measures in place
  • Marketing and distribution: Promote and deliver the product to consumers

Consumer product software applications

Consumer products, shoes

Shoe design

Consumer product design software helps in designing, modifying, and optimizing shoe designs, while maintaining form, fit, and function.

Engine chassis

Automotive parts

Consumer products software helps engineers to 3D model, validate, and fabricate any part from chassis to engines.

Magic Mixie toy by Moose Toys

Toy design

Designers use consumer software products to create and visualize toy concepts before production, making sure they're manufacturing-ready.

Household appliances

Household appliances

Using consumer products software that combines CAD and CAM speeds up the design and manufacturing processes for household appliance creation.

Sporting goods

Sporting goods

Sporting good manufacturers create products that require high-levels of precision and performance with consumer product design software.

Power tools

Power tools

Advanced design and engineering tools in consumer product design software help make power tools more energy-efficient, powerful, and long-lasting.

Packaging design

Packaging

Consumer product design software allows for testing the physical properties of the package, including durability, and how external forces will interact with the product inside.

Consumer electronics

Consumer electronics

Consumer software products that integrate schematic design, PCB layout, and simulation tools, aid the seamless integration and optimization of electronic components within mechanical designs.

Furniture

Furniture

Woodworkers and furniture makers are able to design, validate, and manufacture finished products with consumer product design software that integrates CAD and CAM.

What customers using Fusion for consumer product design are saying

The future of consumer product design.

The future consumer product design

The future of consumer product design will be driven by advancements in technology, sustainability, and personalization. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will give designers the tools they need to create more sophisticated and optimized products. The rise of customization will allow consumers to tailor products to their individual needs, facilitated by advancements in additive manufacturing, and digital design platforms.

Collaboration across global teams will continue to improve through cloud-based manufacturing solutions, making it easier to innovate and bring products to market quickly. As the industry evolves, consumer product design will become more efficient, sustainable, and consumer-centric, transforming the way products are conceived, developed, and produced.

Consumer product design and sustainability


Putting sustainability first with product design

Sustainable design principles are all about cutting waste, using renewable and recyclable materials, and boosting energy efficiency throughout a product's lifecycle. On the manufacturing side, green technologies like additive manufacturing and closed-loop recycling systems are pushing sustainability forward. Designers are focusing on durability and reparability to make products last longer and cut down on replacements.

 

By considering sustainability during every step of design and production, businesses can manufacture high-performance products that also champion a greener future.

 

Consumer product design resources

Agile product development is essential for delivering greater value to customers and maintaining a competitive edge in a crowded global market.

User research offers designers and engineers insights into customer product design and manufacturing. Explore various methods to help you select the best one for your project.

Discover the importance of PCB design in consumer product design and see how Autodesk Fusion can empower your team to adapt to changing consumer demands.

See how customer insights during smart product development can lead to better products and a better customer experience.

Explore the advantages of AI for product design, explore applications across industries, and address ethical considerations.

21st-century product development is powered by technology. Discover how Autodesk Fusion enables teams to tackle modern challenges directly.

Consumer software products frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How does consumer product design differ from other types of design?

Consumer product design aims to develop products that address practical issues while emotionally connecting with target audiences, taking into account market trends, user requirements, and aesthetics.

What is a popular consumer product design software solution?

Autodesk Fusion is a great solution for consumer product design - easily facilitating the seamless transitions between various stages of product development. This includes 3D design, manufacturing, simulation, electronics, drawings, and photo-realistic rendering to enable faster market delivery. Fusion's simultaneous collaboration capabilities allow for rapid iteration, while its integrated platform minimizes delays by ensuring smooth transitions from product design to production. Fusion also connects teams within a single platform, enhancing overall efficiency and coordination.

What are the key features to look for in consumer product design software?

Key features include 3D modeling, rendering, simulation, parametric design, collaboration tools, and compatibility with various file formats.

What are the key features to look for in consumer product design software?

Parametric design allows designers to define relationships between different elements. Changes to one element automatically update related elements. This is important for maintaining consistency and efficiency in the design process.

How can product design software help with sustainbility and eco-friendly design?

The Manufacturing Sustainability Insights (MSI) add-on for Autodesk Fusion helps users build more environmentally friendly products by providing real-time assessments of the carbon impact of design and manufacturing choices. MSI addresses the critical need for sustainable design by offering insights into how various factors, such as material selection, manufacturing processes, and geographical considerations, that influence a product's carbon footprint. By integrating MSI, designers and engineers can make informed decisions that reduce emissions throughout the product's lifecycle, thus supporting sustainability goals and enhancing overall environmental responsibility.

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