Learn what customers want before manufacturing
Before committing to inventory, give customers a way to show what they would change. Their designs and feedback can help your team choose what to sample next.
Start with a decision you can act on
Choose one product and the details you are prepared to change. Keep the material, price range or other requirements clear so contributions stay relevant.
Review the design and the reason together
A request for wider legs means more when you can see the proposed fit. Review visual variations alongside comments and reactions. Look for recurring requests and differences between participants, rather than relying on one striking image.
Take a direction into sampling
Use consensus ideas as a visual brief. Your design and production teams still need to check construction, materials, costing and feasibility before placing an order.
Keep demand evidence separate
Participation tells you what people contributed to a campaign. It does not, on its own, tell you how many units will sell. Compare it with your sales history and any waitlist, preorder or purchase data you collect separately.
Before you commit
Agree on the decision criteria with your team.
- Which customer requests does this sample address?
- What must stay unchanged?
- What does the sample cost to make?
- What evidence supports the quantity you plan to order?
- What rewards or attribution have you agreed with contributors?
Start a campaign with one concept and a clear question for your customers.