The program provides a limited number of qualifying companies with a design audit and a one week strategic design project led by a senior designer from one of the six design disciplines (industrial, interior, graphic and fashion design, architecture and landscape architecture). The Design Advisory Service team supervises the projects and documents the process and the results in a series of case studies.

For further information about the Design Advisory Service please contact: strategy@diac.on.ca.

DIAC Design Advisory Service Case Studies

AURELLE

The Aurelle portable toothbrush is ideal for brushing away from home. But the company needs to upgrade packaging to reach mass market retailers.
Read “The Marketing Aesthetics of Oral Hygiene”

AVNAN

Transferring OEM capability to own brand products can create sustainable advantage.
Read “Can Electronic Equipment Manufacturer Add Value by Design?”

BOTHWELL-ACCURATE

Solar and green roof installations are placing stress on the traditional roof but Bothwell-Accurate has a solution.
Read “Show, Tell, Commercialize”

CREATIVE EDUCATION

Kids costumes build self-esteem while company builds growth.
Read “Children’s Costume Manufacturer Explores New Options for Growth”

GESTURETEK

The presence of cameras in consumer electronics paves the way for new ways to communicate with hand gestures.
Read “Design Research Identifies Guidelines for a Standard Gesture Language”

iSILS

The skills of designers from various disciplines are needed to develop adaptable living spaces for our aging population.
Read “Design Helps Seniors Stay In Their Homes”

iSPAN TOTAL JOIST

Designing an Informed Marketing Pitch for Innovative Building Technology.
Read “Designing an Informed Marketing Pitch for Innovative Building Technology”

MORGAN SOLAR

Many green technology entrepreneurs find it difficult to demonstrate the value of their innovations at an early stage. The Morgan brothers faced this challenge twice!
Read “Design Team Sees Potential in Solar Window Concept”

NU-CO PLASTICS

A third tier automotive supplier ponders the question: what else can we make?
Read “Beyond Autoparts”

ON THE WATER DESIGNS

New Seasonal Opportunities for Muskoka Dock Manufacturer
Read “New Seasonal Opportunities for Muskoka Dock Manufacturer”

PROTEK PAINTS

Protek Paints can own a white space in its market sector (not being addressed by larger competitors).
Read “Brand Plan Can Help Small Paint Manufacturer Compete”

SCHWANK

Education and training series can reinforce market leadership positioning.
Read ”A Simplified Approach to Brand and Communications Design”

SHERWOOD INNOVATIONS

As a supplier of dash-trim kits, Sherwood Innovations must adapt to frequent changes in automotive design and consumer tastes.
Read “New Directions for Dash Trim Kits Keep Pace with Lifestyle Trends”

VERTICIEL

The inventor of an ingenious moss tile planting system faces challenges in bringing the innovation to market.
Read “Delivery Concept Brings Moss Tile Planting System Closer to Mass Market”

WOODSCAPE ARTKITS

For niche manufacturers in Ontario, a strategic design approach is just as important to marketing and distribution as it is to new product development.
Read “Bringing Design Innovation to Point of Sale”

XYZ INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Like many technology startups, XYZ Interactive wants to demonstrate a compelling application to attract licensees.
Read “XYZ INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: “Imagined Products for a Hands-Free Future”

ANONYMOUS

Design Research can help to develop a multi-faceted approach to countering drug-induced sexual assault.
Read “A Holistic Design Approach to Counter Drink Tampering”