soldesign

Soldesign is a term used in design and business discussions to describe an approach that integrates sales considerations into the design process so products are more likely to succeed in the market. It is not a formal discipline, but a framework that seeks to align product design with market demand and go-to-market strategy.

Its core aims include delivering user value, ensuring technical feasibility, achieving profitability, and enabling scalability. Proponents emphasize activities such as market research, user personas, value proposition articulation, design for manufacturability, and establishing feedback loops from sales data to guide iterative development.

Practically, soldesign follows a cycle that starts with market and user insights, defines objective metrics, and ideates with sales viability in mind. After prototyping, products are tested with users and released in controlled pilots to gather real-world sales feedback. Design decisions are adjusted based on performance data, while coordination with marketing, sales, and production teams ensures alignment across the go-to-market chain.

It is applied across domains including consumer electronics, apparel, furniture, digital products, and services, particularly within startups and product teams seeking faster time to market. Common tools and methods cited in this context include design thinking, lean startup, business model canvases, and minimum viable product testing.

Reception is mixed. Proponents argue that soldesign improves alignment between customer needs and business goals, shortening cycles and reducing waste. Critics warn that an excessive focus on sales outcomes can erode long-term user value or raise ethical concerns when marketing-driven design overrides user welfare.

Related topics include design thinking, go-to-market strategy, product-market fit, and design for manufacturability.