Title
Estimating the Importance of Design to Businesses in West Michigan
Project Dates
02/10/2009 - 11/30/2010
Description
This research estimated the value of incorporating design into the products or services of firms. Ten case studies of West Michigan firms, both manufacturers and service providers, provided the evidence. The research went beyond a superficial examination of whether design features are correlated with company success. Instead, the project developed a better measurement of the contribution of design to products, services, or processes. The final report documents the extent of the impact of design for firms that have successfully integrated design into their processes.
Sponsorship
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Subject Area
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; Industry studies; Regional policy and planning
Publications
Design and Economic Growth in West Michigan: Survey Findings, Brad R. Watts, George Erickcek (2010)