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Best Industrial Design Consulting Services in the USA
Industrial Design Consultants in the USA
When you're hunting for industrial design consulting in the U.S., you don’t want fluff. You want agencies and consultancies that deliver real thinking, real case studies, real vibes—and actually get stuff done. Here’s a curated list of trusted, research‑driven, client‑reviewed industrial design consultancies rooted in the U.S. no ranking, just genuine standouts.
The U.S. industrial design consulting scene is a mix of nimble studios and seasoned agencies shaping everything from consumer electronics to medical devices. These consultants don’t just sketch concepts—they translate ideas into manufacturable, market-ready products. Many collaborate closely with engineers, marketers, and end-users, making sure every curve, material, and function works in the real world.
Methodology: How We Chose These USA-Based Industrial Design Consulting Services
Here’s how we picked our list:
• Research‑driven – We looked at public case studies, proven frameworks, and real project outcomes.
• Client‑reviewed – All providers have authentic client feedback, measurable ROI, or success stories.
• Location‑based – These agencies and founders are grounded in the U.S.—that matters.
Nothing generic. Just firms that walk the walk, told like you might to your partner over coffee.
US-Based Industrial Designers - Provider Spotlights
Knack
What they do
Design industrial products with a sleek, user-first approach, with particular strength in hardware innovation and 3D design.
Who they work with
Consumer brands and hardware startups aiming to simplify complexity.
Operating model
Blend iterative prototyping with user feedback loops for tight, fast-resolution designs.
Why they stand out:
• User‑centered 3D design that marries aesthetics and ergonomics
• Real‑world hardware innovation and rapid prototyping
• Transparent process with early client collaboration and clarity
Kelly Custer- Founder & Design Director
Kelly Custer has 15+ years leading hardware design teams. She’s known for turning complex mechanical ideas into lovable, tangible products—and doing it without jargon. Clients praise her clarity and agile workflow.
Spitfire Industry
What they do
Bring industrial design flair with bold visual statements across packaging, product concepts, and consumer tech.
Who they work with
DTC brands and electronics companies aiming to stand out.
Operating model
Blend creative risk-taking with research-informed visual trends.
Why they stand out:
• Trend-savvy visual innovation that catches eyes
• Agile concept development with rapid mood boards and prototypes
• Consumer-focused insights driving design decisions
Isis Shiffer- Founder
Isis Shiffer is a visual strategist who breathes modern design and smart colors. She’s built products that pop on the shelf and in the user’s hand, known for bold thinking grounded in market awareness.
ELEVEN
What they do
Deliver industrial design with an engineering mindset, focusing on mechanisms, product usability, and modular solutions.
Who they work with
Industrial manufacturers and complex hardware projects.
Operating model
Use interdisciplinary teams to tackle form, function, and manufacturability in lock-step.
Why they stand out:
• Engineering‑infused design where function serves form
• Deep prototyping and manufacturability checks built-in early
• Cross-functional teams that eliminate handoffs
Doug Marsden- Founder & Managing Partner
Doug Marsden is the kind of founder who geeks out over tolerances and ergonomics. His background in mechanical engineering makes ELEVEN a safe pair of hands for complex machinery that still looks good.
Benjamin Beck - CDO & Co-Founder of ELEVEN LLC
Benjamin Beck has delivered award-winning design solutions that have driven over $1.3B in product sales worldwide. With 70+ patents and honors including Red Dot and IDEA, he also co-founded Healthcare Innovation Partners and is a frequent speaker and mentor at top design institutions.
DDSTUDIO
What they do
Deliver industrial design with a storyteller’s mindset, focusing on materials, textures, and brand narrative in every curve.
Who they work with
Lifestyle brands and elevated consumer products.
Operating model
Use deep brand immersion to create expressive product designs that tell a story.
Why they stand out:
• Narrative-driven design—products that say things without words
• Rich material and texture finishing expertise
• Brand-first approach aligning story and function
Charles Curbbun - Founder/Owner
Charles Curbbun is known for weaving brand voice into every design decision. He’s built products that consumers don’t just use—they relate to.
LOGIC designworks
What they do
Work on industrial design for safety-focused and rugged products, including medical devices, outdoor gear, and professional equipment.
Who they work with
Med‑tech, outdoor, and B2B industrial clients.
Operating model
Focus on functional aesthetics, creating safety-first designs that don’t look institutional.
Why they stand out:
• Safety‑centric industrial aesthetics
• Durable materials tailored to real-world stress
• B2B usability without losing human touch
Yugen Lockhart- Managing Design Director / Co Owner
Yugen Lockhart is a functionalist at heart, balancing compliance, durability, and subtle design. Clients trust him to make gear that works—and looks like it belongs in the user’s hands.
Manta Product Development Inc.
What they do
Blend industrial design and product strategy, with a focus on medical and industrial hardware.
Who they work with
Med-tech innovators and high-complexity hardware clients.
Operating model
Use a strategy-first approach so form follows validated function.
Why they stand out:
• Strategic-first hardware design
• Proven medical-device track record and compliance know-how
• Evidence-based iteration with real user testing
Drew Jones - Co-Founder & President at Manta Product Development Inc.
Drew Jones is an Inventor, and Award-Winning Designer at Manta, where he leads the firm's strategic direction and oversight of the product development process.
Betsy Goodrich- Co-Founder & VP Design
Betsy Goodrich is strategic, evidence-based, and all about validation. Her firm knows you don’t just design—you design to solve.
Rocketship, Inc.
What they do
Focus on tech-forward hardware design, including interfaces, RFID, and smart integration.
Who they work with
Tech startups and connected device companies.
Operating model
Operate with tight iteration cycles and tech integration at the core.
Why they stand out:
• Smart device design with tech DNA
• Rapid prototyping + electronics integration
• Future-ready form‑function alignment
Michael Horito- Founder, Director & Visiting Lecturer
Michael Horito is a founder, director, and visiting lecturer dedicated to fostering innovation, leadership, and practical industry knowledge.
Closing the Gap Between Vision and Reality in Industrial Design
Industrial design consulting in the USA blends user-centered creativity, engineering precision, and sector-specific expertise to bring ideas to market. Leading firms leverage prototyping, material selection, and design-for-manufacturing processes to ensure form and function are equally prioritized. They serve diverse industries—from consumer products and medical devices to rugged outdoor gear—tailoring their approach to each market’s unique needs. Collaboration and iteration are central, with feedback loops ensuring designs stay relevant and manufacturable. The result is a competitive edge for brands seeking products that perform, resonate, and stand out.
At Digital Reference, radical authenticity is the foundation for how insights are researched, curated, and presented, ensuring every feature reflects verifiable results and clear methodologies. This approach matters because it builds trust and transparency, giving decision-makers the clarity they need to choose with confidence.
Explore more from Digital Reference to dive into curated perspectives and sector-specific strategies that elevate your next move.
Industrial design consulting is about aligning vision with execution, ensuring products are both functional and market-ready. The best agencies understand the interplay between design, production, and user experience, crafting outcomes that resonate with target audiences. As industries evolve, those who integrate research-driven design with strategic foresight will set the pace. If you’re ready to explore insights that sharpen decisions and inspire innovation, you’ll find them at Digital Reference.
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