Product design is undergoing a profound transformation. Today, products are no longer simple physical objects: they are connected digital platforms that combine hardware, software, and user experience (UX) to deliver continuous value throughout their lifecycle. In this new paradigm, success depends not only on aesthetics or engineering, but on how all the layers that enable a smooth and consistent experience for the end user are integrated.
At I-MAS, a company specializing in product design and development in Barcelona, we understand that real innovation arises when technology and design work together from the very first sketch.
This article explores how early integration of hardware, software, and UX enables the creation of smarter, more connected, and more competitive products.
From product to digital platform: a new way of understanding industrial design
Today’s industrial design no longer focuses solely on form or function. Connected products are defined by their digital function and their ability to communicate with their environment. Every sensor, electronic component, or interface generates data that can be used to optimize performance, anticipate failures, and personalize the user experience.
Integrating hardware and software from the conceptual phase avoids incompatibilities and enables the development of robust, scalable systems. Product design and development decisions—such as sensor placement, thermal dissipation, and accessibility for maintenance—must be aligned with the software architecture, IoT systems, and end-user needs.
In an industrial or consumer environment, this approach increases efficiency, improves traceability, and generates added value after launch, thanks to remote updates, predictive services, and expandable features.
UX in product design: beyond the visual interface
In the context of Industry 5.0, UX/UI design has become a strategic component of product development. It is not just about creating an attractive interface, but understanding how the user interacts with the entire system: from the machine or physical device to its control software or mobile application.
Integrating UX from the early stages of prototyping allows you to:
- Reduce errors and learning time when using the product.
- Facilitate intuitive interaction between humans and machines.
- Improve the perception of quality and safety in industrial environments.
The connected experience involves designing beyond the visual: ergonomics, haptic feedback, sequence of actions, and immediate understanding of the system status. All of this defines a cognitive, emotional, and sensory experience that differentiates a good product from an excellent one.
Integrated engineering: hardware, software, and data working together
To achieve a real connection between the physical and digital worlds, electronic engineering, mechanical design, and embedded software must be developed jointly. This multidisciplinary collaboration, which I-MAS applies in its product design and development projects, translates into:
- Electronic prototyping and early validation to ensure compatibility between sensors, firmware, and physical structure.
- 3D design adapted to the hardware, optimizing assembly, cooling, and accessibility.
- Integration of IoT systems and real-time data analysis, key to predictive decision-making.
- Secure design by default, with special attention to cybersecurity in communication between the product and the digital platform.
This integrated approach accelerates new product launches, reduces iterations, and ensures that every phase of the project—from conceptual design to industrialization—is perfectly aligned.
The future of product design: intelligence, connectivity, and sustainability
The future of product design and development lies in creating adaptive, sustainable, and people-centered systems. Tomorrow’s connected products will learn from actual use, update automatically, and offer a personalized experience based on data.
Companies that adopt this approach will not only gain competitiveness, but will also be prepared for the challenges of the connected industry: energy efficiency, full traceability, and flexible production.
At I-MAS, we design solutions that combine industrial design, electronics, UX/UI, and automation. Our team turns ideas into market-ready connected products, supporting companies throughout the entire development cycle: from the initial concept to the functional prototype and mass production.
Are you looking for a company specializing in product design and development in Barcelona? Contact us and take the first step towards innovation.
