Skip to main content

Hire an Industrial Designer in New Zealand

Move a physical product from early idea to a considered prototype, production-ready design, or supplier handover with a New Zealand specialist.

Barnaby Ward, Industrial Designer - 3D/Product Visualisation Expert freelancer

Auckland

Barnaby Ward

Industrial Designer - 3D/Product Visualisation Expert

Josh Harris, Industrial / Spatial Designer freelancer

Auckland

Josh Harris

Industrial / Spatial Designer

Evan Thomas, Industrial Designer freelancer

Auckland

Evan Thomas

Industrial Designer

Tanya Kerr, Graphic Design and Art Direction freelancer

Auckland

Tanya Kerr

Graphic Design and Art Direction

Matt Terry, Web Designer/Developer freelancer

Nelson

Matt Terry

Web Designer/Developer

What this service is for

What can an industrial designer help you develop?

Industrial design connects a product idea with real materials, users, manufacturing constraints, and the decisions needed before production.

Test a new product idea

Explore concepts and prototypes before investing in tooling or a larger production run.

Improve an existing physical product

Address usability, durability, assembly, appearance, or manufacturing constraints.

Prepare for supplier conversations

Create clear drawings, specifications, and visual material that help a manufacturer understand the brief.

How Unicorn Factory works

A simple way to find the right freelancer.

Create one project brief, compare applications from relevant freelancers, and choose who you would like to meet.

Step 01

Tell us what you need.

Use the guided brief to explain the outcome, timing, budget, and context. You do not need to prepare a technical specification.

Create your project brief

Freelancers in our network

Meet freelancers who can help with your industrial design project.

Tell us what you need and we will share your brief with suitable freelancers across our network, not only the profiles shown here.

Tell us about your project

Ideas for your brief

Ways an industrial designer could help.

Use these examples as a starting point. The final approach should reflect your audience, existing assets, practical constraints, and business goal.

01

New product concept and prototype

Explore a product idea before committing to detailed engineering or production.

  • User and market context review
  • Concept sketches and design directions
  • Prototype planning
  • Feedback and next-step recommendations
02

Existing product redesign

Improve a product that has usability, assembly, material, or visual issues.

  • Current-product assessment
  • Design refinements
  • Material and manufacturing considerations
  • Prototype or supplier-ready documentation
03

Manufacturing handover package

Prepare a developed concept for conversations with manufacturers and technical partners.

  • Detailed design development
  • CAD or technical drawing coordination
  • Material and finish specification
  • Supplier handover support

Pricing guidance

How much does industrial design cost?

Costs depend on the scope, existing material, level of custom work, and the systems or people the work needs to connect with.

Early concept package

Initial exploration, concept directions, and a practical plan for testing the opportunity.

NZ$2,000–$6,000

Prototype-ready development

A more developed product with materials, usability, and prototype requirements considered.

NZ$6,000–$18,000

Production preparation

A complex programme involving detailed development, technical coordination, prototypes, and supplier handover.

NZ$18,000–$50,000+

What affects the price

  • Product complexity and component count
  • Prototype and testing requirements
  • Materials and manufacturing process
  • Engineering, compliance, or supplier coordination

Indicative New Zealand dollar estimates only, excluding GST and relevant third-party costs. Freelancers set their own pricing after reviewing your scope.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions before you hire.

Answers to the questions clients commonly ask before starting a brief.

Still deciding what you need?

Start with the outcome and the context you already have. A polished specification is not required.

Do I need a finished design before briefing an industrial designer?

No. A sketch, problem statement, reference products, and what success looks like are useful starting points.

Can a freelancer help us find a manufacturer?

A freelancer may help prepare information for suppliers and advise on the process. Include any preferred suppliers or production plans in your brief.

What is a prototype for?

A prototype helps you test form, function, user response, or manufacturing assumptions before making more expensive commitments.

How long does product development take?

It varies considerably. Early concepts may progress quickly, while complex products need time for testing, engineering, and supplier coordination.

What affects the cost most?

Complexity, materials, prototype needs, testing, technical requirements, and the level of manufacturing-ready detail are the main factors.

Ready to get moving?

Tell us what you want to make.

You can start with the problem, customer, and any sketches or reference products you already have.