From Sketch to Shelf: The Truth About Product Development with Millie Richards

Ever had a product idea rolling around in your brain—or maybe sketched in your notebook—but no clue how to bring it to life? In this episode, I’m joined by the product development powerhouse Millie Richards, and let me tell you, this chat is a goldmine for anyone with dreams of designing a product that’s actually profitable (and doesn’t fall apart or cost your life savings).

Millie’s an industrial designer with a delicious combo of design brilliance and real-world factory know-how. We talk about what it really takes to get a product from concept to customer—without blowing your margins, compromising your values, or getting ghosted by manufacturers.

She spills the tea on:

• Why beautiful AND functional products win every time
• The biggest mistakes people make when designing a product (hint: it's not what you think)
• How to actually work with manufacturers (and be taken seriously)
• What goes into a killer spec sheet that won’t get lost in translation
• The one thing you need to know about Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
• And how to design with sustainability, profitability, and longevity in mind

Whether you're launching your first product or have something that’s just not quite hitting the mark—this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Plus, Millie shares the one project that changed the game for her and why she’s so passionate about impactful product design.

👀 Thinking about developing a new product?
 🎯 Got an underperforming one that needs a glow-up?
 🛠️ Or just curious what goes on behind the curtain of manufacturing?

This episode is for YOU.

👉 Connect with Millie here: sagepd.com.au
Find her on Instagram: @sage.product.design: