In an era dominated by automation, AI, and digital convenience, there’s a growing appreciation for products that feel human. We’re seeing a craft renaissance in the world of product design—where traditional hands-on techniques and cutting-edge technology are no longer at odds, but allies. At CHOI Design Group, this intersection is where we thrive.
As an award-winning industrial design firm in Chicago, we specialize in transforming complex product ideas into functional, manufacturable realities. Our approach is grounded in design thinking and brought to life through true collaboration—guiding clients from ideation through to production.
Design Thinking: Honoring the Process, Not Just the Outcome
At CHOI, we believe that good design is discovered in the process—and it’s this process that sets our work apart. Design thinking in product development isn’t just a methodology; it’s a mindset that guides how we explore problems, uncover insights, and create truly user-centered solutions.
Whether it’s a precision kitchen appliance, ergonomic medical device, or next-gen beverage container, every product starts with empathy and exploration. We sketch, sculpt, prototype, and test. We ask questions that reveal the “why” behind the “what.” It’s traditional craftsmanship reimagined for a modern, agile workflow.
Craft Meets Capability: Our Full-Spectrum Services
As a true partner in product design and development, CHOI offers end-to-end support across a wide range of services:
Product Strategy: Aligning innovation with business goals to define a clear path to market.
User Interface & Experience Design: Creating intuitive, beautiful, and accessible user experiences.
Model Making & Prototyping: Bringing ideas to life through hand-built models, 3D prints, and functional test units.
Engineering: Bridging the gap between design intent and real-world performance.
These prototyping services allow us to blur the lines between digital and physical, concept and craft. Our team of designers, engineers, and researchers work side by side, combining traditional techniques with advanced tools to deliver products that are both smart and soulful.
A Studio Built for Collaboration
Step inside our Chicago design studio, and you’ll immediately notice: it’s not just a workspace—it’s a workshop. Here, cross-functional collaboration happens in real time. Designers bounce ideas off engineers. Prototypes are built just steps from concept sketches. Feedback loops are tight, and creativity flows freely.
This kind of integrated environment enables us to serve a wide range of industries—from consumer and commercial to medical and digital—without sacrificing the care, detail, and craftsmanship that define every CHOI product.
Why the Craft Renaissance Matters
In a world where product cycles are accelerating and user expectations are higher than ever, design must do more than function—it must feel right. That’s why blending the precision of modern engineering with the intuition of traditional craft is so powerful. It creates products that are not only effective but emotionally resonant.
At CHOI, this blend isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s a principle. It’s how we bring clarity to complexity and create products that endure.
Let’s Build Something Thoughtful—Together
If you’re ready to create a product that fuses innovation with craftsmanship, we’re here to help. Whether you’re in the early ideation phase or preparing for production, our team brings curiosity, experience, and a collaborative spirit to every project. Get in touch with us for your next product design or product development project.
FAQs
Craftsmanship adds a human touch to product design—bringing attention to detail, material awareness, and a deep understanding of how products are experienced. At CHOI Design Group, we integrate traditional techniques like sketching and hand modeling with modern tools like CAD and rapid prototyping to create thoughtful, functional products.
We use advanced digital tools—including 3D modeling, UI prototyping, and engineering simulation—to accelerate development and enhance precision. This technology is balanced by our hands-on approach in model making and prototyping, ensuring every design decision is informed by real-world testing and craftsmanship.
We work across a wide range of industries, including consumer products, commercial equipment, medical devices, and digital interfaces. Our portfolio showcases a multitude of our works from beverage containers and kitchen appliances to healthcare technology and smart appliances.
Design thinking helps us uncover user needs, explore creative solutions, and iterate quickly. It’s a cornerstone of our approach, allowing us to partner with clients at any stage—whether you’re starting with an idea or refining a nearly finished product.
