Design3 GmbH

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the product manager for devices at Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG. We offer mobile and fixed-line connectivity services, entertainment, security solutions, and more under the O2 brand and other own and partner brands in Germany.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Design3 GmbH?

We needed help with the creation of a premium industrial design for a high-end WiFi gateway with xDSL and fiber access for the O2 home business. We also needed help with holistic sustainable product design, eco-design realization, and material and cost savings.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Design3 GmbH analyzed and evaluated the sustainable product developments of home hardware. The team also provided design proposals based on a technical briefing, a selection process, vendor cooperation to achieve a workable construction, tooling evaluation, and a sample approval process. The team also implemented a Braille user guidance system and was responsible for packaging design and industrialization. Design3 GmbH managed all areas fully towards the vendor until the product launch with the support of our product management team.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 2–5 teammates from Design3 GmbH.

How did you come to work with Design3 GmbH?

We had an existing relationship with Design3 GmbH. We chose them because their pricing fit our budget, they were a great culture fit, they offered good value for the cost, their company values aligned with ours, and they had the highest reputation for cost-effective pre-design and time to market. They were also open to new challenges like sustainable product ID and eco-design.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from October 2024–February 2026.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Design3 GmbH delivered according to the agreed project plan and budget. They achieved our design guidelines and cost targets, and the product passed quality approval. We also achieved approximately 20% material savings, a 62% recycling rate of the complete product, a 30% more container load, and a 40% reduction of parts.

How did Design3 GmbH perform from a project management standpoint?

Design3 GmbH’s project management was good. They delivered on time even under high-complexity conditions and with different Asian and EU project partners. We communicated via in-person meetings, virtual meetings, and email or messaging apps.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were impressed with Design3 GmbH’s know-how and competence regarding design and sustainability.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The area of sustainable product design, eco-design, and massive use of recycled plastics is a new working field with growing knowledge. Design3 GmbH and we drove these topics together.