Material selection is one of the most overlooked but costly decisions in product development. Choosing the wrong material can delay the product launch by a few months, which may lead to significant business impacts such as lost revenue or missed market window. At OSM Group, we know that making the right material choice early is critical. Today, we are excited to introduce Kelly Man, Senior Designer at OSM, who shares how she assists our customers build a strong foundation for success – starting with the right materials.

Kelly joined OSM Group since 2016, she is mainly responsible for ID design and CMF concept for customers’ brand products.

Laying The Groundwork with the Right Materials

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During the early stage of product development, Kelly works closely with cross-functional teams, including Design, Product Development, and Sourcing. Her process begins with understanding our customers’ goals and challenges, the intended use of product, context, and expectations “I work closely with customers by first understanding their goals—whether it’s comfort, durability, sustainability, or cost,” said Kelly. “Then I share material options that fit their needs. Throughout the process, I involve them, provide samples, and make adjustment based on their feedback to ensure the final material choice meets their expectations.” The impact of selecting the wrong material can be significant. To mitigate risk, OSM group pre-tests materials under real-world conditions, helping our customers avoid expensive delays, recalls, or redesigns.

Balancing performance with sustainability

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Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it is a global priority. We understand that sustainable materials come with higher investment. To balance traditional and sustainable materials selection, Kelly looks at both performance and environmental impact. “If a sustainable option meets the product’s needs for strength, comfort, or durability, I recommend it. If not, I explore blends or alternatives that reduce impact without sacrificing quality,” Kelly explained. “The goal is to find the best balance between eco-friendliness, performance and cost.”

Collaboration Drives Success

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During a particularly challenging headphone project, the customer needed a fabric that offered both breathability and durability for extended wear. After aligning with the customer, Kelly recommended a moisture-wicking recycled fibre. “After introducing the new breathable fabric, the customer reported a higher customer satisfaction rating and received lots of positive feedback as well as product reviews. Furthermore, by using that recycled fibre, our customer reduced overall product plastic usage by around 50% without compromising performance, while significantly improving the environmental impact”.  Kelly shared. “User experience noticeably improved comfort while wearing the headphones. It showed how working together on the right material made a real difference.” Regular touchpoints with multiple departments and the customer makes it easy for Kelly to understand the big picture, ensuring fast issue resolution and no knowledge gaps during development.  OSM Group’s flexible development process allows us to continuously refine ideas, combined with strong collaboration and access to advanced materials, which sets us apart from competitors.

Every Material Decision, Powered by You

Kelly’s expertise is just one example of how the talent and dedication of our people power OSM Group’s success, every OSM member plays an important role in driving our operations forward. This is why we have a recognition program – Powered by You. It is our way of express appreciation to the unique skills, expertise, and creativity each team member brings to every projects. From guiding customers through critical material decisions to ensuring products meet both performance and sustainability goals, our people are the driving force behind every achievement. Kelly’s ability to translate customer needs into the right material choices reflects the spirit of collaboration and innovation. Every milestone we reach with our customers is made possible by the collective contributions of our team—Powered by You.

Your Partner in Smart Material Decisions

At OSM Group, we assist customers to make smart, informed decision that balance functionality, sustainability, and cost-efficiency, without sacrificing time-to-market. We are here to provide professional advice and practical solutions that support our customers’ success.

Need help with product development?

In today’s rapidly changing market, your brand and product ideas need a strong personality to stand out. Let’s work together to build that foundation. Over 20 years of intimate knowledge of the design, development and manufacturing landscape, ideally places us to be the first point of contact in helping you achieve your product vision.  Contact us today to explore how OSM group help you succeed.

E-mail: contact@osm.group

Our Expertise: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

We offer a unique combination of technical precision and refined craftsmanship across a wide range of categories, including:

• Portable Audio e.g. Industrial and Consumer Headphones, ANC Headphones, Bluetooth Speakers, Radio Communication Systems
• Personal Protection e.g. Advanced Hearing Protection Solutions
• Carry Solutions e.g. Travel Case, Carrying Laptop Bag, Backpack
• Travel Cases, Laptop bags, and backpacks
• Gear Protection e.g. Sleeves for Tablets and Laptops, Earbuds Cases
• Specialised Sports Gear e.g. Weighted Training Vests, Hydration Packs and Functional Accessories

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