Before the sample: what a useful product brief should answer.

Start with the customer

Describe who the product is for, the problem it addresses and where it will be sold. A reference product can be useful, but explain what you want to retain, improve or change.

Separate essentials from preferences

Record the critical function, material, size, finish and packaging requirements. Distinguish fixed decisions from options that can be explored during development.

Make the commercial context visible

Share indicative volumes, target positioning and timing. These are planning inputs, not commitments, and help reveal whether the proposed development route makes sense.

Define the next decision

Agree what a sample needs to demonstrate and who will review it. Capture open questions so the first sample starts a structured conversation.