In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and companies of all sizes are increasingly turning to offshore capabilities to meet their technical design needs.
With the global demand for skilled engineers and technical designers surging, regions like Southeast Asia have emerged as hotspots for talent.
According to a recent report by LinkedIn, the number of engineering and technical design profiles in Southeast Asia has grown by over +30% in the past five years, driven by the region’s robust educational infrastructure and cost-effective labor markets.
In this article, Remote Resources delves into the world of Technical Design Outsourcing, exploring its definition, roles, tools, and its critical place in the product development process.
We’ll also examine the industries that rely on technical design, the future of the field in 2025, and why outsourcing—particularly to countries like Vietnam—has become a strategic advantage for businesses worldwide.
1. What is Technical Design? The Backbone of Product Innovation
Defining Technical Design
Technical design is the process of transforming conceptual ideas into detailed, functional plans that guide the creation of products, systems, or structures.
It bridges the gap between creativity and practicality, ensuring that designs are not only innovative but also feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable.
Technical designers work closely with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to create:
- Blueprints
- 3D models
- and prototypes
that meet both technical and aesthetic requirements.
Roles, Skills, and Tools
The role of a technical designer is multifaceted. They must possess a strong foundation in:
- Engineering principles
- Design software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360
- Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes
Additionally, soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration are essential, especially when working in technical design offshore teams.
Technical design plays a pivotal role in the product development lifecycle.
From initial concept sketches to final production-ready designs, technical designers ensure that every detail is meticulously planned and executed.
This process not only reduces the risk of errors but also accelerates time-to-market, giving companies a competitive edge.
2. Industries Served by Technical Design: A World of Possibilities
Automotive
Technical design plays a crucial role in the automotive industry, ensuring that vehicles meet high standards of safety, performance, and efficiency.
From chassis engineering to electronic systems, technical designers optimize every component for durability and functionality.
Vietnam has become a key hub for automotive production, with major manufacturers leveraging its skilled local workforce and cost-effective operations:
- Ford (Hai Duong) – Assembly plant producing up to 40,000 vehicles per year, making Ford the third-largest automaker in Vietnam.
- Isuzu (Ho Chi Minh City) – Manufactures trucks and buses for domestic and regional markets.
- Geely (Planned in Vietnam) – Partnering with Tasco to build a plant for assembling 75,000 cars annually, targeting EV production.
- VinFast (Hai Phong, expanding to Ha Tinh) – Vietnam’s leading automaker, producing electric vehicles with a planned second plant for 300,000 units per year.
Consumer Electronics and Appliances
The consumer electronics sector thrives on innovation, and technical design is at the heart of it.
Whether it’s designing the next-generation smartphone or a smart home appliance, technical designers play a key role in bringing cutting-edge products to life.
Leading global companies have increasingly turned to Vietnam for manufacturing and designing their electronics. Samsung has established significant production facilities in Vietnam, contributing to the country's burgeoning electronics industry.
In 2022, Vietnam's exports of computers, electrical products, spare parts, and components reached US$55.54 billion, underscoring its role as a key player in the global electronics supply chain.
By outsourcing technical design and manufacturing to Vietnam, electronics giants can focus on innovation while benefiting from the country's competitive advantages.
Architecture and Construction
In architecture and construction, technical design is used to create detailed plans for buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects.
Tools like BIM (Building Information Modeling) have revolutionized the industry, enabling designers to create highly accurate 3D models for all kinds of buildings: houses, residences, apartments, administrations, shopping malls, infrastructures, skyscrapers, etc.
Over the recent years, Vietnamese engineers have collaborated extensively with counterparts from China, Germany, France, and Japan in the fields of architecture and construction.
These international partnerships have facilitated the exchange of technical design expertise, leading to the development of complex infrastructure projects, such as the Landmark 81, and the metro systems of Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City.
Toy Production
From concept sketches to 3D modeling and prototype testing, technical designers ensure that every toy meets safety regulations and durability standards.
Many companies turn to offshore teams for CAD modeling, material selection, and manufacturing optimization, ensuring their toys are both fun and safe for children worldwide.
This is notably the case of LEGO, which has invested heavily in Vietnam, building a large factory in Binh Duong province for manufacturing toys.
Furniture Manufacturing
Furniture design is a blend of aesthetics, functionality, and structural integrity.
Whether it’s modern office furniture, ergonomic chairs, or handcrafted wooden pieces, technical designers play a crucial role in developing blueprints, selecting materials, and ensuring stability.
Outsourcing technical design for furniture allows companies to work with specialists in 3D modeling, CNC machining, and material testing, reducing time-to-market and production costs.
Vietnam's furniture industry has experienced significant growth, establishing the country as a major player in the global market. In 2023, Vietnam exported approximately $7.76 billion worth of furniture to the United States alone, surpassing China by $1.8 billion.
This robust growth is supported by over 5,600 enterprises in the wood and furniture sector, with 4,500 dedicated to furniture production.
As such, technical designers specialized in furniture are abundant in Vietnam.
Packaging and Product Design
The packaging industry relies on technical design to create functional and attractive containers, boxes, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Whether designing food packaging, cosmetic containers, or electronic device boxes, outsourced technical designers ensure that packaging is both aesthetically appealing and structurally sound.
Vietnam's packaging industry is also currently booming, projected to grow by 15-20% annually, with over 14,000 active enterprises, primarily focused on plastic packaging (9,200 companies).
The market is driven by rising demand across various sectors (food, healthcare, chemicals, industrial, and agriculture), a booming e-commerce market, and beneficial free trade agreements (FTAs) which are opening new markets and reducing import tariffs.
3. Technical Design in 2025: Trends, AI, and Best Practices
The Impact of AI on Technical Design
The field of technical design is undergoing a profound transformation as we enter 2025, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and evolving industry demands.
AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a practical tool reshaping how designers work, automating repetitive tasks, optimizing designs, and generating innovative alternatives.
One of AI's most significant impacts is streamlining workflows. AI-powered tools analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and suggest design improvements, reducing trial and error.
Generative design algorithms create multiple design iterations quickly, offering solutions not easily found through traditional methods.
This is particularly valuable in industries like architecture, manufacturing, and product design where precision and efficiency are critical.
For example, architects are using AI tools like Midjourney and DALL-E for generating initial design concepts and exploring different aesthetic directions.
Product designers leverage AI-powered platforms like Autodesk Fusion 360 for generative design, optimizing product shapes for manufacturability and performance.
Emerging Trends and Best Practices
Beyond AI, several emerging trends are shaping the technical design landscape:
- Cloud-based Collaboration: Tools like Miro, Figma, and Google Workspace are becoming indispensable, enabling remote teams to work seamlessly. These platforms facilitate real-time communication, centralized file access, version control, and project management. As remote work increases, these solutions are essential for maintaining productivity.
- Eco-friendly Materials: Designers are increasingly using recycled plastics, bio-based materials like bamboo, and sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. For example, furniture companies are incorporating recycled ocean plastic into their products.
- Energy-Efficient Designs: Architects are utilizing building information modeling (BIM) software to optimize building designs for energy performance, reducing heating and cooling costs. Automotive designers are focusing on lightweighting vehicles using advanced materials like carbon fiber to improve fuel efficiency.
- Lifecycle Assessment: Companies are conducting lifecycle assessments to understand the environmental impact of their products from cradle to grave, identifying areas for improvement.
4. Why Choose Outsourcing for Technical Design? The Strategic Advantage
Cost Efficiency and Access to Talent
One of the most compelling reasons to outsource technical design is cost efficiency.
For example, in Vietnam, the median total pay for technical designers ranges from ₫12.0M to ₫23.4M per month (approximately 500 to 1,000 USD), making it an attractive option for companies looking to reduce expenses without compromising on quality.
By leveraging technical design offshore staffing, businesses can access a pool of highly skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost of hiring locally.
Scalability and Flexibility
Outsourcing also offers unparalleled scalability and flexibility.
Whether you need to augment your existing team with Technical Design Staff Augmentation or build an entirely new Technical Design Outsourced Team, outsourcing allows you to scale up or down based on project requirements. This is particularly beneficial for SMEs that may not have the resources to maintain a full-time in-house team.
Focus on Core Competencies
By outsourcing technical design, companies can focus on their core competencies while leaving the design work to experts. This not only improves efficiency but also ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Conclusion: The Future is Outsourced
As the demand for technical design continues to grow, outsourcing has emerged as a strategic solution for businesses of all sizes.
Whether it’s through Technical Design Remote Staffing Vietnam, Technical Design Offshore Teams, or Technical Design Resource Outsourcing, companies can access top-tier talent, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation.
Ready to expand your technical design team?
Remote Resources helps you find and hire offshore technical designers for your industry from the dynamic country of Vietnam!
Contact us today to tell us about your project and explore our offshore staffing solutions!
