15 Inspiring Product Design Examples for Startups in 2025

A great product design can turn frustrated users into loyal customers.

But what makes a product design truly exceptional? 

A well-thought-out design not only enhances user experience but also drives customer loyalty and business growth. 

Whether you are developing a digital platform, a physical product, or a service, understanding examples of good product design can help you create something innovative and functional.

This article features 15 inspiring product design examples from top companies.

In this guide, we will also analyze failures in product design, and provide insights into what makes a design successful.

15 Examples of Good Product Design

1. Apple iPhone - A Classic in Product Design

Apple’s iPhone remains a benchmark for cool product design. With its sleek, minimalistic look and user-friendly interface, the iPhone revolutionized the smartphone industry. The seamless hardware and software integration make it one of the best products with good design.

Tips for Startups

• Simplicity is key: Like the iPhone, aim for simplicity in your design. A minimalist interface creates an intuitive user experience.
• Integrate hardware and software: Smooth integration of hardware with software is essential to ensure a smooth user journey.

2. Tesla Model S - Innovation in Automotive Design

Tesla’s Model S is a perfect example of good product design in the automobile sector. With an emphasis on sustainability, performance, and user-centric interfaces, Tesla redefined what a modern electric vehicle should be.

Tips for Startups

• Think sustainability: Incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable practices into your product design can appeal to a growing consumer market.
• Focus on user experience: Tesla’s user interfaces are designed to enhance driver comfort—this is essential, even in non-digital products.

3. Airbnb - Digital Product Design Success

One of the best product design examples, Airbnb’s platform simplifies booking accommodations worldwide. The seamless user experience, visually appealing UI, and intuitive functionality make it a leading example of product design portfolios.

Tips for Startups

• Prioritize simplicity in navigation: Airbnb’s UI is a testament to how easy navigation increases usability.
• Visual appeal matters: Invest in high-quality visuals for your website or app to make it more inviting and trustworthy to users.

4. Dropbox - File Storage Made Easy

Dropbox is a great product design example showcasing simplicity and efficiency. Its drag-and-drop functionality, easy collaboration features, and cross-device compatibility make it a standout in cloud storage solutions.

Tips for Startups

• Focus on usability: Dropbox's simple drag-and-drop function shows that complex features can be made intuitive with good design.
• Make collaboration a key feature: If your product supports collaboration, like Dropbox, make it as seamless as possible.

5. Dyson Airwrap - Combining Style and Functionality

A revolutionary beauty product, Dyson Airwrap is a cool product design example. It uses advanced technology to style hair without extreme heat damage, proving that function and aesthetics can go hand in hand.

Tips for Startups

• Balance form and function: Dyson proves that great design must also deliver excellent performance. Don’t compromise on either.
• Leverage technology for real benefits: Innovation doesn’t just have to be flashy—it should solve a problem.

6. Slack - Enhancing Team Communication

Slack has become an essential communication tool for teams, thanks to its thoughtful product design.

The well-structured channels, fun emoji integrations, and seamless third-party integrations make it an example of products with good design in software.

Tips for Startups

• Incorporate personality into your design: Slack’s use of playful emojis shows that design can be fun and still be effective.
• Integration matters: Make sure your product integrates easily with other tools and platforms.

7. Nest Thermostat - Smart Home Revolution

Nest Thermostat is a great product design example in smart home technology. Its learning capabilities, sleek design, and energy-saving features make it an innovative solution for homeowners.

Tips for Startups

• Intuitive design: Ensure that your product learns from the user to provide a personalized experience—just like Nest.
• Sustainability: Green technology is a big selling point. Incorporating energy-saving or eco-friendly elements can set your product apart.

8. Figma - Transforming Digital Product Design

Figma has set a new standard in digital product design. With real-time collaboration, an intuitive interface, and powerful prototyping tools, Figma is an excellent example of product design portfolios that empower designers.

Tips for Startups

• Collaborative tools: Figma’s real-time collaboration is a game-changer for teams. Consider features that allow real-time collaboration in your product.
• User-focused design: Keep user experience at the core of your design—Figma’s ease of use is its biggest strength.

9. Notion - The Ultimate Productivity Tool

Notion’s best product design lies in its flexibility and user-centric features. With customizable databases, easy collaboration, and clean aesthetics, it’s a favorite among startups and professionals.

Tips for Startups

• Customizability: Give users the freedom to tailor the product to their needs.
• Minimalistic yet powerful: Clean, straightforward design with maximum functionality—this balance is key.

11. Turtle - Fitness Innovation

The amazing fat loss app and it’s design by Ofspace Product Design Team. The combination of high-quality hardware and engaging software experience makes it a great product design example.

Tips for Startups

• Engage users deeply: Turtle’s engagement comes from its live workouts and community features—keep your product engaging.
• Quality hardware: Hardware should complement software, and together they must enhance the user experience.

12. Duolingo - Gamified Learning

Duolingo’s engaging UI and gamification elements make language learning fun and effective. Its intuitive app design is a best digital product design example that keeps users engaged.

Tips for Startups

• Gamify the experience: Introduce elements of gamification to make tasks more engaging for users.
• Keep it simple: Duolingo’s success lies in its simplicity. Keep the interface clean and intuitive.

13. Uber - A Revolution in Transportation

Uber’s app is an example of good product design that simplifies ride-hailing. Its real-time tracking, seamless payments, and user-friendly interface make it one of the most successful digital platforms.

Tips for Startups

• Focus on simplicity and speed: Make sure your users can perform tasks quickly and without frustration, like Uber’s easy ride-booking process.
• Real-time data is essential: Provide users with real-time data to enhance their experience.

14. Canva - Design for Everyone

Canva democratized graphic design with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It’s a best digital product design example that empowers users with no prior design skills.

Tips for Startups

• Empower users: Give your users the tools they need to create without overwhelming them. Simple, intuitive interfaces lead to user success.
• Inclusivity: Make design accessible to everyone, regardless of expertise.

15. Amazon Echo - Voice Technology at Its Best

Amazon Echo’s AI-powered voice assistant is a great product design example that integrates seamlessly into users' lives. The hands-free functionality and smart home connectivity make it a revolutionary product.

Tips for Startups

• Think about voice integration: Voice assistants are growing in popularity, and integrating voice UI can enhance accessibility and usability.
• Focus on user interaction: Make sure the voice interaction feels natural and intuitive.

Examples of Bad Product Design – What Startups Should Avoid

Not all product designs succeed. Many startups fail due to poor usability, unclear branding, or overcomplicated features.

Here are some bad product design examples that failed due to poor usability or lack of market fit.

1. Confusing User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)

A product should be simple and easy to use. A cluttered, confusing UI leads to frustration.

Example

Windows 8 removed the Start button, confusing users. Microsoft later brought it back.

Lesson for Startups

Test usability, keep navigation simple, and remove unnecessary complexity.

2. Overcomplicated Features

Too many features can overwhelm users instead of helping them.

Example

Google Glass had too many features, unclear purpose, and privacy concerns, leading to failure.

Lesson for Startups

Start with an MVP and add features based on user demand.

3. Ignoring Accessibility

Neglecting accessibility excludes many potential users.

Example

Snapchat’s UI was hard for new and visually impaired users. A redesign improved usability, but some users had already left.

Lesson for Startups

Make products accessible with readable text, color contrast, and voice commands.

4. Unclear Branding and Messaging

Users need to understand what a product does and why it’s valuable.

Example

Juicero, an expensive juicing machine, failed when users realized they could squeeze packets by hand.

‘’The company, which offered pre-sold packets of diced fruits and vegetables that users plugged into its $400 machines, launched only 16 months ago’’

Lesson for Startups

Clearly communicate your product’s value and make sure it solves a real problem.

5. Poor Build Quality

A great idea fails if the product breaks easily or has safety issues.

Example

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 had a battery defect, leading to overheating and explosions, causing a massive recall.

Lesson for Startups

Prioritize quality testing to ensure durability and safety.

6. Ignoring Customer Feedback

Products built without user input often fail.

Example

Coca-Cola introduced New Coke, not realizing customers loved the original. Backlash forced them to revert.

Lesson for Startups

Collect feedback through surveys and beta tests before launching.

To understand more about design pitfalls, take a look at our detailed guides on bad UX design examples and bad UI examples. These examples can help you avoid the same mistakes in your own design journey.

FAQs About Product Design

1. What is the difference between product design and digital product design?‍

‍Product design refers to the process of designing both physical and digital products. Digital product design specifically focuses on creating software, apps, and user interfaces for digital platforms.

2. How do I know if my product design is successful?

‍A successful product design should meet user needs, provide a seamless experience, and solve a problem efficiently. Conducting user testing and gathering feedback are crucial for measuring success.

3. Why is product design important for startups?

‍Product design is vital because it directly influences the user experience, customer retention, and overall business growth. Well-designed products stand out in the market and attract users.

4. What makes a product design "good"?

‍Good product design balances functionality, aesthetics, usability, and user experience. It should also be aligned with the target audience’s needs and preferences.

5. How can I avoid bad product design mistakes?

‍To avoid mistakes, always focus on user testing, prioritize usability, and keep the design simple. It’s important to learn from other bad product design examples and ensure that your product is intuitive and functional.

6. What are some great product redesign examples that improved user experience?

Here are 5 impressive product redesigns that made a big impact:

1. iPhone X (2017) – Removing the Home Button

Before: iPhones had a physical home button.
After: The home button was removed, replaced with Face ID and gesture controls.
Impact: A bigger screen, smoother navigation, and a futuristic feel.

2. Tesla Model S Refresh (2021) – Yoke Steering Wheel

Before: A traditional round steering wheel.
After: A futuristic yoke-style steering wheel.
Impact: A bold, spaceship-like driving experience (though controversial).

3. Xbox Series X Controller (2020) – Better Ergonomics

Before: Xbox One controller with good but not perfect grip.
After: Improved grip texture, a hybrid D-pad, and a share button.
Impact: More comfortable, precise, and user-friendly.

4. Coca-Cola Bottle (1915 to Now) – Iconic Curves

Before: A straight-sided bottle.
After: The famous contoured shape, easier to grip.
Impact: A timeless design recognized worldwide.

5. Google Chrome (2008-Now) – Speed & Simplicity

Before: Browsers were cluttered and slow.
After: Chrome introduced a clean UI and faster performance.

Get the Best Product Design for Your Startup with Ofspace

Product design plays a crucial role in a startup’s success. Whether you’re developing a digital platform, hardware, or a service, focusing on good product design examples will help you create a successful product.

At Ofspace Digital Agency, we specialize in digital product design that turns concepts into beautifully functional solutions.

If you want to bring your vision to life with best product design practices and works, get in touch with our team and start your design journey today!