Survey shows originality in China

Global Sources' 2005 China Design Techniques Survey shows 63% of mainland China design engineers are producing or reworking original designs.

Global Sources' 2005 China Design Techniques Survey shows 63% of mainland China design engineers are producing or reworking original designs.

Of the 1279 China-based engineers that took part in the study: 30% are producing original designs based on existing products; 18% are reworking original designs; and 15% are creating new designs.

The remaining 37% said they reference existing foreign or domestic designs in developing products.

The China Design Techniques Survey is conducted annually by Global Sources' Electronic Engineering Times-China (EE Times-China) magazine.

It analyses the capabilities of China's designers, their level of participation in component selection, and the challenges of the design process.

EE Times-China Publisher Mark Saunderson said: "Most China engineers are focused on original design work".

"This indicates that China's electronics manufacturers continue to move up the supply chain toward value-added products".

"China's electronics industry is making the transition from assembly hub into a centre for notable design - engineers are playing a key role in this transformation".

China-based design engineers undertook, on average, four projects in 2005 - the same number as 2004.

A trend towards higher productivity is emerging: 14% of engineers undertook six to eight projects in the past year - up four%age points from 2004.

The number of designers who executed one or two projects is falling - 29% in 2005, compared with 32% in 2004.

The survey shows engineers actively participate in their company's component selection process: 36% make the final decision on part selection; 27% make recommendations to their project manager; and 25% jointly decide on components with their purchasing department.

41% of design engineers cited consumer electronic products as their focus.

Other key application segments included: communication systems - 39%; industrial controls and security devices - 23%; and computer systems and peripherals -14%.

8% of engineers are designing automotive products - up slightly from last year's 6%.

Of engineers employed by multinational electronics companies in China, 16% focus on automotive devices.

68% of engineers said the products they design will be exported - up from 58% in 2004.

Design priorities cited by engineers included: reducing design costs - 26%; improving product performance - 23%; and increasing product reliability - 19%.

Saunderson added: "Designers face a number of challenges: 40% face budget constraints while 32% face a shortage of advanced test equipment".

"Other key challenges include lack of information on the latest components plus rising time-to-market pressures".

"Designers must address these challenges to ensure they sustain export growth".

The survey also includes separate analysis of design trends among original design manufacturers and multinational electronics companies doing business in China.

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