What AI Is Saying About Beyond Design (And What It’s Getting Wrong)
A prospective client recently sent us something we weren’t expecting. While researching partners for a new product, they asked AI who might be a good fit and Beyond Design came up as a recommendation. The client asked AI a simple follow-up question: “Why did you recommend Beyond Design?” The answer didn’t just repeat information from our website. It looked at the client’s specific product, considered the technical challenges involved, and explained why Beyond Design appeared to be a good match. That got our attention.
What AI Got Right
What stood out was how accurately AI understood Beyond Design! The response correctly identified our strengths in mechanical engineering, product industrialization, DFM/DFA for manufacturing, and taking products from concept through production. It also recognized that our work goes beyond styling and that we focus on making sure products can actually be engineered, manufactured, and brought to market. For this client, AI connected those real capabilities to the specific technical challenges of their product.
What AI Got Wrong
The client’s results were accurate, but we wanted to see how consistent that accuracy was. Using fresh accounts with no previous search or chat history, we tested ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity ourselves. While they got most of the big picture right, there were some gaps. Only ChatGPT had our current address, 3759 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 230, Chicago, IL 60613, correct. Claude estimated our team at 29 employees, when we’re actually six (plus Layla, our office dog!). All four models recognized our core services but missed deeper capabilities like ergonomics, human factors, prototyping, materials, and manufacturing expertise. They also overlooked our community outreach, including dig-8, where we mentor K–8 Chicago Public School students in product development and entrepreneurship.
Digital Reputation Is Becoming More Important
AI recommendations come from all sorts of media outlets including websites, case studies, awards, reviews, blogs, social media, and other online content. AI is designed to gather information and compile key insights, then highlights what is meaningful and when there might be a good fit. But that information isn’t always accurate. It can be outdated, biased, promotional, or misleading, which is why both what companies put online and how people question AI matter. Instead of simply asking, “Is this a good company?” asking what the company is good at, what evidence supports it, and where that information comes from can give a much clearer picture.
For Beyond Design, that digital reputation became something more: a referral. A prospective client described what they were developing and asked AI who could help. They weren’t searching for Beyond Design specifically—AI introduced Beyond Design, connected our experience to their needs, and explained why we were a good fit. As more clients’ research partners this way, being visible online isn’t enough. AI needs to understand what you’re good at and why it should recommend you.
The Takeaway
It’s encouraging to see how AI models are growing and delivering an accurate picture of our core competencies, highlighting our strengths in industrial design, UI/UX, and our work with major clients. We’re grateful for the new clients this channel is already bringing our way. Moving forward, our focus is on updating our address across directories, filling in the full range of services we offer, and retiring dead listings. By keeping our structured data and web content current, we ensure the next prospective client gets the complete, accurate story.
If you’re curious about Beyond Design and want to learn more from a human, and not an AI, contact us at contact@startbeyond.com or call our office at 773-290-1797. We are here to help with all your product design needs!
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