FC BARCELONA
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Designing memorable products that connect with fans and capture the essence of a legendary club.
My contributions:
Market Research
Tech Design
Coordination
Budgeting
Sourcing
Industry
Sports Merchandise
Date
2023
Target Market
FC Barcelona Fans
Growth Stage
Mature
From concept to the market
Barça Licensing & Merchandising is FC Barcelona’s dedicated team that brings the club’s spirit to life through official merchandise and retail. BLM takes care of everything—from designing and developing new products to managing their sale in official stores and online.
Our mission is to offer fans around the world authentic, high-quality products that capture the essence of FC Barcelona. Whether it's a jersey, accessories, or collectibles, we ensure each item reflects the club’s values, rich history, and passion, helping fans feel even closer to The Team.
RESEARCH AND INSPIRATION
At FC Barcelona, our research phase began by analysing last season’s sales data, Nike's upcoming color selections for next year’s uniforms, and conducting market research on emerging trends in shapes, materials, and technologies for sportswear. We collaborated closely with the design team to brainstorm new ideas and refine concepts.
As a designer with expertise in Illustrator, Photoshop, and fashion, I contributed by resolving fit and design challenges and making quick vector modifications when new ideas surfaced. This ensured a more efficient design process and allowed us to adapt easily to creative changes.
Next, we coordinated with the business department to determine how many collections we would release and their price ranges. We established budgets for each collection and decided on the number of garments we could launch. This involved finalising designs, making necessary adjustments, and selecting the right suppliers to ensure quality and alignment with our vision.
We ensured consistency across different suppliers and upheld quality standards through close collaboration. This involved regular supplier visits to verify best practices, compliance, and to maintain the integrity of our designs.
SUPPLIER COLLABORATION AND SAMPLE FEEDBACK
We initiated the sample procurement process by working with suppliers to request prototypes of each design element. This step was essential to evaluate the alignment of materials and designs with our quality and aesthetic standards.
We conducted lab dip assessments early on to ensure color accuracy and assess material quality. This meticulous review was critical in making sure fabrics met our specifications for the final products.
After receiving the initial prototypes, we validated the designs by thoroughly reviewing their practicality in terms of wearability and manufacturability, ensuring the designs translated effectively from concept to product.
We organised feedback iteration meetings with suppliers to resolve discrepancies, refine design details, and optimise manufacturing processes. These sessions were vital to ensure that the final products met and often exceeded the standards set during the design phase.
Finally, after receiving and approving the prototypes, we initiated the pre-production phase. We carefully evaluated samples from this stage, reviewing final details with suppliers to ensure everything met our expectations. Once all aspects were confirmed, we proceeded with full-scale production.
Through this process, we ensured high-quality, cohesive products that stayed true to our design vision. Our attention to detail and close collaboration with suppliers contributed to delivering merchandise that embodied FC Barcelona’s standards, strengthening the connection between the club and its global fanbase.
This project at FC Barcelona allowed me to hone my skills in product design, supplier collaboration, and project management. I learned the importance of balancing creativity with practical execution, ensuring that every product aligned with the club’s high standards. From ideation to production, I took pride in being part of a process that not only brought innovative designs to life but also strengthened the club’s connection with its fans. This experience has deepened my understanding of design's impact and my ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Working on this projects at FC Barcelona allowed me to grow as a designer and fully leverage my skills as a full-stack designer. By handling both creative and technical tasks—like modifying vectors and solving design challenges on the fly—I was able to save time and keep the process moving efficiently. From the initial concepts to final production, I was proud to be part of a team that brought innovative designs to life and strengthened the connection between the club and its fans. This experience taught me the power of creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail in delivering something truly special.
