Frequently Asked Questions
Before requesting clearance, here's what companies want to know:
Understanding our approach, process, and partnership model helps determine if Official Use Only is the right strategic fit for your breakthrough ambitions.
About Working With Official Use Only
What makes you different from other design consultancies?
We don't just respond to briefs—we hunt for overlooked opportunities in your market. Our approach starts with intelligence gathering: studying what everyone else is doing and more importantly, what they're missing. We create products that are talk-worthy enough to generate buzz, yet refined enough to feel timeless.
Do you work with startups or just established companies?
Both, but with specific criteria. For startups, we work with well-funded companies ($1M+ raised) that are serious about market impact. We've helped startups raise additional funding through strategic design and even created patent drawings for innovative technologies. For established companies, we focus on those ready to differentiate rather than just iterate.
What if our industry is too 'boring' or technical for remarkable design?
Some of our biggest breakthroughs came from supposedly "boring" categories. We've made networking equipment beautiful enough for living rooms and power management systems elegant enough for premium offices. Every industry has overlooked opportunities—that's exactly what we specialize in finding.
Process & Timeline Questions
How long do projects typically take?
It depends on the service:
Strategy projects: 1-4 months
Branding & Visual Identity: 2-6 months
Packaging Design: 3-8 months
Industrial Design: 4-18 months (varies significantly based on complexity)
The wide range reflects the reality that a simple rebranding moves much faster than developing a new consumer electronics product.
What's included in the complimentary strategy session?
A focused 30-minute conversation where we review your current situation, identify potential breakthrough opportunities, and determine if there's alignment for a strategic partnership. It's not a sales call—it's strategic intelligence gathering to assess mutual fit.
How involved will I be in the process?
Very. This is partnership, not vendor relationship. You're involved at every critical decision point, with regular check-ins during development phases and major presentations at the end of each phase. Direct access to Michael Kritzer throughout the engagement.
Investment & Business Questions
What do projects typically cost?
Each project is scoped based on your specific challenges and opportunities. We discuss investment during the strategy session when we understand your needs and can provide accurate estimates. Our approach focuses on strategic partnerships rather than transactional pricing.
Do you work internationally?
Absolutely. We understand what makes products resonate across different cultures and markets, with experience in US, European, and Asian markets. Many projects involve global considerations from day one.
What if we're not sure our project is a good fit?
That's exactly what the strategy session determines. We'll be honest about whether we can help you achieve breakthrough results. Not every project is right for our approach, and we'd rather identify that upfront than waste anyone's time.
Practical & Legal Questions
How do you handle confidentiality?
All client work is treated with complete confidentiality. NDAs are standard for all engagements, and we never share client work without explicit permission. Your competitive intelligence stays protected.
What about intellectual property and patents?
All design work and intellectual property created during the engagement belongs to you. We've even helped clients create patent drawings to protect their innovations. Clear IP ownership is established in every contract.
Can you work with our existing manufacturing partners?
Yes, and we prefer it. We provide direct collaboration with your production partners to ensure design integrity through manufacturing. Our designs are developed with production feasibility from day one.
Getting Started
How quickly can we start?
Currently accepting 2-3 new strategic partnerships for 2025, with typical lead time of 4-8 weeks from strategy session to project start. Early 2026 strategy sessions are now being scheduled.
What happens after the strategy session?
If there's mutual interest and strategic fit, we'll outline a detailed engagement approach including scope, timeline, and investment. If not, you'll have gained valuable strategic insights and we'll part as friends.
Are you taking on any particular types of projects right now?
We're always interested in companies ready for breakthrough results, regardless of industry. Current availability prioritizes companies ready for immediate engagement and those with ambitious market goals.