Design does not seem to be working

I have designers on all my item. Some I have had since before season start and they are still at 2%
Others have had at least a couple of updates.
Is this normal?
Chassis has 30 designers on it since before end of season and still 2%.
Sidepods 15 designers and is at 42%.

Hi Ron,

Is the design percentage for this season or next season ?

Hi mate,

Next season movement is what is worrying me.

Hi,

What is your design emphasis set to ?
And on your designer report emails does that report back with percentage increases for next season?

The design increase for next year takes into account the design from this year,
For example if your design for this year on a part is 90%, it will take over 50 employees to get the part 
upgraded within the next 24-48 hours depending. Then if your emphasis is set to 100% this season you will
probably only gain an increase at most of 1%.

I currently have my sidepods on this years performance at 91%, my design emphasis is 100% for next year and
it currently takes me 53 employees to upgrade that part ASAP and i only get a gain of 2%.

Also this entire scenario can depend on your Chief Designers skill set (what you have trained) and his actual ability level.

Keep me posted!

Thanks,
Jay