We have used an attorney to register designs in the past, but it’s not cheap. Is it really that easy to register your own designs directly with the IPO?

Yes it is entirely possible; the key is to make sure you know how to register your design to obtain the best protection for you. What you have to know is what to submit and how to ensure you are covered. Not uploading the drawings correctly now could have a detrimental impact later, so seek legal advice initially as to how to do this correctly for what you need to protect.