How do you design a product? – Part 2

The design process is a tried and tested approach to developing ideas into real world solutions. There are many variations on the design process, but the basic principle is a stage-by-stage process that starts with information gathering and critical analysis of the raw idea, through creative thinking and idea development into detailing and engineering before prototyping and testing and finally validation and scale up to manufacture. Here is a simplified overview of how we approach the design process and the steps we go though to realise a product vision into reality.

Foundation and Feasibility

This phase of our process is where a product design is conceived. We can offer services such as Feasibility Study, Competitor analysis, Task analysis and Patent Searching all with the intention of tuning and refining the required specification for the product. Without a clear and appropriate design specification the likelihood of the resulting design being a commercial success is minimal. Just like when embarking on a building project, poor foundations at the outset of a project will result in a compromised end result.

Concept Generation

The Concept Generation phase is the start of our creative thinking process. This is where we begin to explore and develop ideas for a product. Ideas at this stage are high level and as creative and free as possible to allow all opportunities to be explored before we filter them down to the most promising options. Aesthetics, construction, materials and manufacturing process, these are all subjects we consider as we look to develop ideas that meet all the requirements of the design specification. The right decisions made at this critical stage in the process have a lasting impact on the commercial success of the product.

Design and Engineering

Modern Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools allow the detailing and engineering of a product at a faster pace and with greater accuracy than ever before. By utilising an industry standard CAD system, we take a concept and develop it into a detailed, resolved product design featuring all its component parts and their assembly to each other. The output of this stage is information and drawings that can be used directly to manufacture prototypes and ultimately production tooling and parts. We carefully consider and specify materials and finishes at this stage to ensure the design is fit for purpose and cost effective whilst considering the end-of-life implications.

Prototyping

The first prototype following the engineering of a product design is an exciting moment. Seeing a design in real life for the first time gives the opportunity to review, evaluate and refine the product to ultimately resolve and finalise the details. Testing a prototype provides feedback and validation or opportunities to improve things before progressing into manufacture. As well as physical testing there is also virtual validation of a design through the use of Finite Element Analysis and Simulations. With a method for evaluating and testing any product we can ensure as much is done as possible to validate the design before moving into manufacture.

With hundreds of completed projects, thousands of hours of designing and millions of our products sold worldwide we have got the necessary process, experience, tools and expertise to help you develop your new product. Please get in touch to discuss your idea for a new project here