Our Process.
As a business it is important to us that our clients understand our process and how we work as an agency to create your design. As a result of this we have designed a 8 stage process, from when you first approach us about your idea to designing your product for manufacture. Our aim is to help our clients in any way we can to bring their vision to life. We adapt our approach to best suit their needs and ensure that we understand the design to achieve their desired product.
Below is a detailed description that explains what each stage contains. You can see the ways in which we can help you with your project and how to get in contact with us to begin your next project.
ONE
There are plenty of ways in which you can approach us, for example our contact us page is located at the top of our website, we also have an email and all of our social media links located in the footer of website and on our contact us page. Our social media is where we keep you updated on our product releases and latest news. It is also another way for you to get in touch. Once you have contacted us, we can discuss your idea and discuss the following stages below.
Approach
TWO
Research is a process within Industrial Design where several different types of research is carried out. This is due to there being various questions that we need answers to before moving on to the next stage which ensure both sides work efficiently. Such questions that we need answers for during this stage are; who are the users of the product?, Are there any competitors, if so who are they?, what features are essential according to your target audiences needs and what are the users needs for the product. Answering all these questions helps both the designer and you as a client to understand if there are any existing competitors and how these issues could be improved. However, your product is unique and there are no products currently on the market we can discuss how you can protect your design and the next steps to designing your product.
Research
THREE
Idea generation is based upon the information we found out during the research stage and what you as the client have expressed as requirements for the design. For example, if a client comes up with an idea and it we found out that there is a similar product on the market. This type of Idea Generation would be for us to think about the areas of this product that work well and the areas that could be improved upon to meet the demand of the target audience and improve its appearance or functionality. Another type of idea generation is if a client comes to us about an idea but there was not an existing product on the market then we would use our research to generate our own fresh ideas for the design.
Idea Generation
FOUR
Concept design is the early stages of development between product requirements and detailed design. Concepts are the core idea driving the design of a product. This is explained through a collection of basic sketches, images, or writing. We then ask our clients to look through the concept designs we have produced to provide us with their feedback and if they require any alterations. From here we develop the chosen designs using our clients feedback to create detail sketches of their chosen design. This stage is the final step before the design are taken onto CAD to create a 3D model of the product. At this stage we recommend making any final alterations to your design before you and us as designers move forward with your design.
Conceptual Design & Development
FIVE
Computer aided design (CAD) is where we take the sketch of your chosen design and turn it in to a 3D model, using our CAD software. This will be the first time that you see your design as a 3D model. At this stage the 3D model is all about ensuring you as the client are happy with the appearance and dimensions of the product. to ensure you as the client as happy with the design. The 3d model at this stage is not accurate enough to turn into a prototype yet, this is where CAD development comes in. CAD development is designing and engineering the parts to include the required features for it to be ready for prototyping. This allows then allows us to be able to convert it to an STL file which we then use to upload onto the 3d printer ready to print the prototype of your design.
3D Modelling / CAD-Development
SIX
Rendering is where we take the 3d modelled version of your design and turn it in to a more realistic version. During this part of the design process we add colours, materials, engravings and more specific detailing to your product. This part of the process is the first time you will get more of an understanding of what your final design is going to look like before a prototype is made for you. This is also your chance to decide if you would like to make any changes to your CAD model before a prototype is made.
Rendering
SEVEN
A prototype is a physical form of your design that we will create from your CAD model. It is important to make a prototype of your design as this is where you get to really understand the design you created. You can test and evaluate the product for any changes that you may require or to see if you are happy with the product and are ready to manufacture. You can use this time after you have received your prototype to communicate with your designer to raise any issue and ensure to you and the designer are both happy to proceed with the design. Once you and your designer are both happy with the prototype then we can move on to the final stage: Design for manufacture.
Prototyping
EIGHT
Design for manufacture is the final stage. This is the stage where we design your product ready for production, ensuring that it is cost-effective but keeping product quality. We have to make sure everything has been designed and calculated correct as by doing this we will save wasting time and resources. A big part of not wasting time, materials and resources is to reduce the amount of parts needed to be manufactured. This is why we need to take manufacturing in to consideration when you approach us with a design as it is something that will help both us and you design your desired product.
Design For Manufacture
If you have any questions or if we haven’t included the stage you are looking for in our 7 stage process please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Our 7 stage process has been tailored by us on requests we have received from our previous clients. We do offer bespoke design stages for your project, if you require them. To get in contact with us please click contact us via the contact us link or use the contact us button below, we would love to hear your idea!