The Design Process

In order to develop an idea into an actual product,  each industrial design agency follows a similar pattern of activities that we call a design methodology. You can find quite some varieties “specially developed” to come to a good design. But in fact, the process always follows a logical pattern of somewhat overlapping phases. Each phase with its own outcome and skills required to come to the desired result.

Analysis:

Research data

Target of this phase is to understand and agree what the objectives of the project are. This is more than just a specification for the product in terms of functionality.  To come to a product that fits your brand, is wanted by consumers and is bringing profit, we have to look at the key factors defining the development :

After studying these aspects, together we define a good design brief and solid program of demands. During the rest of the process, these are the guidelines where against our designs are checked and verified.

A good and intensive dialogue with the client in this stage is very important to make sure the right product will be developed during the project. A product that will strengthen the brand and will exceed the expectations.

Create:

Ideation / Design

Once the analysis phase is done, we continue with the actual creative phase or design phase.

Based on what we learned from the analysis phase, we use brainstorming and other creativity techniques to define and generate a large amount of ideas, interesting basic principles and promising directions for the actual product design.

Together we look into feasible and desirable combinations that result in creative solutions.

These combinations are then visualized by sketching or 3D computer modeling. It may also be possible that first prototypes are made to evaluate ideas or create a better insight about the design.

In this stage of the design phase also the styling will become an integral part of the design process.

We create several concepts that show the general setup and shape of the product. From these concepts one final direction is chosen.  This concept will then be adjusted, optimized and fine tuned before we can move on to the next phase.

Realization:

Engineering

In this phase, the concept is turned into a feasible completely detailed product design.
All parts and components are being engineered and optimized for (mass) production by making use of advanced 3D engineering software (CAD).
Material requirements are specified, best suitable production processes are defined and investments on production equipment and expected product price can be calculated.

Important part of this phase is to verify if all parts fit together properly, if everything works as expected and if the product meets all other demands initially set.

In order to check and test everything properly, prototyping is a very important tool. For this we can use our 3D printer but often use other rapid prototype techniques to achieve highest precision and best cosmetic level.
Next to functional and safety testing, you can also use these prototypes to show consumer panels in order to get feedback from the market before actual investments in the production tools are being made.