Products are meant to be user centric, so we adhere to guidelines that ensure the process is clearly defined and that the outcome meets the client’s expectations. Here are the 10 steps we follow:
1) Evaluate the situation:
- Meet with clients to fully understand their needs and pain points. Examine how the current situation impacts their functionality, culture, budget, and brand.
2) Identify improvement opportunities:
- Summarize the challenges and problem areas.
- Understand how the product will be deployed.
- Research appropriate material and application solutions.
3) Visualize a result:
- Challenge the conventional approach with new possibilities.
- Establish goals for product esthetics, cost, lifecycle, and sustainability.
4) Create concepts:
- Sketch. It’s as simple as pencil to paper.
- Develop materials options.
- Engineer the product.
- Produce 2D and 3D models to accurately represent the design and shape of the product.
5) Prototype and test application:
- Generate a 3D print of the product to confirm the design.
- Present prototype to client for approval.
- Test and refine.
6) Determine appropriate manufacturing process:
- Consider budget, manufacturing capabilities, and potential cost-saving concessions when focusing on the solution.
- The product shape and materials used will generally dictate which manufacturing style/technique will provide the desired result.
- Ensure that the right equipment and tooling are in place to get the best outcome.
7) Enhance efficiencies:
- Challenge the product again. Refine material requirements, eliminate waste, and hone the process to save time, energy, and cost.
8) Manufacture the product:
- With the approved product, process, materials, and team in place – we’re ready to go!
- Employ first-quality materials and precise craft techniques to make sure every piece looks and performs as intended.
- Send photos of the product to the client throughout the production process.
- Apply rigorous Quality Control to insure every piece is built correctly, beautifully crafted, and exceptionally constructed.
9) Logistics:
- Plan ahead for lead time, packaging materials, shipping, receiving, inspecting, and installation during Step 3.
- Strategically identify distribution facilities based on geographical location.
- Apply key efficiencies to lower the costs associated with shipping. Assess when to box, palletize, ship loose, and maximize carrier density during transit.
10) Customer support:
- Factor EoL (End of Life) for the product into the planning process so that disassembly for recycling of materials can be easily accomplished.
- Provide maintenance and cleaning instructions.
- Maintain order records for 10 years for ease of reorders.
- Honor and service the product warranty for 10 years.