We start with the most important phase of the design process: Research. Our goal is to gather as much information as possible about a consumer problem. We scour the retail shelves, study product catalogs, track consumer and industry trends, analyze competitor’s similar products and examine product reviews. We buy the products, test them out and explore the problems. We want to determine if the problem warrants a new design before we develop it further. We also want to determine the marketability of the new product design.

Next, we brainstorm ideas, making connections from our research phase. We follow up on the ideas that warrant additional development. This is where we sketch and critique our designs, adding value and novelty along the way. We refine and simplify the design until we’re happy with the potential product. Sometimes a sketch is all we need to license the new design. Other times we take it a step further.

Our prototyping strategy begins with a rough model which serves as a proof of concept. The rough model is often made of cardboard, duct tape, tin foil, foam noodles and/or whatever else we find around the office. From there we create a 3D model and, if necessary, a 3D print. The working print allows us to test and refine the design before we present the product to our clients.