Design Research
What’s the idea? What problem does it solve? How do people use it? Is it one-size-fits-all? Who’s going to buy it? How much will they pay for it?
These are the type of questions we answer in the research phase. By combining market and technolgy research with focus groups, we can build thorough foundations for projects. This phase ends with the creation of the design brief. Other design firms often overlook this phase, but it is perhaps the most important one to get right from the start.
After all - The foolish man built his house upon the sand...
Concept Design
Concept design is about translating, exploring and resolving the design brief - turning an idea scribbled on a napkin into a believable, viable product.
Firstly, the problem is examined and a range of possible solutions are sketched and explored. This allows us to make educated decisions on the best design options. This is typically achieved through cycles of researching, innovation, sketching and evaluation.
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs, CEO Apple
Design Development
Development work refines the way the user will interact with the product and the look and feel. We solve how best to manufacture, assemble and disassemble the product.
This phase involves a lot of mechanism sketching, user storyboards, model making, and a more detailed selection of material, colours and textures.
By applying ergonomic, anthropometric and mechanical data to the designs, we can ensure their accuracy and itegrity.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
CAD allows designers to create 'virtual' prototypes on the computer. They can be developed, analysed and eventually used to create the technical drawings for rapid prototyping and manufacture.
CAD is a relatively inexpensive way of visualizing your product. Once the model is built, it can be viewed from any angle and photorealistic renderings can be produced.
Realise Design use a range of CAD packages for day-to-day work. We are Solidworks Certified Professional and are skilled in producing Solidworks animations.
Prototyping & Manufacturing Assistance
Finally, you can get hold of the real thing - a prototype of your product. This is the final stage before taking the leap into manufacture.
Producing a prototype allows you to demonstrate and test the appearance, size, features and function of your product. This is a great way to get real feedback from users, manufacturers or investors to tweak and improve the product prior to manufacture.
Manufacturing can be a scary and costly activity. Given our experience in this area, we can guide you through it - helping with technical drawings, sourcing components and choosing the right manufacturers.
