About Our Process

How long does the product development process take?

• Each project has its own complexities and challenges so each one will require a different development timeline. Projects are worked through on a phase by phase basis, so one particular phase may be more challenging than the next or previous phase depending on the goals of each phase. Without seeing the details of the design it truly is hard to say how long it will take to design a new product. Some projects can be completed in a few weeks and some projects take a year or more. Generally in our first meeting a ballpark time frame will be discussed to ensure our initial estimated timeline lines up with your project goals.

How can I review the design during the product development process?

• We can provide a free software program called eDrawings that allows you to view your model. You can zoom, rotate, hide or show individual parts, create section views, make measurements, and take screen-shots to capture images of specific views you like. eDrawings is analogous to a PDF file. You must own the original word processing software (example: Microsoft Word) to edit the original native word processing file (the .doc file) but a free PDF viewer allows you to read it and capture screen-shots. eDrawings allows you to view the 3D models we create, however you would have to purchase the actual CAD software in order to edit the design's features on your own. We can also just have you come into the office for a sit-down review of the design at any time during the process.

What if I don't like it when it's done?

• As odd as it sounds, that's part of the Product Development Process. Design, test, and adjust. The first time you hold a new design, or even the first time you hold a rough prototype that you created, you should expect to create a list of things you like and dislike about the features, shape, form, functionality, etc. Discovering what works and what doesn't in every aspect of the product is just part of the design process. The goal is that through each design iteration we, together as a team, will have solved the design challenges that have presented themselves and corrected any functional, ergonomic, or aesthetic aspects to your liking, and more importantly your end customers' liking, so when it truly is done you are completely happy with the design and it's ready for launch.

What do I get after the project is completed?

• After each phase of work is completed the output, or deliverable, is generally either a new or updated 3D CAD model or a physical prototype depending on whether you're in a design or prototyping phase of work. The CAD model is generally always required for modern prototyping or manufacturing equipment to run off of. It contains the geometric definitions of the entire part. For a manufacturing run, the deliverable would simply be the quantity of production units ordered.

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