RESEARCH is the foundation and starting point of every project, to ensure that the goals of the product are met to the fullest. Getting to know the user, the manufacturing process, or the process of wich the product is part of is essential to developing a successful product. Research methods include:
• Surveys
• Focus Groups
• Ergonomics
• Processes
• Interviews
• Material Studies
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CONCEPTS are used to create, refine, and develop ideas into the first stages of a product. Sketching is used to quickly convey the intent of the designer, and to cover a wide range of ideas quickly. The concepts are used to show various aspects of the product, such as:
• Aesthetics
• Mechanical Attributes
• Ergonomics
• Details
• Materials
• Functions
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3D MODELS & CAD show the products in their entirety. They can more specifically show materials, form, and function. They also are used to refine individual aspects of the design, produce actual components, and show the final assembly of parts.
• Aesthetics
• Mechanical Attributes
• Ergonomics
• Details
• Materials
• Functions
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MOCK UPS are used to test and refine concepts. They can be simple foam core mockups, or refined mechanical apparatuses. They can show the product in their entirety, or highlight specific aspects of the product. Mock ups convey real information about:
• Size
• Ergonomics
• Wright
• Materials
• Functions
• Mechanical Attributes
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Models are the culmination of the design process. They are as close to the real product without actually producing the product. Models are highly detailed, and show every aspect that the end user would be able to see. Models are used for:
• Marketing
• Product photography
• User Feedback
• Presentations
• Reference
• Documentation
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