Machineart designs products for a variety of industries. Diversity of experience makes us better prepared to solve new kinds of design problems, and that is a benefit to our clients. We’re not expert in any one area, but we are expert in the design process. It is the same regardless of the type of product. Our designs provide beauty, utility, and pleasure for the consumer, and brand recognition and sales for our clients.
We work with small and medium sized companies, and entrepreneurs. Some clients have large resources but need outside support, while others need full development services. We tailor the scope of the work to suit each one.
Phase 1: Gathering Info
The first thing we need to know is – what is the problem to be solved? What are the goals and expectations, the competitive analysis, the user needs, the technology, the cost targets, the schedule, the brand statement? If a client does not have all the information, we can help get it. We’ll look at the design trends as they apply to the product category and write a project requirements document that will become the roadmap for design development
Phase 2: Concept
Here is where the design requirements begin to take shape. Designers’ free flow of ideas begin to take on characteristics that can be defined in words and lead to a series of distinct concepts. Rough mock-ups are made in cardboard and foam plastic to test physical relationships, volumes, and forms. The first presentation is typically a combination of 2D renderings and rough 3D mock-ups. One or more are selected, revisions made, and presented again for approval of one concept for development.
Phase 3: Preliminary Design
Once a concept is selected, it has to be translated into real dimensions, function, and feel. In this phase the relationship between parts, how they look, fit, and are assembled, and how they are be made is resolved through several iterations of hand-made foam and plastic mock-ups. CAD models begin to be built from the infomation gained making the mock-ups. A client deliverable is typically a foam plastic mock-up supported by preliminary CAD drawings.
Phase 4: Final Design
3D CAD models are built of the parts and then made into rapid prototype parts to check form and fit. Revisions inevitably have to be made. The CAD data is revised and a second or third set of RP parts are made before accuracy can be confirmed and the documentation completed. Color and finish is specified, model identification graphics designed, and artwork made. At this stage, a final appearance model is usually made to represent the product exactly as it would look in production.
Phase 5: Follow-up
This is the phase that makes or breaks a well conceived design.
It is essential that, during the production engineering and sample making process, the designer inspect and approve each milestone. Decisions made by a vendor unilaterally to alter a detail may compromise the quality and integrity of the original vision. Machineart works co-operatively with manufacturing partners to achieve the best quality results.