What happens per phase of the design process?
The figure above shows our full design process. We run through this fully often enough, but we are flexible. Depending on the project and the client's wishes, we focus on part of the process. This flexibility is also reflected in the work we do per phase. The focus may be in a different place on different projects, and the work is adapted accordingly. A number of activities we almost always perform: the ideation phase, for instance, is inherently linked to brainstorming, and during design and engineering we will always create (vision) models. To give a general idea of the different phases, we list the most important activities for each phase below:
Analysis
By conducting research, we gain early insight into the requirements and wishes the product or innovation needs to meet. We make sure we have the design challenge in focus and we identify the opportunities that lie ahead.
— Interviews with stakeholders
— Analysis of relevant trends
— Analysis competitor products
— Mapping customer journey
— Market research
— Technologieën en materialen in kaart brengen
— Identifying constraints and opportunities
— Establishing requirements and wishes
Analysis
By conducting research, we gain early insight into the requirements and wishes the product or innovation needs to meet. We make sure we have the design challenge in focus and we identify the opportunities that lie ahead.
— Interviews with stakeholders
— Analysis of relevant trends
— Analysis competitor products
— Mapping customer journey
— Market research
— Mapping technologies and materials
— Identifying constraints and opportunities
— Establishing requirements and wishes
Ideation
We brainstorm and arrive at possible solutions to the design issue. Through the systematic generation of ideas, often through co-creation, and critical selection, we arrive at concepts that meet all requirements.
— Systematic brainstorming
— Co-creation sessions or workshops
— Evaluating ideas based on requirements
— Visualizing possible concepts
— Rough estimates of production costs
— Presenting ideas to the stakeholders
— Presenting ideas to the client
— Update requirements based on findings
— Make recommendations about the continuation
Proof of concept
We prove the essential working principles of the concept through rapid prototyping. The aim is to verify that the solution works not only in theory, but also in practice.
— Determining assumptions to be verified
— Prototyping with off-the-shelf parts
— Designing and building test rigs
— Testing in our workshop or on location
— Interpreting and evaluating test results
— Concluding whether operating principle is successful
Proof of concept
We prove the essential working principles of the concept through rapid prototyping. The aim is to verify that the solution works not only in theory, but also in practice.
— Determining assumptions to be verified
— Prototyping with off-the-shelf parts
— Designing and building test rigs
— Testing in our workshop or on location
— Interpreting and evaluating test results
— Concluding whether operating principle is successful
Design & engineering
We design the product or innovation so that it meets all requirements and is producible within the cost price. Each design choice is underpinned by pragmatic reasoning and extensive testing. Elke ontwerpkeuze wordt onderbouwd door pragmatische redenatie en uitvoerig testen.
— Deciding on style
— Co-creation sessions
— Researching production methods
— Material research
— 3D modelling & digital simulations
— Product engineering
— Electrical engineering
— Interface design (UX)
— Strength assessment
— Producing style model
— Life cycle analysis (LCA)
— Cost calculation
— Risk analysis
— Rough supply chain set-up
— Patent research
Prototyping & testing
We go through several iterations of building and testing to arrive at a good design. First the individual partial solutions, then the whole in a function model and the product prototype. In each step, the design is further detailed.
— Rapid prototyping
— Designing and testing partial solutions
— Building and testing subassemblies
— Functional model creation and testing. Here, all functionalities are combined in a single model and extensively tested.
— Product prototyping and testing. In it, design and function are evaluated as a whole
— Stakeholder feedback sessions
— Strength and lifespan testing
— Testing effectiveness of functions, both in our workshop and on site with users
Prototyping & testing
We go through several iterations of building and testing to arrive at a good design. First the individual partial solutions, then the whole in a function model and the product prototype. In each step, the design is further detailed.
— Rapid prototyping
— Designing and testing partial solutions
— Building and testing subassemblies
— Functional model creation and testing. Here, all functionalities are combined in a single model and extensively tested.
— Product prototyping and testing. In it, design and function are evaluated as a whole
— Stakeholder feedback sessions
— Strength and lifespan testing
— Testing effectiveness of functions, both in our workshop and on site with users
Preparing production
The design goes through the final step: preparation for production. The final touches are added, arrangements are made with production partners and the first batch of products is produced.
— Finding production partners
— Sourcing parts
— Tecnical documentation
— Setting up production
— Production-prototype
— Producing pilot run
— Quality control of first produced pieces
— Handover of documentation and contacts
A clear project plan
Before we get started, we make sure that it is clearly agreed what activities we will carry out and what deliverables come with them. We normally do this by means of a project plan. This contains the budget, the details of the assignment, agreements on who is responsible for what and a schedule. After each phase, there will be a point at which the course can be adjusted: sometimes, progressive insight causes us to adjust the strategy somewhat. We follow the client's wishes but will always make recommendations based on our expertise. In this way, we ensure together that the investment is spent as effectively as possible.
Excited to put us to work?
We are always eager to get to work on new challenges. Do you already have a concrete issue or are you still looking for possible innovations? In either case, we will be happy to help you.
