DESIGN PROCESS

General

The history of industrial product design dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when the manufacturing process switched from craft production, where each piece was unique, to mass serial production providing identical pieces.

Industrial design denotes the technical ability to consider the form and the function of a product, with the purpose of establishing an optimum balance of aesthetic and functional qualities of the product. In other words, sentimental values such as beautiful, elegant and challenging are united with objective criteria such as practical, convenient and ergonomic.

Of course, the ability to reproduce a product at an acceptable price is an equally important factor.

Industrial design is primarily concerned with the overall form of the object and involves more than designing new products.

It also embraces the further development and realisation of existing products and concepts. The design process often requires the designer to integrate and combine new techniques. Hence, product innovation often involves the reconfiguration of existing design techniques to achieve new and improved functionality.

Problem

Brainstorming

At this stage of the design process, all possibilities need to be explored, taking into account the criteria described under ‘problem formulation’.

These solutions are plotted in a morphological chart to give them a tangible form.

This chart is tested against the set of requirements, and a selection is made, which narrows down the number of solutions, or even combinations of solutions that are deemed suitable for further analysis and examination.

As a result, the most suitable solutions deserving further exploration are forwarded to the next level - the sketch phase.

Sketch

In the sketch phase, the selected conceptual ideas are fleshed out into a workable, tangible format. The purpose of the sketches is to identify any technical limitations of the concept, and whether these can be rectified. A sketch is a rapidly prepared drawing, which enables the designer to consider how certain elements should be produced and inter-connected. Furthermore, the sketches readily reveal the degree of production suitability.

The sketches are also subjected to a selection process, and are set out in greater detail in the concept phase.

Concept

In this phase, further fine-tuning takes place. A 3-D drawing is prepared from the sketches. This adds another dimension to the two dimensional sketch and establishes the rough sizing of the object. The 3-D concept can be analysed thoroughly from all angles and positions and highlights any hidden flaws and as well as providing potential solutions.

This produces a concept that can theoretically be applied to the problem formulation. The production methods are also subjected to a selection procedure. Potentially suitable production procedures are compared and contrasted, taking into account various selection criteria, such as production suitability, price, investment and environmental impact.

Presentation

Engineering

In this phase, the technical requirements of the concept are worked out in detail. The eventual sizing of the product is confirmed and a series of technical drawings are created for further development and serial production. These are 2-D drawings and include the product’s size, dimensions, which will be used later on in the production and production control processes, as well as defining tolerances, fits, radii, etc.

Prototype

After the engineering product development phase, we advise our customers to have a product prototype manufactured. Bark Innovations can manage the entire process, and carry out a few simple tests to the prototype. This gives our clients the opportunity to assess a ‘real sample’.

Product interaction, fits, etc. are subjected to additional testing.

In this phase, adjustments can be effortlessly carried out.

A prototype can be an important tool in verifying the end concept. The prototype is often the decisive factor in deciding whether or not to ‘go ahead’ with the production of the moulds or tools. In principle, the entire design process is now complete.

Tooling

Once the ‘go ahead’ has been given, we can if requested, initiate the required production tools. This process is carried out by external specialists with whom our sister company, Bark Verpakkingen B.V., have a long-standing working relationship. Bark Innovations will continue to direct and coordinate the process. These external companies have small-scale production facilities at their disposal, where the tools undergo routine functional testing.

Pilot production

Once the production tools have been created, a pilot series can be produced.

This enables us to assess whether the production tools are functioning correctly, and whether the output, the product, satisfies the defined requirements. In addition, we monitor whether the parameters and tolerances defined in the engineering phase are at acceptable levels.

Of course, adjustments are also possible in this phase to optimise the end product.

Once the pilot production has been approved, actual serial production can commence.

Production

Our sister organisation, Bark Verpakkingen B.V., has a large network of production companies to choose from. We know exactly how to match the product to the right production partner. We know their strengths and weaknesses and we also know the type of machinery at their disposal. This enables us to establish the ideal combination of product and production partner. Bark Verpakkingen B.V. can take care of the entire supply chain, from production to just in time delivery. For more information, please visit our website www.bark-verpakkingen.com