Process
This “Phase Breakdown Schedule” is a detailed step-by-step approach to our design and development process. This schedule will give you an idea into how and what is involved and what it takes to execute a “successful” Product Development Program (PDP). Phase One is our initial free consultation. Here we review your ideas, goals and objectives. It is in this initial consultation where we advise our clients as to the best approach in going forward. Phases Two through Eight are broken down and give detailed descriptions of each phase’s procedures. Each phase or combined phases has it own formal contractual agreement before any work begins. All of these phases can be combined into an overall contract or kept separate as desired.
Please note that not all the phases and/or their subcategories are included in every design project. A Product Development Program (PDP) is custom developed for each client and is tailored around that client’s goals and objectives.
Phase One – Initial Client Consultation
- Review overall product idea and history
- Review product feasibility
- Establish client goals, requirements and objectives
- Review any existing patents/trademarks
- Review financial budget planning
- Establish the Phase Breakdown Schedule
Phase Two – Product Definition
- Define the products overall design concept, mechanical, electrical, electronic and software specifications
- Define product demographics
- Conduct ergonomic studies
- Examine and analyze market trends
- Complete in-depth internet review
- Conduct potential patenting feasibility study
- Conduct preliminary patent search (USPTO)
- Establish design/development costs
- Establish preliminary prototyping costs
- Outline the Product Development Program (PDP)
Phase Three – Product Design
- Set design criteria
- Analyze and establish user base
- Evaluate product life expectancy
- Establish form, color and texture requirements
- Evaluate and establish material selection and use
- Establish secondary parts and assembly requirements
- Outline mechanical and/or establish electronic requirements
- Establish manufacturing processes
- Initiate packaging design
- Initiate instruction and/or specifications sheet(s)
- Initiate structural analysis report
- Initiate study models and/or rapid prototyping
Phase Four – Intellectual Property & Patenting
- Establish type of patent protection needed
- Complete in-depth patent search
- Submit “Design and/or Utility” patent filing applications
- Review international patent options
- Review Trademark and Copyright options
Phase Five – Prototyping and 3D Printing
- Set prototyping criteria and required goals
- Obtain firm cost and completion dates
- Obtain secondary part(s) pricing and lead times
- Outline prototype packaging design
- Check ergonomic fit, color, texture and assembly
- Complete fully functional proof of concept prototype
Phase Six – Testing and Approvals
- Establish testing criteria and reports
- Obtain cost and completion dates
- Check required governmental agency approvals
- Check licensing requirements
Phase Seven – Manufacturing Consultant
- Establish ideal manufacturing demographics (region and country)
- Identify and evaluate potential OEM sources
- Obtain OEM costs and lead times
- Obtain secondary parts, processes, assemblies, costs and lead-time
- Obtain pre-production sample parts for client approvals
- Initiate quality control and inspection requirements
- Establish delivery, costs, taxes, insurances, duties, lead times and scheduling
- Establish final storage location and costs
Phase Eight – Quality and Inventory Control
- Check quality of part(s) and assembly
- Evaluate fulfillment house feasibility and/or product storage options
- Establish final quality control requirements
- Establish freight forwarders, logistics costs and lead times
- Monitor product inventory and distribution
