It's all about specifications.

//Quick Reads

Carla Pestana Lemgruber

10.01.2019

There is a learning curve in every product's development. Hardly everything is going to go right on the first try. This is something we have to come to terms with. This doesnt mean there aren't things we can do to shorten this process. I will try what are some things you can do to achieve a desired result in a timely manner.

MVP - Minimum Viable Product

 

Sure, launching your product in its perfect form is ideal. However, it is not realistic. There are real life restrictions to what is possible at the time, time, budget or access to technolgy can limit you. This is why, the first and foremost thing you can do is to set realistic expectations for your product. Here are some ways you can identify a reaslistic MVP.

Identify What is Really Crucial

 

A product is designed to serve a purpose, perform a task that is supposed to benefit the user in some way. Not every part of the product is crucial to this function. Certain details are more important to your product's function than others. The best way to create specifications for your MVP is to first identify what these significant features are.

 

Let me give you an example, if we are designing a product that is intented to be used by when in contact with water, you will require your product's body to be waterproof.

 

However, "waterproofness" does not specify what level of water resistance you actually need. You need to identify use cases for your customers to determine the minimum peformance requirements for your product. In most cases there are standards set by industry, grades of performance created to communicate your product capabilities.

 

In case of water resistance, there is an IP (International Protection) rating grade you can obtain by running your product through a test.

International Standard Protection Rating

Based on your use cases, you can determine what IP rating you will need for your product. This information will help us set tolerances, fit details and sealing rings if necessary.

 

Make sure you detemine the appropriate rating, do not over do it. Sure is it "cool" to have the highest rating possible. However, it will increase your costs and extend timeline of your project.

 

You may not need any water resistance and that is OK too.

Mechanical Properties

 

Both your design and material of choice has to take into account the lifetime requirements of your product. For example, if you have a part that has to compress and strecth repeatedly, it is ideal to know how much and how requently will the part be under stress.

 

This may be under hard to determine. Luckly, there are simulation softwares that can create real life conditions and project life time for your part. You may not have access to such software. We can help you determine the design and material specifications for your products use cases.

Stress Simulation

We achieve this by entering TDS data (Technical Data Sheet) of different materials into the simulation software and running simulations based on your projected use cycles.

Made vs Sourced

 

In any product, there are going to be some parts that are sourced. Screws are the most common example of this case. Yes, you can design a product with a unique screw type. It is possible to make your own screws, however, it will be costly because screws are only so cheap because they are made in very high volumes. Screw manufacturers make billions of screws every year, hence their production line and processes are optimized to minimize cost.

 

If you choose to make your own screw type, you will have to endure both the initial investment costs and a higher per item cost. That is why only a small number of companies take this route.

 

If we assume you choose to source screws, make sure to share your chosen screw types, M2 Phillips etc., as early as possible. This will help us set specifications correctly from the begining.

 

 

In conclusion, mold making and manufacturing is a part of the design process. If you can work with us at an early stage we can help you make the right decisions.

 

Do not hesitate to write to us about any production inquiry.

Carla Pestana Lemgruber

 

Creative Director

 

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