Pi Process

STRATEGY

Innovation starts with the right strategy. It is very important to make this clear, and therefore we determine together with you which aspects could be important for your product idea. In this way, development is aimed at strengthening your competitive position within the market. Through a thorough analysis of your challenge, we identify the necessary functions, requirements and wishes to which the end product must comply. With this, we formulate a solid description of what exactly is to be developed, to manage your expectation.

Idea & Concept

In this phase, the creative process begins. Through targeted brainstorming, we collect a number of ideas and solutions for the necessary functions. By combining solutions, we create concepts. By sketching a lot, we create insight into the technical operation, production techniques and appearance of the various concepts. This enables us to determine, together with all our discussion partners, even if they do not have a technical background, which concept is the most valuable, and how we are going to develop this further into a product.

Design

Design plays an indispensable role in both consumer and B2B products. All our designs are well thought-out in terms of understandability, simplicity of use, assembly, ergonomics and safety. We ensure a distinctive look that matches the internal functionality of the product and your brand.

Concept validation

Because innovations often involve technology that has not been applied in a certain way before, we pragmatically validate our concepts with physical proof-of-principle early on in the process. Using, for example, 3D prints, foam models or functional models, we test whether the concept meets the set expectations, requirements and wishes. At the same time, the models provide early indications of the expected investments and production techniques.

Engineering

To further develop a validated concept into a complete product, we use our knowledge of technology, mechanics, production techniques and materials. The creative process is repeated here in miniature. Each part is worked out into a correct geometry, which fulfils its function and fits into the whole. By working with advanced 3D CAD software, we get a realistic representation of the shape, cost and weight of the parts. If necessary, strength calculations are made. We make contact with potential suppliers, who reinforce us with specialist knowledge about their production processes. The result is a design with which a first working prototype can be manufactured.

Prototype construction

There is nothing better than being able to test the design yourself. That is why we build one or more working prototypes from our workshop, which can be validated and tested for their functionality, use and appearance. We prefer to test together with you, and possibly one of your customers. Experiences from realistic usage scenarios provide the best input for any final improvements.

Detail engineering

The final step towards production is the complete detailing of the product. We ensure that all the necessary 3D models and 2D drawings are ready. We consult with the suppliers, who are already involved in the process, and ensure that everything is finalised and communicated. When the first series of products comes out of the tooling, we validate them again to confirm that everything is as desired. Any statutory inspections are carried out. We then confidently hand over all documentation and you can begin production, assembly, sales and delivery of your new product.