Design Process

The design of a new product is a process involving Design, Development, Prototype Build and Detail Drawing. Each of these key stages can be broken down into detailed steps, but they all rely on initial generation of the idea that will drive the process.

This first step on the path to developing a new product always takes place in the mind of the designer the generation of ideas, concepts or ingenious solutions does not happen in a computer, it will help later when the ideas have been born, but initially the engineer works inside his head to deliver these ideas. It can be daunting particularly if you are starting with a clean sheet, but it is a process that can be learned, and after many years of experience this is what I do, 'inventions on demand'. I do more than this of course; I can develop the ideas through 2D and 3D computer models along with prototypesand detail drawing. This process is usually carried out in conjunction with in-house personal from all disciplines, where I can bring together those inputs into a single design.

3D modeling is a good way of generating data for the creation of quick and accurate prototypes using Stereo lithography, as well as being the basis for creating technical illustrations for presentation material. I use a Solidworks to create the models and Photoworks to create the 3D illustrations from the same data. I also use Photoshop to enhance this material for use in client presentations.