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Hi...
Thanks for taking a moment to have a look.
It’s likely been a while since we last spoke but I thought I'd share some of the recent milestones and projects I’ve been working on.
It has been a big 18 months - I’ve had the privilege of launching an innovative new product into the US market, earning a Good Design Award for excellence and traveling to China to strengthen manufacturing and production partnerships. These are just a few of the highlights alongside many other smaller but significant wins.
Below is a brief, field-note style informal update on recent achievements, insights gained and a preview of upcoming projects.
It's time now for a bit of a reset and change of pace but looking forward to what the next 18 months will bring.
Best wishes and success as we move into the year ahead.
Cheers,
Jon
Somewhere on the NSW coast...
Somewhere on the NSW coast...
Aussie Beehives Land in the US.
In January 2023 HiveIQ launched their innovative new beekeeping platform to the US market.
Project Snapshot
In January 2023, HiveIQ launched their innovative new beekeeping platform to the US market.
The result of many nights and weekends fast tracking production schedules and new product prototypes the HiveIQ team (...dramatic pause / due to customs delays) revealed the innovative new platform to a very enthusiastic US audience.
The positive response was overwhelming and frankly something of a surprise. We were not sure how the EPS material and a new take on a traditional beehive would be received.
Sales since launch have continued to outpace expectations and the product continues to receive exceptional customer feedback.
You can find out more about the platform and the innovation behind it here - Hiveiq.com
Launching New Products.
Launching a new product into a new market comes with significant challenges. From product market fit, manufacturing, marketing, sales and support through to funding, logistics and supply chain management.
At FORM we partner with customers to meet these challenges across the board.
New product initiatives present substantial growth opportunities for organisations, serving as a catalyst for both market expansion and increased profitability.
In a fast-paced business landscape innovation is a necessity. We view it as a critical business function and a key driver of revenue growth. Companies that prioritise and invest significantly in research and development (R&D) to bring innovative products and services to market consistently outperform their competitors.
This strategic focus on innovation enables them to stay ahead of market trends, meet evolving customer demands and establish a strong competitive advantage.
Those who embrace innovation as a core component of their business strategy are not only more resilient but also better positioned for long-term success.
Read more on the business value of design from McKinsey here.
Also this documentary offers a fascinating insight into the value of strategic design at Phillips here.
Prototyping
From Rough Mockups to High-Fidelity Models
Prototyping is a crucial stage in the design process, offering a tangible way to explore ideas, test concepts, and refine solutions before final production. Prototypes can vary widely in their form, purpose and fidelity, each serving a unique role in the design journey.
1. Rough Mockups and Form Studies
These early-stage prototypes are typically simple, low-cost representations of a concept. Often made from basic materials like paper, foam or cardboard, rough mockups focus on the general shape, layout or structure of a design. They are not meant to be functional but rather serve as a tool for visualising ideas, identifying potential issues and facilitating early discussions within the team.
Form studies go a step further, exploring the physical dimensions, ergonomics and aesthetics of the design, though still without intricate details or functionality.
2. Functional Prototypes
Once the concept is refined functional prototypes integrate working components to simulate the actual performance of the product. These prototypes allow for hands-on testing and provide valuable insights into usability, ergonomics and potential design flaws. They are particularly useful for evaluating user experience and can reveal critical issues that may not be apparent in static models.
3. High-Fidelity Models
At the final stage of prototyping high-fidelity models are detailed, accurate representations of the final product, often incorporating actual materials and working components. High-fidelity prototypes are used to validate the design, assess the final user experience and gather feedback before committing to mass production. They are particularly important for ensuring that the product meets all design and functional requirements.
Each type of prototype plays a significant role in the iterative design process, enabling teams to make informed decisions, reduce risks and ultimately deliver a product that meets user needs and expectations.
By selecting the right prototype for the right stage of development, designers can effectively navigate the complexities of bringing a concept to life.
Trusted partner Formero has some good resource material on the various prototyping methods.
"We continue to invest in our technology infrastructure to enhance our capabilities and improve our operational efficiency."
Good Design Award
When we partnered with HiveIQ we landed on brief that set out to design and manufacture a best in class solution for commercial beekeeping.
HiveIQ launched in Australia in June 2022, to an overwhelmingly positive response from the market.
It was an honour to receive the prestigious Good Design Award. We believe that great design should be experienced, not just seen and this achievement is testament to the hard work and innovation of the HiveIQ design team and everyone who contributed and continues to contribute to this success.
I am extremely proud to have had the opportunity to work with a team that is committed to advancing Australian manufacturing and innovation.
Here's some background on the team and (hard) work involved.
Awards Page Link
Guandong and Shenzhen.
Visiting China's manufacturing mega cities.
Advanced Manufacturing
I was last in mainland China in 1977..! I remember a world of bicycles and blue workers jackets.
Fast forward... to catching the high-speed rail from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and you can't help but be impressed by the sheer scale and level of technology on display.
..there was certainly an element of Blade Runner meets the Matrix to it!
The trip was an opportunity to meet with trusted manufacturing and production partners, explore new ideas and product development methods and to build new connections.
If you haven't been, the level of innovation and enthusiasm as well as the scale and level of technology integration is truly inspiring.
At FORM our focus is on delivering high-quality products and services and building strong partnerships with our suppliers and distributors.
We recognise that strong relationships are essential to success in the current market environment, and we work hard to foster a collaborative and cooperative culture both internally and externally.
Here's a great video snapshot on the pace of innovation in China and why having trusted suppliers is so critical.
And a quick insight into the crazy Shenzhen Electronics Market
Premium Product Packaging.
Extending the customer experience
Packaging Design
Packaging design plays a pivotal role in shaping the consumer product experience, acting as the first point of interaction between a product and customer.
Packaging Solutions
Well designed product packaging will immediately convey the essence of the brand, its values, and the quality of the product inside.
Carefully considered and well resolved packaging can create a strong emotional connection with consumers, influencing their perceptions and expectations before they even open the box. For instance, a sleek, minimalist design might suggest a high-end, luxury product, while vibrant colours and playful graphics could evoke a sense of fun and approachability, appealing to a younger demographic.
Beyond aesthetics, effective packaging design enhances functionality, making the product easier to use and enjoy. Thoughtful details such as easy-open features, resealable closures, or sustainable materials can significantly improve the user experience, fostering brand loyalty and repeat purchases.
Additionally, innovative packaging that surprises or delights consumers, such as an interactive or multi-use design, can turn a mundane moment into a memorable one, amplifying the overall satisfaction with the product.
Well designed packaging will also focus on key logistics and commercial drivers. Understanding logistics, production costs and regulatory compliance requirements will optimise efficiency and avoid costly mistakes in the final stage of a products journey to the customer.
In essence, packaging is not just a protective shell but a crucial component of the consumer journey, influencing both the immediate impression and the lasting relationship with the brand.
Read more in our blog post here.
Design for Manufacture and Assembly.
Optimising for manufacture at scale.
Design For Assembly
Designing for production and assembly is crucial during the product design stage. It has a direct impact on the efficiency, cost and overall success of bringing a product to market.
Prioritising these aspects early in the design process streamlines manufacturing, reduces production costs and minimises the risk of costly redesigns or production delays.
When designers take into account how a product will be manufactured and assembled they make informed decisions about materials, tolerances and component complexity.
Simplifying the assembly process through reducing the number of parts, ensuring ease of alignment and fastening or designing components for easy automation decreases assembly time and labor costs.
At FORM we provide highly resolved manufacturable solutions customers can take to market.
Custom AV Unit
"We are confident in our ability to combine local and offshore manufacturing, production and prototyping capability to help our customers bring to life their vision and and capitalise on emerging opportunities"
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