The document describes two case studies of design innovation projects completed by KD, a design consultancy firm. The first case involved developing an improved ultrasonic flow meter for Titan Enterprises, resulting in a new product design, branding, and increased early sales. The second case was designing an easy-to-clean hospital bedside cabinet called the Bristol Maid to reduce infections, featuring a rotational molded design, electronic locking drawer, and positive user feedback in trials. Both projects aimed to revolutionize their markets through innovative design developed in collaboration with KD.
5. We are Design Innovation consultants A team of 50 User Research & Insight Gathering Product & Packaging Design Digital User Interface Graphic Design & Communication Prototyping & Low Volume Manufacture
6. We are Design Innovation consultants A team of 50 User Research & Insight Gathering Product & Packaging Design Digital User Interface Graphic Design & Communication Prototyping & Low Volume Manufacture Diverse Sector Experience Scientific, Industrial & Defence Healthcare & Medical Devices Consumer Products Food & Drink Personal & Household Care
7. We are Design Innovation consultants A team of 50 User Research & Insight Gathering Product & Packaging Design Digital User Interface Graphic Design & Communication Prototyping & Low Volume Manufacture Diverse Sector Experience Scientific & Industrial Healthcare & Medical Devices Consumer Products Food & Drink Personal & Household Care Facilities 11,000 sqft innovation centre in Bristol In-house user research viewing lab Design studios Integrated prototyping workshops
8. We are Design Innovation consultants A team of 50 User Research & Insight Gathering Product & Packaging Design Digital User Interface Graphic Design & Communication Prototyping & Low Volume Manufacture Diverse Sector Experience Scientific & Industrial Healthcare & Medical Devices Consumer Products Food & Drink Personal & Household Care Facilities 11,000 sqft innovation centre in Bristol In-house user research viewing lab Design studios Integrated prototyping workshops Global, National & Regional Projects 50% export : Europe, Far East & America Global corporations, SME’s & start-ups
9. but with a lot in common 2 very different companies 2 very different projects first time using design consultants in new product development significant time and cost constraints opportunity to revolutionise their market
11. Titan Enterprises : Ultrasonic Flow Metering Patented ultra sonic flow metering technology Need to get to market fast with a superior product Recognised the potential of design strengthen the new technology offer achieve market stand out Early guidance : Business Link South West Design Programme Design Council’s ‘Designing Demand’ initiative Excellent written design brief : thorough coverage of Background, Objectives & Technical Requirements New product design Product brand Renewed corporate brand Titan’s starting point : existing company logo and meter schematic
12. Titan Enterprises : Product Design Concepts Rapid familiarisation technology rivals user requirements Close liaison on internal electronics and components Establish realistic space envelope Parallel exploration : ‘ look and feel’ design manufacturing construction options Pros and Cons in each concept : tooling / unit cost ease of assembly future adaptability
13. Titan Enterprises : Product Design Concepts ‘ Extruded’ concept offered best balance of attributes Extruded Aluminium centre section : strength, rigidity, precision ‘feel’, minimal tooling cost, electro-mechanical sub- assembly slides-in Injection moulded end caps : identical parts single low cost tool also identical moulded seal either end
14. Titan Enterprises : Product Design Concepts Power and data connectivity aspects separate connector block assembly Easy and secure installation :- fit connector block to surface make-off cable connections to meter then the meter just ’snaps-on’ onto the block Integrated seal protects power and data terminals when snapped on
15. Titan Enterprises : Product Development Detail CAD engineering : industrial and mechanical design development design for manufacture and assembly Define manufacturing materials, finishes, colours Define controls, labels, surface graphics Define display graphics and artwork Prototype assembly – design verification
17. Titan Enterprises : Brand Design Concepts Chosen concept : modern, clean, bold The first three letter forms abstracted combined with colour accent represent fluid flow through a channel Designed to be used in various sizes, on product, in print and on screen Adaptable to variant colours and backgrounds
18. Titan Enterprises : Brand Design Concepts Product brand name Creative workshop 126 product name ideas Selected 2 names Atrato : one of the fastest flowing rivers in the world connection with fluidity, flow, power Pulsite : a created hybrid word relating to the ultrasonic pulse, delivered at a precise point, with visible results
20. Titan Enterprises : Design Result New product design and product brand identity Renewed company brand identity Patented technology complemented by protectable design language Scalable manufacturing solution : low, medium and high volumes possible Wide media interest and coverage for the new design 1 month from launch Titan is already ahead of their predicted sales targets Early indications suggest success
22. Bristol Maid : the starting point Tackling Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI’s): eg MRSA, C Dificile Huge problem : 5000 deaths in UK alone each year as a direct result 15000 further deaths where HCAI’s contributory factor Increases staff workload Costs NHS £1billion each year Design Council and Dept of Health : consider the design of hospital furniture to radically improve hygiene We chose the ubiquitous bedside cabinet :
23. Bristol Maid : the starting point Current bedside cabinets : angular construction, laminated MDF, glue and dowel inaccessible internal spaces grainy surfaces on edges Continuously touched and handled: patients visitors staff Looks harmless, but… A haven for germs !
24. Bristol Maid : early research Hospital visits Patient interviews Staff interviews Difficult to clean thoroughly Often inadequate storage Old fashioned image Keys ! “ I expected it to all be clean and white.” “ It’s brown and dirty looking!” “ It’s too old fashioned” “ My bag can’t even fit onto the shelves.” “ Corners and hinges are impossible to clean!” No dust or dirt should be left in corners. clean with 10,000ppm chlorine. Cleaning routines will be clear and agreed.
25. Bristol Maid : creative concepts Group idea generation Discussion and sketch concepts Selection of preferred ideas and features
26. Bristol Maid : concept direction Eliminate angular design, sharp corners Look to an ‘open’ / no-back design Make use of plastics materials Minimise assembly & joints Rotational Moulding offered solution Large, one piece plastics mouldings Robust and chemically resistant
27. Bristol Maid : manufacturing collaboration British roto-moulder Italian toolmaker Both experts in their field Scale and capability Quality and experience
28. Bristol Maid : prototyping Full scale concept mock-up Check on Dimensions Accessibility Manoeuvre-ability Move to realistic prototype Mimic roto moulding
29. Final design (almost) UK registration of design - 4013824 EU registration of design - 001185466-0001 Patent pending application - GB0906666.3
30. Lockable top drawer - electronic lock (no key hole) Top shelf Open access shelf surfaces face the patient bedside. Raised edges. Lower storage drawer Wipe clean castors 100mm (proprietary item – not our design) Open ended easy clean handles Soft, easy-clean continuous moulded form with a smooth surface. Open access base tray. Rotationally moulded from high density polyethylene Chemical resistant and No joints / junctions Design features… UK registration of design - 4013824 EU registration of design - 001185466-0001 Patent pending application - GB0906666.3
31. The rear of drawers are flush to each other vertically Open backed cabinet, drawers can be inserted either side making the cabinet ‘reversible’ to suit left or right of bedside Moulded-in hooks for coats etc. Design features… UK registration of design - 4013824 EU registration of design - 001185466-0001 Patent pending application - GB0906666.3
32. Electronic lock module contained within drawer RF transponder on patient wristband unlocks drawer Non-contact, no keyhole Electronic lock UK registration of design - 4013824 EU registration of design - 001185466-0001 Patent pending application - GB0906666.3
34. Product launched - April 2010 UK registration of design - 4013824 EU registration of design - 001185466-0001 Patent pending application - GB0906666.3 Design results Unique design International design registration Patent pending No assembly required Cost neutral with old design Improved storage, increased shelf capacity 40% reduction in weight And it’s faster and easier to clean – so less bugs ! Tooled and in production, first orders from NHS Again, early indications suggest success
35. 2 very different projects but the same intention to create success for the user for the client and for the designer too 2 very different products