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Just what is
industrial design?
Manufacturers know their products need to compete in many ways: functionality,
reliability and the right price are vital to all products, but how
they look and feel also have a significant influence on purchase decision-making.
Industrial design is about adding value to products by making them
more attractive, distinctive and a pleasure to look at, to hold and
to use.
Why is design important?
Manufacturers worldwide have embraced design as a powerful competitive weapon - Apple Computers, Philips, Silicon Graphics, Dyson and Sony are just a handful of examples of successful, design-led companies. Because of attention to design, an iPod is more than just a useful music player, it is an object of desire. No matter how small the company, no matter what they make, design can make it more competitive.
So how can NEPPCO help my company with product design?
Whatever the level of your engineering resources, NEPPCO can help.
Working as part of your development team, we will develop design concepts
for your evaluation in the form of visuals, physical models and computer-generated
images. Not just pretty pictures- practical, workable design solutions
which can be manufactured, at the right price. Your engineers may
wish to take over the detail development. Alternatively, NEPPCO have
all the resources to take the development through to launch, working
with you, using 3D CAD and rapid prototyping and tooling solutions
to shorten time to market. We can recommend the most appropriate materials
and processes, and the most capable sub-contracting manufacturers.
Services
Design concepts and visuals
Creative services for engineering, developing and presenting ideas
for product appearance and feel. Concepts can be presented as full
colour images and as physical models.
Model making
Physical models accurately
represent the shape and form of the putative design. They are ideal for market research and promotional photography ahead of manufacture.
Engineering detail
Concept designs are prepared for manufacture using 2D and 3D computer-aided
design. Full manufacturing specification is provided, as CAD data
(e.g. IGES surfaces) and/or 2D drawings, assemblies and parts lists.
Rapid prototypes
From the manufacturing data, prototype parts can be produced by a
number of techniques, such as stereo lithography, laser sintering
or CNC machining, in a matter of days, or even hours. This allows
for the testing of component fit and function prior to commissioning
expensive tooling.
Consultancy and project management
NEPPCO can provide independent advice on materials, processes and manufacturers, and
management of the implementation stages of the project. It can also provide help with project planning,
liaison with suppliers, toolmakers and third parties.
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