Ergonomic and structural packaging:

Using SDRC Ideas parametric modelling to design injection moulded parts to house electronic and controller modules, iD4 helped engineer SeymourPowells' aesthetic foam models into functioning products, engineering the controls and structural packaging for feel, quality and action.

The designer looked at button throws/action, haptic and tactile feedback, crafting buttons for topology, mapping, surface of button, blind feel, gap lines for tectonics, mechanisms, clasps and hinges in plastic .

Engineering design was considered for mass manufacture and employed Stereo Lithographic Prototyping and accurate 3D models for FEA analysis.

Time Lapse Analysis: Observational behaviour

While working with PDD, we looked at models of analysis for observational behaviour which helped comprehend the theatre of a product in use. Compartmentalising the stages of a product in use, helping developments in a products quality through engineering a premium experience. Using the hidden needs presented to us by the end users behaviour.

Alec Robertson's intellectual model of time/use and Edward De Bono`s "Soft systems methodology" were used to make observational research a more effective design method at PDD.

Putting research information into context can reveal a product's function - a vital process in design selection. PDD opened their observational research unit in London in 2000 and use it to scrutinize behavioural aspects for product specification.

Pressing the right buttons: “When research information is put into the context of product development, it not only reveals a product's function, but is a vital process in design selection.”