Our approach
Human centred solutions
Our approach to product design and development is one of collaboration and sincerity. We work closely with our clients to create human centred solutions of the highest calibre. Over nearly 20 years weʼve developed a process based on “design intelligence” that aims to treat everything we do as a design problem with an elegant solution waiting to be uncovered.
Although every project is different, requiring subtle changes to our thinking and delivery, we always follow a core 6-stage process.
Listen + Understand
We seek understanding of the issues by canvassing our clients, their customers, potential suppliers, competitors and any other stakeholders to gather information. We get out of the office and ride on trains, visit shopping malls, use sample products, we observe, we imagine what would happen in the future. We ask people questions in order to establish a framework to move forward.
Think + Create
Once weʼve gathered our research, we think. We imagine solutions, we challenge the status quo, we re-think what others have always done. Then we create. We sketch, we build mock-ups, we use found objects, whatever it takes to get to the idea. We produce concepts that will delight and surprise. Concepts that we know can be developed.
Develop + Refine
After selecting the preferred direction we develop the detail. 3D CAD models are produced with every aspect of the new design considered - fits, function, appearance, feel, manufacturability, cost. We consult with suppliers, manufacturers, industry experts and, of course, our clients to develop a design. We build test rigs and mockups to test and evaluate. We evolve and refine the design based on our findings until we are satisfied it is the one.
Prototype + Test
Once the preferred design is developed, we build fully detailed working prototypes to bring the product to life. We test the prototype like it was a real product, paying attention to the detail, seeking problems now, and rectifying them, so they won't become issues down the line. We encourage our clients, and their customers, to interact with the models to test our design and ensure fitness for purpose.
Review + Define
Once the prototypes have been fully tested by Katapult and our client, all details of the product are reviewed and then finalised prior to production as part of a detailed refinement phase. The CAD files and production specs are reviewed, revised and completed for compliance with local and international design standards. This package of documentation now fully defines the product and can be issued for final production quotes and then subsequent manufacture.Implement + Support
The final data set is then issued to the selected supplier(s). We work closely with them to ensure that the design intent is maintained throughout the process and the final result is as expected. We review tooling files and advise on production issues, we critique pre-production samples and marshall our team. We are our clientʼs eyes and ears as their dream becomes reality.
Business model
Our collaborative business model is somewhat different to our competitors. We develop specific teams for each project. Team members will be drawn from our own staff and an additional pool of industry experts from around the world, bringing their cutting edge knowledge and skills to your project. Katapult Design directs and manages these teams to deliver globally relevant solutions.
In this way we remain nimble, yet powerful. We have enormous firepower when itʼs needed, yet we are intimate enough to handle every enquiry personally.
Want to know more? Contact us.
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“I don’t remember being forced to accept compromise in the design process, but I willingly accept constraints.” Charles Eames |
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