Product Design and Development
Protect Your Business Right Now
You’ve probably come across a wide variety of design types out there. Design is a specific type of application of shapes, techniques and functionalities that a product offers.
To create a good product design, it is essential to use the most advanced CAD tools so that the definition, detailing and aesthetic representation are nothing less than sensational.
Want to learn more about product design and development? Then keep reading for more details!
What are the stages of product development?
See below the main stages of product development when hiring a specialized company for the service!
Summary
This is the stage of capturing the product idea, defining what is desired in terms of form, cost, function, market objectives, execution time, among other important factors. At this stage, a confidentiality agreement is signed so that the client has complete confidence in sharing their idea with the company.
Search
This is a step to carry out research on materials, usability, similar products, cost and also productivity of manufacturing processes.
Project
At this stage, sketches, 3D models and/or other documents are created to prepare the project to be used in the construction of the product.
Prototyping
Here the construction of the aesthetic prototype (mock-up) or fully functional prototype is carried out.
Final product
At this stage, the project will be ready with any changes or corrections for delivery to the supplier who will manufacture it, containing drawings, 3D models and other necessary documents.
VILAGE has a qualified and experienced technical team to execute projects in 3D and 2D CAD. In the following topics, you will better understand what these technologies are.
What is product design?
Product design is nothing more than the creation and elaboration of the visual aspect of an object. It is, therefore, the development of the external part of a product that is beautiful and functional to present to the supplier, consumer, etc., being directly intertwined with UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface Design).
The creation of a product design begins with the creation team, production and, then, prototyping and testing, always following the line of the intended design.
Although it is not often discussed, this is fundamental and necessary for the development of a project, brand or company. Therefore, it is important to rely on the work of professionals in the area who guarantee an excellent design and maintain the safety of innovation.
What does a product designer do?
Well, the product designer is very concerned with the presentation, functionality and ease of use by the public. The specialized designer can work as part of a team from the design of the new product to the prototypes, manufacturing and initial testing of the innovation, including visual identity or packaging for presentation and also conservation of the piece.
It is precisely for this reason that professionals must have broad knowledge about the types of materials and production methods for different demands. To this day, people invest in or consume products precisely because of their design.
What is its importance?
The aesthetic aspect of a product, no matter how simple it may be, is very important in the development of a project or brand. The design, together with the brand, is what will differentiate your product from others on the market. Furthermore, the importance of design is to make the product striking and easy to handle, allowing it to be more efficient without losing visual harmony.
Therefore, it is quite common for people to buy or invest in a certain product especially for its aesthetics. It is no wonder that brands that invest in great design end up standing out in the market.
What is CAD?
CAD (Computer Aided Design) is a technology for 3D and 2D design and technical documentation capable of replacing manual design through a fully automated process.
2D or 3D CAD software are widely used programs that can help create construction documentation, explore 3D design and 2D design ideas, 3D modeling, visualize concepts from photorealistic renderings, and simulate how a design will work in the real world.
Therefore, CAD software allows designers and engineers to create realistic models of assemblies and parts. Through them, digital 3D models and technical drawings are created, thus facilitating the subsequent design of the project itself.
These digital models can be manufactured using a 3D printer or CNC (computer numerical control) machining, quickly achieving a physical form that is completely identical to the digital one. In addition, CAD software can be easily used to run simulations in the virtual environment.
Some 3D modeling software has a wide range of parameters that simulate force or temperature resistance before any physical model has been created, allowing for a much faster and cheaper workflow.
Why is it important to protect your product after it has been developed?
Unfortunately, innovative products can be easily copied. Therefore, they need to be protected as soon as possible. So, you have a few options: apply for a patent for the product (when there is a new functionality to be protected) and/or register an industrial design (which protects the design). Such registrations are carried out through the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property).
It is important to remember that there are 2 types of patent:
- Utility model patent: this category includes any creation that improves on a project or object that has already been invented;
- Invention patent: this includes any creation that has never been invented.
Remembering that the legislation excludes from protection as a utility model and invention several ideas, actions, scientific discoveries, creations, intellectual activities, inventions or methods that cannot be industrialized, such as:
- Abstract ideas, mathematical methods, scientific discoveries or inventions that cannot be industrialized;
- Therapeutic or surgical techniques applied to the human body;
- Commercial techniques, schemes or plans for calculations, credit, financing, speculation and lottery;
- Insurance plans, health care plans, store discount schemes and teaching methods, works of art, architectural plans, books, films, music, as well as information presentations such as labels and posters.
And when the aesthetic appearance (shape, colors, patterns, etc.) is a key characteristic of a product, the best option is to register an Industrial Design. It is important to consider that protection applies to the external visual presentation of the product and not to its function. And remember that the design or model must be new and have elements that differentiate it from others. Therefore, only a distinctive and new creation will benefit from protection through registration with the INPI.
It is possible to request, for example, the registration of a new format of watch, vehicle, furniture, toy or even a textile print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your idea will certainly become more valuable when it can be realized, that is, after going through the entire design and development process of your product. While it is just an abstract idea, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to realize it without first delving deeper into the project and overcoming the difficulties of execution.
VILAGE has over 38 years of experience and credibility in the Brazilian market, in addition to having a confidentiality and service provision agreement that guarantees your peace of mind in sharing your idea so that we can, together, improve it. While it is just an abstract idea, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to carry it out without first delving deeper into the project and overcoming the difficulties of execution.
The project is YOURS alone! VILAGE, being hired to help develop the project, is only providing a service so that YOU are able to carry out your idea.
It depends on the type of service or the level of maturity of your project. The cost of the service will be proportional to the hours we spend to materialize your project.
It will certainly be cheaper than you imagine and, of course, turning an idea into reality, in addition to being very rewarding and satisfying, can become very profitable if your product is successful in the market.
Yes! And when your project is validated and closer to something actually feasible, it generates more credibility, especially if you have built a prototype to demonstrate to potential customers.
Yes, many clients request only the 3D modeling so that they can carry out the patent process. In many cases, the sketches are not enough for our Engineering and Patents department to represent their idea clearly enough, making it necessary for the Product Development department to prepare a model with a little more detail. This way, there is a much greater chance that the INPI examiner will better understand how it works and eventually grant the patent.
