Kit Bashing

The term "kit bashing" means to destroy a perfectly good and working product in attempts to create another product - typically a mockup or idea. Its a fun and creative exercise we do from time to time during the initial phases of the product design process.

Extensive development costs (man hours and purchasing costs) can be spent reaching a point to prove an idea. But in some cases the idea or action were trying to prove already exists but in a completely different platform/product category.

Not only does this exercise save time but it is very effective in manipulating existing technology or action or as simple as highlighting a shape, material or color.

Unique Material Application

This past week I have been researching some pretty interesting materials.

At our studio we are currently working on a project that requires finding a material that does all of the following - solid (but free-flowing), clear visibility, self healing, and non-sticky.  Believe me, there are not many materials in the world that fit this bill.

Completely solid materials were too limiting, so I began searching in the non-Newtonian fluid realm.  I was directed towards objects such as Oobleck, Floam, and Silly Putty...but transparency was still an issue.  Eventually I came across an amazing product called Crystal Clear Thinking Putty which I found on Puttyworld.com.  This material is completely clear, forms back into itself after being stretched and pressed, is only slightly tacky, and never dries out.

We've done initial tests with this material, and so far it has met everything we are looking for.  Very amazing stuff, and a lot of fun to work with.  This is a great example of a material application that is quite unique.  Often times it takes an unexpected direction to find a solution for a project!



Clear Thinking Putty (also shown with small acrylic balls mixed in)

Its finally here... The Refresher FS2

A few entries back, I shared my experiences while attending the 2013 PGA show launching the Refresher 1200 with Flex Serve technology. After a couple of months of engineering modifications and vehicle platform changes it's ready for taking orders.

Just shy of a year, we teamed with 19th Hole Marketing on this massive project with just an idea -how can we leapfrog the current cart vending paradigm? It has been a fun ride with the creative team from 19th Hole and we look forward to other large scale projects with them.

With all of the buzz I saw over the Refresher 1200 prototype at the PGA show I know this will be a hit out on the golf course.
More importantly this will be an exciting year for 19th Hole Marketing - start the punch presses!

Being A Service Leader

When it comes to evaluating service performance, we're in a unique position.  We're both a service provider and a service recipient.  When we're the recipient, our experience ranges from frustrating to exceeding our expectations.  In either case, our experience causes me to reflect on the service that we are delivering.

The New Service Paradigm - there are some companies that we deal with that are what I consider 'Wired' (taken from Wired, one of my favorite magazines, meaning dialed in and an innovation leader).  These companies have reinvented how service is provided in their industry and have raised the standard for everyone else.  Examples include Protomold, McMasterCarr, Rapid Sheetmetal and UPS.  These Wired companies have streamlined their operational processes through careful attention to every interaction and consistent performance.   They have invested in being an expert in the area that they service.  

Higher expectations created by Wired companies highlight service providers that are not.  Common frustrations include:

• Not presenting a clear process: How do I work with you?
• Getting to the price
• Getting answers related to schedule and status
• Inconsistent performance and results

This topic has spurred many discussions and actions here at the Juggernaut studio to be Wired. I'll admit that this is a moving target and we're continually working to improve.  Even though product development is a complex and not always straight line activity, we strive to:

• Help our clients define and understand the project
• Provide consistent processes that deliver consistent results
• Discuss costs early and providerealistic budgets up front
• Collaborate - providing frequent reviews and updates
• Be easy to contact

I can't stress the last point enough; the act of simply making myself available to our client has a tremendous impact.

Recycling - YouChange

With the arrival of newer and faster tech comes the time to say good-bye to outdated electronics.


Old Juggernaut Equipment

Over time, the accumulation of old unused computers, keyboards, routers, and printers begins to pile up in random places around the studio. It reaches a point where everyone says, "Hey, we should really get rid of all this junk!"

Over the past year at Juggernaut we have updated our workstations with new computers, monitors, and printers.  As technology becomes more efficient, it is important that we stay up to date and take advantage of what's available.  Not only with hardware, but software as well.  Newer tools are worth upgrading to because in the end it makes our workflow faster and increases our creative options.

We will be donating all our old electronics gear to YouChange during their Earth Day drive.  Instead of these items ending up in the landfill, YouChange will recycle everything in a responsible way.  It is a great program, and something to take advantage of if you're ready to send off your well used electronics.

Creative Thinking - New Perspectives

Try something different.  Break your routine.

A nice plus about working in a consultancy is that we have experience with numerous subjects of product development.  Solutions from a medical project might have great potential in a consumer product.  Things like traveling to a new country, picking up a new interest/hobby, spending time with a crowd you might not normally hang with....these are all good ways to expand your thoughts and opinions.  Very useful for building your creative mind.

Image-Line's Harmor Plugin

I've recently become more and more inspired by interface designs, like those in phone and tablet apps - but more specifically DAW music production software.  The hundreds of plugins which can be used in a DAW have many different styles, layouts, colors, themes, etc ... Some of the designs and details are beautiful and very well done.  Unique buttons/knobs, slider/tab shapes, color use, font types and sizes, pop up menus - all of these provide inspiration for the work I do.

This is just one example of a recent personal hobby I've gotten into that has opened my eyes to many new visual ideas.  Without exposure to these interfaces, my creative thinking wouldn't have the same range of possibilities.

Relevancy

How to stay relevant to a seasoned client...

Sometimes when firms like ours have long-term relationships with company's that have a steady pipeline of new projects, you need to find ways not to become complacent or loose your independent perspective.
One of the challenges I'm facing with a client of ours is how to keeping them focused on our expertise while building a long term relationship.

I use a couple techniques...

1. Change up the presentations.
It’s easy to fall into a routine, but I think routine kills creativity. Juggernaut has implemented a new research method, and engaged them by sharing ideas through story telling. The goal of our process is to encourage action on the part of the client. Is someone working harder than you to find out what your competition is doing?

2. Focus on why they need it and NOT what they need.
As a design consultants, we wear many hats and have to tap into countless knowledge bases. The client is expecting us to help pave the future of their product road-map. Here at the studio, we tap into our client's concerns and work to turn their problems into potential opportunities.

3. Simply be available.
I like to think of our client’s time is more important than mine; good chance it probably is. When the client has an idea (whether it’s a new product category, new material or manufacturing process) I engage them, show interest, and point to advantages and disadvantages of topics discussed. Assist in building new SOW, if they value our input, they will trust our insight.

I always remind myself, our valued client may be looking at our competition!