What we do

We tailor our process to suit our clients’ needs. Our input can cover everything from the invention of new technology to the development of the CMF strategy. Whatever the scope of work, our process typically breaks down into four key phases:

A wearable tech design expert in the process of using brainstorming, iPad drawing and modelmaking to create a holistic design concept.

Card prototype of a 2D mechanism with annotations, showing mechanical design exploration.

Headphone ergonomic product research illustration with anthropometric dimensions, focused on user-centred design.

Workshop bench with aesthetic prototypes in four colours prior to assembly, highlighting model-making capabilities.

SolidWorks CAD screenshot of a medical device assembly, revealing intricate internal mechanisms.

Grid of 3D printed earbud prototypes tested for fit, demonstrating ergonomic design research.

Post-it notes showing ideation sketches to explore design concepts for innovative headphones

Grasshopper software screenshot showing parametric modelling of complex pattern, illustrating advanced CAD capabilities.

Variety of colour samples representing expertise in CMF (colour-material-finish) development.

Explore

This is the first phase of a project where we open up the brief and generate concepts. This phase typically involves brainstorming sessions, trend research, copious sketching and workshop experimentation. This is the phase where we play with ideas. Activities in this phase might include:

Creative workshops – often hosted in our studio

Trend analysis

Exploration of material opportunities

Anthropometric research

Proof-of-principle prototyping and rig-building

Sketching/concept development

Sketch-CAD modelling

Initial renderings

Goodwin Hartshorn Designer hand-sketching product design concepts at an oak table.

Focus

In this phase, we use a variety of processes to filter and select the ideas from the exploration phase. Depending on the project, this stage may involve the creation of mechanical prototypes, scale models and ergonomic rigs. It is also where we generate CAD models and renderings which define the essence of the design. We use these models, rigs and renderings to help our clients select the best routes for further development. Activities in this phase might include:

Surface modelling in CAD
Physical form studies in our workshop
Mechanical prototyping in our workshop
Technical analysis informed by our design and engineering library
3D printing using our rapid prototyper
Ergonomic studies and initial testing
Photo-realistic renderings and visualisations

Designer testing a foam prototype in the Goodwin Hartshorn workshop with a hands on focus for ergonomic design.

Develop

Following the selection of key concepts, we look at every design detail and iterate through solutions to optimise the concepts functionally and aesthetically. During this phase we will typically commission aesthetic models, refine CAD models, optimise ergonomic rigs and define the CMF. This is where the concepts really start to take shape. Activities might include:

CAD iteration and refinement

Aesthetic model-making with partners

Development of branding and graphics

Material and component selection utilising our materials library

Building the colour-material-finish (CMF) strategy

Management of colour plaques and sampling

User studies

Design for manufacture (DFM)

Creation of visual assets

Goodwin Hartshorn designers reviewing CAD in the London studio, demonstrating collaboration during the development phase.

Deliver

In this phase we work very closely with our clients to bring the products to market. We develop the designs to address engineering constraints, manufacturability, intellectual property (IP) protection and aesthetic harmony. This phase is where the designs are refined ready for mass production. Activities might include:

CAD refinement following client testing and factory feedback

Supporting intellectual property protection – patents and design registration

Sample reviewing and selection

Creation of marketing assets

Edward Goodwin overseeing a factory quality check of a plaster mould, showing the end-to-end design service.