How
Forlenza ID + UX executes a 6-Stage product development process across all projects whether big or small, simple or complex.
Phase 1. Design Research, Strategy + First Pass Concept Development
Begins with research phases consisting of user task analysis and personas, in-the-field observations, need finding, journey mapping and competitive landscape analysis to find and understand opportunity areas. The core research aspects are followed by a deep dive into concept development which starts with dozens of rapid hand sketching ideas and concepts. Following the sketching phase, the most effective concepts are taken into a tighter concept development phase via digital illustration and old-school hand rendering. Phase 1 concludes with presentation to client and selection of concepts.
Phase 2. Concept Refinement + Second Pass Concept Development
Each selected concept from Phase 1 is further explored and refined into additional variations in digital, hand rendered and orthographic view format. At this stage, many concepts are taken into a quick model building phase to verify ergonomics, usability, general form factor, volume and size. Refinements can include any design requests/ideas/input from client cross-functional teams. Phase 2 concludes with presentation to client and selection of final concept(s).
Phase 3. 3D ID CAD + Rapid Prototypes
Consists of 3D CAD skin generation via 3D parametric CAD software. Phase 3 enables engineering teams to better understand and interpret the product's industrial design intent. 3D prototype models are generated to further verify form and usability.
Phase 4. Industrial Design to Engineering / Manufacturing Implementation
3D ID CAD is handed off to engineering teams. During this phase, it is imperative that Industrial Design and Engineering collaborate together to finalize CAD as internal/external architecture is added and adjustment of geometry is needed. Consists of many ID/Engineering communications, ID form factor adjustments, new design solutions and travel to contract manufacturers (CMs).
Phase 5. Photo-Realistic Rendering + Appearance Model
Once Engineering CAD is finalized, it is taken into photo-realistic rendering software to produce real-life renderings to further verify final design plus a wide range of color, material and finishes (CMF) possibilities. An ID appearance model will also be generated for final design verification and presentation.
Phase 6. Artwork Prep + Prototype Evaluation + Tooled/Manufactured Part Approval
Phase 6 consists of reviewing all manufactured parts pre-assembly and post-assembly for perfect fit and finish. In addition, ID generates and configures all artwork and operational graphics. Inside this phase, Industrial Design will work with manufacturing to adjust for all tooled, manufactured and painted parts plus artwork in order for ID approval sign-off.
