Conceptual design

Working with Clients from many different industries helped us to develop our own design process in which, based on an approved brief, we can launch the conceptual design phase. In our methodology it is a step right after pred-design. This stage is a critical phase in the industrial design process where the initial ideas and concepts for a product are developed and explored. This phase is characterized by creativity, brainstorming, and the generation of innovative solutions. It sets the foundation for the entire design process and aims to define the visual direction of the project. The big step that is taken during that phase can have a striking effect - what just a moment ago was a list of requirements becomes a completely new set of renderings and 3D models that represent hard work of designers. 

As our design team develops new designs for our client, we aim to maintain communication between all the interested parties to keep them updated. In chronological order we can distinguish design tasks such as below:

Analysis of Existing Products, Technologies, and Mechanical Issues
Our design team conducts thorough research to understand the current market, available technologies, and potential mechanical challenges.

Seeking Inspiration and Preliminary Sketches
Various sources for inspiration are explored and initial sketches visualizing early ideas are made.

Simplified 3D Models of Concepts
Designers develop basic 3D models to represent conceptual ideas and assess their feasibility.

Internal Meetings
Whole team makes decisions on the direction of the project, select concepts for further development, and conduct peer and project manager (PM) reviews.

Checklist Creation by PM
The PM compiles a checklist of essential product features to ensure all critical aspects are covered.

Modeling Final Visual Concepts
Detailed visual models of the selected concepts are made in CAD software for presentation and further evaluation.

Scene Preparation and Texturing of Models for Rendering
Scene and texture the models are prepared to ensure high-quality renderings.

Rendering
Designers generate high-resolution renders to visually communicate the final concepts.

Dimensional Drawings and 3D PDFs
Very general technical drawings and 3D PDFs are made to provide comprehensive views of the designs thanks to use of CAD software.

Discussion of Final Concepts with PM
Review of the final concepts with the PM takes place to ensure all project requirements are met.

Creating a Presentation
A detailed presentation showcasing the final concepts, their features, and benefits  is assembled.

Presenting the Concept to the Client
Presentation is delivered to the client, highlighting key design elements and decisions.

Sending a Complete Set of Described Materials to the Client
PM ensures that the client receives all relevant materials with detailed descriptions for their review and feedback.

This description covers all that happens before the Client's choice of one of the presented versions of the design for further development. The course of events after selecting one of the concept is as follows and in Mindsailors methodology is described as Targeted Conceptual Design phase: 

Final Decision
Client confirms the choice of the design to develop.

Client Feedback
Feedback from the client regarding style, material, ergonomics and functional solutions is gathered. Sometimes this step is expanded by target group tests.

Change List
A list of possible changes to be implemented in the design is created.

Implementation Proposal
Designers propose how the requested changes will be implemented.

Time Estimation for Revision
Time estimation of design tasks required for delivering first revision of the design is made.

Confirmation
Client is contacted in order to confirm design changes, implantation proposal and time estimation. 

3D Model Adjustments
Improvements and detailed refinements are made by the design team in the 3D model.

Documentation and Presentation
Final version of the conceptual design is presented to the client. 

Optional hourly tasks:

Visual/Dimensional Prototyping
Create visual or dimensional prototypes.

Additional Revisions
Perform second, third, fourth revisions, animations, etc.