D2M Product Design | UK Product Design Company

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Research and Consultancy Manager of a Product Design Consultancy based at De Montfort University, Leicester.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire D2M Innovation | Product Design Company?

We were running a Research England Funded Programme to aid companies to understand the value of design through engaging in New Product Development. One specific company who had a great idea we did not have the expertise to complete in house, and put this work up for Tender. D2M were the strongest bid by far.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Scoring system through tender, D2M submitted an incredibly strong proposal, which clearly outlined the issues of the project, how they would overcome these and were always clear on price.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Unfortunately I cannot discuss the project due to Confidentiality.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

4 Members

• MD
• 2 Senior Designers
• Textile Expert

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Project outcomes from D2M were amazing. High quality work and professionalism from start to finish with a stunning prototype as one of many outcomes.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication between the Design Unit and D2M was brilliant. Although we were both clear from the outset that communication is key and if any issues arise we outline these as soon as possible. D2M were transparent, clear, and great to work with.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The talent of the designers at D2M is second to none, their expertise in the childcare area were a skill we did not have within our own company and this makes them very unique.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

We wish we had more opportunities to work with such a great consultancy!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the inventor. The product (the shiffter) is a hand-held jet wash to replace the unpopular toilet brush.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire D2M Innovation | Product Design Company?

Concepts, design, prototype production, manufacturing costs and drawings for the patent application.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Just what I was looking for and were local.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Three concepts produced. Chosen concept moved to design. 3D printed prototype created. Manufacturing specification produced and manufacturing costs obtained. Patent drawings provided.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Phil (managing director), Richard (product designer) and Glen (project manager).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Product designed and prototype created. Importantly, I was able to patent the design and protect a market worth over £500 million.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Predominantly worked with the designer and project manager - good communication throughout.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their presentation of the initial concepts was very impressive. Subsequent product design work also excellent.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Would be good if they offered a managed manufacturing service too.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We hold patents and are in process of developing a family of products to exploit them

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire D2M Innovation | Product Design Company, and what were your goals?

D2M have the experience and skills to help us develop concepts into market-ready products.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We looked for the right mix of skills, relevant industry experience and a rapport with individuals.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Concept to prototype, to manufacturing solutions with marketing insights along the way

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

4. From principal through specialist product designers, to admin and support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Difficult to assess as we are a start-up and had no previous performance or measurable criteria to judge by. However, our wider experience indicates firmly that D2M have delivered every 'mini-project' skilfully and in a timely way with a great deal of creativity and imagination as well as efficiency and effectiveness

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Personal and specific to our needs. Frequent face-to-face meetings (where needed and possible) as well as zoom meetings etc.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Rapid understanding of the specific needs of the projects; responsiveness and timely delivery

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None