Development Process

At Optima, creating outstanding products and delivering compelling user experiences begins with a thorough understanding of user behavior. By analysing users in the context of their environment and exploring applicable technologies, we can craft user-centric solutions that genuinely meet their needs.

In addition to understanding the user, we also conduct in-depth market research, including competitive analysis, to identify emerging trends within specific product and service sectors. This ensures that our proposals are not only user-driven but also aligned with broader market opportunities.

Our comprehensive discovery phase provides us with a solid foundation of information, allowing us to confidently proceed to the development stage with well-informed decisions.

After the discovery phase, the next step is to generate concepts through sketches, mock-ups, exploratory images, and rendered CAD models based on the design brief. These initial concepts define the product’s aesthetic and functional requirements, guiding further development.

Key factors like user interaction, aesthetics, ergonomics, and manufacturing feasibility are integrated from the outset. Early involvement of suppliers is common, as their expertise in materials and production methods ensures the design is practical and manufacturable.

Preliminary cost estimates are gathered to give clients a clearer understanding of the project’s financial scope. These estimates help clients make informed decisions about technologies and manufacturing techniques, aligning the design with their budget and goals.

Additionally, concept-level renderings and images are produced to visualize the design. Clients use these visuals to evaluate market potential, secure stakeholder support, and conduct early promotional activities, helping to gather feedback and build momentum as the project progresses.

Once the concept phase is complete, the chosen design is refined using advanced CAD software to create a fully defined 3D model. This ensures the product’s form, fit, and function are optimised, allowing it to perform as expected and preventing costly issues later in development.

Tools like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) are used to enhance the design. FEA evaluates material behaviour, stress points, and structural integrity, while DFMA ensures the design is cost-effective and easy to manufacture, reducing production complexities.

Rapid prototyping is crucial at this stage, enabling the creation of physical models for evaluating ergonomics, fit, and aesthetics. This hands-on approach helps identify issues early, before they become expensive problems.

Prototypes also allow clients and stakeholders to provide direct feedback, which is often more insightful than renderings alone. This collaborative process ensures the final design meets expectations and reduces costly revisions later on.

Complex designs often require multiple iterations to achieve the desired result. Feedback from stakeholders and ongoing testing drive necessary changes, ensuring that the design evolves into the most effective version. This iterative approach allows for continuous refinement based on real-world insights.

During the optimisation phase, detailed costings are developed using quotes from various supply chain and manufacturing partners. This step is crucial for aligning the design with the project’s budget and timeline. Accurate cost estimates for materials and manufacturing processes allow for informed decision-making about the best approach to production, avoiding unexpected expenses.

With these costings in place, manufacturing planning becomes more efficient, ensuring that potential challenges are anticipated and addressed. This careful financial planning helps ensure that the project stays on track, both in terms of budget and timeline. By combining design iteration with strategic cost management, the project can move forward smoothly, resulting in a successful final product.

Product delivery is a comprehensive process that goes beyond the final product. We can provide photo-realistic visuals that showcase the product from every angle, helping clients visualise the design for presentations, marketing, and promotional purposes.

We also offer detailed assembly instructions, ensuring that the product can be assembled easily and safely. Our instructions are clear, with step-by-step guidance and easy-to-follow diagrams.

In terms of branding and packaging, we collaborate with clients to create customized solutions that reflect their brand identity. We design visually appealing and protective packaging that enhances the customer experience while ensuring the product’s safety.

Additionally, we develop animations for marketing to highlight the product’s features and functionality in an engaging way. These animations are perfect for use in promotional videos, social media, and websites, helping to capture customer interest and drive product awareness.

Together, these services ensure a complete, market-ready product.