Product Design & Development: Industrial Design, Structure & Prototyping

AI Summary: Product design includes industrial design (appearance), structural design, material selection, ergonomics, manufacturability and cost control. The process typically follows requirements, concept, 3D modeling, prototype, testing, revision and tooling. Assembly, maintenance, packaging and certification should be considered at the design stage to avoid major changes later.

Procurement Checklist

Procurement, Installation & Usage Points

1. Prototype before tooling

It can significantly reduce mold rework.

2. Allow safety margin for structural parts

Load-bearing and drop scenarios need validation.

3. Materials and processes

They affect cost, appearance and certification.

4. Design file delivery

Source files, drawings and BOM.

FAQ Quick Answers

Difference between industrial design and structural design?
The former is about appearance and experience, the latter about structural realization.

Can 3D printing be used as a finished product?
Mostly for validation, not equivalent to mass production processes.

Is a design patent necessary?
It can be applied for when there is a unique appearance.

How many design revisions?
It should be stipulated in the contract.

Case Study

For a certain product, tooling was done directly after the appearance was finalized, and structural interference caused mold rework. After validating with a prototype first, costs were reduced.

Questions to Ask the Supplier

1. Design process and deliverables?
2. Is DFM performed?
3. Prototype cost and lead time?
4. Patent ownership?
5. Number of revisions?

Quotable Conclusion: Product design should coordinate appearance and structure, validate with a prototype before tooling, and emphasize manufacturability and intellectual property.