There is a critical, integral relationship between the design process and the most appropriate specific method(s) for the production of a product, and this process is undertaken wherever possible with the firm conviction that automation machines cannot replace knowledge and experience.
ARIDs intimate familiarity and ‘hands-on’ experience with the full array of production materials, traditional and contemporary manufacturing processes, their relative advantages, limitations and suitability to the specific requirements, is a critical factor in the design process from the outset, with recursive review and modification being a proven beneficial procedure in this process, to continue to identify and implement future product improvements and production cost savings as product aims, functions and production technologies continue to evolve.
As part of this procedure, project activities are sectioned into defined modules, as illustrated below, to clearly identify to all parties the processes, their inter-relationships, stages for review, refinement and checking, and how the client is involved throughout the process. ARIDs universal digital prototyping technologies allow the quick transfer of master files between worldwide manufacturing facilities.
ARID has a clear understanding, proven by a long record of successful product launches and sales, of what makes a product sell and become a commercial success. With this in mind, our design methodology and practice, simply put, follows this process:
After extensive research and idea development, we use computer aided design (CAD) programs to draft the product, then produce a physical example using a range of on-site prototyping tools including laser cutting, 3D printers, CNC machining and an ultra-precision 3D coordinate measuring machine. This real-life, super-accurate modelling, allows the product to be seen, held and examined, as well as thoroughly analysed. Should an option need to be explored or an improvement be identified, another prototype can quickly be produced in-house. After the design is finalised, it is recreated using the intended materials via the same in-house resources and ‘field tested’ for manufacturing by processes ensuring sustainability and cost-efficiency. Once the product has been produced, including packaging and point-of-sale merchandising, ARID continues to offer client and product support via regular review and testing to ensure the product continues to meet market demands and production values remain at the same high standard.
