Solo Form: Product Design, Development of Products & Product Innovations
Solo Form develops its identity and philosophy in fields such as product design, development of products and product innovations. The main goals of the brand are aimed at solving problems in the world around us, an innovative approach and creating opportunities for the development of various products. A direction is followed to improve and upgrade projects with potential and turn them into real products. The brand has its own process for developing product solutions, building high added value and potential for a final product. All this has been built over the years on the basis: development of own products; production of custom products and services in the field of product design; creating sustainable relationships in partnership projects and developments. Over the years, Solo Form follows a main philosophy: “Form Follows Function”. The idea of a good and valuable design is its functionality, without which design is incomplete. This makes it realistic for the market, applicable, innovative and useful to people, regardless of its purpose.
For Solo Form the main priorities during product development are: analysis of real potential and opportunities for the development of the idea or already started project; taking into consideration the engineering, production, economic and marketing characteristics of the development; searching for solutions in the event of problems; creating variants and directions for development; experimentation with principles, functions, production technologies and materials. Communication is an essential part of the process, so feedback is important during the product development. Another major element is the collaboration with the specialists and subcontractors involved in the project, whether they are manufacturers, engineers, constructors, technologists, marketers, economists, managers, software and hardware specialists, academics and others.
The Founder
Eng. Designer Pavel Vlahov
Product Designer, Design Engineer, Inventor and Craftsman.
Founder of the brand “Solo Form”. The priorities and development of the brand are focused on development activities, applying interconnected processes such as product design and product development, as well as its own methodology for building product innovations. Laying a solid foundation for targeted and consistent product management, covering three main directions of development directions: development of own products and brands; services in the field of product design and product development; participation in partnership projects for products and product innovations. Founder of product brands – Boater Design, Fulmech Design, Rotactio Design and Vehimotus – with a priority in the development of own products, product innovations and generation of intellectual property. Participation in partnership projects and various types of long-term projects and developments: HTEconomizer – “System for Energy Savings”, “Bathroom System” and “Winter Soles with Foot Heater”; Uniergo – “Multifunctional Crutch”; “Tablet for Blind People” and others.
Design, development and organization of projects related to physical products and product innovations. Analysis and consultations aimed at building high added value in product developments. Participation in stages of the formation and preparation of various types of intellectual property, as well as its adaptation to the product development process. Communication and joint work with profiled specialists and subcontractors in various fields. Previous experience in the production of custom-made products and different types of products, as well as in organizing processes for the production of test parts and prototypes. Built own process and methodology for development of products – “Product Design and Development”.
About Solo Form – https://solo-form.com/en/about-solo-form/
The Process
The goal of each project is to pass through „Product design & Development” step by step. It starts with designing in the stages of “Conceptual Development” and “3D Modeling”. It continues with development at the “Models and Prototypes” stage through mock-ups, test models and a main prototype, and their number is specified depending on the characteristics and goals of the project. The previous three stages are very important for the organization and development of – the fourth stage of the process – “Adaptation of Manufacturing”, which covers the development of a pre-production prototype.
“Product Design and Development” – https://solo-form.com/en/product-design-and-development/
STAGE 1: CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT
ANALYSIS AND PRODUCT SKETCHES
STAGE 2: 3D MODELING
3D MODEL
Analysis of Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”, due to the transition from a 2D environment (product sketches) to a 3D environment (3D model). Dimensioning of the main design in a CAD environment, which allows a smooth transition to 3D modeling of its overall structure. The next step is designing the base components that make up the design. This is followed by final 3D modeling of the design – finalizing details, specifying structural elements and adapting to production characteristics. The final phase of 3D modeling is assembly of the main design – assembling its component parts and details that make up its overall structure. A basic analysis is carried out and changes are made if necessary – redesign.
STAGE 3: MODELS AND PROTOTYPES
MODELS, MOCKUPS, EXPERIMENTAL PROTOTYPES AND MAIN PROTOTYPE
Analysis of Stage 2: “3D Modeling” and development of a detailed plan for the required number of products – model mock-ups and test parts. Without the previous two project stages, this stage is unfeasible. This is followed by a detailed analysis and selection of suitable production technologies and materials, as well as selection of subcontractors. In order to obtain technological and price options, and from there the valuation of the production of the products and the necessary budget for the stage. This is followed by an intensive process of making model mock-ups, test parts and components. The goal is to build a main prototype. After completing the previous sub-stages, the main prototype is made. After its completion, a comprehensive analysis is made, if possible it is tested in real conditions, taking into account the technical characteristics of the materials used for its production.
STAGE 4: ADAPTATION OF MANUFACTURING
PRE-PRODUCTION PROTOTYPE
Analysis of Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” and adaptation of the achieved results in product development, to the last stage of the project process. The next step is the selection of production technologies and materials for the production of the pre-production prototype. Research and consultations are carried out for the selection of subcontractors, adaptation to production requirements and determination of production costs. It is important to communicate and work together with profiled specialists and manufacturers in the relevant fields. After the production of the pre-production prototype, a thorough analysis of its characteristics – production, economic and marketing – is carried out. The purpose of the stage is also to build a basis for the production of trial products – “zero series”.
It’s never in vain to invest in the process of “Product design & Development” because it adds value, builds content and creates potential. The idea will have far greater and more realistic opportunities to appear on the market as a product, and it will not remain at the level of idea, invention or innovation.
Services, Prices and General Terms – https://solo-form.com/en/services-prices-and-general-terms/
Projects and Developments
PROJECT CATEGORIES – https://solo-form.com/en/projects/
All projects are built through the process “Product Design & Development” and its stages and sub-stages. Each project consists of at least one of the design stages that cover the process – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”, Stage 2: “3D Modeling”, Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” and Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing”. Projects that have passed through all the main stages and their sub-stages have reached a solid basis for further development of the final product.
PRODUCT DESIGN – https://solo-form.com/en/product-design/
Product design and development of own products. Provision of services – designing; consulting; organizing and adapting projects to a product development process.
PRODUCT INNOVATIONS – https://solo-form.com/en/product-innovations/
Participation in partnership projects and development of own products – designing, developing and organizing product innovation projects into a product development process.
CUSTOM PRODUCTS – https://solo-form.com/en/custom-products/
Practical experience in making custom products, organizing the production of different types of scale models, test parts, components and prototypes.
Strategy and Progress
For Solo Form, diversification is a key component of building it as a brand, a consequence of the different stages of its development as such, and from there the definition of its priorities and goals. The formation of such potential is a long and gradual process of accumulation and selection of specific directions, with a number of opportunities and generation of high added value. Over the years, a solid foundation has been built, encompassing the creation of its own process and methodology for organizing product projects and their detailed development; experience has been gained on the basis of providing services – designing, development, consulting and production of custom-made products and items; participation in joint partnership projects and product developments. The first own products were created, taking into account the current level, experience and stage of development, realized in various forms on the market. A larger-scale strategy was built on this foundation, creating its own sub-brands with added projects and developments, with different goals, aimed at relevant market niches and target groups of customers. A long-term business strategy has been created, formed and refined, with consistent development, appropriate presentation, with flexible approaches and opportunities for market realization of the potential of the Solo Form brand and its sub-brands.
Business Strategy – https://solo-form.com/en/business/
The formation of the Solo Form brand is based on one main business strategy, divided into several sub-strategies, covering creation, upgrading and development, in certain time periods – based on two already completed strategies, a current one, which is in progress, and a future strategy, the implementation of which is yet to be completed. The main priorities are in several areas – product design, product development, product innovations, final products and intellectual property, aimed at generating it as an intangible asset, licensing and copyright, and the resulting possible sale of projects and developments. All this is based on an already created and upgraded over the years own project process “Product Design & Development”, applied and validated in real projects and developments, reaching through it specific and measurable final results.
Two of the priority directions of the Solo Form brand, built, shaped and consistently directed over the years – provision of services and participation in partnership projects and developments, – with the clear intention to serve as a basis for the future development of the third and most priority direction – own projects and developments. The creation of high added value in them is set as a requirement, which includes the generation of different types of intellectual property – registering trademarks, acquiring rights to industrial designs, utility models and inventions. At the same time, long-term partnerships and collaborations with companies and subcontractors in various fields – prototyping, production, marketing, etc. have been built over the years.
Own projects and developments are an integral part of Solo Form’s philosophy, laid as a foundation even in the concept of the brand. The creation of sub-brands is the logical continuation of this strategy, both in the short and long term. Thus, with the already created Boater Design, Fulmech Design, Rotactio Design, Vehimotus and Uniergo, including the partner brand HTEconomizer, priority is given to specific areas in which efforts will be directed in three main directions – final products, conceptual projects and image projects. Opportunities are provided for various forms of partnership, investment and acquisition of shares in sub-brands, as well as an option for equity participation in a specific project or development. Another possible direction is the purchase of projects, the acquisition of exclusive rights or the use of a partial license for already completed product developments.
Business Strategy Infographics – click HERE.
Own Brands
Sub-Brands – https://solo-form.com/en/sub-brands/
Boater Design – https://solo-form.com/en/article-archive/boater-design-water-attraction-vehicles-and-bait-boat-hulls/
Development of different types of water-attraction vehicles. Watercrafts and water attractions are designed for hotels, holiday homes, tourist towns, sanatoriums and areas specialized in water tourism – near lakes, dams and sea gulfs. Development of small-sized boats with remote control and for different purposes. Development of bait boat hulls. The bait boat hulls will be part of the equipment of fishermen, giving them the freedom to assemble their own project. They can add all sorts of components and accessories, in view of their requirements, possibilities and desires.
Fulmech Design – https://solo-form.com/en/article-archive/fulmech-design-hardware-products-and-machine-product-design/
Development of hardware products and product
solutions for electronics. Development of mechanical and electromechanical products and structures. Solutions for machine product design for CNC machines. Various product solutions of machine structures and devices, different types of mobile and stationary devices, tablets, stands and panels for scanning sensors and repeaters, etc. Creation of product concepts and solutions in the field of electronics, automation and machinery.
Rotactio Design – https://solo-form.com/en/article-archive/rotactio-design-bicycles-seats-and-utility-vehicles/
Development of city bicycles. Development of vehicle seats, various interior and exterior spaces, etc. Development of small-sized vehicles with internal combustion engine and electric drive. Compact vehicles (utility vehicles) for various activities – for a walk in the park or in nature; for delivery of mail and various types of utilities; in production workshops, warehouses and farms – for material transfer and waste disposal, etc.
Vehimotus – https://solo-form.com/en/article-archive/products-and-accessories-vehicles/
Development of products, product lines, different types of accessories and conceptual solutions for the exterior and interior of vehicles. A priority will be given to products for motor vehicles – cars (daily cars, sports cars and rally cars), crossovers and compact SUVs, standard SUVs, van cars, minivan cars, pick-up cars, etc. The product range will expand over time and will cover other types of vehicles. It covers a wide range of main and complementary products, as well as accessories for the exterior and interior of vehicles. The aim of the product solutions is to cover appropriately defined functional, ergonomic and visual characteristics, with a suitable selection of material types and their combinations. It is planned to also develop products in the field of fashion accessories and clothing, with a specific purpose and style, which will contribute to generating additional value for the brand.
Uniergo
Disability Aids Equipment – https://solo-form.com/en/project/disability-aids-equipment/
Crutches – Modular Structures – https://solo-form.com/en/project/crutches-modular-structures/
The brand is aimed at developing complex solutions for walking after injury to the lower limbs, encompassing several products in one multifunctional module. In a recovery process from physical injury, fracture or sprain, it is very important to realize that it does not occur with only one type of medical device. During the rehabilitation period from a physical injury, such as fracture or crick, it is very important to realize that this process does not pass with the use of a single type of a medical device. Usually, two types of crutches are used during the rehabilitation process: during the first stage of the process, the underarm crutch is used, and then, the elbow crutch is used when the patient is beginning to walk again. When recovering from an injury, two more types of walking aids are used – a cane. “Multifunctional crutch” includes a modular system of details and easily demountable and prefabricated structure, going into four products: underarm crutch; elbow crutch; tripod cane – triangle adaptor; walker; water bottle holder and storage box holder for mobile phone, wallet and small supplies. The product can be used as: Disability equipment; Rehabilitation auxiliary equipment in rehabilitation centers; Disability equipment for recovery from physical trauma and injuries in sport clubs and sport teams; Disability equipment for recovery from physical trauma and injuries in army.
HTEconomizer
System For Energy Savings – https://solo-form.com/en/project/system-for-energy-savings/
Bathroom System – https://solo-form.com/en/project/bathroom-system/
Winter Soles with Foot Heater – https://solo-form.com/en/project/winter-soles-with-foot-heater/
The brand is directed towards the development of energy efficient products. The goal is to offer solutions to problems, as well as process optimization, leading to real usable products. Limiting the waste of resources such as drinking water and its various uses, saving electricity, not using residual heat energy from different types of materials, etc., led us to the idea of creating product developments such as “System for Energy Savings”, “Bathroom System” and “Winter Soles – Foot Heater”.
