Solo Form: Own Process and Approach to Organizing and Developing Products
The process is the foundation on which the Solo Form brand is built and is the starting point for the already created own sub-brands and the corresponding projects and product developments within them – Boater Design, Fulmech Design, Rotactio Design, Vehimotus and Uniergo. He contributed to the building and development of the HTEconomizer partner brand, as well as to a number of other long-term partnerships in projects and developments. All of this is based on a “Product Design & Development” project process that has been refined and built upon over the years – applied and validated through actual projects and developments to achieve concrete, measurable final results. Initially launched as a series of distinct stages, the process matured alongside the core Solo Form brand, reaching full operational status in 2004. Refined over more than two decades, it has demonstrated practical applicability, measurable benefits, and tangible business potential by operating in real-world conditions and delivering concrete results. It focuses on developing diverse products and product innovations – unconstrained by specific sectors or industries – thereby generating various forms of intellectual property, high added value, and significant market potential. 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. This process is the starting point for the overall growth strategy of the Solo Form brand – you can learn more about it HERE.
The creator of this process is Eng. Designer Pavel Vlahov – Product Designer, Design Engineer, Inventor and Craftsman. Founder of the Solo Form brand. Founder of the product brands Boater Design, Fulmech Design, Rotactio Design, Vehimotus, and Uniergo, with a focus on proprietary product development, product innovation, and the 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”; “Multifunctional Crutch”; “Tablet for Blind People” and others. The “Product Design & Development” process is built upon skills and extensive experience in delivering services related to the designing, development, organization, and management of projects involving 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 collaboration with specialized specialists and subcontractors in various fields. Many years of experience have been accumulated in the production of custom-made products and different types of products, as well as in organizing processes for the production of trial parts and prototypes. Prerequisites have been created for targeted and consistent product management, applying interconnected processes such as product design and product development, laying the foundations for our own R&D activities through our own methodology for building product innovations.
The goal of the process is to achieve specific results, create high added value, generate various types of intellectual property, and lay the foundation for progress in projects and product developments. All this is due to accumulations over the years, which cover three main areas:
1. Own Projects and Developments
- Main Brand and Sub-Brands with their Own Projects and Product Developments.
2. Provision of Services
- Designing, Developing, Consultation and Organization of the Product Process.
3. Partner Projects and Developments
- Partner Brands and Participation in Long-Term Projects and Developments.
The provision of services and participation in partnership projects and developments covers designing, development, consulting and organization of a product process. This entails:
1. Design and participation in the development of products and product innovations. Adaptation of inventions and utility models towards the design of products. Building of industrial design, product structure and laying the foundation for product line development.
2. Development of projects oriented towards product creation. Implementation of the processes of “Product Design” and “Product Development”, using the own process “Product Design & Development” as a transition between them. Management, organization and coordination of its stages.
3. Consultations for organizing and planning projects aimed at product developments. Participation in the development of a strategy for going through the product process and its phases, performing product analysis and building a marketing base for future commercialization of the product.
4. Collaborate and communicate with specialists and subcontractors from different fields and industries. Work with clients, partners, companies and teams with projects aimed at product development. Coordinating and communicating with all participants in the product development process.
5. Creation of intellectual property, based on designing and developing of products – invention or utility model, industrial design and trade mark. Preparation of documentation with an intellectual property specialist. Participation or transfer of intellectual rights.
THE PROCESS AND ITS STAGES
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. Each of the listed stages comprises five sub-stages.
STAGE 1: “CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT”
ANALYSIS AND PRODUCT SKETCHES
Product analysis and discussion of project priorities. Development of a certain number of concepts (product sketches), which are analyzed to determine the direction of development. The next step is the selection and development of several conceptual options – basically four. After their development and analysis, two designs are selected from the four options – development follows. From the two designs, one final design is selected, which undergoes intensive development of the basic structure, details, function, etc., before proceeding to Stage 2: “3D Modeling”.
- Product analysis
- Development of concepts
- Development of selected concepts
- Development of two main designs
- Development of final design
You can find a more detailed description of each of the five sub-stages of Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” via this LINK.
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.
- Dimensioning the design
- Modeling the design
- Detailed development
- Final development of the design
- Preparation of 3D files
You can find a more detailed description of each of the five sub-stages of Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” via this LINK.
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.
- Plan of models and prototypes
- Manufacturing technologies and materials
- Development of models and prototypes
- Development of main prototype
- Analysis of the main prototype
You can find a more detailed description of each of the five sub-stages of Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” via this LINK.
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”.
- Collaboration with specialists
- Manufacturing technologies and materials
- Research and selection of manufacturers
- Development of pre-production prototype
- Analysis of the pre-production prototype
You can find a more detailed description of each of the five sub-stages of Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” via this LINK.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROCESS AND ITS STAGES
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 and developments that have sequentially passed through all the main stages and their sub-stages have established a solid foundation for the further development of a final product, a large-scale conceptual project, or a brand-enhancing project with marketing and reputational value, as well as for the licensing or potential sale of the project or development.
The results achieved through the application of the process and its stages are presented in three categories: product design, product innovations, and custom products. These categories encompass a range of projects and developments with the potential to evolve into final products, as well as conceptual and reputation-building projects. As a consequence of its implementation, high added value is formed in the form of generating various types of intellectual property and copyrights, oriented towards granting licenses (limited, single, non-exclusive and exclusive) or direct sale of rights. Several of these projects and developments have already been realized in various forms, such as custom-made products, manufactured products in limited edition, assigned intellectual rights, etc. You can view the portfolio for each category via the links below:
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/
Priority directions of development in projects and product developments, which are at a certain stage of the “Product Design & Development” process:
Final Product:
Developments that have gone through the entire “Product Design & Development” process and its main stages: Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”, Stage 2: “3D Modeling”, Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” and Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing”. The process is also combined with other processes, such as “Product Development” and “Implementation in Production”, participating in the structuring, transition and unification between them, with the help of the four stages – made up of five sub-stages. After completing the third stage – with the production of various test parts, details and the production of a main prototype, the fourth stage is passed. It includes the production of a pre-production prototype, which is a smooth transition to the “zero series” phase – an invariable part of the implementation and the choice of the type of production – limited series, small-series or large-series production. The final phase of the final product is the “Product Commercialization” process, consisting of marketing, market positioning, offering to the relevant target group of customers, etc.
Conceptual Project:
A project with an already built design foundation, based on the first three stages of the Product Design and Development process – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”, Stage 2: “3D Modeling” and Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes”, in the form of scale models, various types of test parts and prototypes. These are projects primarily aimed at medium-value and high-value products, requiring a specific approach in the organization and completion of the stages of the “Product Development” process. When orienting such a type of project towards product development, it is necessary to follow all steps consistently and purposefully, with a specific plan for building the development, organization of the product phases and sequence in the stages, appropriate allocation and proper targeting of the available budget, as well as a specific selection of subcontractors or a possible team. Collaboration is an important element that leads development to a logical continuation towards processes such as “Production Implementation” and „Product Commercialization”.
Reputation Projects:
A project that has gone through specific stages of the “Product Design and Development” process, but its development as a product development has been delayed, postponed or discontinued for various reasons: necessary budget for the development; economically unprofitable development; large-scale process for implementation in production; potentially high production cost; expected high price of the final product; abundance of requirements for realization of the final product; specificity of the product field, etc. This type of project can contribute to the respective brand with its concept and content, solely and only from a reputation point of view, in view of the impossibility of continuing its development, due to the current lack of options for subsequent upgrading. Therefore, the project is directed towards the marketing and reputational representation of the brand, and this may include product sketches, conceptual 3D models, scale models, presentation prototypes or other types of objects.
License Rights:
Licensing is among the priority directions for generating revenue, based on already built projects or product developments. A prerequisite for this is the registration of one or more types of intellectual property, according to the stage at which the project or development is: an invention or utility model, in view of the available potential; an industrial design, which can be registered, both at the project level and after the completion of product development; the trademark, which can also be leased as a “franchise”. Licensing rights are of two types – a non-exclusive license and an exclusive license. At the project level, this type of granting of rights may also include the provision of the copyrights generated by the designer, built during the project process. Copyrights include project documentation relating to product sketches, 3D files, specialized drawings, diagrams, descriptions, analyses, etc.
Sale of a Project or Development:
The sale of projects or product developments, even when the final product has been reached, is among the possible implementation options. It is not an action in itself, but a purposeful search for a certain value, with potential interest in the project/product development. The difference between granting license rights and selling the project or development is that in the first case the license can be granted once or repeatedly, under certain conditions, while in the sale a transaction is made for the transfer of everything that is part of the project or product development. This includes a complete set, in the form of a “package”, consisting of: project documentation; intellectual property – protected or in the process of protection; different types of scale models, components, prototypes, molds, tooling, etc. This type of sale transaction also applies to copyrights, built from project documentation, relating to product sketches, 3D files, specialized drawings, diagrams, descriptions, analyses, etc.
THE BASIS OF THE PROCESS
A stable foundation has been built from long-term accumulations, based on knowledge, skills, approach and experience in the application of methods, technologies, processes, organization, coordination, communication and collaboration. All this has contributed to the provision of different types of services. The formed foundation is divided into two groups – “Knowledge, skills, practical experience, methods, technologies and collaboration” and “Processes, organization, coordination, communication, analysis and creation of added value”.
- Knowledge, Skills, Practical Experience, Methods, Technologies and Collaboration:
Product Sketches:
With the help of product sketches, which use the techniques of the so-called “design sketching”, combined with methods from “engineering graphics”, ideas are visualized, conceptual variants are developed and product solutions are built in detail. Product sketches mainly contain conceptual and technical images of the product, the design of its structure, as well as detailed sketches of its functional zones. Images with an engineering and technological focus are sketched through layout diagrams, axonometrics and projections with sections. They are gradually being built as well the main visual features (styling) covering the product identity of the complete structure, components and parts. Variants are formed, oriented towards a potential product line. The sketches also contain texts with technological, production and general notes. Everything in this stage of designing a product is discussed and analyzed, taking into account the goal, the marketing strategy, and the target group of customers to whom the product is aimed.
Designing and 3D CAD Modelling:
Designing of the product structure, its components and parts, based on a completed stage of product sketches, using a method for adapting 2D sketches to 3D models, applying 3D modeling software. Scaling of product sketches and dimensioning of drawings used to build a main 3D model, using 3D CAD design. Specialized design software is used for modeling in a CAD environment. The methodology of “design” (designing) or “redesign” (redesigning) of the product structure is applied, without going beyond the basic concept, purpose, goal and characteristics of the product. Other important methods such as “engineering” and “reengineering” are also applied, for the purpose of: simulations; corrections and optimization of engineering characteristics; preparation of files for prototyping; testing of parts; adaptation for production of the product and its components and parts, technological preparation for the production of molds and tooling, etc. Sometimes graphics software is also used to modify and prepare sketches, in the form of schematic objects, infographics, and color schemes.
Custom Products and Details:
Experience in the production of a wide range of custom-made products and details with a variety of purposes. Product structures, with specific production, engineering and visual characteristics. Without limitation of the field, application, use and purpose of the product or detail: hobby activities; products and accessories for vehicles; parts for hardware products; copies of various types of parts; scale models; main models; molds; decorative products for the interior; modification and repair of product structures etc. The organization of the process, the designing methodology and the approach to the production of the final product or detail has always been aimed at: specifying the specific goal; compliance with a certain type of requirements; possible options for the final result and under what conditions they are achievable; potentially a rising problems during the process and options for their solution; targeted communication with the client and discussion of his criteria. Sharing process stages is also part of the production approach, with the corresponding arguments for more optimal and quality solutions for the product or detail.
Crafting, Production, Materials and Technologies:
In custom-made products and details, specific artisanal methods and techniques are used for the manual making of main models, preparation of molds, making of components and modules from product details. A wide range of technologies and materials is used: industrial plasticine, polyurethane materials, composites, technical plastics, steel, alloys, wood and its derivatives, etc. In the relevant production technologies and types of materials, there are always specific production requirements. In product developments, automated technologies are used for the production of a number of components and parts for scale models, test parts and prototypes, providing precision and quality, impossible for manual making. For this purpose, joint work with different types of subcontractors is carried out, providing them designed and prepared 2D/3D files, considering the technological requirements for: machines with CNC for volume milling, turning or bending; machines for 3D printing; production of main models for vacuum forming; molds for casting polyurethane, rubber and silicone products; preparation tooling for injection molding of plastic products, etc.
Subcontractors and Specialists:
In projects and product development, working closely with specialists and subcontractors from different fields and industries has always been a priority direction that is followed, whether it is: craftsmen, manufacturers, technologists, engineers, designers, managers, marketers, economists, software and hardware specialists, intellectual property specialists, company owners, etc. Building a foundation for long-term relationships with a wide range of profiled specialists and subcontractors, who are an integral part of the product development process. A foundation has been laid, consisting of: making custom-made products; services in the form of designing, consulting and developing; partner projects; developing of own products. Communication has always been extremely important when interacting with specialists/subcontractors and clients/partners. This often requires clarification, problem-solving, and even “training” of clients/partners in order to correct the discrepancy between their expectations and the actual end result.
- Processes, Organization, Coordination, Communication, Analysis and Creation of Added Value
Industrial Design:
Industrial design is a process of building the product structure, consisting of an external and internal appearance, synchronized and dependent on the functions that the product has. It has been used as a methodology over the years in a number of projects oriented towards specific product developments. It has also been applied in custom-made products, adapting the techniques of “design” or “redesign” methodology. Industrial design combines and synthesizes functional, engineering, ergonomic and visual characteristics, combined with technologies and selection of materials. Three stages are used for its formation, which include product sketches, 3D modeling and a stage that is aimed at scale models and prototypes. The process adheres to certain requirements, realizing its relationship with customer-focused product design by creating opportunities and solving problems, but not only with function, form, ergonomics and materials, expands the product vision in terms of marketing, brand development, market etc. The rational formulation of the process is: “Form Follows Function”.
Product Design:
Product design is a process applied intensively in projects aimed at developing products. It includes a set of product properties, consisting of characteristics of its main structure, product identity, brand, target group of customers, marketing, etc., purposefully adapted, highlighting and bringing to the fore its purpose, value and benefits to the end customer. Generation of ideas, their staged implementation, leading to a potentially new product that a business seeks to offer in a certain market segment, aimed at specific customers. Product design is a combination of a development methodology, an approach to directing and organizing a smooth transition to product development. It is also connected to other subsequent processes and phases of the product, of which it is an integral part, and as much as it depends on them, they depend on it – implementation in production, commercialization, distribution and supply. A process that identifies and solves problems, defines and develops ideas, creating potential and opportunities for product validation by the market and the customer.
Product Development:
Product development has been applied purposefully in a number of projects, based on its life cycle and organizational principles for creating a physical product. A large-scale and sequential process, the essence of which is built on methods for research, planning, analysis, design, prototyping, testing, implementation and presentation. The goal of the process is to build an entirely new product for the market, which will be sufficiently attractive, competitive, meaningful and with value for the customer. Other possible variants in which the process can be applied are aimed at significantly improving an existing product or introducing an old product to a new market. Its cornerstone is product design, with the interrelationships between the two processes being vital, as well as their interaction with the industrial design. Companies must maintain a competitive advantage in the market by introducing new products or improved such, as well as product innovations. Product development is a proven process with real practical applicability and tangible business impact for the benefit of every company.
Product Analysis and Marketing:
In every project oriented towards product development, a basic product analysis is carried out and a basis for marketing is formed. The comparative analysis of competitive products contributes to the strategy and criteria for the development of a new product. The characteristics that a development should contain are selected and systematized, and only then are the real advantages that would have measurable benefits for the product added – resourceful innovation, inventive approach, technical novelty, distinctive industrial design. It is desirable to conduct a study of available intellectual property in competitive products or technical solutions in order to assess in what form the product will be positioned on the market and what is the level of added value it possesses. The marketing base is a starting point in every product development, with a view to the commercialization of the product. It is important at the beginning of any development to target a market segment and target group of customers, as well as to build a brand, product identity, slogan, advertising messages, website, etc.
Intellectual Property:
The creation and protection of intellectual property is a top priority in projects and developments. A consistent and purposeful process, with an economic and reputation effect. The protection of intellectual property must be planned and managed optimally, regardless of whether it is an industrial design, utility model, invention or trade mark. This is a type of service, the result of other services and processes, encompassing designing and developing, which are the reason for the creation of a different type of intellectual property. Consultations and joint work with an intellectual property specialist in the preparation of documentation also fall into this type of service. After the product is designed, it can be protected as an industrial design and utility model/invention as well as in the product development phase as a result of improvements. The preparation of documentation includes a textual part, as well as sketches, drawings, axonometrics, 3D models or photographs of the product, as a result of design or development – all of this is in accordance with specific rules and requirements.
THE PROCESS AND ITS ROLE IN CREATING A FINAL PRODUCT
Participation in the transition and passage of product phases and processes, based on a stable foundation of long-term accumulations in the direction of knowledge, skills, experience, methods, technologies, collaboration, processes, organization, coordination, communication and creation of added value. This contributed to the creation of the project process “Product Design & Development“. In the form of an infographic, which you can view via this LINK, the overall structure of the sequential passage through the product phases and processes is depicted in a synthesized form, with the help of intermediate links that encompass:
PRODUCT ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH:
Systematization selection of technical, marketing and economic characteristics. Selection of basic criteria and preparation for comparative analysis with competitive products. Drawing conclusions to serve as a basis for building an assignment. Research on available intellectual property in market products and technical solutions. Determination of the market segment and target group of potential customers.
CREATE ASSIGNMENT:
Building a conceptual description of the product idea – defining its main purpose and selecting its basic technical characteristics to serve as a starting point for its designing. Gathering the necessary information and its detailed analysis. Reduction and extraction of the essence of defining parameters and requirements to contribute to forming a purposeful assignment.
DESIGNING:
Creating a consistency in the project base, which encompasses the passage of stages, aimed at product sketches and 3D CAD designing. Using the methodologies of industrial design and design engineering. Applying “design” and “redesign” as an approach, in different phases of design. Building a solid foundation for the development of the product and the organization of the subsequent product phases and processes.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:
After the design phase, a basis of product sketches, graphics, drawings and 3D models is formed. All this creates prerequisites for registration of at least two types of intellectual property – industrial design and useful model/invention if the technical solution has an innovative approach available. Protection is
also possible during the process of product development, as a result of visible upgrade and refinement.
DEVELOPMENT:
A smooth transition from the designing phase to product development. Gradual entry into the product development process and its direction towards the production of scale models, test parts and a main prototype. It is possible to apply structural and technological corrections that cover production requirements, cost price and type of materials used, relating to the implementation of the product in a specific type of production.
TESTING AND ADAPTATION:
Joint work is organized with different types of close specialists and subcontractors, in view of the specificities and requirements of the product. Different types of trial products, prototypes and samples are tested. A detailed analysis of the data follows, and if necessary, “reengineering” is also carried out, encompassing various functional and technological improvements. Adaptation for production is aimed at making a pre-production prototype and “zero series” orientation.
PRODUCTION TYPE SELECTION:
A detailed and reasoned selection of the type of production is made – single, limited or serial, taking into account the specifics of the product, the market segment and the type of customers. Mass production is an unjustified and unprofitable option at this stage. The choice must be justified, because different productions have quantitative differences and organizational specificities. A careful selection of manufacturers is made – conversations and analysis of offers.
PRODUCT LINE:
After the implementation of the main product, steps are taken to develop a product line. Formation of a product development strategy – improvements to general characteristics, or creation of entirely new products in the same conceptual direction. Development of a wide range of accessories for the main product. All this is built into the respective brand, which generates added value in its favor.
MARKETING MIX:
A marketing foundation is being created already in idea phase, develops into a project and is upgraded in product development. Based on a created package of product vision, style, identity, logo, slogan, online presentation, etc. This is supplemented with merchandising, advertising techniques for offering the main product, development of product line, accessories, etc. An approach is used for purposeful building of brand loyalty, recognition and customer base.
