Types of Services

1.Service Package 1:

• Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”

• Stage 2: “3D Modeling”

• Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes”

• Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing”

2.Service Package 2:

• Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”

• Stage 2: “3D Modeling”

• Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes”

3.Service Package 3:

• Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”

• Stage 2: “3D Modeling”

4.Service Package 4:

• Consultations and Product Analysis.

Important: 

The service packages offer different combinations of stages that make up the main process “Product Design and Development” – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”, Stage 2: “3D Modeling”, Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” and Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing”. These services cover three main directions: “Design”, “Development” and “Consultations”. Two of these directions – “Design” and “Development” include specific stages of the main process. Accordingly, the stages – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D Modeling” are attributed to “Design”, and the stages – Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” and Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing” are attributed to “Development”. While the “Consultations” direction covers a wide perimeter, it is therefore also offered as a separate type of service. Due to the universal applicability of “Consultations”, they can also be added to some of the other service packages.

The three directions of “Design”, “Development” and “Consultations” are built on a foundation of many years of accumulation, based on two groups:

Group 1: “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.

Group 2: “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.

Financial Terms and Deadlines

1.Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”.

2.Stage 2: “3D Modeling”.

Total hourly rate for both stages: 90 €/hour

Process and duration of the stages:

Duration of each stage: Minimum term – 3 months. Maximum term – 4 months.

• The total duration of Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D Modeling” is a minimum of 4 months, a maximum of 6 months. In specific cases, the design duration may extend to 8 months, but this depends on the purpose, technical characteristics and the specifics of the product type. If extension of the duration of the two stages is necessary, preliminary conversations and consultations are held, before the signing of agreements and contracts. When specifying the possible deadline for development, under considerations are taken: objectives and priorities of the project; the field and project topic; development of the main design; the main requirements and characteristics that are set in the project etc. The communication between Assignor and Solo Form and the expected end result from both sides is synchronized before and during the two project stages. The time duration of the project should not deprive the project from the quality of the end result and violates the process of achieving it.

Example of calculating the final value:

• The hourly rate, including the two project stages – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D Modeling” – 90 €/hour. The duration of daily work on a relevant project is 5 hours/day. The daily hourly rate is multiplied by 5 hours/day and an amount of 450 € received. This amount is multiplied by the number of official business days in the month and they vary between 20-23 days, depending on the month of the year. In connection with the example, an average value is taken – 21 working days – which is multiplied by 450 €. A total monthly amount of 9450 € is obtained. This amount is multiplied by the minimum 6 months period – necessary for the development of the two stages – an amount of 56 700 € is received. 

3.Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes”.

Hourly Rate: 80 €/hour

Process and duration of Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes”:

• Duration for development of Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” could not be defined precisely at this stage of the phase project process. Based on the previous two stages – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D Modeling” and the resulting product sketches and 3D model, a plan for the development of relevant stage and its duration its been developing. This stage may last from 6 to 12 months – depending on the type of the project, field of application, technical characteristics, expected end result, priorities and objectives of the project. The ultimate goal of the development is to build a main prototype. The duration of Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” is defined by the number of models and prototypes, required to reach the ultimate goal – the main prototype. All of this is covering: choice of production technologies and materials; choice of subcontractors; bidding and pricing of the stage; passing through the substages and the related problems and changes; compliance with the requirements and characteristics of the project. Communication between Assignor and Solo Form is essential, taking into consideration the discussion and analyze of each substage. The duration of the stage, the objectives of the project and the expected result is important to be synchronized before and during the Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes”.

4.Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing”.

Hourly Rate: 80 €/hour

Process and duration of Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing”:

• Process and duration of the Stage: It is not possible to be determined or planned at this phase of the project process – “Product Design & Development”, if there isn’t consecutively and successive passing and completion of the previous stages, in the corresponding sequence – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”, Stage 2: “3D Modelling” and Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes”. This is a phase, where intensive consultations, analyses and discussions of the results from the previous three stages are carried out. The main objective of the stage is the development of the pre-production prototype. The completion of this stage, at the form of pre-production prototype is the foundation of the upcoming and future processes, which are not part of the current project process – “Product Design & Development”. Development of the Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing” and its duration shall be discussed between Assignor and Solo Form, after the appropriate procedures are carried out: collaboration and consultation with specialists, subcontractors and companies specialized in different fields; choice of production technologies and materials; selection of subcontractors; consultations and communication with the aim to determine the production cost for pre-production prototype; determination of the main production, technical, economical and marketing characteristics and requirements; planning the development of pre-production prototype. 

Important:

• The working days during the month, necessary for the development of a project vary in the range of 20-23 days. Prior to starting the complete project process – “Product Design & Development”, the working days and hours for the first two stages of the process – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D Modeling”, are specified. The working days and hours, necessary for the other two stages of the project process – Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” and Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing”, will be discussed at the further stage of the development. For all stages of the process, the requirement for the necessary minimum of working hours applies, for the development of a specific project for a product – 5 hours / day. These working hours are the minimum and are not subject to reduction.

5.Consultations and Product Analysis.

Hourly Rate: 150 €/hour

These services include:

• This service includes: conversations, discussions and analyzes. Introduction to the project process and project stages; methods for development of projects and products; project principles and know-how. Guidelines for the development of specific idea or project, approach to problem solving and creating of development opportunities. Opinions for specific ideas, projects, products and discussion over the product identity; production technologies and materials; targeting specialists, subcontractors and companies in various fields – prototyping, manufacturing, etc.

• At the foundation of this service are laying knowledge, practical skills, experience and development in fields such as: product design and development of products; industrial design; product innovations; project development; production of customized products; development of models and prototypes; single and small scale production of products. 

• The consultations as a service are not mandatory element of collaboration and are not related to the project process – “Product Design & Development”. They do not cover a single stages in detail as type of service: Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” – analysis and product sketches; Stage 2: “3D Modeling” – designing a 3D model; Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” – development of models, mockups and experimental prototypes to get the main prototype; Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing” – development of pre-production prototype.

• The service charge starts with the consulting, with the relevant price of 150 €/hour. The minimum charge is for one hour. Whether the consultation lasts one hour or less, it starts with the appropriate fee. After the first astronomical hour of the consultation and entering the next one, a second charge is made at the corresponding hourly rate, for example, if the consultation ends after two hours and fifteen minutes, the amount due is €150 (€150 * 2 hours and 15 minutes = €450).

Services, Copyrights, Intellectual Property and Shareholding

1.Provision of services and transfer of exclusive copyright:

Payments for services and owned taxes:

• In case of signed Agreements and contracts between Assignor and Solo Form, an advance payment of 80% of the value of the service, for the relevant phase, that is performed – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development”; Stage 2: “3D Modeling”; Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” and Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing”, has to be paid. This is valid for all packages of services. With the completion of the relevant stage 20% of the residual amount is paid. Only after payment of the residual amount of the relevant stage, we can pass to the next stage.

Transfer of exclusive rights of copyrights:

• In case the assignor wishes to obtain exclusive rights of copyrights over the development of the contractor, the relevant price is have to be paid. The value of the exclusive rights of copyrights differs from any other values (prices) related with the execution of the relevant services from the contractor. The total value of the copyrights, that have to be paid to the contractor of the development, is a subject of additional agreement. The calculation of the copyrights is based on the two stages of the project process – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D modeling”. This is valid for the relevant package of services – “Package 1”, “Package 2” and “Package 3”, where the two stages are part of. After the completion of these stages, regardless of the type of the services, the due amount of the exclusive rights of copyrights for the development is paid. The total amount received within 6 months – the minimum time for execution of the two stages (3 months + 3 months), is multiplied by 6 (minimum period covering the two project stages – 6 months).

• An example of calculating an end value for transferring exclusive rights of copyrights, from the contractor: The hourly rate, including the two project stages – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D Modeling” – 90 €/hour. The duration of daily work on a relevant project is 5 hours/day. The daily hourly rate is multiplied by 5 hours/day and an amount of 450 € received. This amount is multiplied by the number of official business days in the month and they vary between 20-23 days, depending on the month of the year. In connection with the example, an average value is taken – 21 working days – which is multiplied by 450 €. A total monthly amount of 9450 € is obtained. This amount is multiplied by the minimum 6 months period – necessary for the development of the two stages – an amount of 56 700 € is received. The corresponding amount is multiplied by 6 (6 months – the minimum execution time for the two project stages) and the final amount for acquiring the exclusive rights of copyrights over the development – 340 200 €. 

Important:

• The example takes into account the minimum execution time for both project stages (6 months), but it is possible to increase the execution time – this will also increase the end value for acquisition of exclusive rights of copyrights over the development. All details related to deadlines and procedures are specified in preliminary discussions, before signing the agreements, related to the development of the project concerned. The conditions for transferring exclusive rights of copyrights apply to packages for main services – “Package 1”, “Package 2” and “Package 3”.

2.Provision of Services without transfer of exclusive rights of copyright. The contractor’s participation in the client’s project, in the form of shareholding:

Payment for services provided:

• With the signed agreements between assignor and contractor, an advance payment of 80% from the total amount of the services for the two stages – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D Modeling”, have to be paid. With the completion of the respective stage the remaining amount of 20% is paid. The value of the next two stages from the project process – Stage 3: “Models and Prototypes” and Stage 4: “Adaptation of Manufacturing” is not paid, still the participation of the contractor at their development continues. This form of shareholding applies to a package of services that include the entire project process – “Package 1”. In this case the contractor has equal rights in the intellectual property and shareholding in various forms with other participants in the project. The assignor is obliged to allow the contractor to have shares in the project, through relevant agreements, which are signed before the start of the project process – “Product Design & Development”. The contractor continues the development and progress of the project stages, covering the project process.

Rights and shareholding of the contractor:

• If the assignor does not want to obtain exclusive rights of copyrights over the development, including the relevant product sketches from Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and 3D model (files) from Stage 2: “3D Modeling”, the contractor automatically becomes an shareholding in the project, based on pre-arranged and signed agreements and contracts. This is made immediately before the start of the project process by signing the relevant documentation from both sides – the assignor and the contractor. This is applicable when there is a condition of non-paid exclusive rights of copyrights to the contractor. The contractor has equal rights and shares in all further stages of development, market potential, product realization and profit, related to the development of the project. The contractor does not participate with any financial and tangible assets. His participation is in the form of intellectual work – knowledge, skills, practical experience, consultations, design and development, adding potential and development to the project value. In this case the contractor has equal share from: realization of the overall idea; sums (profits) from signed agreements to grant a license or sale of the project; equal share with investor participation and signed contracts, realization of marketing strategy; share from profits, sales of products, royalty payment, etc. In the case of negative development or delay in the realization in medium and long term of the project, the contractor is aware of: slow development of the overall idea; slow or low return in medium and long term; lack of investor’s interest in the project; lack of interest in the end product; slow market realization or lack of such, etc.

Intellectual property rights:

• In case of nonpayment of exclusive rights of copyrights, in relation with the development of the two stages of project process – Stage 1: “Conceptual Development” and Stage 2: “3D Modeling”, the contractor has the right to acquire an equal shareholding with the assignor and the other participant in the project, over the intellectual property(s) – industrial designs, utility models and patent inventions. A procedure for registration of intellectual property/s is started and the data of each of the participants is entered when creating the request. The documentation is signed by each participant – the assignor, the contractor and the other project participants. Each participant in the application will have access to the procedure – receiving notifications, statements and the relevant process of registration of the intellectual property(s). With the completion of the procedures and registration of the relevant intellectual property(s), each of the participants will receive intellectual property certificates. They will be added to the agreements, co-ownership agreements, contracts and technical documentation that came up before and during the project development. After the application (industrial designs, utility models and patent inventions) has been submitted, none of the participants has the right to take decisions related to the intellectual property(s) independently, without the explicit consent of all participants. For each procedure – before and during the registration of the intellectual property(s), discussion between the respective participants takes place. All this applies to procedures of partial, exclusive and non-exclusive license rights over the intellectual property(s) – sales or licensing to manufacturers, investors and buyers of intellectual property(s) and copyrights. The assignor shall bear all the costs for preparing of application form and subsequent registration procedure, as well as the use of services of patent lawyer.

Types of shareholding:

• Equal share with the assignor and the other project participants, when there is fundraising, financing and investor participation, etc. Participation and distribution of equal shares of project presentation in internet campaigns, such as: crowdfunding – Indiegogo, Kickstarter and other similar websites, forums and places with the aim of fundraising for project development and realization; participation in eu funding programmes; share participation and signing of contracts for the sale of the whole project; individual tangible and intangible assets and benefits from it etc.

• An equal share of the net profit, after deducting from it all payable expenses, including taxes, in the market realization and sale of products. The periodicity of the form of the profit share is additionally discussed between the project participants – on a monthly or yearly basis. Presenting of Monthly and Annual report from the assignor to the contractor, together with the relevant financial and accounting documentations – balance, reports, invoices and others.

• Other forms of shareholding, that should be additionally discussed additionally between assignor and contractor.

3.Summary:

The content of this information is aimed at:

• Getting to know the main parameters and requirements for providing services, and carrying out a joint activity, after specifying all the details – covering rights of copyrights, intellectual property and shareholding. All details related to the development of a project, collaboration and forms of joint work, will be discussed outside of the web site – business meetings, discussion and analyses of the relevant project. The type of contractual relationships will be discussed between the Assignor and Solo Form in preliminary discussions and consultations. Immediately before starting the project and signing the specific form of the contract for collaboration, it is desirable that both parties enter into a confidentiality agreement. During the project the parties should keep confidentiality that covers its entire development. The documentation that concerns the development of the project, should not be disseminated or presented without the explicit consent, permission and approval of the project participants.