Thickness Gauge
Our clients, the French company “Simpleoilfield” wanted to launch a new product for measuring metal thickness and they contacted us for product development services to make an ultra-modern casing from the already existing square case.
In order to establish usability, we had to research;
Usage Scenario - an employee of the oil and gas industry with secondary education, from 35 to 50 years old. The conditions of use are harsh, often in the extreme weather conditions, working with thick gloves, . The usage scenario is almost always the same and as a result we come up with a design that took into account these conditions to reduce the human error factors that are likely to occur.
Design — based on the results of the design research, we compose a mood board with a set of elements that characterize the general style of the future product.
We also noted the pros and cons of the pre-existing design features. Pay attention to the protruding connectors, which often break part of the electronics when devices fall, as well as small keyboards and unreadable displays.
Product concept — After making a series of simple sketches — moving from simple to complex. Together with the client, we collected a number of interesting ideas, gradually refining the concepts. The classic form of the device with a handle and a screen was chosen.
The terms of use dictated the need to tilt the screen towards the user, and change the interface colors depending on the time of day. The recessed connector will partly solve the problem of breakage when dropped.
Layout - We model the product on a 1: 1 scale from simple materials — in this case, from model foam. We test the ergonomics of the device, check some hypotheses, draw conclusions and then repeat the prototyping.
Surface modeling — designers built a surface 3D model to display the smallest properties of the product — surface texture, accessories, fonts, colors, shapes, etc.
Engineering design — at this stage, here we assemble the main components and electronics. After the approximate layout and agreement with the customer and our electronics department, the stage of developing a detailed 3D model is underway. Industrial designers as well as technologists are involved in the process. After the complete model is ready, we make the final photorealistic renders.
Prototype manufacturing — A copy of the product is made according to technologies close as close as possible to the original one.
Due to the specific requirements and conditions, the cover was redesigned during the development process, not a separate part but has been integrated into the body, made with plastic parts.
Featured Tech.
- 3D printing using SLS & SLA technologies
- Surface finishing
- Painting and marking
- Final assembly
Featured Materials.
- Plastic
