Product design iceberg. All the unseen stages

As users of a product, we make a first and quick evaluation based on aesthetics and function. However, as designers, to achieve these two requirements we do much more work behind the scenes. We present to you what for us is a design iceberg: what you don't see behind a product.

The importance of good design

In Trem we wanted to dedicate an entry to all these phases that as users we tend to overlook. Research, trends, creativity, design, analyzing the feasibility of many aspects, plans, mock-ups, validations, corrections, prototypes and a thousand changes that allow us to reach the final product: our beloved home toaster, or the canopy we designed for Metros Ligeros de Madrid, or TRIA, our furniture system for office environments...

The unseen stages of design

In the design iceberg, at its tip, we have illustrated what we as users consume: a final product, determined by its form and function. In the unseen part, which represents 1/9 of the total, we list some of the phases that can summarize the rest of the project. Dedicating the necessary time to each of these stages determines the quality of the final product, and in each of them you will find key elements that will help in subsequent phases, and the overall result.

Research

It involves studying all the variables that affect the project and will allow you to make the first decisions correctly. Thanks to a complete analysis, you will be able to venture into future mistakes and base the pillars of the project, which is essential in any design.

Creativity

This is the phase where you will start designing and sketching, based on all the elements you have analyzed in the previous research.

Ergonomy

In product design, it is one of the crucial parts of the project, and that is why we wanted to highlight it. An ergonomic analysis will have a direct impact on the correct and comfortable usability of the user, and therefore, on the tip of the iceberg being well designed.

Costs analysis

It will allow to discard or continue by one or another way in the production phase, and therefore, in aesthetic elements of the product. It is important to analyze it carefully, and to evaluate different manufacturing methods, materials, application of commercial elements, etc.

Technical development

This stage is the one that will make all the previous ones a reality. Although in design, it is the least creative, it is one of the most important and its relevance is key to the project.

Prototyping

It is important to make 3D models during the design phase, as well as mock-ups during the entire creativity and ergonomics phase, and prototypes in the phase prior to final manufacturing. This is to be able to assess the correct functioning of all the elements that make up the product, as well as the final aesthetics.

Manufacturing

In this phase, depending on the previous study, we will proceed to manufacture the number of units that the customer needs. This will have led us to one manufacturing method or another, and therefore to special requirements.

Project closing

Finally, a final report has to be made to close the project. All the contents that the client may require in the next commercial stages, as well as user manuals, must be included.

The design iceberg boils down to a lot of effort, but it ends up being really satisfying, don't you think?