services:
product development
be it a new product design or refreshing an existing design, Kinea has the engineers, design tools and process to transform your ideas into successful products.
kinea can work on one or all of these phases as your needs require.
our process
(As an example we will illustrate our process with pictures of the development of the KineAssist™ device.)
0:observation/feasibility
objective: to investigate new product ideas or technologies.
observations of the target-users result in a comprehensive understanding of the "needs & wants" capabilities for the product. During this phase the competitive landscape for such a product is also identified and understood. The observation phase is one - if not the - most important phase of the product development process.
typical tasks:
- target-user observations
- technology assessment
- establish basic performance boundaries
- identify product interface issues and key performance attributes for minimal performance
- assess risk factors of technical competencies
- cost estimates
- assess regulatory constraints
- establish competitive landscape and market size
- identify time-to-market
1:brainstorming & invention
objective: to develop a conceptual architecture for the new product.
brainstorming sessions result in device concepts and possible architectures. Groups of target users help select a concept and address practical considerations.
typical tasks:
- brainstorming, brainstorming, brainstorming
- sketching/modeling
- creation of conceptual models and sketches
- target user interviews
2:system specifications
objective: develop a complete requirement specification, product plan and resource map.
functional capabilities and specifications are determined from target-users, data from the scientific and engineering literature, and experimentation with mock-ups.
typical tasks:
- build looks-like/feels-like prototypes to better understand user interface issues and/or
- build experience prototypes to better understand compromises between different technical approaches
- identifying key specifications & trade-offs between needs & wants
- understanding patent position
3:engineering design & controls software development
objective: to complete preliminary design and development.
mechanical, controls software, and electronic design involve problem solving, compromise among competing requirements, and intricate computer aided design and controls system development.
typical tasks:
- design product to specifications
- build engineering prototypes
- define production processes and tooling requirements
- prepare engineering documentation
- complete design performance and system level test plan
- develop risk analysis (FMEA, FTA, etc...)
4:prototype construction & integration
objective: to complete system integration of prototype unit.
machined parts are sourced. The complexity and effort invested in software rivals that for the hardware. Work on the control software progresses as parts of the device become available.
typical tasks:
- create outline of manufacturing tooling, and processes.
- sourcing machined parts and other components
- assembly of electrical and mechanical components
- controls software development
- create draft user manual
- verify prototype device is built to specifications
- complete systems test and demonstrate conformance to requirements
- finalize BOM
5:functional test & optimize
objective: test and collect initial market feedback on product.
initial prototype (commonly knows as the alpha-prototype) is tested, and lessons are learned and incorporated - as applicable - in the new design revision.
typical tasks:
- functional and environmental testing
- address/implement relevant design changes
- finalize user manual
- obtain regulatory approval (if applicable)
- finalize marketing materials
- update engineering documenation and manufacturing plan
6:pilot stage
objective: to prove the product can be manufactured to cost and schedule goals established.
a limited pilot (or beta) release of the product is typically done in order to more easily address any unforseen issues.
typical tasks:
- support assembly training
- finalize tooling
- provide producibility feedback to design engineers
- document "recommended" spare parts list
- develop service documentation and train service staff
- evaluate production quality
- finalize engineering documentation and manufacturing plan
7:production
objective: to ensure that the state of validation established during initial product release is maintained throughout the operational life of the product.
once the product design has been optimized and it has been throughly tested, it can enter the market place.
typical tasks:
- adherence to change procedures in the form of corrective action, preventive action, and design change
- product enhancements
- maintenance