Pillar Product Design / blog
Glass Expanse Doors Designed by Pillar Design in collaboration with a design consultancy
August 18, 2021 In blog

Working with a Design Consultancy – Glass Expanse

For our next client spotlight, we met with Adam, the founder of Glass Expanse, to talk about his source of inspiration, experience working with a design consultancy, and biggest product development challenge as he brought his sliding door and window system to market. Pillar: Tell us a little bit about you and your product. Adam: We manufacture slide and stack patio doors for the residential and commercial construction industry. Our product is designed to focus on usability and aesthetics first, providing an easy way to completely open spaces. Pillar: How did you come up with your product idea? Adam: I lived in Australia for

Barbell Rescue Product Design and Development
August 3, 2021 In blog

Innovative Product Idea – Barbell Rescue

We are excited to announce the launch of Barbell Rescue, a cylindrical, barbell cleaning brush that effortlessly scrubs chalk off of barbells and other weight lifting equipment. This innovative product idea was brought to Pillar by Kim, a veteran and operating room nurse from Alaska. After serving in the military and becoming a Cross Fit athlete, Kim came up with a better solution for the cumbersome task of cleaning a round rod with a flat brush. The new design, with a spring loaded clamp and contoured shape, fits onto multiple sizes of barbells, hangs onto the bar if let

Product design firm team members discuss a new product design in Seattle
July 20, 2021 In blog

What to Bring to a Product Design Firm Meeting

Starting a product design journey can be daunting and often single inventors and/or entrepreneurs don’t know where to start.  When first meeting with a product design firm, these are a few things you should have ready to go to help maximize your time and help convey your product idea clearly. Signed NDA An NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) will protect your idea and allow you to freely talk through the details of your product. Make sure to get this signed before you arrive at your consultation so you don’t have to use your time at the meeting to print and sign the papers. Design Brief A

Product Inventor tests innovative XOOT monitor arm
July 6, 2021 In blog

Thoughts from an Inventor – XOOT

We asked our client, Chris, the inventor of XOOT, about his innovative idea, product development journey, and thoughts on working with a design firm. Pillar: Tell us a little bit about you and your product or invention. Chris: I’m a classic lone inventor with an idea for a better mousetrap.  In my case the mouse trap is a monitor arm to improve the ergonomics and usability of drawing/touch screens. See: the web site https://XOOT.pro This is a complicated product, with lots of custom parts and electronics. Pillar: How did you come up with your product idea? Chris: I’m a computer engineer and when the initial iPhone

Pillar design visits client Glass Expanse production facility in Texas
June 24, 2021 In blog

On-Site Product Development with Glass Expanse

This month, Pillar visited Glass Expanse, a long term client who is located between Austin and Dallas in Temple, Texas. Glass Expanse is a high end, sliding door and window maker that produces products with the least obstructed view on the market. We have been working with Glass Expanse for six years now and it has been an absolutely amazing journey to see this small company grow to the height that it is at today. When they first brought the Pillar team on as a product development specialist, Glass Expanse was a very small group of innovative and knowledgeable individuals. To

Magnetic Leash Product Design Sketch
June 10, 2021 In blog

Idea to Product Transformations

Whether it be a napkin sketch, functional prototype, or an existing, finished product that just needs a revamp, our clients come to us at all stages of the product development process. Check out some of the projects that Pillar has helped take from idea to refined product. Ignition USA - SEARAT The Seattle Rapid Access Tool, or SEARAT, is a firefighting invention designed to expedite the entry into commercial buildings. Combining elements from multiple existing tools, the initial product idea for the SEARAT looked to merge functions into a single, easy to carry tool. Pillar has collaborated with Ignition USA throughout the

3Dio Omni Binaural Microphone Product in Use
May 12, 2021 In blog

3Dio – Omni Binaural Microphone

The 3Dio Omni binaural microphone is specifically designed to provide professional binaural audio for Virtual Reality & 360º camera applications. Binaural recording allows audio to be captured in the same way the human ear hears sound. This produces the most natural sounding audio that creates three-dimensional sound, transporting the user to the recording site. Pillar assisted 3Dio through their product development journey, reverse engineering the complex 3D ear models for both the 2 and 4-position binaural microphone systems and developing the housing with methodically laid out user controls and inputs. In response to higher demand, Pillar also helped scale up their

Back View of XOOT Professional and Ergonomic Drawing Stand Product Prototype
March 18, 2021 In blog

XOOT – Professional and Ergonomic Drawing Stand

Entering the final stages of testing, XOOT, a professional drawing stand for large tablets and monitors, is preparing to launch later this year. The XOOT system provides effortless monitor adjustment to seamlessly switch between viewing and drawing positions, providing a more ergonomic experience for tablet users. Pillar has assisted XOOT through the product development process from the industrial design to the engineering and CAD modeling process. We can’t wait for the first units to make their way into the market.

January 27, 2021 In blog

Innovative Sugarworks Cake Sculpting in Action!

Check out this amazing cake, created with the Innovative Sugarworks Sugar Shapers that Pillar helped design, engineer, prototype and produce. Take a look! https://www.instagram.com/p/CG7vlonnjPk/?igshid=lbo984vlz01s

View of ONRAX Overhead Storage Solutions Optimized For Faster Installation
January 5, 2021 In blog

ONRAX- Overhead Storage Solutions

ONRAX overhead storage solutions are designed to increase garage storage capacity by utilizing overhead space. Their unique systems are available in both stationary and motorized options and are perfect for getting organized in 2021. Pillar has been working with ONRAX over the past couple of months to help optimize their overhead systems for faster installation and streamlined manufacturing and ship-ability. Stay tuned for more innovative solutions from ONRAX.

Bicycle Product Development DaddieCaddie by Pillar Design
December 18, 2020 In blog

Dadding & Co – DaddieCaddie

Need a last minute gift for a new Dad (or Mom)? Check out the DaddieCaddie, a hands free cup holder that mounts to a stroller or bike and keeps your beverage cold for happy hour on the go. In collaboration with Pillar, Dadding & Co was able to successfully develop and launch their product.  We are thrilled to see their product doing well and now available on Amazon! Order yours today: https://www.daddingandco.com/

Closeup of MUi Magnetic Leash Product In Use
December 17, 2020 In blog

MUi Leash

The MUi leash is a magnetic dog leash that allows for quick and easy attachment to your dog’s collar. Utilizing a dual-magnet assisted system, the leash perfectly aligns and securely attaches to your furry friends. Pillar is honored to have been a part of this project, starting at the initial design phase and helping take the product all the way to production. Launching in mid-2021, we can’t wait to see this out in our local dog parks soon! Preorder your MUi Leash here: https://muipet.com/

SousVCart Product in Use Designed by Pillar Design in Seattle
December 8, 2020 In blog

Vesta Precision – SousVcart

In collaboration with Vesta Precision, Pillar designed a mobile sous vide station for professional kitchen use. The SousVcart features two bays, holding a water bath and a vacuum sealer, to provide a streamlined system for food preparation that doubles as an extended work station when not in use. It was a pleasure working with Vesta on this innovative system and we hope to see the SousVcart in every commercial kitchen in the near future!   Learn more on Vesta’s website here: https://www.vestaprecision.com/collections/kitchen-tools/products/sous-vide-station-by-vesta-precision-sousvcart

Sustainable Amazon Packaging Developed by Pillar Design
December 1, 2020 In blog

Amazon – Less Packaging, More Smiles

This year, Amazon rolled out a series of new packaging that helped reduce the environmental impact of their boxes and mailers. Pillar worked with Amazon’s sustainability group to develop a fun set of instructions that would both highlight their innovative improvements and encourage customers to re-imagine their Amazon boxes into new creations like a cat condo or mini golf windmill.  Read more about it on Amazon’s blog: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/sustainability/less-packaging-more-smiles

Magnetic Anchor Drink System Product in Use
November 30, 2020 In blog

Anchor Drink System

Coming soon! No matter where your adventures take you, the Anchor Drink System is ready! Anchor’s magnetic coasters stick to just about everything, so you can park your drink without worrying about spills. It’s been a pleasure working with the Anchor team to develop this product and we can’t wait for it to launch! Keep up to date on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/anchordrinksystems/

April 22, 2020 In blog

Mackie CRX Series Review and Designed by Pillar Product Design

Pillar worked closely with Mackie to develop this new and innovative CR-X series that includes both Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth options and a base woofer. This system was developed to provide professional quality gear at a consumer level cost. Listen to the review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQRj110fDPY