Product Development Archives - Page 2 of 2

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

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

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

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/

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

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/

CR-X Mackie Home Studio Designed by Pillar Design

January 22, 2020 In blog

Mackie CR-X Series

We are excited to share the CR-X Series of Mackie products that we worked with LOUD Audio to design. Their new line offers studio quality sound and updated aesthetics that feature a sleek metal face plate and bold outline. We can't wait to get our hands on a set of these! Check out their website for more info: https://mackie.com/products/cr-x-creative-reference-multimedia-monitors

Pillar Design Product Development Meeting in Production Facility

November 4, 2019 In blog

Pillar Travels Overseas

Well, it's that time of year again; time to visit our overseas supply chain. Pillar Product Design has a wide network of prototype and production factories overseas that help fabricate products for our clients. Located in the Shenzen, Dongguan, and Gunagzhou areas, this network has assisted us for many years producing prototype parts and manufacturing successful products for our clients. During our recent trip we worked with our overseas product manager, Karl, to visit our current partners and source new manufacturing facilities with expanded capabilities. Our current network includes metal fabrication, laser cutting, hydroforming, plastic injection molding, CNC cutting of

July 22, 2019 In blog

Frequently Used Product Development Acronyms

The product development process is filled with acronyms that can be confusing for both new and returning clients. We've compiled a list of some of the most commonly used acronyms to help you navigate the process. Job Identification EE (electrical engineering) ID (industrial design)ME (mechanical engineering)PE (project engineering)PM (project / program management) Design / Process / Marketing CAD (computer aided design / drafting)CAE ( computer aided engineering) CAM ( computer aided manufacturing) DFA (design for assembly)DFAA (design for automated assembly)DOE (design of experiments)DVT (design verification test)EVT (engineering validation test)GD&T (Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing)IP (intellectual property)JV (joint venture)MVP (minimum viable product)PD (product development)POC (proof of

Digital Human Models for Ergonomic Product Design Process

July 2, 2019 In blog

Ergonomic Optimization

Human factors and ergonomics focus on the body's relation to products, environments and processes to improve efficiency and comfort for the user. Human Scale is a collection of data that outlines the dimensions of the body and its movement in relation to space. At Pillar, we use this information to determine head sizes while designing helmets and goggles, grip diameters for hand tools, as well as locations for control panels so that users of all abilities and sizes have equal access. We use digital human models in our Solidworks CAD models to help validate dimensions before products are brought into

June 27, 2019 In blog

Breadware IoT Network

We are proud to announce our partnership with Breadware, Inc. and their IoT design network. We look forward to continuing our work with Breadware to create innovative, connected devices. Here is a couple of our designs featuring electronic integration. Check out their website to learn more. https://breadware.com/