Our "Shopping List" of Inventor Services

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Brainstorm Process

1. Preparation
1. Market Research through visiting stores, image research, internet research
2. Pre-brainstorm questionnaire sent to client to get a more detailed vision of the product
3. Image Board Creation
4. Issues Discussion- laying out the issues we will encounter throughout the process
5. Forming a brainstorm agenda based on the large issues
2. Hosting the Brainstorm
1. Client meets the team and brainstorms along with us at Slingshot. We all approach the main objectives, product requirements list, and the "spirit" of the product.
2. Overall exploration. The team and client brainstorm on solutions for the problem statement
3. Exploration on components. We confront any issues, along with any integral features of the product.
4. Consolidation. We look back at the solutions presented during exploration. Here the list becomes a usable size, and will lead to more concrete concepts
5. Brainstorm Report. Sent to the client, who adds their input to the report. From this, we determine the next logical step in the process.

Sketches

1. Mini Brainstorms: Design and Engineering Collaboration
1. Additional advantageous features are explored through "thumbnail sketches" (level 0)
2. From the brainstorm report, we work towards complete concepts.
2. Refined sketch generation
1. We decide on 3-7 complete concepts to illustrate. These are illustrated to level 1.
2. Concepts sent to client for feedback. A "Merged" Level 1 Image will be generated.
3. Merged sketch sent to client for feedback.
4. Refinements are articulated through one more line drawing (level 1) and sent to the client.
3. Higher level Sketch generation
1. Level 2 sketches can be done
2. After client's response on coloring and textures, we generate these images.
4. Sketch Models and Form Studies
1. Made with clay, foam, wood, and other materials. These help to evaluate ergonomics.
2. A more refined, "finished" model can also be generated. Would have finish, color, and possibly weight similar to that of the product
3. The Client typically comes into Slingshot to see
4. Sketch models. We then use their feedback to move forward with the design.

Engineering

1. Preliminary 3D shape
1. 3D created to model level only, submitted to Client for approval.
2. Changes made to 3D based on client review. Client approves shape.
2. STL files
1. Generate STL files for SLA model quote. Simple 2D is generated to control mating part dimensions and finish notes
2. Submit files for quotation
3. Client approves model quote
3. 3D changes implemented for molding quote
1. 3D file is modified adding in features common to standard model design (fillets, draft, radii, correct wall thickness
2. 2D engineering drawing- fully dimensioned, materials, finish, colors, specs that apply, special features
3. Send out 3D file and 2D drawing for preliminary mold quote
4. Receive and Review quote
5. Deliver quote, 3D model and 2D to client

Prototyping

1. Proof of Concept Prototype
1. Starts with a "bread board" prototype where engineers are putting raw materials together to figure out weight, size, etc. In these, we are usually exploring one "mechanism" at a time.
2. A more complete proof of concept prototype would explore the main workings of the product all together.
2. 3D model is printed on a rapid prototyping machine (This model must follow Engineering step 3)
1. In house, we can to make FDM models of your product.
2. More complicated models will be sent out for SLA printing. An SLA is a more accurate, densely-printed prototype.
3. Pre-production prototype
1. This will look and function as closely as possible to the final product. A Few limitations exist, where the finish may not be exactly the same.

Rendering

1. Rendering set up
1. Based on pre-approved engineering step 1 model (preliminary 3D shape), we import this model into a rendering program.
2. Slingshot works with the client to determine how many and which views are necessary to depict the product.
3. Client can also choose renderings with the product in context (in a kitchen, outside, with a hand/person in the picture, etc.)
2. Rendering Generation
1. When one view of the product is complete, the jpg sent to client for approval. At this step, client can make one set of refinements based on material selection, color, or lighting in the rendering.
2. After feedback, the requested images are generated.
3. Generated images are sent in an image package to client. A great way to utilize these renderings would be through a brochure, business cards, website, and other identity products that Slingshot can provide.

Corporate Identity

1. Questionnaire
1. Graphic Designer sends client a questionnaire regarding how they see their product, colors and imagery to use, example logos that they like, etc.
2. Client sends questionnaire back completed, and graphic designer uses this information to begin logo generation
2. Logo sketches
1. Variety of sketches is generated based on the client's questionnaire.
2. Sketch variety sent to client for feedback. From feedback, designer merges comments to form new iterations of the logo.
3. Refined logo
1. Logos refined through Adobe Illustrator images
2. Designer generates 3 logo variations. Sends variations to client for feedback.
4. Final logo
1. After feedback from 3 variations, 1 final logo design is generated
2. The logo can then be used for a website and for many forms of graphics collateral.

Graphics Collateral

1. Business Cards
1. Business cards are double-sided and include contact information, the product's logo, and a rendering of the product
2. Client's feedback used in final card design.
2. Letterhead/Powerpoint Template
1. Letterhead is based on logo and rendering graphics
2. First run of letterhead sent to client. Feedback from client is used to make final letterhead.
3. Brochures
1. Brochures include renderings, logo and description of the product. The brochure has a simple format
2. Client's feedback used in final brochure design.
4. Professional Folders
1. Folder will be printed with logo and corresponding graphics.
2. Client's feedback used in final folder design.
5. Post-its
1. Designed with logo and corresponding graphics
2. Client's feedback used in final design
6. CD label
1. CD label can be put on any CDS that you distribute to people.
2. Client's feedback used in final label design.
7. Magnets
1. Have corresponding graphics
2. Client's feedback used to make final design.

Website

1. Web space set up
1. We direct client to set up their own web hosting service. The client is the "owner" of the web material and receives billing for the site.
2. Once the name and web space are set up, we go to work on designing the site.
2. Home page design
1. Based on previous graphics collateral, or client's existing logo, website theme is designed by our graphic designer.
2. First run of the home page sent to client for feedback.
3. Feedback implemented into home page design
3. Subsequent Pages designed
1. We design a base of 2 additional pages. Client describes to our graphic designer what content they want on each page
2. We take this information and base subsequent pages' design on the home page design
3. The first run of these 2 pages' layout is sent to client for feedback
4. From client feedback, these additional pages are edited and completed for the final set of page designs
4. Rollover/Animations, additional features
1. Once the home page is designed, the client describes any additional interface features that they want to include
2. Website with these additional features will be sent to client for approval.
3. Feedback is applied to complete final website design

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