lood’s Product Development Process
lood is a Melbourne-based company that thrives on curiosity, lood places materials, techniques, research and aesthetics at the forefront of its mission. This blog will take you on an immersive journey into our world of product development where ideas come to life through a meticulous process.
For lood, the design process is a tapestry of diverse beginnings. It's a journey that can commence from various points of inspiration. Sometimes, it starts with a material—a substance with the potential to transform into something extraordinary. On other occasions, it's ignited by a particular manufacturing process that sparks the imagination. And quite often, it emerges from a simple yet profound idea or a conceptual exploration into uncharted territories of design.
Not every idea or concept is destined to see the light of day. Some may falter during the analysis, while others might branch off into uncharted territories, sparking new concepts and possibilities. But among this sea of ideas, lood's discerning eye selects those with the most potential. These chosen concepts are nurtured and developed, with an unwavering commitment to achieving the best resolution possible.
Our prototyping journey commences with ideation, a phase where we nurture the sparks of creativity. Ideas are allowed to flourish, evolving from initial thoughts to fully-fledged concepts. This stage is the heart of innovation, where curiosity takes center stage.
Drawing and sketching form the bridge between imagination and tangible design. Here, our ideas find expression on paper, capturing the essence of our concepts. Sketching is where we explore the visual representation of our ideas, giving them form and structure.
Above - Drawings by Lucy Callahan for ridl
Our modeling phase is a multifaceted process that spans the development of models in physical materials, CAD, and 3D printing. This dynamic approach allows us to bring our ideas to life in various dimensions and materials, creating a detailed and comprehensive representation of our designs. These tangible representations enable us to test concepts, explore forms, and evaluate the feasibility of our designs in a practical, hands-on manner. Our versatile modelling approach ensures that every aspect of our design is meticulously examined and refined, allowing us to progress with precision and creativity.
We then delve into the realm of 3D CAD drawing, where we breathe life into our designs in a three-dimensional digital format. This stage marks the shift from 2D sketches to a more comprehensive, detailed vision of our prototypes.
We then go on to selecting the final materials, choosing the right material is crucial. Sustainability, durability, and suitability are essential considerations in this phase. lood's in-depth understanding of materials guides our selection, ensuring that it aligns with our commitment to ethical and practical design.
Above - Digital Renders of ridl
lood's commitment to materials transcends aesthetics and functionality. Sustainability and suitability are essential considerations in their material selection process. The team recognises that the responsible use of materials is not just a design trend; it's a responsibility to the planet and future generations.
lood's craftspeople bring a wealth of experience to the table, having worked with a vast array of materials. They understand that each material possesses a unique character, strengths, and limitations. It's this deep knowledge that enables lood to make informed decisions, ensuring that every material chosen is not only aesthetically pleasing but also aligned with the principles of sustainability.
We then move on to the creation of physical prototypes. We employ state-of-the-art technologies like 3D printing and CNC machining to swiftly produce prototypes. These prototypes serve as tangible representations of our initial concepts. Each is subjected to rigorous testing, encompassing both functional and aesthetic evaluations. this may result in some fine tuning and refinement a pivotal phase where we embrace the spirit of continuous improvement. Any issues or areas for enhancement identified during testing lead to swift adjustments to the design. This iterative approach empowers us to fine-tune the prototype, making it the best possible version.
Above - 3D Printed Prototypes of ridl
Finally we produce a final set of 3D manufacturing drawings that brings all the information about a design into one document which can be relied on for manufacturing accurate and precise parts. we also use these drawing to check each part throughout the production process. This culminates in the finest resolution possible, where creativity meets practicality, and ideas become tangible, functional objects.
Our journey from idea to object is a symphony of curiosity, materials, techniques, research, and aesthetics. It's a journey that respects the past, embraces the present, and looks toward a sustainable future where every object tells a story and serves a purpose.
Thanks for reading!
To see more of the development process and the final version of ridl, view the story here.
