Love it.
What's your advice for someone with no hardware or CAD skills to get a product of similar complexity created?
I'm a web developer and can make magical things on the Internet. But a bit at a loss for how to get hardware things created (other than 3d printed--which isn't what I'm looking for).
If a non-tech person asked me how to build a web app, I'd tell them to find a developer. Who/what would I need for my first hardware product?
Thanks!
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@pud This can be a slow and complicated process depending on what you are trying to invent. I can recommend https://www.dragoninnovation.com/ and http://www.protolabs.com/ if you are looking for help, but the whole manufacturing world is archaic and hard to navigate if you are new. I'm currently going through the process and it's not quite as easy as websites :(. Hope these links help.
This course was also incredible helpful for navigating through the whole process, http://www.skillshare.com/classe.... The teacher was great.
I personally think there's gonna be a huge surge in manufacturing related startups in the coming years, so hopefully it'll get easier.
@pud Hey Philip! I'm the mechanical designer for CLUG.
CLUG actually started as a 3D printed object, our Makerbot was extremely helpful in the development process, as we could tune the 3D printed model through a bit of trial and error, then engineer the production model to match the flex.
As far as who your would need, our team is:
- Industrial designer (how it works, looks, feels, etc)
- Mechanical designer (what plastic to use, manufacturing oversight, strength, life, etc)
- UX designer (website, video, photography, etc)
- Business lead (he's actually an industrial designer by trade, but has been handling all of our sales/PR/financing and everything else)
That's just a rough overview, we all cross over into each others areas quite often!
As far as general advice, if you have an idea, build a little mockup however you can, whether it's using wood, metal, or CAD and 3D printing, and take that to an industrial design firm so they can take it all the way!
@pud@mcoyledesign Related to that: the Coursera course on Design (something something artifacts) was a really nice little overview of thinking about and designing a product, including prototyping.
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I've been looking for such a product for some time now. While this looks much sweeter than the other ones I've seen, it still requires some drilling (big no-no in a rented place) Would using some kind of adhesive tape be possible with this?
@joshuaoxj@alfred_lua If you're allowed to make small holes, just not full drill holes, there is the option to screw directly into a stud. Drilling isn't necessary, we just wanted to give people the options to use the drywall. With screws only, the holes are tiny!
We tried to use 3M Command Strips back when we were in the prototyping phase. Unfortunately, it relies on the strength of the paper and structural integrity of the drywall. The moral of the story is that it does function sometimes...but we don't recommend using it.
That said, nothing like a bit of ask forgiveness later when it comes to a couple holes in the wall. It isn't really all that different from putting nails/hooks in the wall for picture frames, is it? I've never understood this rule in an apartment.
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@jonwinebrenner Thanks for sharing. I was thinking of using those. Those are what's holding my picture frames up now. Haha. Those work cause they are light. Do you know how heavy were the bikes you were using for testing?
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