Project Requirements
Design for Flat-pack shipping and assembly
Low shipping weight
“Hardware-free” construction
Maximize standard 4x8’ birch plywood
Stringent toddler safety standards
Fit common mattress sizes
Market Research
This involved analyzing market trends, identifying customer needs, and evaluating competitor products. We also examined online reviews and sales data to understand consumer preferences and pain points. This research informed our design process, ensuring the product met market demands and stood out competitively.
Concept Development
During the concept development phase, sketching was used to explore and visualize various design ideas for the bed. Initial rough sketches allowed for quick iteration and brainstorming of different forms, features, and functionalities. As concepts evolved, more detailed sketches were created to refine dimensions, proportions, and aesthetic elements. This allowed for easily communicating ideas within the team and laying the groundwork for further development.
Concept Development
Rough prototyping with cardboard allowed us to quickly and inexpensively test the flat-pack toddler bed's design and functionality. By constructing full-scale models, we could assess the fit, assembly process, and visual elements, making necessary adjustments before moving on to more expensive materials and detailed prototypes.
Final Prototype
For the final prototype, we used a production CNC router to cut MDF fiberboard, ensuring precision and consistency in the bed's components. This advanced prototyping allowed us to closely replicate the final product's design, verifying assembly, durability, and overall aesthetics. The high-quality prototype provided valuable insights and final adjustments before mass production.
