Product Design UK from 3di

Classic product design? or crazy invention…

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:56 +0000

Do you remember seeing these funny inventions from the nineties? I don’t think they ever caught on do you?

A designer never rests

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:49:44 +0000

Ugo Zagato was an Italian automobile designer, famous for his lightweight designs and implementing aircraft industry construction techniques within the car industry. Zagato’s cars were advanced in design and became synonymous with light weight and excellent aerodynamics. Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia immediately realised the advantages of his rakish, streamlined designs. In recent times Zagato is a name synonymous with Aston Martin. Michael one of directors and fan of all things Lancia has recently completed his restoration project, a Lancia Fulvia Zagato. The Zagato boasts a complete aluminium body and some 1960’s styling features. Michael’s Zagato Series 2 has matching engine and chassis numbers which shows his attention to detail and will prove to be a hit within the ropes of classic car meets in the future.

‘Sketching is still a powerful tool’

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:16:05 +0000

A book Olly found really useful whilst with us on his work experience was ‘Sketching’ by Koos Eissen & Roselien Steur. Sketching is a powerful tool for communicating to fellow designers, engineers and clients. We suggest any other budding students purchase a copy.

Eissen & Steur have also written a successor: both are available on Amazon: Purchase Here

‘Sketching the Basics starts with the white sheet of paper or the empty screen and explains the rudiments of learning to draw both clearly and comprehensively, using step by step illustrations, examples and strategies. The chapters in the book cover the most important decisions you’ll have to take as a sketcher and discuss the problems you will have as a starter. With clear exercises, examples and clear explanations. Sketching: The Basics is the long awaited successor to the international bestseller Sketching by Koos Eissen and Roselien Steur. This book explains the basic sketching techniques and decisions more in depth then the previous book and provides much more step-by-step example drawings, which makes it even more suitable for students and professionals who want to become better sketchers.

Wales Week

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:04:58 +0000

Olly Wales has recently completed a week long work experience at 3di. Olly, an A-Level student from nearby Wellingborough School has an interest in product design and is looking to further his education at university to study industrial design. Whilst with us here at 3di, Olly experienced what its like to be part of a busy design studio as well as an insight into the skills he would need to develop at university. Although we had a busy week in the studio, we ensured Olly shadowed key members of the team, making sure he sampled every stage of the design process, from concept sketching, development CAD, prototyping and production CAD. Michael arranged a couple of visits to some of our suppliers including an injection moulder, vacuum former and an extruder. This gave Olly a valuable and balanced understanding on how products are made. As well as the theory side Olly sat in on a couple of client meetings and had some valued input. He even help develop an excellent concept solution to one of our live projects.

All of the 3di team enjoyed Olly’s work experience week, not only because he added some youthful enthuasiam and fun to the mix, but he made a very good cup of tea! We wish Olly the best of luck at university and hope to hear from him in the future.

Tony completes 24 hour tennis marathon

admin — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:29:21 +0000

Tony and his son James completed a 24 hour tennis marathon at the weekend in aid of fundraising for new facilites at their Duston club and 25% of the total amount raised would also go to support Diabetes UK. The players involved played tennis for 12 hours on court, in shifts within the 24 hour marathon.

New Brochure for the summer

admin — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:02:21 +0000

Along with the recent website improvements we have updated our brochure for the summer. You can download here or call for a hard copy. Download

The 4 F’s in Product Design

admin — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:12:39 +0000

Dave Vogler Editor of Fuel Your Product Design online blog and forum has written a great article on the 4 F’s in Product Design. First Impression, Form, Function and Fashion. Dave looks closely at the impact of colour within these four areas. Its a great insight into the finaly stages of product development and how important it is to get the colour choice right! For instance RED can mean ‘passion’ & ‘attention’ but also ‘danger’ & ‘irritation’. Do we read too muhc into colour? or is it just a matter of style and taste?

Website improvements are live

admin — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:19:05 +0000

Our first phase website improvements are now live. We hope you like the subtle changes to the site. Stay tuned for more content uploads in the near future.

Website Improvements

admin — Thu, 19 May 2011 09:45:25 +0000

We have been working hard on some great product design projects over the last 6 months and we’d like to share them with you. In the next coming weeks we will be uploading fresh content, new case studies and more gallery images. We’re excited to show you the fruits of our labour so stay tuned!

Latest Product Design Innovation

admin — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:26:24 +0000

One of 3di’s latest award winning product design innovations is a Patient Food & Beverage Trolley. Sunderland Royal Hospital had identified that traditional tea and coffee trolleys for providing patients refreshments are expensive to purchase and maintain. This new trolley has been designed to offer patients cost effective beverages, and designed for modern ward environments in terms of infection control and practicality. 3di visited the hospital ward to determine the design needs for the project and establish the design brief.

From the concept designs, two prototypes have been developed and will be going into service very soon!

The trolley was recently entered for the NHS Innovations Bright Ideas 2010 Awards and made the finals being awarded runner up. This design initiative from Sunderland Royal Hospital outlines the benefits of working to develop solutions with product designers, producing relevant products with an improved budget. If you require any more information please contact Andrew Turner at innovation@qualityhospitalsolutions.co.uk