Concept Prototyping
Improved safety for runners and walkers at night
J&M Holdings based in Ballon county Carlow have a developed a business called Bodylite selling products that are aimed to improve the safety for runners and walkers at night. They currently have a number of products on the market that are sold through their online store.
Design+ had assisted the company with the R&D for their debut product, Night Runner LED Belt, in 2016. This helped the company to understand our design process and our capabilities. With advances in LED and electronic wearables technology the company realised they would be able to decrease the size and weight of their light products and improve their usability and wearability. In 2021 they approached Design+ again to assist with their R&D for a new updated running light product. The company had sourced and developed all the electronics and LEDs and now required the help of a designer to explore the products form factor and usability.
High quality prototype design
After an initial meeting with the client, who showcased their current electronics and LED assembly, Design+ were tasked with researching and designing a concept for a universal housing. While the housing had to be able to enclose the battery, the PCB and the LEDs it also had to be adaptable to fit a number of different wearable products such as a belt or vest.
A key component of the form factor was the products ability to fit the contour of users body and stay in position when in use. Design+ explored two concepts through 3D modelling which were presented to the client for their feedback. One concept was decided on and through collaborating with the client it was further refined and prepared for 3D printing. Using our SLA 3D printer we produced all the components for a high quality prototype.
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Irish company
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Innovation Voucher
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working prototype
“Design+ come highly recommended because they provide an excellent service that results in turning a concept into a product.”
Padraic George
MD, J&M Holdings
The J&M Holdings & Design+ Technology Gateway partnership
The client received a 3D printed prototype of the housing. This allowed them to install their electronics, battery and LED and have a working prototype for initial user testing. User testing is a vital step in product development and to have access to a high resolution SLA 3D printer at this phase was very beneficial to the company and their testing.