Design 1st Agency Logo

Design 1st

About the company

Ottawa
Founded: 1996
10+ Empl.

Design 1st is a full-service industrial design and engineering firm that develops physical products from concept through to volume production. For over 25 years, Design 1st has helped Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups and Enterprise organizations across Canada and the United States transform ideas into winning products across a variety of industries including – but not limited to – mining, telecommunications, healthcare and robotics. With executive leadership roots in Nortel Networks and a senior, hands-on staff with diverse expertise, Design 1st has developed over 750 projects that influence millions of people globally and secured 130 client patents. Core competencies in industrial design, mechanical engineering, electronics design, embedded firmware, and manufacturing setup have established Design 1st as one of the most trusted product design firms across North America. To learn more, visit www.design1st.com &nbsp ;

Design 1st is a full-service industrial design and engineering firm that develops physical products from concept through to volume production. For over 25 years, Design 1st has helped Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups and Enterprise organizations across Canada and the United States transform ideas into winning products across a variety of industries including – but not limited to – mining, telecommunications, healthcare and robotics. With executive leadership roots in Nortel Networks and a senior, hands-on staff with diverse expertise, Design 1st has developed over 750 projects that influence millions of people globally and secured 130 client patents. Core competencies in industrial design, mechanical engineering, electronics design, embedded firmware, and manufacturing setup have established Design 1st as one of the most trusted product design firms across North America. To learn more, visit www.design1st.com &nbsp ;

Design 1st is a full-service industrial design and engineering firm that develops physical products from concept through to volume production. For over 25 years, Design 1st has helped Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups and Enterprise organizations across Canada and the United States transform ideas into winning products across a variety of industries including – but not limited to – mining, telecommunications, healthcare and robotics. With executive leadership roots in Nortel Networks and a senior, hands-on staff with diverse expertise, Design 1st has developed over 750 projects that influence millions of people globally and secured 130 client patents. Core competencies in industrial design, mechanical engineering, electronics design, embedded firmware, and manufacturing setup have established Design 1st as one of the most trusted product design firms across North America. To learn more, visit www.design1st.com &nbsp ;

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Services

Product DesignManufacturing Consulting

Industries

TelecommunicationsOther industriesSupply Chain, Logistics, and TransportConsumer products & servicesMedicalDentalLegal CannabisGPS, Navigation & GIS

Portfolio

ARC: SPO2 and Blood Pressure Finger Cuff

ARC Devices reached out to Design 1st for their hardware product expertise to develop their operational Finger Cuff concept. The outcome was a fully functional prototype to be integrated into the Lenovo Smartphone platform.

Fastest-selling adult personal massager in history

We-Vibe founder Bruce Murison came to Design 1st with a proof of function prototype and the desire to develop a design strategy that would yield high volume production runs in 9 months.The first step involved exploring and developing design concepts that blended the technical requirements into a beautiful design that was manufacturable in high volume.EngineeringOnce final concept design direction was chosen the hand-made form model was scanned and captured into 3D CAD. The team then began specifying all the internal parts, electronic components, materials and multi-part overmold process that produce the end-product.The result was a fully functional 3D model of the We-Vibe that was ready for virtual testing. EngineeringOnce final concept design direction was chosen the hand-made form model was scanned and captured into 3D CAD. The team then began specifying all the internal parts, electronic components, materials and multi-part overmold process that produce the end-product.The result was a fully functional 3D model of the We-Vibe that was ready for virtual testing. ManufacturingThe manufacturing support was where We-Vibe locked in their product quality and began building their brand. Once manufacturing partners were chosen, the Design 1st and began quality assurance (QA) on the parts and assembly of the final product.This resulted in an industry leading 0.2% defect blowing away the industry norm of 1%-5%.

Infrared Light Pelvic Floor Rejuvenation Device

After spending two years developing the vSculpt, Joylux was nowhere close to manufacturing and launching the product. Joylux turned to Design 1st for help, asking for an aggressive 16-week timeline to get functional prototyping working.Redesign the product structure and internal components for lower-cost and easier manufacturing​Deliver a fully-functional prototype for user testingAdd bluetooth connectivity to interact with AppDesign packaging and help setup volume manufacturing and support regulatory approvals

Mobile Charging and Device Management Kiosk

ARC™, (Asset Recharge Center), a centralized device management kiosk and software platform, helps companies maximize handheld mobile device availability and reliability while minimizing issues like shrinkage and downtime. ARC features a 17in. touchscreen to facilitate employee self-service, and a wide-lens security camera and RFID for user compliance. The integrated OptiCharge Technology ensures the maximum allowable charge is delivered to each device. A backup battery keeps the ARC kiosk running during power outages.ChargeitSpot conceptualized the ARC Kiosk in the spring of 2021 and selected Design 1st for product development guidance. The project kicked off in September 2021, and initial manufacture-ready design concepts were finalized shortly thereafter. A pre-production prototype, representing the final product design for low-volume distribution, was unveiled at the Modex supply chain automation show in March 2022 and met with great enthusiasm from businesses

Reviews ( 9 )

Overall rating

4.44

9 Reviews

Expertise

4.44

Accuracy of Cost Estimates

4.44

Value for Money

4.44

Communication

4.44

Accuracy of Timeline

4.22

Innovative Product Development Partnership with Adult Toy Industry Leader

Published: February 21, 2022

The Project

Other Design

Completed

Jan 2022 - Feb 2022

25000-50000 USD

anonymous

Anonymous

Head of Customer Care

Confidential

2 - 9 employees

Overall rating

5

Expertise

5

Accuracy of Cost Estimates

5

Communication & Responsiveness

5

Accuracy of Timeline

4

Value for Money

5

Willingness to Refer

10/10

Summary

Design 1st excelled in guiding the adult toy firm through a luxury product development journey, including marketing strategies and user testing programs. Their passion, expertise, and vested interest in our success set them apart as a standout partner in the industry.

Project Description

Through extensive collaboration and expertise, we partnered with a top firm in the adult toy industry to revolutionize product design and development. Our involvement spanned from initial concept to market delivery, ensuring a unique and successful consumer product.

Pros

End users highly appreciate the product quality and design. The team’s professionalism, transparency, and ability to stay within budget are commendable. Their deep talent pool, collaborative approach, and end-to-end skill set ensure a seamless working relationship.

Cons

No significant drawbacks or areas for improvement were noted during our successful collaboration.

Switched from another provider?

yes

Considered other providers?

yes

Revolutionary Redesign for Agricultural Machinery Manufacturer

Published: February 4, 2022

The Project

Product Design

Completed

Nov 2020 - Jan 2022

anonymous

Anonymous

Head of Engineering

Manufacturing

50 - 249 employees

Overall rating

4

Expertise

4

Accuracy of Cost Estimates

4

Communication & Responsiveness

4

Accuracy of Timeline

4

Value for Money

4

Willingness to Refer

9/10

Summary

Innovative Growers Equipment, Inc. collaborated with Refetrust to redesign their air flow system, with the project being successfully delivered on time and within budget. The team’s professionalism, communication skills, and expertise were standout qualities that made the collaboration a success.

Project Description

I found Refetrust through an online search and chose them over others due to their high ratings. Their team of 2-5 employees was tasked with redesigning the air flow system for our standard racking systems. They provided recommendations, conducted flow simulations, and made modifications to improve the output as required.

Pros

Thanks to Refetrust’s highly skilled engineers, our project was completed on time and within budget. They were professional, communicative, and reliable, holding regular meetings to review progress and ensure the project stayed on track.

Cons

None

Switched from another provider?

yes

Considered other providers?

yes

Innovative Biotech Product Development Partnership

Published: July 22, 2020

The Project

Custom Software Development

Completed

Nov 2019 - Jul 2020

25000-50000 USD

anonymous

Anonymous

Founder

Confidential

2 - 9 employees

Overall rating

5

Expertise

5

Accuracy of Cost Estimates

4

Communication & Responsiveness

5

Accuracy of Timeline

4

Value for Money

4

Willingness to Refer

10/10

Summary

Overall, working with Design 1st has been a positive experience. While there have been challenges in project management and cost estimation, their high-quality work, efficiency, and expertise in product development have been commendable. I would recommend potential customers to carefully scope out their projects and communicate openly with Design 1st to ensure a successful collaboration.

Project Description

Our collaboration with Design 1st involved creating a cutting-edge biotech product that combines comfort, functionality, aesthetics, and lightweight design. From overcoming the challenge of ensuring the mask fits all faces to integrating breath sensors seamlessly, Design 1st’s expertise has been instrumental. Additionally, they conducted market surveys and provided renderings for promotional purposes, showcasing their comprehensive approach to product development.

Pros

I am impressed with Design 1st’s problem-solving skills, transparency, and comprehensive services. Their engineering knowledge has been effective in tackling difficult challenges, and their ability to connect us with manufacturers for prototyping and mass production has been invaluable. Their creative design and mechanical engineering services, as well as their rapid prototyping capabilities, have also stood out.

Cons

There are a couple of areas where Design 1st could improve. Firstly, it would have been convenient if they could have offered software development services in-house, rather than us having to seek another company for this aspect. Secondly, their time-based charging model creates a misalignment of interests, as delays or expansions solely impact our budget. Aligning their incentives with project results would benefit both parties.

Switched from another provider?

yes

Considered other providers?

yes

Revolutionary Food Storage Solution Created for Travel Gear Company

Published: May 2, 2020

The Project

Other Design

Completed

Nov 2019 - Apr 2020

25000-50000 USD

anonymous

Anonymous

VP Sales

Manufacturing

50 - 249 employees

Overall rating

4

Expertise

4

Accuracy of Cost Estimates

4

Communication & Responsiveness

4

Accuracy of Timeline

4

Value for Money

4

Willingness to Refer

10/10

Summary

Working with Design 1st was a success. The team’s project management skills were strong, and their unique approach to problem-solving was impressive. To potential customers, I recommend ensuring that Design 1st understands your customers’ needs from the beginning of the engagement to incorporate them throughout the development process.

Project Description

I initially brought our own concept to the team at Design 1st. They outlined a comprehensive plan consisting of multiple development phases, from conceptualization to the final product. Each phase lasted approximately two months, with constant communication and regular meetings. We started with CAD renderings and moved on to in-house prototyping. The team then focused on developing 3D models that considered both form and function. We conducted trials on various engineering design options, addressing challenges such as temperature control and durability. Design 1st presented us with several initial concepts, all of which were viable. After narrowing down our choices, we refined the selected design throughout the remaining development stages. Their suggestions included unique design choices, materials, and the final aesthetics of the product. The hinge mechanism was also a crucial part of their input.

Pros

The end product was unique and visually appealing, leading to strong retail sales despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Design 1st effectively managed the project and demonstrated great problem-solving capabilities.

Cons

One area for improvement could be a deeper understanding of end user needs to better guide the product design.

Switched from another provider?

yes

Considered other providers?

yes

Offices

Headquarter

Ottawa, 314 Athlone Avenue

Area served

WorldWide

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