T3
2 - 8 contact Hours | 3D Outputs in less than 2 weeks
Tier Three (T3) is designed to yield realistic 3D output, distilled through multiple rounds of concept elimination, on an extremely aggressive timeline. This tier is extremely useful for companies who need to realistically demonstrate the look, size and function of a new device for evaluation by prospective users, investors or internal stakeholders before committing to a complete NPD program. The outputs of a T3 project include those of T1 and T2, distilled and translated into 3D.
A live, guided concept ideation session led by one or more designers
Dozens to hundreds of detailed black and white hand illustrations
Professional photography of the session, including a time lapse video
A spreadsheet with an illustration and description of each concept
A weighted Criteria-Based Matrix (CBM), based on stated project goals
Refined illustrations of the leading concepts
The results of a second CBM, based on stated project goals, to identify a single concept
A 3D CAD model of a single concept
Photorealistic 3D renderings
360° turntable animation
A digital deck consolidating all outputs into a single, shareable format
Loose (transparent PNG) copies of all illustrations and renderings (for addition to other decks)
The T3 session is essentially a design blitz with a realistic 3D output. Its purpose is to provide early evaluation(s) of a concept based on enough detail to ensure the evaluation is fair. This session represents extreme value in that its outputs include breadth, depth, and the collaborative input of many stakeholders — all on an extremely aggressive timeline. And though renderings and a turntable animation are included, the CAD model from which these are produced can also be used to create additional outputs, including rapid prototypes. Depending on the nature of the project, this model may also be appropriate for cost modeling or even tooling production.
Because the T3 session is essentially a hyper-abbreviated version of the design process, it should include an ideation session, followed by a CBM-driven down-selection and then a second ideation session designed to refine the concepts identified during the first day’s session. These are best executed over two days, if time permits. The second day acts as a working session during which many of the details of the design can be discussed and problems solved before moving it into 3D.
The images below show the types of outputs that can be expected from a T3 session. While not optimized for manufacturing, these designs all incorporate the knowledge and experience of our team to ensure that they are, at minimum, realistic enough to provide a fair evaluation of the concept. Many T3 designs are detailed enough to be advanced as-is to a manufacturer and produced from the conceptual geometry with minor revisions, if any. All of the models for these renderings were created in less than two weeks.
Ghost Tattoo | T3 Case Study
The images below highlight several of the outputs created during an ideation program for Ghost Tattoo. What started as a T3 ideation session yielded a manufacturable design in just days — and shippable products in weeks. In it, we were challenged to leverage our experience in medical device packaging and the sterile method to develop a sterile packaging system for tattoo artists. For more information, check out the case study.
