Envisage can support the full process for interior and exterior trim design from trend analysis and target setting through to production design & prototype manufacture.

Trend Analysis

We embark on a journey of trend analysis as part of any client project, we want to know where the world is headed and the reasons behind transitions and choices. Trend research is focused on a specific brief and sits at the front end of a project.  Looking at overall macro trends – the trends which relate to consumer demographics, lifestyle choices, market influences which are important to understand to make predictions on customer preferences.

We research specific material ideas, colours and finishes relevant to the brief getting into the mindset of the target customer, to think about the values which are important to them.

Benchmarking and Target Setting

By identifying the key attributes for the end user, the competitive set can be benchmarked against them, and a desired market position can be defined. From this data the target for the systems can be set to achieve the desired market position.​

For interior and exterior trim, comfort, ergonomics, feature content, & quality (materials, gaps, finish) can all be broken down into measurables or assessed individually in a customer feedback clinic.

Results are compiled, each feature and subset are scored, ranked, and graphically demonstrated in a spider diagram. The target market position can be fed backwards through the process to define targets for each feature.​

Design

Designs start out from completely conceptual ideas or work to a package using 2D renderings techniques. From actual pen to paper then translating into 2D digital renderings or directly into 3D. From here working, alongside CAD and engineering, we can translate the vision into a physical reality using 3D visualisation (and into VR) or as a physical property.

We have many design projects in our portfolio, working in numerous market sectors including, aerospace, automotive, transportation, marine and furniture.

Perceived Quality

Perceived Quality is the ‘handshake’ bonding customer to product, through sensory interaction and emotional connection.

Dimensional Engineering is used as a preventative quality assurance method to ensure fulfilment of optical and functional requirements.

We conduct gap and profile benchmarking studies and working together with design and engineering teams, guide the target specification for new products. We can advise on part and process tolerances that are applicable from a broad range of processes including stamping, moulding, casting, machining.

Trim Bucks

Package development is an integral part of the design development. It consists of determining the configuration, the overall exterior/interior dimensions of and the components. Developing and verifying the configuration is usually conducted by using a Trim buck.

Electronics

We create bespoke Electronic / Electro-mechanical solutions, whilst utilising in house Control Technologies, Software Development & Applications HMI (Human Machine Interface techniques). Client aspirations are captured through a requirements process. Ideas/solutions are then put forward and through an iterative discussion loop we turn the ideas into reality to create unique fully operational features.

Prototypes

Production testing prototypes are made from the same material as the final product. The main point of creating a prototype is to see whether all the parts can be machined and if the geometry can be changed to decrease the amount of machining, that the product functions as it should and is aesthetically pleasing.

Trim

We have a very competent in-house trim team with experience in all aspects of trimming and trim R&D. With experience of components for transportation, furniture, marine interiors, and sculptural pieces, each a unique project.