How does Salad get from an idea to a product?
How do we at Salad go from an idea to a potential product - what is the design process? The first step is an idea that someone proposes. The idea can be a functional idea like how about we make a small speaker. Or a stylistic idea such as how about we make a speaker in the Dieter Rams style. Of course, generally it is some combination of the two and in short order style and function are forced to track together.
From there:
Research. Lots of research.
We make some sketches and/or renderings for discussion.
In addition to the style and function we discuss what tone we want to achieve. For example, generally wood gives a warm comfortable tone. Aluminum generally has a harder tone but lends an air of sleekness and technical sophistication.
Make mock-ups in our prototype lab. This can include simply hot glueing hardboard but generally some combination of 3D printing, CNC router, laser cutting/engraving and some electronics.
If the product is a speaker, extensive modeling and audio performance evaluation is part of the process.
Below is an example of a product idea we at Salad have been bouncing around. It is a 2.1 stereo amplifier. The starting point idea was purely stylistic. How about we make an amplifier “softer” than the standard black aluminum box. The designer who suggested the idea feels most amplifiers are historically too masculine in style and tone. If you glanced at the pictures below already you will notice that the amplifier has a mid-century modern look. That was not the original intent but making it “softer” drove the design to a mid-century modern style.
The first picture shows a progression in the mock-up process from right to left. The first mock-up was too small and there was not enough room to manipulate the knobs. The middle and left mock-ups have cut-outs over and under the knobs for increased access. All three have 3D printed sides. The original concept was to have anodized or painted aluminum sides but the texture of 3D printing is better because it is softer.
The rounded light tunnel over the center knob (the on/off and volume) was also designed to give it a softer feel. Yes, it is too bright.
What do we like and don’t like at this point:
We like the white front panel.
We like the curved light tunnel but as noted the LED is too bright.
The knobs are blah to put it mildly. Custom knobs would be designed and sourced if this product went to production.
There is a lot of flexibility with this design. The current wood is basswood with a white wax. Green and pink will be interesting to try too.
The darker sides are questionable. Likely too dark but some contrast helps define the shape.
The legs need some work. Some feel the earlier prototype legs look better.
The scale is good and the tone was achieved.
What next? We don’t know at this point. There are so many factors in addition to design that must be considered for a product to go into production. We have not got that far.
-Matt
