Notes on Product Design Process by Matthew Encina

Introduction

• Presenter: Matthew Encina, Creative Director
• Company: Mod Musings
• Collaboration: Grovemade (high-quality desk accessories)
• Collaboration Concept: Designing a desk accessory product from scratch
• Sponsor: Shopify

Background

• Transitioned to explore new creative opportunities in 2021
• Passion for building and creating content about productivity and creativity
• Grovemade has a shared passion for improving workspaces

Design Process Overview: Double Diamond

• A common process across design disciplines
• Phases: Explore, Define, Develop, Deliver

1. Discover

• Explore the problem and observe user behavior
• In-person observations:
  • Matthew's work environment studied by Ken and Sean from Grovemade
  • Conducted similar studies with Matthew's mentor
• Key Discoveries:
  • Note-taking is essential, often done on notepads or paper
  • Lack of good storage solutions leads to clutter
  • Important notes are kept for 3-5 days during processing

2. Define

• Focus on the right problem to solve
• Team discussions to identify common issues
• Established Design Challenge:
  • Design a better way to capture, review, and store notes

3. Develop

• Explore potential solutions in an expansive way
• Use digital collaboration tools (Miro) for brainstorming and sketching
• Prototyping:
  • Cardboard sketches, old scraps, and 3D prints
  • Finding an appropriate notepad paper thickness
• Refinement of ideas:
  • Set of tools: updated notepad, note stand, and divider

4. Deliver

• Transition from prototype to production model
• Responsibilities shift to Grovemade's implementation team
• Finalizations include:
  • Sourcing materials
  • Assembly processes
  • Cost considerations

Naming and Messaging

• Importance of product naming for identity
• Criteria for naming:
  • Fit with Grovemade's product lineup
  • Communicate functionality
  • Aesthetic appeal
• Final product names:
  • Note-taking kit, notepad, display rail, vertical organizer
• Core Messaging:
  • Set of tools to capture, review, and recall notes
  • Clear the clutter and organize ideas

Marketing Strategy

• Utilize existing audiences on social media
• Promotion through personal channels and Grovemade's accounts
• Generate interest and drive sales to Grovemade's website

Product Features

• Note Taking Kit includes:
  • Dot grid pattern paper for neat note-taking
  • Heavy base for easy page flipping
  • Display rail for upright notes and devices
  • Vertical organizer for clean storage
• Available finishes:
  • Maple with light gray felt
  • Walnut with dark gray felt
  • Limited Mod Musings edition in white oak and black leather

Conclusion

• Matthew shares pride in the final product after two years of work
• Acknowledgment of learning and collaboration with Grovemade
• Invitation for questions and encouragement to support the project
• Future content planned around using the note-taking kit in workflows