In order to truly understand and empathize with our target audience, we immersed ourselves in the diving community, actively engaging with divers, instructors, and operators. This deep dive allowed us to grasp the challenges they face, as well as their underlying needs and desires.
Design Process
Industrial Design of Deepblu's Latest Flagship Dive Computer
Produced at
Deepblu
Time frame
Q1 – Q3 2020
Stage
Production-ready
My role
Before starting the GALACTIQ dive computer project, Deepblu underwent substantial downsizing. As the lead designer, I was solely responsible for all design tasks, including industrial design, UI/UX, packaging, and the product website. In this design thinking process case study, I will focus on the industrial design aspect.
Collaborators (7+)
Dive expert, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, manufacturing vendors, developer, sourcing manager, CEO
Design Process
Empathize.
We invited divers of all levels around the world to complete a survey and share their experiences. Additionally, we consulted with five diving experts to get deeper insights into the technical aspects of the dive computer. As a company, we also made it a priority for every employee to experience diving and earn an Open Water certification. This firsthand experience helped us truly empathize with the people we were designing for.
Define.
Our secondary research involved gathering feedback from customers, studying forums, and conducting market research to identify pain points and product opportunities. From our findings, we derived personas, use scenarios, and our overall product strategy. We also brought on an expert diving instructor to validate and guide our product development.
Ideate & Prototype.
To encourage a creative and exploratory ideation process, I embraced divergent thinking by sketching ideas, even in the midst of unrelated daily tasks. Additionally, I crafted low-fidelity models using matboard and paper to quickly test and validate concepts. Promising ideas were further developed into rough 3D models using Rhinoceros 3D.
In total, I made about 20 rough CAD models before selecting the top five for SLA 3D printing and review. My ability to visualize three-dimensional objects in my mind, transfer them from pen to paper, and quickly create rough CAD models enabled me to generate ideas effectively.
Iterate.
As we moved into the next phase, we converged our focus to one main concept, drawing inspiration from other ideas. We received the initial PCB assembly file from the electrical engineer and the internal structure from the mechanical engineer. it quickly became evident that the overall size of the PCB assembly exceeded my initial expectations. In response, I referenced anthropometric data on wrist sizes and express my concerns to the engineers. Unfortunately, I was told there was no room for adjustments.
As I continued to refine the design using CAD, it was clear that the dive computer would be too large unless modifications were made to the PCB assembly. Throughout the process, I consistently voiced my concerns and advocated for necessary changes.
Prototype & Evaluate.
While we were still going back and forth with the size of the PCBA, we received an investor’s interest that needed our attention. The CEO requested a high-fidelity prototype and renderings for a pitch presentation. To speed up the process, I detailed the current design, aware that it was larger than ideal, and sent the CAD files to a prototyping company in China.
The resulting prototype featured a case made of machined polycarbonate, with the bezel, buttons, and caseback CNC’ed from stainless steel. The crystal was crafted from silkscreened glass and the display featured a placeholder UI. Unfortunately, this photo is the only one I have of the prototype.
Iterate more.
After receiving the high-fidelity prototype, it became apparent that the size was indeed too large, as I had predicted. However, the CEO was pleased with the overall look and feel of the design. He was able to convince the engineers to rework the PCBA, and I also collaborated with them to suggest alternative ways of stacking the components.
To address the size issue, I went through the iterative design process once again. This involved a lot of sketching, creating rough models, and developing CAD models to explore various solutions to decrease the overall volume and perceived size of the design.
Color, Material, Finish.
With the form now mostly finalized, I moved on to specifying the color, material, and finish (CMF) for the product. My experience working with factories in Taiwan and China has allowed me to accumulate a collection of plastic sample chips in boxes under my desk, as well as a cabinet full of samples in the office, which I refer to for CMF decisions.
For color, I rely on my trusted Pantone formula guide. While aesthetics play a significant role in color selection, other factors such as product positioning, brand identity, and target audience are also taken into consideration.
Choosing the right material involves assessing properties such as touch and feel, tensile and compression strength, durability, weight, cost, hardness, tolerance, run size, production method, water exposure, oxidation, weatherability, and many other considerations. Our engineers and manufacturing partners are involved in conducting extensive tests to ensure that our product is 10-bar water resistant.
When considering the finish, it’s essential to go beyond aesthetics and take into account other factors. Some textures can provide grip, while other finishes are more resistant to wear. The chosen finish must also work well with the selected material. Taking all these factors into account is crucial to delivering a product that is not only visually appealing but also functional and durable.
Visualization.
With the industrial design and user interface design nearing their finalization, it was time to create renderings that would bring it to life. Visual communication shares similarities with other forms of communication, it is just as essential to identify the audience, intent, and message. The key distinction lies in conveying the message through visual elements rather than words.
In addition to my responsibilities for the ID, UI, and UX design of GALACTIQ, I took the initiative to create dedicated product web pages, covering all aspects from design and copywriting to website development. Having previously identified our target audience during the “Define” design phase, structuring the website and crafting the copy played a crucial role in clarifying the intent and message behind the required visuals. I sketched numerous thumbnails to explore various compositions for rendering. Using KeyShot, I focused on arranging the layout, applying textures, fine-tuning the lighting, and selecting optimal camera angles to breathe life into the product through rendering and compositing.
Fluid Simulation.
Although Blender’s physical inaccuracy may not always be suitable for industrial design, it is a powerful tool for creating scenes and visual simulations. After leaving the company, I taught myself how to use Blender, which is polygon-based software that differs from the NURBS-based Rhinoceros 3D and solid-based modeling Solidworks that I was familiar with. I discovered that Blender excels in creating visual simulations, and I was able to simulate GALACTIQ’s interaction with water using Blender’s built-in mantaflow. This was a useful addition to my current workflow of rendering.
The Outcome
Production-ready.
After months of design and engineering, GALACTIQ’s industrial design was finalized. By the end of Q3 2020, the external mechanical and electrical engineers had also finished defining the PCBA and internal structure. The testing phase of the engineering prototype, evaluating water resistance, pressure sensor accuracy, and other functionalities, was nearing completion.
The above outlines the industrial design process for Deepblu’s GALACTIQ Dive Computer project. If you’re interested in viewing the designs, let’s jump right in!
Disclaimer: The work published on this webpage is for reference purposes only and is not intended to promote or advertise any products. This portfolio is to showcase my design skills and experience.