What is Design R&D-Based PI Development Service?
This is a specialized process offered by design consultancy D-partners, tailored for technology driven startups.
Based on Design Thinking*, the service integrates a proprietary agile methodology designed to minimize failure costs
by aligning the uniqueness of product ideas with the client's environment and the commercialization of core technologies.
Through this process, D-partners builds a strategic Product Identity that enhances brand image, reinforces technological credibility,
and elevates design quality a distinctive R&D service that only D-partners can provide.
Conventional Methodology
(Waterfall Approach)
PI Development Service
(Agile Methodology)
What Sets D-partners’ PI Development Service Apart
Two-Way Communication
We maintain flexible communication from the start to ensure mutual understanding with clients.
Iterative Agile Process
Through short and iterative validation, we quickly identify issues, respond flexibly, and minimize the cost of failure.
Linkage to Subsequent Projects
Through product refinement, production validation, and follow-up project development, we successfully establish a robust PI system.
Step-by-Step Methodology of D-partners’ PI Development Service
EMPATHIZE
DEFINE
IDEATE
PROTOTYPE
TEST
Desk Research
-
Ethnographic User Research
UX Problem Analysis
-
Problem Analysis
based on
TRIZ Methodology
-
OPIS Methodology
Ideation based on IP Convergence Research
-
Problem-Solving Solutions based on TRIZ
-
Concept Establishment based on
Design Thinking
-
Agile Design Sprint
3D Printing
-
MVP Modeling
-
Working Prototype
Usability Test
* Design Thinking is a problem solving methodology aimed at delivering truly user centered solutions. It prioritizes a user centered approach to address complex and often ill-defined problems. This process is non-linear and iterative, emphasizing creativity and collaboration.
Desk Research
Desk research is a research method that involves collecting and analyzing existing data and information. It relies on secondary sources such as documents, reports, articles, and databases to explore relevant insights, rather than direct interaction with the research subject. Desk research is a cost and time efficient approach, commonly used in various types of investigations, including market analysis and academic studies.
Bio Signal Responsive Smart Helmet Design for HHS
Ethnographic User Research
Humanistic user research is an essential step in gaining a clear understanding of the user's experience throughout the product usage journey, playing a vital role in D-partners’ PI development service. By observing and analyzing user groups or personas, this humanistic research methodology helps uncover the context in which the product is used, as well as the core meanings and values it provides to the customer.
Drone Design for Nearthlab (Featuring On Site Shadow Tracking)
Drone Design for Nearthlab(Featuring Field Operation Testing)
IV Set Design for Medi Line Active Korea (In-Depth Interview Research)
UX Problem Analysis
To identify directions for product improvement, we observe and analyze the entire process of how users interact with the product. By directly using the product or observing users in real time, we uncover usability issues, understand user emotions, and identify key pain points that require improvement. This process allows us to discover opportunity areas and define a clear direction for product enhancement.
Design of Ultrasonic Cold Brew Coffee Extraction Device for Sonic Dutch Korea
Problem Analysis based on TRIZ Methodology
TRIZ is a problem solving methodology that defines the ideal outcome for a given problem, identifies the contradictions that hinder achieving that outcome, and provides strategies to overcome them. Key components of TRIZ include Root Cause Analysis (RCA), which identifies the fundamental causes behind surface level issues; Contradiction Analysis, which anticipates and addresses new problems (contradictions) that may arise during problem solving; and the 40 Inventive Principles, a set of creative strategies commonly used to resolve technical contradictions in inventive challenges.
Design of Ultrasonic Cold Brew Coffee Extraction Device for Sonic Dutch Korea
OPIS Methodology
The OPIS (Open Patent Intelligence Search) methodology is a cross domain patent search strategy designed to overcome product constraints and generate innovative outcomes. Unlike traditional approaches that seek to avoid infringement by focusing on similar patents, OPIS identifies novel ideas from unrelated patent domains, enabling more efficient use of time and resources. This methodology typically consists of four key stages: problem analysis, cause analysis, search query formulation, and problem solving. Its flexible framework allows for adaptive application and effective results across various product types and case scenarios.
3D Printing Pen Design for Bytesoft
Ideation based on IP Convergence Research
IP Convergence Research refers to an analytical approach that investigates the intersection and integration of heterogeneous technologies in design and solution development. It explores how various patented technologies can be effectively combined to generate and advance new solutions. This research method examines patterns, trends, and collaborations across diverse patent designs to understand the synergies and innovations that arise from technological convergence. Both quantitative methods such as patent data analysis and qualitative approaches are often used to identify and evaluate how different technologies are integrated in product and system design. The ultimate goal of IP convergence research is to gain deep insights through the investigation of patent design combinations and to drive innovation by developing technologies through strategic integration.
Dental Floss Holder Design for Dongseo Medicare
Problem Solving Solutions based on TRIZ
To overcome the identified key contradictions and root causes, we apply TRIZ's 40 Inventive Principles to creatively solve the challenge.
Design of Ultrasonic Cold Brew Coffee Extraction Device for Sonic Dutch Korea
Concept Establishment based on Design Thinking
Design thinking offers a wide range of benefits, including user centered solutions, improved product usability, continuous improvement, innovation, competitive advantage, and a shift in mindset. It not only focuses on creating user centric solutions but also highlights its effectiveness in driving innovation and adaptability in an ever evolving business environment.
3D Printing Pen Design for Bytesoft
Drone Design for Nearthlab
Agile Design Sprint
Agile Design Sprints are a fast and flexible methodology for product design. They promote collaborative problem solving throughout the entire pre-development process including ideation, prototyping, and user testing making them highly effective for addressing key business questions. Agile development fosters flexibility, adaptability, and customer collaboration across the entire project lifecycle. When integrated with design sprints, it helps maintain a balance between design exploration and functional development.
Drone Design for Nearthlab (in collaboration with a mechanical design expert)
3D Printing Pen Design for Bytesoft (in collaboration with a mechanical design expert)
3D Printing
By utilizing 3D printing technology, prototypes can be rapidly produced without the need for traditional CNC milling or temporary molds. This allows for quick verification of usability and form, review of design direction, and data analysis ultimately reducing the need for repeated iterations in future development.
Dental Floss Holder Design for Dongseo Medicare
MVP Modeling
An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a prototype that includes only the core functions of a product or idea, built in a minimal form to gauge customer reactions. By developing an MVP, teams can efficiently validate key functionalities, assess whether they meet user expectations, and quickly improve design elements ultimately saving time and resources in the development process.
Design and Development of an Autonomous Infrared Depth Camera for Commercial Trucks by Thermoeye
Working Prototype
A working prototype provides not only aesthetic validation of the design, but also an early user experience by allowing users to interact with a prototype that closely resembles the final product. Through real world usage, user reactions and behaviors can be observed, enabling user centered development and refinement. This process helps enhance the final product’s quality by testing and improving aesthetic appeal, usability, and functionality.
Design and Development of Volume Measurement System (VMS) for DeepInsight
Usability Test
Usability evaluation generally involves collecting and analyzing comprehensive feedback data from target users using a working prototype. Depending on the test subjects and related conditions, various methods can be applied. This process may include not only real user testing but also internal reviews by the development team, expert interviews, and surveys targeting a broader user base. In some cases, the evaluation may be conducted using visualized models other than fully functional prototypes. The ultimate goal of usability evaluation is to refine the overall product design and enhance the user experience.
Multi Purpose Family Micro E-Mobility Design for POLED (Usability Testing, Surveys, and Interviews)
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