Research and Development

Core Capabilities

Our office is home to a collaborative team of product developers, whose foundation lies in mechanical engineering and industrial design, with a particular expertise in creating tool-ready designs. We have a broad range of in-house tools including 3D CAD software, 3D printers, and finite-element analysis (FEA), but if we can’t complete a task under our roof, we turn to our reliable network of vendors for processes like rapid prototyping or machining and fabrication. We also call upon design partners in the areas of electrical engineering, nonlinear and thermal analysis, and UX/UI. No matter how complex the problem, it’s likely SPARK can help.

SparkPD

March 12, 2021

Research and Development

SparkPD

March 12, 2021

Overview

How do you know if a new idea or technology is viable, or even commercially feasible?

Research and development is the exploratory stage that paves the way for real innovation. We take your need or problem and seek to understand it from every angle; incorporating existing knowledge and previous solutions, and then looking for ways to expand upon them. This is the raw ideation and testing stage. It is the process that validates an idea can grow into a difference-making product. SPARK has the knowledge base and breadth of experience to help clients hone a concept, or even just the kernel of a concept, into a functional design.

FEA

FEA (Finite Element Analysis) allows for virtual models of a product to be tested under a variety of simulated conditions. This can help to predict stress or break points on a part to reduce the need for multiple iterations of physical prototypes or to avoid unexpected product failures after production.

Product Invention & Ideation

How can SPARK best solve a problem that has been identified? Is what you’re trying to do even possible? How are the criteria for success determined? Before a plan of action can be developed, SPARK will work internally and alongside stakeholders to ideate on what aspects of a project require novel invention and how assumptions can be tested to prove a concept can work.

Proof-of-Concept Prototyping

If a project hinges on a single unproven concept, SPARK will typically start with a Proof-of-Concept prototype. While these prototypes usually do not look overly appealing, they are time and cost effective and provide invaluable input as to whether your concept can function as needed. Physically interacting with a prototype is an irreplaceable experience that is key to identifying usability issues that could otherwise go unnoticed.

Test Programs & Reports

Before jumping into a research and development project, SPARK will dig deep into your project’s core technology or idea and generate a test program to prove or disprove any assumptions. We always document our findings and supply you with an exhaustive test report.

Wood & Metal Shop Work

SPARK’s office is equipped with a woodworking and metal fabrication shop. This allows for quick turnaround on most proof-of-concept prototypes, or occasionally more refined prototypes, depending on the complexity of the project.

Beech Lane