Innovation task

Provoke set out to innovate a new, better product replacing the old model. The panel had displays, LED’s, switches and signs attached to it using complex sheet-metal parts and assembly.

The panel did not look professional enough compared to the competing products.

Challenge

Old product had a sheet-metal panel. The manufacturing was outsourced and the panel cost 70€. The company did not see plastics as an alternative, since it was seen as too heavy an investment for the small quantities produced.

The annual production volume of 5000 with a 5-7 year life-cycle meant a minimum of 1.75 M€ in purchases for the panel body alone.

Process

Creatives team launched a series of workshops where designers and engineers innovated a new product using a single plastics part.

Using Provoke’s Chinese network, tooling was rapid and cost-effective. Provoke handled the project management and ramp-up support.

Result - Return on Design Investment

The panel looks and feels more professional, thus building a better brand image. Assembly is easier.

Investing in design work, project management and tooling, enabled total savings of more than 1.5 M€ during the lifetime of the new and improved product