Development is iterative and inclusive. Each iteration includes the user and tests against user demand parameters. Critical to the process is that the user does not change the parameters. Demand parameters need to be constant for the development process to be efficient.
Design
- Initial designs start with sketches and white board sessions using research results and demand parameters
- Once a design is produced, it is developed in CAD
- Once specific results are known from CAD, it either returns to the drawing board or moves to modeling
Modeling
- Computer modeling generates initial results
- CFD is used to test fly products
- CFD results either move the process back to re-design or to 3D printing
- 3D printing produces product models which are physically tested in controlled environments
- RC models are produced for transport or moving products
Prototyping
- The smallest scale prototype is produced first
- A second prototype of a different size, normally larger, is produced and results are compared
- Prototypes are rigorously tested against demand parameters
- Prototypes often produce hard data which is not considered “good news” by the user
- Hard data is good news, as it provides a hard platform from which to build improvements
- False positive results at this stage lead to high numbers of product deaths, contributing to the name the valley of death