Beauty is the Beast
We take pride in our work and strive for perfection. The appearance prototypes we build typically leave our shop looking better than production. We invest the time hand-sculpting parting lines, sanding out organic surfaces, and preparing parts for uniform paint applications. If you need to show off a beautiful model to your marketing department, or need super models for photography and tradeshows, we use our wide-range of materials and processes for perfect A-surface finishes.
We practice constructing appearance models by any means necessary to make perfect. It usually takes a little bit of creativity and experience to join two dissimilar materials together – that’s what we’re adhere for. A typical model, though not “functionally working” sometimes consists of a combination of ABS, SLA, REN and Aluminum. From the outside, you’ll never be able to distinguish the material surface changes once paint is applied – we cover our seams up well. It’s a masterpiece.
Appearance Prototypes Establish:
- A-Class surface evaluation
- CAD geometry
- Ergonomics
- Consumer research evaluation tools
- Color, texture, material surface finish
Appearance Prototype
Case Study: Melnor Visual Brand Language
Melnor is a lawn and garden tool manufacturer that approached us with a new product line-up. They needed a dozen plus appearance prototype sprinklers and spray nozzles for a tradeshow, all designed with the same design queues. Since they were needed in such a short lead time, they didn’t need to operate, or function. The bodies and housings of the sprinklers consisted of parts printed on our Objet 3D printer, turned on our CNC lathe, textured with our 2D laser cutter and all finished with a multi-tone paint job. The grips of the spray nozzles accurately simulated a soft rubber grip, though it was just an A-surface paint finish that we developed in-house.
There's no question that working with PD helped maked this product a success. There were many short-cuts we could've taken, but the PD team helped create a bigger vision.
Eric Miller
Director of Product Management, Werner
Priority Designs' overall breadth of experience is an invaluable resource. They've already learned what to do, or not what to do, and we've been thrilled with the relationship.
John Roby
President & CEO, Sirchie
It was clear that Priority Design's in-house team could handle the mechanical, industrial design, and electrical work which was a strength over other firms.
Jodi Lee
Brand Director, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Having BIG ideas is one thing, having someone be able to execute them for you is another. Priority Designs not only brought it to life, they made it even bigger.
Adam Beach
Owner, MyGolfSpy
Our collaboration with Priority Designs was a resounding success. Their commitment to excellence throughout the project ensure timely delivery and a product that perfectly aligns with our mission.
Jim Alloway
CEO, Pilot Dogs
PD helped guide us through the re-branding process in a way that really got to the core of our DNA. Their work resonated with both our upper managment and our users alike.
Alan English
Senior Brand Manager, Proto Industrial Distribution at Stanley, Black & Decker
PD's deep understanding of our users and ability to translate findings into actionable items is a powerful combination that helps keep our teams aligned and new programs on track.
Mary Glennon
Global Marketing Insights Manager, Hollister
From concept to design to TMV to testing, PD has been a valuable part of our team and we could not have done this without them. It has been an absolute pleasure working with them.
Kristen Bunch
Senior Engineer, R&D, TIDI Products
The Priority Design's team mastered to understand our niche market and it's end-users quickly, which has led to definition and development of an intuitive UI/UX, which exceeded our expectations.
Steffen Baumann
Former Senior Product Manager, Midmark Corporation
Working together on this project was much more than reviewing sketches and concepts - it was truly a collaboration. That doesn't happen without great people, and PD has them.
Eric Miller
Director of Product Management, Werner
PD has been exceptional to work with. Their in-depth understanding and partnership throughout the project far exceeded our expectations. We couldn't have done this without them.
Jenna Merandi
Medication Safety Officer, Nationwide Children's Hospital
