TECHNICAL DESIGN & PRODUCT ENGINEERING
Let’s build together!
Drawing upon over 200 years of combined experience, and 5+ years as a product engineering company, we span various industries, from apparel, bras, sports bras, compression, medical devices, wearables, sporting goods, and protective devices. Our technical designers and diverse engineers offer valuable assistance to enhance your existing team or serve as your comprehensive product development engineering team. Working hand in hand with our in-house designers, our technical designers and engineers seamlessly integrate throughout the entire process, from initial brainstorming to the manufacturing hand-off. By approaching engineering development in a holistic manner, we ensure the creation of a unified solution rather than a disjointed assembly of components. This approach transforms ideas into practical solutions that require fewer revisions along the way, preserving the original design intent in the final product.
A Product Engineering Firm that Seamlessly Translates Design Intent from Concept to Production.
Whether you require our comprehensive support from beginning to end or assistance with a specific phase, we are here to support you.
Our engineers and designers work hand in hand during the initial stages of the process to bring forth innovative and groundbreaking products. Through intense collaboration and brainstorming sessions, we take product ideation to new heights. Our engineers, with their proficiency across various industries, inject fresh perspectives and unexpected breakthroughs into the creation process by drawing inspiration from diverse fields.
During this phase, our engineers play a vital role in providing invaluable insights on material selection and initial manufacturing considerations. Their meticulous expertise ensures that the product not only meets aesthetic requirements but is also optimized for functionality, durability, and efficiency. By thoroughly analyzing the characteristics of various materials, we can identify the most suitable options for the project at hand.
However, we understand the importance of validating ideas before proceeding further. To do so, we may create rapid and rudimentary proof-of-concept prototypes that serve as tangible representations of our vision. These prototypes allow us to gauge the concept's feasibility, test its functionality, and understand potential design flaws. With this information, we are able to refine the design concept and make necessary adjustments before proceeding to the more intricate stages of development.
By combining the talents of our engineers and designers during the early stages of the development process, we ensure a seamless integration between creativity and technical expertise. Together, we conceptualize and refine ideas, leveraging our diverse knowledge base to pave the way for innovative solutions.
PRODUCT IDEATION
Body scanning, biomechanics, and anthropometry play integral roles in product design, product fit, comfort, and development. We lead by data-driven-design and this includes body scanning technology. Body scanning and motion capture allows our designers and engineers to capture precise measurements of the human body, enabling them to create products that fit more accurately and comfortably. By collecting data on individual body shapes and dimensions, our teams can tailor designs to specific target demographics, ensuring a better fit and enhancing customer satisfaction. Biomechanics, on the other hand, focuses on understanding how the body moves and interacts with the product. This knowledge is critical in designing products that provide optimal support, functionality, and comfort. By analyzing how the body moves, our team can incorporate features such as ergonomic supports or flexible materials to enhance performance and reduce discomfort. Lastly, considering anthropometry, which is the science of human body measurement, designers can utilize statistical data on various anthropometric measurements to ensure that their designs accommodate a wide range of body sizes and proportions. This approach promotes inclusivity and accessibility, enabling more individuals to experience a perfect fit and enjoy the benefits of well-designed products. The integration of body scanning, biomechanics, and anthropometry in product design allows for the creation of products that fit better, provide optimal support, and cater to a diverse range of body types and needs. With this data we aggregate, analyze, and create size and fit tables, new size standards, re-establish product fit, and create holistic systems of product fit and sizing that are interconnected through initial creation to iterative product development.
BIOMECHANICS & ANTHROPOMETRY
Our Technical Designers and Engineers are the backbone of our product development process. With a seamless collaboration with our designers, pattern makers, sample room, material development, and manufacturers, they form a cohesive unit to create innovative solutions that seamlessly merge design intent with functional and production requirements.
The role of our Technical Designers is crucial in ensuring that designs are transformed into functional and well-fitting garments. Their expertise lies in the technical aspects of garment production, technical packages, encompassing fit, pattern development, grading, construction techniques, and adherence to quality standards. Through meticulous attention to detail, they guarantee that every stitch and seam is precisely executed, resulting in a flawless end product that meets our clients' expectations.
On the other hand, our Engineers play a pivotal role in integrating hard components and electronics into devices or garments for optimal performance and functionality. Their expertise lies in fabricating and strategically placing these components, ensuring they seamlessly fit within the product without compromising its design or purpose. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, our Engineers deploy cutting-edge techniques and materials to create products that not only look exceptional but also perform flawlessly.
Collaboration is the key to our success. Our Technical Designers and Engineers work hand in hand, aligning their efforts to bring our clients' visions to life. They engage in continuous communication and problem-solving to address any challenges that may arise during the development process. Whether it's optimizing the fit of a garment or integrating electronic components seamlessly, they are relentless in their pursuit of perfection.
TECHNICAL DESIGN & ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT
During the development process, iterative prototyping plays a vital role in evaluating the functionality of a product through continuous testing and refinement. This methodical approach not only saves time and resources but also ensures that the end product meets the desired specifications. At The Squad Nation, we understand the importance of this process, which is why we have invested in an in-house sample room and developed a network of reliable suppliers.
With our in-house sample room, our technical designers and engineers can swiftly collaborate on refining product designs. This promotes efficient communication and problem-solving, allowing us to work quickly and deliver high-quality results. Whether it involves cut & sew, bonding & laminating, casting and molding, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, or integrating soft goods or electronic components, our experienced team possesses the expertise to handle a broad range of prototyping techniques.
By employing this iterative approach to prototyping, we foster flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness within the overall design process. Designers and developers can iterate quickly, exploring different design possibilities, and creating variations to test innovative ideas. Our commitment to continuously testing and refining prototypes based on real-world insights and user feedback ensures that we make informed decisions during the development process.
The benefits of iterative prototyping extend beyond refining the product's functionality. It also allows us to anticipate and address potential issues early on, reducing the risk of costly mistakes in later stages of production. This approach empowers our team to mitigate risks and maximize efficiency by identifying areas for improvement throughout the development process.
Furthermore, our collaboration with suppliers extends our capabilities, ensuring that we can meet the demands of projects both big and small. From sourcing the highest quality materials to manufacturing components in a timely manner, our integrated network enables us to maintain a seamless workflow. This strong supplier network underscores our commitment to delivering superior products that meet and exceed our clients' expectations.
RAPID PROTOTYPES & PROTOTYPING
We understand that software development is a multifaceted discipline that requires a unique blend of technical skills, domain knowledge, collaboration, and project management to create high-quality software solutions that precisely cater to our clients' needs. Over the years, we have continually evolved our capabilities to stay relevant in the ever-changing technological landscape.
One significant area of evolution has been in the integration of wearables and soft goods with sensors, electronics, and software. Our team has embraced this paradigm shift and expanded our services to offer an all-encompassing, in-house, one-stop-shop experience for our clients. We recognize the increasing demand for comprehensive teams that can seamlessly collaborate alongside our clients throughout the entire software development lifecycle, from requirement gathering to deployment.
With technology rapidly advancing, wearables have become integral to various industries, such as healthcare, fitness, and even entertainment. These devices rely on a seamless fusion of hardware and software to function optimally. By broadening our capabilities to include wearables and soft goods integration, we have positioned ourselves as a reliable partner for clients seeking comprehensive solutions that drive their success.
Our holistic approach ensures that clients no longer have to engage with multiple vendors or endure complex coordination between different teams. They can rely on our skilled professionals who possess a profound understanding of not only software development but also the intricacies of integrating hardware, sensors, and electronics with wearable devices and soft goods. This integration allows us to deliver superior software solutions that harmonize seamlessly with the physical products.
Furthermore, our journey doesn't just end with the development phase; we accompany our clients throughout the entire software development lifecycle. Starting from gathering requirements, our team works closely with our clients to truly understand their vision, needs, and objectives. Through meticulous planning, agile development methodologies, and iterative feedback loops, we ensure that our solutions align perfectly with our clients' expectations.
Upon completion, we undertake rigorous quality assurance processes to guarantee a high-quality end product. Our team conducts extensive testing, bug fixing, and performance optimization, ensuring that it meets the most stringent standards before deployment. With our well-established project management practices, our clients can stay informed about the project's progress at every step of the way.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
We have established dedicated engineering laboratories that are specifically equipped with calibrated tools and custom testing equipment. Testing can be conducted at any stage of the development process to derive valuable insights for defining design parameters, setting benchmarks, assessing performance requirements, and evaluating the competitive landscape of products. Our testing capabilities encompass a wide range of needs, including material testing, tensile and strength testing, life cycle testing, product performance testing, optimization testing, and more.
Over the years, we have developed specialized testing equipment, such as pressure sensor testing and optimal value sets across various garments and devices, body scanning and motion capture to test garment movement, air permeability tests to quickly test air flow of materials while on the body, and many more. This understanding of materials and design dynamics in specific scenarios greatly contributes to optimizing the overall design process and provides early risk assessment and insight into the future of how the product will perform over its lifetime.
As the product moves towards early manufacturing stages, we can also carry out quality assessments and product reliability testing to ensure the final product meets the required standards.
PRODUCT TESTING & ANALYSIS
Our dynamic team thrives on challenging the boundaries of design and engineering. We collaborate across various industries, each with unique requirements and product applications, to bring cutting-edge solutions to life. Through the seamless fusion of technical expertise and state-of-the-art technology, our talented designers and engineers consistently deliver exceptional results.
From devices to integrated garments, our innovation-driven approach enables us to push the limits of what is possible. Leveraging a suite of advanced tools and techniques, including device and body scanning, CAD, 3D printing, prototypes, and 2-D documentation. By simulating the final product in a digital environment first, we can evaluate crucial aspects such as ergonomics, assembly, fit, and user interaction, ensuring a seamless integration of form and function. Utilizing a range of materials, we then create tangible prototypes that demonstrate the functionality and aesthetics of our designs and provides a hands-on experience. This tangible approach allows us to analyze the physical feasibility and ergonomics, ensuring that the product feels right in the user's hands. Iterative adjustments are made to optimize assembly fit and finish, guaranteeing a flawless end product. Through a rigorous process of analysis, testing, and refinement, we optimize the performance and durability of our designs. By upholding strict quality standards throughout the entire assembly, we achieve excellence in every product.
PART FABRICATION & ASSEMBLY
We understand that the culmination of a project marks a crucial juncture where effective communication and coordination become paramount. As our project nears its conclusion and transitions into the manufacturing phase, we go above and beyond to provide unparalleled support to our clients. Our primary objective during this critical stage is to ensure a seamless transfer of crucial information and files, essential for the success of the production process.
Before the hand-off, meticulous attention is paid to ensure that all relevant information and documentation are finalized. This typically includes CAD files, 2-D documentation, prototypes, and supplier selection. Our expertise lies in facilitating the smooth transition of these key components. We understand that the design intent, which has been meticulously crafted by our team, should not be lost in translation as it is handed over to the manufacturer. Therefore, we extend our support to both our clients and the manufacturers through various measures.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is a vital aspect that we emphasize during this phase. By working closely with the manufacturers, we assist them in understanding the intricacies of the design and provide them with valuable insights on how to optimize the manufacturing process. Our team of experts collaborates with the manufacturers to ensure that the design intent is upheld, and any potential issues are identified and addressed early on. This proactive approach minimizes the chances of errors or inconsistencies in the final product.
TRANSFER TO MANUFACTURING
MEDICAL DEVICES
REVOLUTIONIZING SOFT GOODS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & INTEGRATED DEVICE DEVELOPMENT, ONE DEVICE AT A TIME.
At The Squad Nation, we embrace the latest technologies and understand the importance of speed to market. Our streamlined development process ensures that your medical device progresses swiftly from the conceptualization stage to the final product. We employ agile methodologies, cutting-edge design tools, advanced simulation software, and precision manufacturing techniques to accelerate the development timeline without compromising quality, safety, and efficacy. By embedding cutting-edge technologies we enhance the functionality, usability, and performance of your device, and ensure your product achieves a competitive edge in the market.
