ACCESS COMPLETE SCIENCE THE EASY WAY

3M Food Safety engineered a device for detecting food pathogens, aiming for a user-friendly system to simplify complex scientific processes. Leveraging 3M's proprietary technology, software, and chemicals, operators can load the device and proceed without complications. 3M collaborated with Sanmina-SCI and Advanta as development and manufacturing partners. Sanmina-SCI is a California based prominent global design and contract manufacturing company. Together we assisted 3M and other clients in delivering comprehensive product and manufacturing solutions.

When developing a user-centric product, extensive analysis and testing of physical prototypes are essential before conceptualizing. Often, our clients possess a clear vision of the product's usage and functionality, guiding our initial steps. Accordingly, we direct our team to explore potential form factors early in the process, prioritizing function over visual design, as form must invariably complement function.

We offered the client three distinct concepts, ranging from more advanced and futuristic designs to more conservative ones. Through our presentation of the concepts named "Next Step", "Evolution", and "Revolution", we effectively showcased a spectrum of design progression and associated risks for the client's consideration. After the client's selection, we presented sketches, followed by renderings of a preliminary model to seek client approval.

In products of advanced technology like these, users encounter a straightforward interface requiring just one or two steps to operate effectively. However, behind the scenes, numerous components, electronics, and sensors seamlessly interact to facilitate a sophisticated scientific and mechanical experience. This phenomenon is coined as "simplicity at the far side of complexity," where our team adds value by simplifying the intricate, making complexity accessible and user-friendly.

Generating renderings of a complex assembly is simple; it doesn't have to pass the real-life test. Designing a product for manufacturing requires ensuring that each component meets mechanical requirements and interacts effectively with others. Manufacturing processes present their own criteria, challenges, and limitations. It's essential to consider how each part will be made and how manufacturing capabilities influence design decisions, impacting the design of other components.

Collaborating with Sanmina, Advanta handled product aesthetics, including designs for various components such as solenoid subsystems, heat dissipation, wire management, electronics integration, indicator lights, ergonomics, and over a dozen injection-molded parts. Bringing exceptional products to market relies on collective vision and skill. Working closely with 3M's project management team and the talented professionals at Sanmina-SCI, Advanta contributed design expertise, development capabilities, and prototype coordination to this collaborative effort.