Design that goes into series production
Industrial and product design for machines, medical technology and consumer goods
From the first observation in use to production-ready engineering: we design products that are easy to operate and go into series production the way they were designed. Since 1994 we have worked in Stuttgart, for clients including Liebherr, KLS Martin, Leitz and Hohenloher.
Book an initial consultationWhat does industrial and product design include with us?
We support your product from the first user observation to the start of production. The people who design the operating concept work right next to those developing form and engineering. That is why both are created at the same time rather than one after the other, and the design stays manufacturable all the way to series production. For machines and plants, we also offer machine design with design to cost.
UX and HMI design
We observe how a device is actually operated in everyday use and develop the operating concept from it: from the arrangement of the controls to the touch display interface (HMI). Clickable prototypes and user tests show early on where things get stuck, before any tooling is built. This reduces operating errors and training effort.
Product design
A product’s form has to work in the hand and make your brand recognisable. That is why we develop proportions, materials and surfaces with ergonomics and manufacturing costs in mind from the start. Early sketches and models make the designs tangible, and photorealistic renderings later show how the product will look in series production.
Engineering design
To make sure the design goes into series production the way it was designed, we take part in the engineering. We check feasibility early, model in CAD and lay out the construction to suit your manufacturing process and the applicable standards. We work on the same data as your development team.
What we believe in
Security
Our team thinks and works across disciplines: we combine engineering and design expertise with years of experience in handling complex technical topics. And we know the industries.
Experience
Our proven design process delivers solutions that are technically and economically feasible, even for complex requirements. The process can be handled flexibly and extended or focused depending on the task.
Agility
Time to market is a key success factor. Sketches and first models show early on which solution holds up. That saves loops in development and gets the product to market faster.
Selected projects
These projects are examples of how design and engineering work together with us, from the first concept to series production. Each comes with a detailed case study.
Liebherr Tower Cranes
Read case studyA form and colour concept unites the cranes’ functional groups into a recognisable presence in cities and landscapes.
Dürr Painting robot
Read case studyOn the 7-axis painting robot, dynamic lines and deliberate contrasts visualise the future of painting.
KLS Martin marLED X
Read case studyA slim surgical light with intuitive controls.
Wafios Bending machines
Read case studyA cross-product machine design makes the brand recognisable at first glance and shortens time-to-market.
Leitz Cosy
Read case studyA product range that translates a detailed trend analysis into a pioneering design language.
BASF Virtual Car
Read case studyA browser-based catalogue shows materials where they are used in the vehicle.
Kimetec Smarla
Read case studyA breast pump that unites technology and empathy.
Hohenloher Medienbuddy
Read case studyA mobile lab trolley that invites pupils to experiment together in class.
NAGEL Ecohone
Read case studyA series of honing and finishing machines with a shared design language, from trade fair exhibit to series production.
RAPID 18V-System
Read case studyErgonomic design as the unifying element of an entire tool range.
Optima Moduline Smart
Read case studyA global brand image for filling and packaging lines.
Rauch AXIS 25
Read case studyA fertiliser spreader whose design shows technical precision without looking loud.
How does an industrial design project work?
In three phases from alignment to series product.
Alignment The first phase lays the foundation for the design process and the end result. The briefing defines the scope and goal of the project. We clarify open questions and take a close look at your product world and the market. This gives us the starting points for the design.
Briefing workshop · Timeline and project plan · Budget plan · Research · Mood boards · User observation · Analysis · Design strategy
Concept In the concept phase, we develop a structured pool of ideas with different approaches for your project. This leads to concrete designs in which operation and brand are already considered. Photorealistic renderings show the solutions we prioritise.
Ideation · Variants · Design draft · Corporate product design · User experience · Ergonomics · Pre-engineering · CAD modelling · 3D visualisation · Interface design
Elaboration The design agreed with you is detailed and refined further. Step by step, technical constraints, standards and production requirements are added. After the design freeze, we support you through to series production, at production start and market launch. If you wish, we document everything in a compact style guide.
Design iteration · Engineering · 3D visualisation · Design freeze · Design support · Design style guide · Series product
Let’s talk about your product
Planning a new generation of products or machines? In an initial consultation, we’ll work out how we can support you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between industrial design and product design?
The terms are mostly used interchangeably. Industrial design emphasises the design of series products for industrial manufacturing, such as machines and devices. Product design covers any designed product, including consumer goods. We do both, for machine tools as well as for office products.
Do you also develop operating concepts and HMIs?
Yes. Operating concept and styling are developed by the same team. First we observe how the product is used. Then we design controls and interfaces and test them early with clickable prototypes, for example for the touch control of the KLS Martin marLED X surgical light.
How much does industrial design cost?
That depends mainly on the scope. Styling alone takes a different effort than a project including user research and engineering. The complexity of the product and the number of variants also play a role. After the initial consultation you receive a proposal with schedule and costs.
Do you support us all the way to series production?
Yes. After the design freeze, we stay involved until the product goes into series production and coordinate open technical details with your engineering team. If you wish, we summarise everything in a design style guide.
Why is an external partner worth more than an in-house team?
We bring experience from many projects and industries and look at your product with fresh eyes. Away from internal routines, we often spot solutions that get lost in day-to-day business.
Do we have to change our established development processes when we work with UP Designstudio?
No. We adapt to your processes and deliver results in the formats your development team works with, for example as CAD data.
How exactly does the design process at UP work?
In three phases, described in the process section above. We start with briefing and research, then develop several designs and refine the chosen one until it is ready for series production.