The Hive

Project management, integration and prototyping

Our Process

Here's an example of a full product design timeline. We adapt to the various design methodologies of our customers as product design is a highly flexible process. The timeline below shows each design step as an individual component but is a highly parallel process to create a unified poduct.

  • Free Consultation

    Help us understand your project scope and get to know our process.

  • Phase 1 Proposal

    Phase 1 consists of a fixed-cost proposal. As we get to know a new customer, we find it's best to get to know each other with a clear roadmap and reduced-scope initial phase. What you see is what you get. Typically phase 1 consists of a custom PCB design and accompanying firmware to prove the hardware works.

  • Project Planning

    Communication is key to successful professional relationships. We put together a formal design plan, schedule and resource allocation and keep our customers in the loop.

  • Industrial Design

    Overlooked too often, industrial design is key to an ergonomic, well-functioning product design that provides a strong connection with the end user. One of the first steps is to agree on a visual concept with the customer. We provide various examples to compare and contrast before deciding on a path forward.

  • PCB Design

    Analog, Digital and RF Circuit designs based around modern, easily-sourced components.

  • Mechanical Design

    With close communication with the electrical/software developers, the mechanical engineering team drafts the CAD to produce a rugged enclosure.

  • Software/Firmware Development

    From embedded firmware, Linux/Windows/MacOSX scripting and web development to Android/iOS app dev and smart-device integration, our software devs get it done, right.

  • Integration

    With the various design elements completed, they must be adapted to coexist in harmony.

  • Optimization and Testing

    The final touch. We'll optimize each parameter to meet the extremes of each spec and dial in the interoperability of each component.

  • Production

    We can set you up with one of our production partners or simply help you pass off the designs to a factory of your choice.