S1E49 The Critical Formula for Developing New Products | Jeff Christian

Being an Engineer · 6 Nov 2020 · 1h 03m · Episode 49

What this episode covers

Jeff Christian, founder of Phoenix DeVentures, explains his 'build-test-build-test' methodology for developing new products, emphasizing the importance of rapid prototyping and tactile learning over pure theoretical design. He discusses the challenges of integrating R&D and manufacturing under one roof, noting that while it accelerates development, it requires careful management to prevent R&D engineers from disrupting validated manufacturing processes. Christian also highlights the critical need for realistic testing phantoms in medical device development, such as simulating blood flow and vessel tortuosity for catheters, and shares his strategy for building multi-talented engineering teams through specific brainstorming techniques.

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  • IDology · 27m

    IDology #7 - Tips on outsourcing R&D and product design work

    Rafał Piłat and Anita Rogoża of Mindsailors discuss the strategic value of outsourcing Research and Development (R&D) to external design studios. They detail specific projects, including a medical catheter requiring manufacturing feasibility analysis and a mobile heart sensor where they redesigned a painful mounting mechanism for elderly patients. The conversation also covers bypassing existing patents for shower drainage systems and highlights failed R&D attempts, such as non-compliant plastic scaffolding planks, to illustrate the importance of clear briefs and regulatory awareness.

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