Good design is about understanding people.
It translates a user’s requirements, desires
and expectations into a product or service
that they like or even love to use.
At Grohe, all design activity begins with the
simple question: What do people need?
To answer this question we gather information
form a plethora of sources ranging from
consumer focus groups to the utilization
of advanced observation techniques.
This knowledge allows us to ascertain both
the articulated and unarticulated needs of
our targeted consumers and is the starting
point of a structured design process.
Trend Analysis
We invest a substantial amount of time tracking,
identifying and exploring trends. Our in-
house design team frequents the most
influential global fairs, exhibitions and
events across all fields of design, interiors
and architecture. This research enables our
designers to stay abreast of current lifestyle
trends and identify emerging ones.
Ongoing observation, analysis and exploration
of cultural references and their sources,
allows us to predict future trends in
consumer behavior and instrumental in all
design activity.
Concept Development
From the outset, ‘creative workshops’ allow the design team to cross-filter ideas – transforming good concepts into great concepts. Preliminary ideas are documented and communicated within the group through sketches and model making. This platform for collaborative visualization and discussion allows ideas to evolve and develop, before nurturing and channeling them in the desired direction.
Evaluation
Design critiques are held at key stages throughout the duration of each project. During a series of collective discussions, strengths and weaknesses are assessed and potential improvements identified. This objective process ensures the design remains relevant for the targeted consumer.
Three-dimensional Modeling
Virtual models are created using state-of-the-art computer programs and introduce the working components of a product to the design at an early stage. These bring an element of realism to the concept, improve the design quality and reduce product development cycles. These complex virtual surfaces can then be used to create high-quality renderings or directly transferred to our in-house rapid-prototyping facilities, to create tangible models.
Model Making
The design concept is best evaluated in the
form of a life-size model. This enables the
ergonomics of the design and the quality of
the surfaces to be accurately assessed.
Two types of model are generated.
The preliminary ‘soft’ model – often
constructed from dense sculpting foam
– is used for fast evaluation of basic sizes
and proportions. At this stage, the design
is reshaped and refined by hand to explore
and improve its tactile quality.
The later ‘hard’ model has the appearance
and accuracy of a finished product and is
used for a final evaluation before a working
prototype is produced.
Product
The final stage of the process culminates
in a product that functions to perfection
and is both aesthetically and ergonomically
pleasing. Delivering the perfect balance of technology,
quality and design.
