SUMMARY
The founders came to Brooks Stevens with a patented prototype and a compelling business case. What they needed next was a product design mature enough to capture investor attention and set the course for their startup’s growth. Through focused persona development, our team aligned the product experience with end-user needs and future product vision. Industrial design and engineering worked in parallel to refine the aesthetics, assembly, and manufacturability of the product. The result? A premium-looking, investor-ready prototype that pet owners love—and investors can believe in.
DISCOVER
DISCOVER Understanding the target customer was essential to shaping the design strategy. We began with user persona development to clarify the product's core value proposition and guide performance requirements. Mood boards exploring form language, product archetypes, and material inspiration grounded the team in a cohesive design direction, laying a strong foundation for sketch development and feature integration.
DESIGN
DESIGN The product needed to balance visual appeal for homeowners with comfort and usability for pets. We integrated customization opportunities that allowed users to personalize the experience while ensuring the design supported scalable, efficient manufacturing. A cross-disciplinary collaboration between industrial design and engineering ensured that every decision enhanced usability, aesthetics, and business viability.
DELIVER
DELIVER We developed a functional prototype to do more than look good—it was built to pitch, test, and scale. Designed with high production fidelity, the prototype was used in investor meetings, pitch videos, and early consumer feedback sessions. It clearly communicated the product’s potential and served as a milestone that elevated the credibility of the brand. The final result exceeded client expectations—positioning the company for investor traction and product launch success.
"We came to Brooks Stevens with a patent and a rough idea of what we wanted to accomplish and a short timeline. Working with Michael and the Brooks Stevens team was incredible. They delivered far more than we expected. We handed them a product vision and a basic proof of concept, and they brought it to life in three dimensions. More importantly, their blend of design thinking, engineering expertise, and practical business sense was exactly what we needed to take the next step."
