German: Zukunftsplan
English: Future Plan
We are a close-knit studio of designers and engineers developing forward-thinking product design solutions for clients big and small.
We are constantly researching the latest design and technology in all industries. Our passion is to design futuristic solutions that marry functionality and aesthetics to improve user experience.
Whether it is a first launch for a start-up or the next generation of an iconic product, we learn from the past to envision the future. Our solutions respect and celebrate existing brand equity while forging connections to new markets. Internal and external collaboration ensure our solutions are disruptive by design and grounded in the reality of budgets and manufacturing. Clients return to us for our consistently fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and proven product success.
We turn future visions into reality.
Industry-Leading Clients
Services
Human-Centered Design
Creating good product experiences requires understanding users at all levels of interaction with the product, and developing with those users in mind. This is accomplished by identifying and engaging users, mapping experiences, and recognizing positive interactions and pain points. Design opportunities are identified and refined through rapid volumetric development--focusing on the product function, touch points, accessibility, and ease of use.
Read More
Human-centered design involves:
- Product-User Relationship Research & Analysis
- User Identity and Task Analysis
- Strategy Mapping & Definitions
- Experience-Focused Brainstorming
- Exploration of Configurational Boundaries
- Design Data Organization & Disambiguation
Industrial Design
Industrial Design means different things to different people. To us, it means creating connections. Connecting consumer needs to manufacturing capabilities; connecting emotional elements with technological requirements; connecting the end of a product’s usefulness to the beginning of another. We balance the various needs of all participants in the product lifecycle. We strive to pack in all of this without losing sight of the practicality, responsibility, and economics necessary to make a product commercially viable.
Read More
Zukun offers a range of industrial design services:
Design Trend Analysis
Concept Development
Focused Ideation
2D & 3D Sketch Exploration
Styling Exploration
Configuration Exploration
Color Studies Exploration
Solid & Surface CAD Modeling
Presentation Rendering
Photorealistic Rendering
Packaging Illustration
Product Graphics
Zukun also stays current with the latest digital tools, which enables the ability to explore more possibilities in less time.
Production Intent
Production intent development means transforming a design concept into tool-ready data. Zukun works in SolidWorks and Creo (Pro/Engineer) to produce CAD models/assemblies, drawings, and specifications needed for tooling release.
We resolve and optimize fit, tolerance, interference, draft, wall thicknesses, attachment details, mating components, bend allowances, spring-back, etc. And, we preserve the original design intent because the design is our passion.
Engineering
Engineering is an integral part of product design. Whether a project is exclusively engineering-oriented, or requires multiple coordinated product development services, Zukun can employ these disciplines to successfully provide and manage technical requirements such as mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering, analysis, and documentation.
Read More
FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis)
CAD Modeling: Creo (Pro/Engineer), Solidworks, and Inventor
Model simulation
Design Optimization
Engineering Drawings
Prototyping
Quality Analysis
Material Sourcing
Tooling Strategy
Manufacturer Support
Visual Brand Language & Design Translation
Whether we are starting from scratch or working with pre-determined ‘Design Intent’. The integrity of that design must be preserved as the final production version is developed.
Our design sensitivity serves this need. We are perfectly comfortable translating existing intent or language into tool-ready product or alternative variations of existing design.
Fresh Thinking & Styling
Fresh concepts are sometimes what your project needs most. When concept exploration beats the same path and nothing new hits the wall, we can provide an alternate perspective with variety. We have clients that see that as our greatest strength because we do that time and time again.
Volume Appropriate Design
Volume appropriate design means understanding the requirements placed on design and engineering by production volume. A clinical medical product will not use the same manufacturing processes as mass-marketed sports equipment. The fit, finish and production quality of small volume can be a significant challenge. We have experience across a wide spectrum, and can help to bring appropriate solutions that serve the client, the consumer, and the design.
Photo: Travis Ingram Photography
Production Illustration & Photorealistic Rendering
Illustration and rendering for presentation are common needs among our clients.
Our work includes: highly photo-realistic renderings of CAD models, custom photography for composite imaging including human interaction, package illustrations, and image manipulation to create a combination of real photography and computer-generated renderings.
We can create illustrations of products in use, representations of point-of-purchase layouts, color variation, and of course, the ‘Hero Shot’ of a not yet created product.
Competitive Market Research & Trend Analysis
The competitive landscape is constantly changing. We keep a constant eye on competitive and relevant brands. With this focus we have the ability to see shifts in the marketplace and identify trends worth embracing. This vision can be adjusted for current, coming, and leading edge phenomenon.
Connect with Us