R&D Support
Wouter Konings was asked to lead a team of engineers with the task to reduce the production costs of the low-end shaver without sacrificing quality.
Challenge
The task to implement changes in a big organization like Philips is not easy. New initiatives do not always align with the personal targets the managers have been given. In some cases, an outsider (or an outside team) can help to create a fresh look and open new ways that are hard to achieve from the inside.
Approach
When we connected with the different production departments we found out that a lot of information about cost reduction was already available. A lot was achieved by changing the assembly line and cost calculation structure. Another important aspect was to approach water-resistance as an integral part of the design.
Result
We were able to prove that a different approach could create significant savings. The technical concept direction and the learnings from the project were used to develop the new low-end shavers.
The downgrade strategy makes that the low-end is not optimized for costs. Within Philips, the development of the shaves was dominated by marketing. Features, price points, and specials are important but the batch quantities are reduced when a lot of different model types need to be produced.
Ideation
Visualizations of ideas to integrate functionalities and reduce parts.
Ideation
Visualizations of ideas to integrate functionalities and reduce parts.
Part reduction ideas in the drive and shaver assembly.
Technical Concepts
3 concepts were made and ranked on cost reduction and innovation effort.
Technical Concepts
3 concepts were made and ranked on cost reduction and innovation effort.
Design
Design exploration in co-cooperation with Philips Design.
One of the first designs were the learnings from the project were implemented.
One of the first designs were the learnings from the project were implemented.
Unsure how to reduce the cost of your product?
R & D Support
We know how bureaucracy and protocol can kill corporate innovation. We provide a lean and start-up orientated approach by supporting your internal team or work independently. From idea to cosmetic + functional prototypes in 3 months.
Design & Innovation
Innovation is key for any business which wants to stay ahead of its competitors. When we cooperate, we see our self as part of your team. We provide our product development knowledge, expertise and network to make your project a success.