LeveLite was working on a very tight budget to develop this device as their first product. At the same time, they wanted to create a design that would define a new market and serve as a basis for future products.
Strategy
Informally survey the construction workplace to discover buyer expectations for a tool costing more than $500. Communicate with “thumbnail sketches” and to quickly establish a design direction. Do final appearance study directly in CAD to facilitate a stereo-lithography rapid prototype and to serve as the basis of the engineering layout.
Solution
By staying focused on what was important to the product, we established
functionality and appearance in less than two weeks. This allowed more
time and budget to be allocated to the core technologies. The laser transit
has proven to be a very successful first product for LeveLite, and is
selling very well in the U.S. and Europe. It is self-leveling to make
set-up very easy for anyone to learn. The one-piece energy absorbing boot
gives the unit a six-foot drop capability while adding a color break and
visual interest to the housing. The groove and notch details allow the
unit to be set up over guide lines, and give mounting locations for a
wide range of accessories, such as mounting clamps and light beam deflectors.
AWARDS: Plant Engineering: Product of the Year
Tools of the Trade: Editor’s Choice Award