Field research
We shadow users in clinics, kitchens, and job sites before CAD begins.
Product design · San Francisco
Hardware people want to hold.
Northbound Objects designs connected devices, medical tools, and consumer electronics—from research prototypes to DFM packages suppliers can quote without forty clarification emails.
Sprint board · DFM review
Tooling quotes due Friday
From sketch to tool release
We prototype in-house, then stay through first article inspection.
Rapid prototypes
SLA, CNC, and soft-tool parts prove ergonomics in week one.
Tolerance thinking
Draft angles, snap fits, and seal grooves are drawn with supplier processes in mind.
Electronics fit
We co-design with EE partners so antennas, batteries, and heat paths stay serviceable.
Regulatory path
IEC templates, drop tests, and labeling are tracked in a single matrix.
Supplier liaison
We join mold trials and document golden samples with photos and gauges.
Studio throughput
- Products in development
- 14
- Tooling launches this year
- 9
- Median concept sprint
- 3 wk
- First-article pass rate
- 96%
Shipped and in pilot
Studio feedback
“They caught a seal groove issue before steel was cut—saved us a six-week delay.”
“Our CM said the DFM package was the clearest they had seen from a design shop.”
“User research videos changed our roadmap before we spent on tooling.”
Monthly retainers
Embedded teams for startups that need CAD, prototypes, and supplier calls weekly.
Save 2 months
Sprint
Two-week concept sprint with research, prototypes, and test plan.
$7,200/mo
- Field research
- SLA prototypes
- Readout deck
Build
CAD, DFM, and supplier coordination through first article.
$12,800/mo
- Everything in Sprint
- Tooling support
- FAI attendance
Scale
Line extensions, colorways, and quality audits for growing SKUs.
$18,400/mo
- Dedicated lead
- QA visits
- Packaging design
Product design FAQ
Do you work with our EE firm?
Yes—we share STEP files and keep board keep-outs visible in CAD.
Can you sign NDAs?
Always—with clear IP assignment at project kickoff.
Where do you prototype?
In our SoMa lab with SLA, CNC, and soft tooling partners nearby.
Do you handle packaging?
Retail and ship-ready packaging are available on Scale retainers.
What industries do you avoid?
We do not take weapons or surveillance products.
How do sprints work?
Fixed two-week block with daily standups and a Friday prototype review.
Can you support a crowdfunding launch?
We deliver hero renders, DFM notes, and packaging flats aligned with your manufacturer MOQ before the campaign goes live.
Do you stay on through first production?
Scale clients get on-call support for tooling tweaks, color matching, and pilot line visits in Shenzhen or Guadalajara.
Tell us what you are building
Share stage, volume targets, and regulatory needs—we reply with a sprint or retainer proposal.
Tooling date slipping?
We can embed for four weeks to unblock DFM and supplier questions.