<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Latest news from leading UK product design consultancy IDC]]></title><description><![CDATA[Articles]]></description><link>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/</link><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright Latest news from leading UK product design consultancy IDC]]></copyright><generator>sNews CMS</generator><item><title><![CDATA[IDC Produces Palm Recognition System for Luxury Yachts]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Leading product design company, Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC), has just designed and manufactured a state of the art palm recognition system for luxury yacht technology specialist, Marine Entertainment Systems (MESL).      

  MESL specialises in the integration of entertainment, communication, security and IT systems for the luxury yacht market.  The palm recognition entry system is a ground-breaking biometric security access control system for the yachting industry based on one-touch palm vein recognition, which the system utilises to allow access to authorised individuals.      
	
  MESL came to IDC with a mature concept of the palm recognition unit and IDC further developed this concept ready for production.  IDC also provided full mechanical and industrial design support to integrate the electronic assemblies designed by MESL.  Working closely with the client, IDC was able to identify a construction solution and create the detailed design in only three weeks.  IDC then created a series of SLA prototypes that were assembled together with the electronics to prove the functionality of the product.     

  Once the product had been tested and was ready for production, IDC went on to manufacture the product.  The luxury nature of the palm recognition reader meant that it would be manufactured in low numbers as a hand built device.  IDC’s integrated skills and facilities meant that it was able to provide a unique service to MESL; developing a turn-key product incorporating high-tech security functionality with stylish aesthetic design.        

  Marc Tanner, Head of Design at IDC explains, “From designing the form of the product, right through to materials and method of manufacture, we have worked closely with MESL to design a product with the special qualities expected for such a luxury market.  We are delighted to have both the expertise and facilities to manufacture the palm recognition units on-site and will be producing units to order.”        
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:43:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-produces-palm-recognition-system-for-luxury-yachts/</link><guid>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-produces-palm-recognition-system-for-luxury-yachts/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[IDC Develops Unique Pelvic Muscle Trainer  With Voice Prompt System]]></title><description><![CDATA[  A unique pelvic muscle trainer has just been launched thanks to the design innovation of Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC).  Working for medical device manufacturer, XFT, IDC designed a device that uses a combination of an air pressure probe and voice prompts to control pelvic muscle training programmes.  The new product is called the XFT-0010.    

  There are many products available to help women strengthen pelvic floor muscles and IDC spent considerable time researching the most effective devices.  Based on the opinion of medical experts specialising in post-natal and elderly incontinence, research indicated that inflatable devices were most effective, and a concept was generated around this idea.  The research also showed up potential weak areas of the devices; with feedback about the importance of good display visibility during training.  With this in mind, IDC designed a simple hand-held display device which allowed easy set-up and feedback during use.  Additionally, IDC came up with the concept of a voice prompted training system which works alongside the visual display to help patients during training programmes.    


  
    
  The XFT-0010 is the first pelvic muscle training device to use voice prompts during the training process.  The device works by measuring air pressure in the treatment probe as patients exercise their pelvic floor muscles.  The system then uses voice prompts and visual icons to guide patients through a training exercise.  Preset training programmes vary exercise intensity and enable patients to progress to different levels as muscle strength develops.  The visual display also allows the patient to see just how much pressure they are applying at any time.     

  XFT was keen to build the latest sensor technology into the device, but wanted to avoid a high-tech product appearance.  The look and feel of the product became a key part of the design process and IDC developed a device that took its cue from nature.  The inflatable probe was ergonomically designed in a smooth pebble-like form inspired by the shape of a flower bud.  This natural and non-threatening design was echoed throughout the device for controls, voice and display.    
  
  This is the third medical project that IDC has completed for XFT.  Marc Tanner, IDC’s Head of Design explains, “We are delighted to build on the success of our previous projects with XFT.  The voice prompt system has been a winning feature in these other products and we are now pleased to bring this feature to the market for pelvic floor training devices.”  
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:38:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-develops-unique-pelvic-muscle-trainer-with-voice-prompt-system/</link><guid>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-develops-unique-pelvic-muscle-trainer-with-voice-prompt-system/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[IDC Thought Leader Initiative]]></title><description><![CDATA[  International product design company, Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC) will be keeping you connected with expert industry insight.   
  Launching in late 2011, the IDC Thought Leader Initiative will help busy design engineers and industrial designers, as well as students, stay in the know with the benefit of insight provided by our industry specialists.   



  “As engineers and industrial designers, we find that connecting with the industry and sharing of knowledge is an important aspect of honing our skills and making sure that we can give our clients the best service available. For this reason, we started the Though Leader Initiative; it’s an opportunity for experts in the industry to share thoughts and ideas – this way, the knowledge is accumulated in one place with easy access for anyone to read,” Stephen Knowles, Managing Director of IDC explains.  
  
  
    The IDC Thought Leaders Group is led by Dr Stephen Knowles    
  
  The Thought Leaders are currently comprised of the IDC directors and project managers, all of whom are experienced and qualified in their fields.  A full biography and profile of each thought leader can be found at   www.idc.uk.com/thoughtleaders     
  IDC is currently one of the largest Industrial Design companied in the United Kingdom with one year short of 40 years’ experience in numerous pioneering projects over the years. “One thing that is so singular about IDC is the huge amount of time they have been serving the design and engineering industry, they have been around for all the changes in the industry for the last four decades, that kind of experience is not easy to come by,” explains John Eaton of Eaton Consulting.   
  The thought leader’s that are currently in the team include: Dr Stephen Knowles, Brian Gough, Sergio Malorni, Barry Knight, Marc Tanner and Marko Plevnik.  To read more on the team visit the IDC website. If you would like to comment or contribute to the Thought Leader Initiative please contact the IDC team at   contact@idc.uk.com            ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:35:50 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-thought-leader-initiative/</link><guid>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-thought-leader-initiative/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[IDC Produces Bright Smile for Dental Business]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Industrial Design Consultancy, an international product design company, has recently completed an innovative medical device development project for OSspray Ltd. (OSspray), which has accelerated the growth of the company’s key product, Sylc™.     

  OSspray is a successful supplier of dental biomaterials, including powders for polishing and regenerating tooth structure.  One of their latest products, Sylc™, is used to polish teeth while providing a protective enamel-like layer over the surface of the teeth.  Sylc™ is a highly effective dental treatment powder, which forms a mineral deposition as it is delivered through dental air-polisher equipment during treatment.  Traditional air–polishing equipment can result in powder overspray which the dentist has to clean up after each procedure; additionally the air polishing tip is a disposable item and has to be replaced frequently. 
  



  To help promote the acceptance of Sylc™ in the dental practice OSspray decided to develop their own hard-wearing delivery devices,   which also improve the access whilst in use and improve the patients experience whilst being treated    

  
    
  OSspray selected IDC for its excellent track record developing medical products and commissioned them to design two new dental heads for both the US and European markets.  The new products needed to be wear resistant, provide long lasting performance and   ease of use for the users  .  OSspray was also keen to develop its own identity, whilst ensuring that the new system was still compatible with traditional air polishing units.  

  IDC worked as a   true “partner”   with OSspray through all the design phases; from concept through to production. I  DC also provided additional benefits utilising it’s on site workshop for prototyping, clinical build and testing  .  IDC’s engineering team spent considerable time researching different materials, manufacturing processes and delivery paths for the new nozzles   and in the process created new IP for their client  .  

  OSspray is delighted with the products that IDC have developed.  The new products enabled two dental heads to utilise a common, high wear-resistant ceramic nozzle.  IDC designed products which not only improved ergonomics and aesthetics for better handling by dental clinicians, but also enhanced the spray pattern of the dental powder to give a more focused delivery whilst reducing unwanted overspray.    

  Dr. Ian Thompson, Technical Director of OSspray explains, “IDC has enabled OSspray to transform from an   innovative   powder supplier to a producer and manufacturer of dental equipment; Sylc™ is now a full treatment solution.  IDC has been on time and on budget, and we couldn’t have done this without them.”   ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:16:04 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-produces-bright-smile-for-dental-business/</link><guid>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-produces-bright-smile-for-dental-business/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[IDC Invests in Sustainable Education]]></title><description><![CDATA[  International product design company, Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC), has just released an Academic version of the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) Calculator. The LCA Calculator was launched in early 2011 and has had two major corporations sign up for the tool as well as numerous smaller businesses and individuals.   



  “The LCA Calculator has gone through a stringent Beta version in order to test everything as thoroughly as possible, we have now developed a tool, that to the best of our ability, is completely accurate and will be a successful guide in sustainable design,” says Stephen Knowles, Managing Director of IDC. “With the huge success in sign-ups from both companies and individuals we realised that there was only one gap left to fill: Academic Institutions,” Stephen explains.  

  IDC was receiving numerous requests from academic institutions as well as individual students, all keen to integrate the tool into their curriculum or field of study. “As a design company we strive to listen to the needs of our clients no matter what they may be, it was no different when requests for an academic version of the LCA Calculator started streaming in,” Stephen explains.   

  After careful research and many dedicated hours, the LCA Calculator academic version was launched, “Not only have we managed to keep all the applications for the academic version the same and the corporate version, but we also managed to cut the price down to £10 per student for a full year,” Stephen says.  

  
    
  The LCA Calculator is a quick and intuitive way for designers and engineers to understand, analyse and compare environmental impacts of products and particular design decisions. It analyses the effects that a product or service has on the environment over the entire period of its life - from the extraction and processing of raw materials from which it is made - through to the manufacturing, packaging and marketing processes, and the use, re-use and maintenance of the product, and on to its eventual recycling or disposal as waste at the end of its useful life. “If future generations are going to enjoy high quality sustainable products and lifestyles, it is essential that the designers and engineers learn how to use these tools and techniques.”  

  To find out more about the LCA Calculator or sign up for it go to: www.lcacalculator.com.  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:18:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-invests-in-sustainable-education/</link><guid>http://www.idc.uk.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-invests-in-sustainable-education/</guid></item></channel></rss>
