The latest and greatest news in Design, Innovation and Inventions!
Product innovation and inspiration is a fascinating topic for us as an Industrial design company. We’ve found in many cases, the inspiration behind an invention idea is to solve a daily problem. It’s a problem the inventor is dedicated to improving for themselves, others close to them, or the whole market. This root of inspiration is particularly true for one of our clients, Millybutton.
The Back Story + Inspiration
The concept of Millybutton was created by a mom who needed an extra hand when nursing, for all other new-mom’s out there. Elizabeth Best, a designer herself, found there were too many obstacles when it came to breastfeeding. On a whim, Elizabeth’s mother used a chip-bag clip to hold up the nursing mother’s shirt. And thus, the Millybutton concept was born (pun intended). Que the Industrial Design Company!
Product Ideation + Industrial Design Company Connections = Babe Magnet
Once the duo realized the idea’s potential, they knew what they needed next. They had to get in touch with an industrial design company to take their concept from ideation to market. But where to start? Who to start with? The power of networking really is infinite. A connection of our Founder, Kevin Mako, was attending one of the most prestigious design schools in America at the time of the “chip-bag clip” inspiration. He worked with Elizabeth and her mother on their concept but knew there was a firm that could take them to the next level. Proper introductions were made between Elizabeth and MAKO Invent and the rest is history.
Elizabeth Best and mother, Clareanne Best are the Co-Founders of Millybutton.
MAKO’s Industrial Design Company Solution
After three months of industrial design consults, 3D modelling, redesigns and review meetings, the solution was found. Millybutton would be made from silicone. The final product is simple, innovative and intuitive – key elements to our client’s success. A magnetic clasp encloses a flexible silicone circle. Before nursing, the Millybutton is pulled apart at the magnet attachment. The bottom of the shirt is pulled up to the collar and the silicone is wrapped around the fabric, enclosed by the magnets. The product is designed to protect garments during nursing and promote skin on skin, and eye contact for bonding between mother and child. After nursing, the Millybutton has been aesthetically designed to double as a bracelet.
“It’s always great to design something for client’s that have a clear vision for their product,” says Paul Davis, Senior Industrial Designer. “With the concept being so close to their hearts, it was touching how passionate they were about the product.”
Millybutton worn as a bracelet with a contemporary look and feel.
Millybutton to Market
We’re proud to announce Millybutton has just launched their Indiegogo campaign. With 20% of their fundraising budget achieved and 14 days left on the campaign, we’re excited to see what comes next for our clients and here for them every step of the way!
Article Author: MAKO Design + Invent
Company Team
MAKO Design + Invent is a full-service consumer product development firm servicing both high-growth corporate manufacturers and invention startups. With a 25-person team across 3 offices (Austin, England, Toronto), MAKO has complete in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering design and prototyping services. To assist our start-up inventor clients, we also have a subsidiary branch called Mako Invent that, in addition to above, helps start-ups with patenting, strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. For our corporate clients, MAKO Design develops world-class consumer electronics designs through our industrial, mechanical, and electrical design teams.COMMENTS:
For Corporations/Manufacturers
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Have an invention idea? We have developed hundreds of products for startups in addition to providing end-to-end solutions to get our inventor clients from Idea to Stores Shelves! We are here to help.Ready for MAKO to turn YOUR product idea into a market success?
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