Top 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.
Millybutton tutorial
Top Product Innovation and Inspiration
The concept of Millybutton was created by a mom who needed an extra hand when nursing, which led her to this top product innovation. 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 this top product innovation’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 our Founder, Kevin Mako, made while attending one of the most prestigious design schools in America was inspired by the “chip-bag clip”. 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.
Millybutton product design
MAKO’s Top Product Innovation 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 top product innovation is simple, innovative and intuitive – key elements to our client’s success.
A magnetic clasp encloses a flexible silicone circle. Before nursing, the Millybutton was 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 clients 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 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!
About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!
1-888-806-6256
info@makodesign.com