D3PC Inventor Buyer Workflow

Stage 1: Client Intake and Initial Project Viability

• Objectives: Capture initial client interest, evaluate project feasibility, and outline the project scope.

• Actions:

• Respond to client inquiries via Gmail and gather initial project information.

• Assess if the project aligns with D3PC’s capabilities (simple designs, non-electrical, and no complex assemblies).

• Educate the client on possible enhancements (e.g., usability, manufacturability, patentability).

• Tools:

• Gmail: For initial communication and documenting client needs.

• Workflow Software: Enter basic client details and project viability assessment.

• Documentation:

• Project Scope Template: Standard form to record the client’s core project goals and requirements.

Stage 2: Project Setup in Workflow

• Objectives: Establish project scope, estimated time, costs, and terms.

• Actions:

• Input project details, including scope, milestones, and initial time and materials estimates, into Workflow.

• Track actual time and materials, notifying the client if costs exceed 130% of the initial estimate.

• Tools:

• Workflow Software: Manage project setup, costs, and client requirements.

• Gmail: For client communication on cost adjustments and project updates.

• Documentation:

• Project Overview Document: Export from Workflow to summarize scope, costs, and terms for client review.

Stage 3: Client Approval & Communication Protocols

• Objectives: Obtain client approval for project scope, deliverables, and estimated costs.

• Actions:

• Share Project Overview Document with the client.

• Track client responses and approvals in Gmail, updating Workflow accordingly.

• Tools:

• Workflow Software: Export project scope and terms.

• Gmail: Document client feedback and updates.

• Documentation:

• Approval Confirmation Template: Template for clients to confirm acceptance of project terms and initial costs.

Stage 4: Design, Ideation, 3D Scanning, and Modeling Workflow

• Objectives: Collaborate with the client to develop initial designs, 3D models, and prepare for prototyping.

• Actions:

• Ideation: Conduct in-person or virtual ideation sessions, using pencil, paper, and SolidWorks for sketches and initial models.

• 3D Scanning: Use Creaform and VX Model for organic shapes, converting scans to spline-based surfaces for SolidWorks modeling.

• Model Refinement: Iteratively refine 3D models based on client feedback until ready for prototyping.

• Client Deliverables: Share the 3D model and/or prototype after each session, allowing the client to test and provide feedback.

• Tools:

• Google Meet and Calendar: Schedule and record sessions.

• SolidWorks: For 3D modeling.

• Creaform & VX Model: For 3D scanning.

• Documentation:

• Ideation Session Checklist: Optional prompts for guiding ideation.

• 3D Model and Prototype Transfer Document: Confirmation of client deliverables after each session.

• Iteration Log: Record design changes and client feedback throughout iterations.

Stage 5: Prototyping and Testing

• Objectives: Build and test prototypes, gathering client feedback to refine the design.

• Actions:

• Produce in-house prototypes or outsource as needed.

• Provide the prototype to the client for testing, and collect feedback for refinements.

• Continue iterations until the client is fully satisfied.

• Tools:

• In-house 3D Printers or Manufacturing Partners: For prototyping.

• Workflow Software: Track prototype costs and iterations.

• Documentation:

• Client Testing Feedback Form: Guide for clients to assess prototype functionality and usability.

• Iteration Log: Track feedback and improvements over multiple iterations.

Stage 6: Patent Development and "Solve Intelligence" Use

• Objectives: Prepare patent documentation that meets USPTO standards.

• Actions:

• Draft initial patent drawings, labeling structural elements.

• Conduct a recorded client meeting to discuss and clarify each element, using Google Sheets to create a chart matching element names to numbers.

• Input drawings, spreadsheets, and meeting transcripts into Solve Intelligence for patent drafting.

• Tools:

• Solve Intelligence: For patent documentation.

• Google Meet and Sheets: For client meetings and element tracking.

• Documentation:

• Patent Draft Documentation: Template from Solve Intelligence outputs.

Patent Review Checklist: Ensures all details are accurate and complete.