Breaking Silos: Cross-Disciplinary Innovation In Engineering
Understanding Innovation at JAKTOOL
Innovation is a buzzword thrown around by many, but at JAKTOOL, it’s a core competency that sets us apart. Innovation involves not just creating something new but solving problems in ways that provide tangible benefits to our customers. Ben Weir, Mechanical Engineer at JAKTOOL, brings a unique perspective to innovation with his background in both industrial design and mechanical engineering. This dual skill set enables him to approach problems from different angles, fostering cross-pollination of knowledge between the often siloed design and manufacturing teams.
The Role of Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering
Industrial design focuses on the form and interaction of a product with its end user, whereas mechanical engineering emphasizes functionality. At JAKTOOL, these disciplines are not compartmentalized. Ben’s expertise in both areas allows him to integrate form and function seamlessly, accelerating the development process and de-risking projects.
Bridging the Gap Between Form and Function
Industrial design typically comes at the end of a product’s design lifecycle, focusing on aesthetics and user experience after the functional aspects are established. However, at JAKTOOL, industrial design is considered at both the beginning and the end of the process. This approach allows for flexibility in design and ensures that products are not only functional but also user-friendly & manufacturable.
The ability to think creatively and adapt to new challenges is crucial for innovation. Ben highlights how his background in industrial design helps him approach mechanical engineering problems with a fresh perspective. This ability to see the big picture and think outside the box enables him to find innovative solutions that others might miss. It’s about balancing creativity with practicality, ensuring that while the product meets functional requirements, it also stands out in the market.
Fast Iteration and Risk Mitigation
At JAKTOOL, speed and agility are key. The ability to iterate quickly and validate ideas through rapid prototyping is a significant advantage. Other engineering firms prioritize validation only after parts were delivered, but at JAKTOOL, feedback is immediate. This iterative process allows for faster innovation and reduces the risk of costly mistakes down the line.
Balancing Innovation and Execution
Innovation isn’t confined to the design phase. It permeates every stage of the product lifecycle, from sourcing materials to manufacturing. Effective communication and collaboration across disciplines are essential. Ben emphasizes the importance of regular, honest communication with customers. This ongoing dialogue ensures that any issues are addressed promptly, allowing for course corrections and ultimately leading to a better final product.
Recently, our team had to pivot due to unforeseen challenges. Initially, the project had specific user requirements that seemed straightforward. However, as the team iterated on the design, they encountered issues that required reevaluation and adjustments. By talking directly with the customer to better understand the new needs and opening up the scope, we were able to find innovative solutions that met the project’s goals.
The JAKTOOL Difference
At JAKTOOL, innovation is not just about having the latest technology or the smartest engineers. It’s about creating a culture where cross-disciplinary skills are valued, communication is open, and the focus is on delivering value to customers. By iterating quickly, mitigating risks, and maintaining a balance between creativity and practicality, JAKTOOL continues to provide a competitive advantage in the MedTech and defense industries.
WHAT IS THE VISION VAULT?
The JAKTOOL Vision Vault is a space for us to expand on the passions that drive innovation and growth at our company. On this blog, we’ll take deeper dives into industry news and our expertise and highlight the leaders we have under our own roof through featured blogs. Follow along for updates throughout the month and recaps on new episodes of JAKTALK, our biweekly podcast hosted by our founder, COO, chairman, and visionary, Jeff Kinsberg.
This article is a recap of JAKTALK episode #8. You can watch the full episode on YouTube below:
As a precision product development company and contract manufacturer, JAKTOOL has been developing enabling technologies for the MedTech industry and our nation’s defense for over 30 years. In this episode, we dive into the essence of innovation with Ben Weir, a mechanical engineer and project lead at JAKTOOL.