client IDEAL INDUSTRIES
project LanXPLORER
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When IDEAL INDUSTRIES NETWORKS wanted to develop their new LanXPLORER PRO, they selected Creactive Design to assist them to meet their demanding objectives. The LanXPLORER PROis a hand held In-Line Network tester used to test and troubleshoot LAN connections, mostly in commercial buildings.
Visual impact and ease of use were of paramount importance as these products are typically sold by distributors from a website or printed catalogue and so needed to largely sell themselves. The product had to have a contemporary style with links to IDEAL INDUSTRIES NETWORKS existing products, but needed to emphasise simplicity of use and not be intimidating.
The designers of Creactive Design worked in close partnership with IDEAL INDUSTRIES NETWORKS in-house team from the early concept designs to the production documentation. Timescales and risks were minimised by solid modelling all components and verifying the design by rapid prototyping, prior to producing injection moulding tools from the same CAD data. Files were regularly exchanged between Creactive and IDEAL INDUSTRIES NETWORKS, who were developing the electronics and software in parallel, to maintain an up-to-date assembly and ensure common interfaces.
The resulting design included an over-moulded injection moulded enclosure with a battery pack and folding stand and is sold in basic and touch screen versions. The LanXPLORER PRO was launched in early 2011 and initial customer feedback has been very encouraging.
Quote from Ian Mercer, Hardware Engineering Manager at IDEAL INDUSTRIES NETWORKS in Maidenhead:
“We needed a new industrial design company for the LanXPLORER project and interviewed several companies. We selected Creactive because they showed flair for innovative styling. They came up with several concepts that met our brief and we choose one that was initially thought somewhat radical. Our confidence was rewarded and the final result is a case that has received great acclaim and, in spite of some unforeseen issues, Creactive delivered the design pretty much on time.”
