Prototype – ShiftFWD

May 01

Final Idea Notebook Prototypes

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When we finished the final Epokka prototypes for our new idea books, the first thing I thought is that I wanted to eat them. Is that weird?

While I didn’t get as far as to actually taste them or nibble on the corners (it was a close call), I do have to say that using them is a lot of fun. If cupcakes had a serious competitor, these would probably be it.

Yesterday we put together a short video so you can better see what they will look like in their final format. We have a dot grid idea book, a lined idea book, and a sketch idea book with blank pages. What’s your favorite type of notebook?

We hope everyone enjoys them as much as we do (actual nibbling not recommended)!

Apr 01

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Introducing Epokka’s DUO!

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We promised we would share what we are making and here it is!

This is the Epokka’s DUO, the semi-final prototype of what will be our notebook system for multi-creative people in a juicy yellow and blue color scheme.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the biggest problems Koldo and I have always had is being able to keep our notebooks in one place. When we talked to other creative people, we realized that they had the same problem too. When you like to create different types of things or brainstorm in different ways, it can get messy carrying around multiple notebooks all the time.

The Duo is a way to carry two notebooks in one place, wrapped in a beautiful hardcover made with traditional bookbinding techniques for protection.

There will also be a small handy envelope in the back to carry bits of paper and notes. And not only will there be a DUO, but there will also be a TRIO (for three notebooks) and an UNO (for one notebook) for those who don’t need to carry around several notebooks, but like hardcover protection and beauty.

We have a semi-final version of the prototype of the DUO itself although the notebooks inside are still in the development stages.

We hope to have a preview of those and other fun things we’re working on in the next few weeks!

Mar 18

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Prototype Refinement

By admin Product Development, Prototype No Comments

We’ve been quiet the past 2 weeks waiting on the rest of our samples to get in and refining the Epokka’s prototypes.

The prototype iteration process is a unique challenge. Originally, we did the careful measurement calculations and made a diagram on the computer. However, we quickly had to trash that idea and go with a more organic method of experimentation and refinement to get the look and feel, functionality, and best usability for the product. When you have a physical object in your hands to work with, all the best measurements and calculations in the world will only get you so far.

There are also many different criteria to look at each time. We are learning that careful documentation isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but key. The good news is that with each prototype we’re getting closer and closer!

We’ve finally narrowed down the notebook paper that we think is just amazing and we’ve also got the main color choices narrowed down to three or four schemes (none of these colors are in the photo). Choosing which to put out first will be difficult!

Now we’re still correcting the sizes and some other small technical issues. You’d be amazed at just how big a millimeter is when you need to get things perfect!

Feb 27

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Paper Decisions

By admin Product Development, Prototype No Comments

Yesterday we got a lot of paper samples in the mail. We were and still are so excited about choosing which papers to use! Some of the papers are beyond gorgeous and the colors are rich and full. It’s very exciting! But, we have to confess, it does feel a little bit overwhelming.

When you multiply that with the amount of paper samples we now have to choose from, the possibilities are about limitless, which is both a good and a bad thing.

Our initial product will have a total of 7 different papers and that’s not including any packaging.

Our next step will be spending time narrowing down the color combinations we like, making prototypes with those, and running tests on the writing paper to see which work best for all the different uses we need it for.

I believe we’ll be having a lot of meetings and a lot of coffee this week!