The Hercules/Cambridge Design Partnership (CDP) 2021 Product Research and Development project involved a team of 6 undergraduate students, including Finn Heraghty as a team lead, assisted by Daniel Hale. The timeline began on 20th February with the interviews of the potential team members – there were 10 applicants for the 4 remaining places on the team, and the selection was announced on 22nd February. Decisions were made primarily based on relevant experience, as well as considerations for the team dynamic.

CDP is an end-to-end innovation partner to healthcare, consumer and industrial clients. Our task was to perform background research and competitor analysis of a market which CDP were considering developing technology for before providing some potential designs. Weekly meetings were held with CDP across the 6-week project, during which a detailed presentation of research and discoveries was given – a copy of which was sent to CDP. Each team member presented their own section on their individual findings during these meetings. The final meeting took place on 8th April, and then an overall project summary document was sent to CDP. Each team member committed roughly 10 hours per week to the project, although this varied slightly due to exam commitments.

We began with roughly 4 weeks of market research and competitor analysis, considering applications of the potential product in different markets and in a range of countries. This research helped to narrow down the project focus such that the technical specification of a product could be loosely defined. From this point a concept of a potential product which could meet this specification was developed in the last 2 weeks, from initial sketches through to a rendered CAD model with detailed components.

Throughout this process, constant discussion with CDP about their knowledge of the appropriate technology and also product development took place such that our work was guided in the right direction. This included careful consideration of product ethics and application.

1. Product market
2. Laws and ethical considerations
3. User requirements and product differentiation
4. Device treatment and technology specifications
5. Technology, function and control detailing
6. Concept generation and summary

The Hercules team delivered well-thought-out work to a tight timescale. Our project involved considering a wide range of potential stakeholders, which meant the team needed to approach the development from varied perspectives. They were great to work with – more than organised and diligent, they were engaged in the project.

David Lewis
Partner at CDP

This was an exciting project to work in which all members of the team were able to work on several aspects of the project, gaining experience in several different areas. The project generated some very interesting discussions and exciting design iterations where I was able to think creatively. I learnt a great deal over the course of the project, experiencing consulting frameworks and being able to interact directly with the client.

Max Groeller
Member of CDP Project Team