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Commercial Product Development
Terrain
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About
Barebones for Terrain
While working for Barebones Living, Terrain Company contacted us to do a collaboration project. They were already a vendor for our garden products and wanted to make a line of tools specifically for their company. I was assigned to the project and worked with the company to bring the project to fruition.
Project Tasks
3D computer modeling and design work, 3D printing prototypes for review, Making and submitting tech packs to Chinese factories for quoting, Reviewing quotes and giving input towards the selection of a manufacturer, Visiting factories in China to validate QC implementation and inspection procedures, Working on international compliance to allow for product distribution, Reviewing preproduction samples prior to distribution, Finalizing the launch of the line
For sale on Terrain Here
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Cultivator
For all of the designs in this line, Terrain Co had a preliminary vision for what they wanted. My job as a Junior Product Developer was then to take their ideas and turn them into final products.
Terrain specified that the cultivator was to be crafted from thick steel rod coming out of a wooden handle, which was to be used for all tools in the line, except the Hori Hori. In the final cultivator version, I implemented four tines into the design. I chose that style, shown as number nine below, because it was aesthetically pleasing as well as a different look from other cultivators on the market. After discussing the tine elements with the manufacturer, it was determined that construction methods were possible, so we moved forth with production.
Design Versions
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Hori Hori
As shown in renderings 1-6 below, the first Hori Hori iterations started out as a unique design. The first designs used the same handle as the other tools in the line. However, after feedback from Terrain Co, I adopted the figure of Barebone’s Hori Hori, their most successful product. The overall length and blade shape were then changed to adopt to Terrain’s style, implementing a form that has become both popular and dependable.
Design Versions
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Scoop
The scoop tool provided an opportunity for freedom in design, given that Barebones had not made any scoops prior to this collaboration. This allowed for the pursuit of an original shape with less direction. Through iterations, I was able to change the scoop shape several times until finally nailing down a definite form. Customers have enjoyed this product’s simplicity, elegance, and function.
Design Versions
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Trowel
The trowel design was modeled after a version made by Barebones, which had proven successful in the marketplace. Changes were made to the neck to create a compact look that matched other designs in the line. Manufacturing processes were also made to improve durability.
Design Versions
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Dandelion Fork
The dandelion fork provided the best opportunity to experiment with functionality. There are several styles of dandelion forks on the market each performing the same job in a slightly different way. With each new iteration designed, I made a 3D print and tested it on weeds growing around the facility. By the time I had created the final version, number nine on the graph below, I could say with confidence that it pulled up weeds effectively.
Design Versions
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Weeding Blade
Designing a Japanese Weeding Blade was a fun challenge because I had never used this product prior to collaborating with Terrain. This allowed me to utilize research dependent on the experiences of many others instead of relying on my own limited experiences. As you can see in the versions below, I tried a varying range of blade styles and attachment points. In the final version, shown as number nine below, I was able to create simplicity while still homing in on the blade’s positioning, thus optimizing performance.
Design Versions
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Manufacturing
I had the opportunity to travel to Asia and visit the factories that constructed all of the tools in this line. While there, I inspected product runs and validated QC implementation. I also met with factory owners and workers, learning more about common manufacturing practices, factory procedures, and construction limitations.
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Final Look
Producing this line gave me the benefit of supervising a project from ideation to retail. I was educated on what it takes to get through all the steps of the product development process and my skills as a product developer were elevated. While managing the line, I also found my love for Asia and the manufacturing realm of product development. This project has made me a better product management all around.
Tool Debut
Garden Store Terrain, sister of Anthropologie, is launching its first line of branded tools, designed in collaboration with outdoor supplier Barebones. Essentials include an angled weeder and a multitasking Hori Hori, far right. $22-36 each, shopterrain.com
16 BH&G June 2018
“Terrain/Barebones Garden Tools.” Better Homes and Gardens magazine. p16. June 2018
