A primary motivator that initiates many product designs is to "find a need and fill it." If what you want to buy doesn't exist you have the opportunity to create it. Or, if what you want is too expensive, you have the opportunity to refine or improve existing products to make them more affordable. Maybe you can even come up with a novel method of solving the problem that will set your product apart from others. Chances are if you are looking for this product it is likely others are looking for it too. I certainly couldn’t find what I wanted so my only choice was to make one of my own. Can a well thought out and well designed kit at a compelling price point gain acceptance in this market segment?

Designing a product is an exercise in compromises. For example, a cube that requires zero soldering by the purchaser has higher manufacturing costs than one that requires some purchaser soldering, as I will show. I will also explore the trade-offs of various design architectures. As the designer it is up to me to make the trade-offs and compromises that result in the finished product. I have to balance the customer experience against cost of goods sold (COGS) and retail pricing.

Product development isn't easy. I went through many thought exercises, sketches and prototype builds to refine the design to its current form. Every decision has consequences that are related to cost, construction, aesthetics etc.