Electronics and industrial design are sometimes seen as opposing forces. Two disciplines with fundamentally different ways of thinking. One focuses on circuit boards, technology and performance, while the other centres on form, user experience and aesthetics. But that perception is outdated. In a world increasingly shaped by smart devices and connected products, technology must do more than simply work. It needs to be seamlessly integrated into a product, both functionally and visually. In fact, it is precisely the combination of electronics development and industrial design that can turn a good idea into an outstanding end product. At GBO Innovation makers, we understand this better than anyone. We ensure that electronics and design do not compete, but reinforce one another, from the initial concept all the way through to production. In this blog, we explore how we work closely with electronics developers to create products that are smart, stylish and ready for manufacturing: The Power of Product Design with Electronics. Because when technology and design truly come together, exceptional products are created.
Looking for a strong product design with integrated electronics? Important decisions need to be made right from the start. These include functional specifications, component selection and ensuring optimal collaboration between industrial design and electronics development. At GBO Innovation makers, we have extensive experience in shaping and streamlining this process. We have successfully completed dozens of projects in close collaboration with a wide range of electronics developers, from independent PCB specialists to in house R&D teams at large corporations. Whether you already work with a PCB development partner, have your own in house team or are still looking for the right expertise, we integrate seamlessly into the electronics and product design process. We regularly collaborate with our trusted electronics and software design partners, while remaining equally flexible when working with other parties. What sets us apart? We speak the language of electronics engineers. This enables us to collaborate at a technical level from day one and bridge the gap between aesthetics, functionality and manufacturability. Even before electronics development officially begins, we can help define clear functional specifications, creating a solid foundation for a successful and feasible product design with electronics.
When it comes to actively sourcing, identifying and selecting components, close collaboration between an electronics developer and an industrial product designer is essential. This includes components such as sensors, actuators, displays, buttons, LEDs, cables, power supplies and batteries. Selecting the right components is not simply a matter of choosing from a catalogue. It is a strategic decision. Every product has its own unique requirements, while the market offers thousands of options from a wide range of suppliers. Electronics developers primarily assess components based on technical performance, such as accuracy, response time, power consumption and lifecycle management. Our industrial design team focuses on aspects such as ease of assembly, accessibility for maintenance, resistance to high temperatures, repairability and moisture resistance. Only by working closely together from the very beginning can we make the optimal choices, ensuring that both the technical and practical requirements are met. This is one of the first and most decisive stages of the development process, as the selected components directly influence the product cost, dimensions, weight and even the aesthetics of the final product. Once we have jointly identified the right components, we order samples and subject them to thorough testing. This allows us to establish a solid technical, functional and visual foundation for a successful product design with electronics.
Product design is all about precision, especially when it comes to integrating components and PCB design within the product enclosure. Space is often limited, and every detail matters. The design should not be compromised by technical constraints, while functional requirements must integrate seamlessly with the industrial design. To achieve this, we work with accurate CAD data from suppliers and the exact dimensions of custom physical components. Our team then incorporates all these elements into a detailed 3D CAD model, carefully engineering the optimal layout and positioning of the components. In addition to digital models, we regularly create physical 3D printed mock ups. These allow us to validate whether a particular layout can be assembled efficiently in practice, among other considerations. It is an accessible yet highly effective method of validation. Both the 3D CAD models and physical mock ups provide a solid foundation for technical discussions between industrial designers, electronics developers and the client. Key considerations during this phase include heat dissipation, the strategic positioning of mounting points, Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), meaning a PCB with all electronic components assembled onto it, electrical shielding, strain relief, and the length and routing of cables. By taking these factors into account early in the development process, we can prevent costly and time consuming redesigns later on. This is essential for successful product design with electronics.
In the next stages of the development process, close collaboration between electronics developers and our industrial design team remains essential. The electronics developers are responsible for the complete hardware and, in some cases, software development, from PCB design to the firmware that controls the system. At the same time, GBO Innovation makers ensures that the PCB design, cabling, power supply and other electronic components are integrated into the enclosure in a safe, logical and aesthetically refined way.
Once the technical engineering has been completed, the focus shifts to testing and validation using a working prototype. This is when close collaboration really proves its worth. By working closely together from the very start, electronics development and industrial design align seamlessly – which significantly reduces the likelihood of any surprises at this stage.
Naturally, a prototype may require a few additional iterations before it fully meets all functional and user requirements. However, by carefully working through each stage of the development process, these adjustments usually remain limited and manageable. This allows us to work efficiently towards a reliable, manufacturable, and appealing final product.
There are broadly three approaches to consider: custom PCB design, the use of prototyping boards such as Raspberry Pi or Arduino, or the use of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Each option has its own advantages and limitations, depending on the application, the type of product and the stage of the development process.
To make the right choice, it is important to carefully consider the required functionality, expected production volumes, available budget, and technical complexity. An incorrect assessment at this stage can lead to delays or unnecessary redesigns later in the development process. GBO Innovation makers actively supports clients in making this strategic decision. With our experience in electronics development, we can provide guidance at an early stage on the most suitable technical approach, ensuring it aligns with both the functional requirements and the product’s market objectives.
For electronics intended for mass production, a custom PCB design is, in almost all cases, the preferred solution. A custom-designed printed circuit board provides maximum design freedom, optimal integration with the product enclosure, and a high level of reliability. It also offers flexibility in production and, at sufficient volumes, can be highly cost-effective. Once the PCB design has been finalized, production can be outsourced to specialized manufacturers worldwide. Thanks to automated production lines, PCBs can be manufactured quickly and with high precision at relatively low costs. This scalability makes custom PCB design particularly attractive for series and mass production. However, developing a custom PCB is also the most complex form of electronics development. It requires in-depth engineering, careful layout planning, and extensive firmware development. This naturally involves additional time and investment, making a custom PCB especially attractive when expected production volumes exceed 500 units per year.
There are, however, exceptions. Even at lower production volumes, developing a custom PCB can be the right choice, particularly for products that require highly specific functionality or operate in high margin markets, such as medical devices or industrial instrumentation. GBO Innovation makers supports companies throughout the entire PCB development process, from the initial concept to a production ready design. This ensures a solid foundation for every electronic product and prepares it for successful market introduction.
Raspberry Pi and Arduino are popular choices for prototyping, DIY projects and small scale production. These open source electronics platforms are easy to program and enable short development times thanks to extensive software libraries and strong community support. However, standard development boards are generally less suitable for professional applications. They often lack specific functionality or include unnecessary components that increase both unit cost and power consumption. They may also fall short in terms of reliability and durability, making them less suitable for long term or industrial use. Although open source electronics can significantly reduce initial development costs, they almost always result in a higher cost per unit. For this reason, GBO Innovation makers generally recommends using platforms such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi primarily for prototypes and small test series.
PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are widely used in industrial automation to create reliable control systems. They consist of standardized electronic modules that can, for example, be mounted on DIN rails and provide advanced I/O functionality for controlling and monitoring processes. Thanks to their robust construction, PLCs are particularly well suited to demanding environments and applications, including maritime and offshore industries, manufacturing, construction and mining.
Thanks to their modular architecture, PLC systems can be configured and programmed relatively quickly, using components that are available from a wide range of suppliers. They are particularly recommended for applications that require precise and continuous control of critical functions. However, PLCs are less suitable for mass production. Each system typically needs to be assembled and configured manually by specialized technicians, making PLC solutions particularly attractive for high value professional equipment produced in smaller series. GBO has previously used PLC solutions for... Omron the product design for PLC’s verzorgd.
Seamless collaboration between electronics developers and industrial designers is essential to the success of any product with integrated electronics. At GBO Innovation makers, we ensure that technology and design reinforce each other throughout the entire development process, from the first sketch and functional prototype to the final product design with electronics. What may seem like a complex combination on paper can result in innovative, well considered and visually compelling products in practice. The results speak for themselves. Explore our portfolio and discover how we bring technology and design together. A perfect example is the product design of the Garage Plug from Total Safety Solutions Garage Plug van Total Safety Solutions.
