Challenge: A manufacturer of high-end furniture fittings found that it was likely to be infringing existing patents, and if this could be overcome, there would be significant sales potential.

Tactics: A technology audit suggested that the client was moving in the wrong direction. A new map of options was created that showed a path around the existing patents and competitor products. Intensive creative programs were focused on the market gap, seeking to deliver new intellectual property that could interface with the existing installations.

Results: A novel structure for the products was identified. The new structure simplified installation, enabled a near universal retrofit capability, and improved the user experience.

Critical Challenges: The design was highly constrained, because it had to fit with existing mechanical systems and adhere to a number of dimensional limits. The market is highly cost-sensitive and delivering the high performance at a low price was essential.