Kritsnam
The client, a funded Indian startup focused on optimizing water usage, aimed to support water conservation through efficient monitoring. This project’s objective is to reduce water consumption by tracking usage more accurately, with minimal need for human intervention. While the client had an existing water monitoring device, it presented some key challenges:
a) Lack of Tamper Resistance: Since the device would mainly be deployed in large agricultural fields and remote locations, tamper-proofing is essential for ensuring reliability and security.
b) Absence of IP Rating: To operate effectively in environments that are dusty or involve immersion in water, the device requires an IP68 rating to withstand these conditions without performance issues.
Srushty was engaged as the design partner, tasked with enhancing the industrial design and developing a tamper-resistant, IP68-rated modular casing. Our design approach also focused on optimizing the PCB layout to ensure seamless integration within the casing and enable cost-effective manufacturing for the entire device.
Our work – User-facing designÂ
One of the standout aspects of our work on this project was the industrial design phase, where we focused on enhancing user experience, which was instrumental in refining the overall product design. Our approach to design and manufacturing support encompassed multiple key stages:
Industrial Design and User-Centric Optimization: We prioritized a user-focused approach to ensure the product’s form and function aligned with its intended usage. This step helped us streamline the design for usability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, laying a strong foundation for all subsequent stages.
Ruggedization and IP Rating Compliance: Given the need for reliability in diverse environments, we developed a rugged casing that meets IP68 standards, ensuring high-quality protection against dust and water in harsh conditions.
Material and Finish Close to Final Production: Our design prototypes used materials and finishes that closely resemble the final product, with a 98% match to the production-ready specifications. This provided a realistic preview of the final product, allowing for effective testing and minor adjustments without compromising quality.
Integration, Testing, and Performance Analysis: We carried out comprehensive integration and testing to assess the device’s performance, ensuring all components functioned seamlessly within the design. Our performance analysis allowed us to make any necessary adjustments early on, enhancing the device’s reliability and readiness for real-world use.
Production-Ready Design: Our finalized design is fully prepared for production, with detailed plans for a smooth transition from prototype to mass manufacturing.
Impact – Cost-effective and User-friendly design
Increased Device Durability by 40%: Our IP68-rated design enhances the device’s resilience, providing an estimated 40% improvement in durability compared to non-rated devices.Â
Reduced Manufacturing Costs by 25%: By optimizing the PCB layout and modular casing, we achieved a 25% reduction in manufacturing costs, making the device more affordable for large-scale deployment while maintaining quality standards.
Extended Product Lifespan by 30%: With tamper-resistant features and rugged design, the product’s lifespan is projected to be 30% longer than similar devices, giving clients greater value and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
By focusing on these aspects, we’ve not only met the project’s technical requirements but also helped enhance its overall value, making it a reliable, cost-efficient solution for sustainable water management.