Innovation & Human-Centred Product Design
Installer-Led Innovation to Improve On-Site Productivity and Safety
Designed and delivered a patented, installer-focused product innovation to improve on-site efficiency, reduce manual handling and repetitive strain, minimise material wastage, and speed up installation on construction sites.
The work involved deep field research including on-site observation, installer interviews, focus groups, prototyping, and real-world testing. Development followed Agile and Stage-Gate governance, with local design, overseas manufacturing, full business case development, pricing strategy, and coordinated trade-channel launch.
The solution achieved strong market uptake at launch and was recognised as a finalist in the 2019 Australian Good Design Awards.
Improved On-Site Productivity
Reduced manual handling, installation time and material waste.
Patent-Filed, Award-Recognised
Finalist in the 2019 Australian Good Design Awards.
Immediate Commercial Traction
Multiple container loads sold at launch through trade channels.
Installer-Led Innovation to Improve On-Site Productivity and Safety
Innovation • New Product Development
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Context
Trade professionals installing electrical products on construction sites faced persistent challenges including manual handling strain, repetitive work, cable wastage, and inefficient installation processes. While the core product category was technically mature, there was no supporting solution designed around how work was actually performed on site.
Research & Insight
Deep, field-based discovery was undertaken to identify unmet needs and opportunity spaces. This included on-site observation of installation practices, in-depth interviews with electricians and installers, structured market research, and focus group sessions to test early concepts and validate real-world value. These insights highlighted clear opportunities to improve productivity, safety, and installation efficiency without changing the core product itself.
Strategy
The category was extended beyond core product supply into on-site productivity and safety enablement. The strategic intent was to create an add-on solution that reduced physical strain, minimised repetitive handling, reduced material wastage, and allowed faster installation, while fitting seamlessly into existing purchasing and installation behaviours.
Technology & Development Process
A physical product solution was developed through an iterative Agile and Stage-Gate process. This included concept development, prototyping, and multiple rounds of on-site testing and refinement based on installer feedback. The solution was designed locally, with overseas supplier sourcing and manufacturing established once the design was validated. The innovation was filed for patent protection and later recognised as a finalist in the 2019 Australian Good Design Awards.
Commercialisation & Go-to-Market
A full business case and pricing model were developed, followed by production planning and launch execution. Market activation included targeted trade promotions, installer education videos, social media content, in-store advertising, catalogue placement, and coordinated distributor engagement across electrical channels.
Outcome
The solution achieved strong immediate market uptake, selling multiple container loads at launch. It repositioned the category from commodity supply to productivity partnership, improved on-site efficiency and safety outcomes, and strengthened installer and channel loyalty through meaningful, use-led innovation.