HeadSprung! - Ooob the Doorstop

Company Description

HeadSprung! Ltd is a young, fresh, London-based company that develops and manufactures design-led gifts, interior accessories, furniture and lighting.

The Problem

Hemal Patel came to MotionTouch in order to produce Ooob the Doorstop – a product of his own design. He provided our project engineers with all the technical documentation. Since then, in the manufacture of the product we have experienced several manufacturing issues, i.e. with location of the metal core within the injection moulding tool.

The Challenge

The sequence of manufacturing processes was quite unusual for both Hemal and the MotionTouch manufacturing team. By working closely with Hemal, MotionTouch managed to overcome all the issues incurred.

The Process

From obtaining the first tool sample we found that the location of the metal core within the injection moulding tool had to be tightly controlled to give a uniform 3-4mm rubber skin all the way around the product. After a couple of attempts this issue was resolved by redesigning the locating pins with tighter tolerances. We also found that impurities from the surface of the metal core were being released and mixing with the rubber in the injection moulding process. This gave the product an inconsistent and unattractive aesthetic.

The Solution

To resolve the problem we zinc plated the core to secure the loose particles and debris on the surface of the core, so that they couldn't break away and mix with the rubber in the tool. After prototyping and testing we managed to develop a handy product with unique and modern design.

It was decided to produce the product in a range of colours to ensure that it was marketable. By specifying pantone colours, MotionTouch could make sure that the colour on each individual product remained true so as to maintain consistent branding. When manufacturing was complete, MotionTouch organized for the product to be sent directly to John in Nevada, USA from the factory in China.

The Product

Ooob the Doorstop – Sales are beginning to rise since the product's market debut in Dec 2006. In that time, however, Ooob the Doorstop beat off competition from over 700 products to win the award for the 'Favourite Product on the Hidden Art E-Shop 2006', it has been short-listed in the best Homewares category in the upcoming Grand Designs Magazine Awards 2007, and it has been featured in a number of magazines.
Furthermore, with only Ooob the Doorstop and the Oh Lloyd! Lampshade Pendant, HeadSprung! Ltd managed to be a finalist in the Best Newcomer category of the prestigious 100% Design/Blueprint Awards 2006.

The Outcome

The idea was simply one of many that Hemal created when he began his design business. It was all a private investment. Ooob the Doorstop will hopefully lay the foundations for future work, whilst also raising the profile of the company in order for it to become a successful design consultancy.
HeadSprung! is currently in talks with MotionTouch and other suppliers regarding the production of future products. These include wall tiles, stools, coat racks, etc.

Hemal C Patel says,
"MotionTouch have been particularly helpful to my business. When starting up I often found other businesses would not take me seriously, either because my company was not yet established, or because they could not envisage repeat business. MotionTouch was different. We met for an initial consultation, discussed our requirements and then got down to business. It was very easy and stress free. MotionTouch’s ongoing support has also been excellent. With each new product development MotionTouch’s engineers have always been ready to give advice and impart their experience to make the project a success"

Henry Powell says,
"This project combined all of the elements that lead to project success and we had fun along the way. Hemal's design vision and our technical expertise combined to deliver a truly innovative and award winning product. We recognized from the outset the outstanding potential for Hemal’s business. He combines significant design flair with pragmatic business thinking. We have built a strong relationship and look forward to working together in the future"

To learn more please visit: HeadSprung! website