New Product Development and Product Design for Washpool

Great products solve real problems. That’s why every product journey should start with a deep understanding of the problem and its context. Whether the solution is straightforward or technically uncertain, we’re here to help navigate the path from concept to reality.

Some ideas have clear engineering paths. Others involve unknowns, trials, and experiments. Both are valid, but require different expectations around time, cost, and risk. Our team specializes in identifying the right approach early — whether that’s rapid prototyping, simulation, or scientific investigation — and adapting as we go.

Whether you’re seeking help with product design, industrial design, electronics, or embedded systems, our team can support you through all phases of development — from concept sketches and mood boards to working prototypes and full production.

Every project is different, but most follow these core phases:

1. Project Review: Define the product goals, target users, and key functions. We collaborate closely to understand your vision and refine any early concepts.
2. Planning: Outline possible technical paths, draft a rough BOM, estimate unit costs, and propose a high-level plan. We keep planning lean so your idea can evolve.
3. Design: Turn ideas into computer-aided designs (CAD) with a focus on cost-effective prototyping, product aesthetics, and functionality. We often support this with mood boards, industrial design refinement, and rapid iteration using modern 3D CAD tools.
4. Prototyping: Build physical or digital prototypes for testing and feedback. We often recommend multiple iterations to ensure your product is ready for market or investors.
5. Production: Transition from prototype to manufacture-ready design. We assist with DFM reports, supplier quotes, and production planning.
6. Promotion: Optionally, we can help you prepare promotional materials such as logos, renders, brochures, and videos.

In some cases, we may suggest an early feasibility study or proof-of-concept (PoC) build before formal development starts. This helps reduce technical and financial risk.

Development costs are typically one-off investments. They shift your breakeven point but don’t directly affect long-term profit. Focus instead on reducing unit (marginal) costs and ensuring your product has real demand.

If self-funding isn’t an option, here are some alternatives:

Government Grants

• R&D Tax Incentive
• business.gov.au – Programs
• Ignite Ideas Fund

Equity Investment

Some founders self-fund an early prototype, then pitch to an industry-aligned investor for further support. This can lead to reimbursement of early costs, mentorship, and shared equity arrangements.

Other Sources

• Angel Investors: Often fund pre-revenue concepts
• Venture Capital: More common once traction is proven
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter allow pre-sales to fund development

Our core team includes robotics engineers and PhD scientists with decades of combined experience. This lets us bridge disciplines and solve hard problems quickly — saving you time and cost versus siloed firms.

We work lean, embrace agility, and treat each project as a partnership. Whether you’re building a proof-of-concept (PoC), a commercial minimal viable product (MVP) or validating a high-risk idea, we tailor the process to suit your goals, budget, and stage.

We also offer a private client dashboard to keep your project organised, with timelines, file sharing, and chat in one place. It’s like your own project cockpit, purpose-built for hardware and product teams.

We bring together electronics, software, industrial design, and mechanical engineering under one roof. Our private dashboard ensures clear communication throughout your journey, while our capabilities and portfolio showcase our technical depth and product range.

• Time and Materials basis (hourly + materials)
• No guarantees – we work on a best-effort R&D model
• Weekly billing with itemised timesheets
• 15-minute billing increments
• 7-day invoice terms or deposit-based

Ready to begin? Contact us with your concept or goals, and we’ll guide you through the review phase to identify the right development approach for your idea.

New Product Development and Product Design for Washpool often draws on several of our specialised service areas. Depending on your project's scope, you may also be interested in:

• Electronics Design – Custom PCB design, component selection, and circuit prototyping.
• Software and Firmware Development – Backend, frontend, bare-metal and app development to support your product ecosystem.
• 3D Computer-aided Modeling (CAD) – Concept visualisation, enclosure design, and mechanical integration.
• Rapid 3D Prototyping – Fast-turnaround 3D printing and CNC machining or vacuum casting for test-fit, enclosures, PoCs and MVPs.
• Embedded Systems – Firmware development, microcontroller programming, and system integration.
• IoT & Edge-AI Systems – IoT & Edge-AI system design and development for data logging, control, and cloud integration.
• Robotics Prototyping – Autonomous systems, mobility solutions, and field-ready mechatronics.
• Artificial Intelligence – Vision systems, language systems, predictive models, and intelligent automation for smarter products.

As a business owner or technical decision-maker based in Washpool, Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia, you understand the importance of reliable partners to drive growth and innovation. At COLETEK, we are proud to be a trusted name in Australian engineering and product development, with a proven track record spanning over two decades. Established in 2001, COLETEK has built a reputation for delivering effective solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses like yours across Washpool and throughout Australia. Our multidisciplinary team of experts combines unparalleled technical expertise with a deep understanding of local realities to create bespoke engineering and product development solutions that drive real value. With our roots firmly planted in Washpool, Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia, we are committed to supporting the region's vibrant business community. We take pride in being a partner of choice for companies seeking innovative products, services, and technologies that help them stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Unlike other firms that focus on narrow specialties or software-only solutions, COLETEK takes a comprehensive approach to engineering and product development. Our collaborative mindset allows us to build strong relationships with clients like you, understanding your specific needs and goals before developing tailored strategies to achieve success. At COLETEK, we are not just problem solvers - we are trusted advisors who help businesses in Washpool, Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia navigate the complexities of product development. Our expertise spans multiple disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical, software development, and more. Whether you're seeking to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, or create new revenue streams, our team has the skills and knowledge to help. As we continue to grow and evolve alongside the ever-changing needs of the Australian market, our commitment to Washpool, Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia remains unwavering. We believe that by leveraging our collective expertise, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout this beautiful region. So why choose COLETEK as your engineering and product development partner? Simply put, we have the reputation, resources, and regional know-how to deliver exceptional results for businesses like yours. If you're looking for a trusted ally that can help you tackle even the most complex challenges, join forces with us today. Contact us at ["/contact/"] to start your partnership journey with COLETEK.