RESOURCES | Engineering for Cinematography Mounts, Rails and Dollys for Camera Crews
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview
The engineering design process is an iterative series of steps used by every engineer in the world. It provides the framework that guides engineers from the conception of a problem, all the way to the generation of a refined solution.
Engineering Design Process: Steps & Description
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Problem | Defining the problem that needs to be solved. |
| Research | Asking relevant questions, familiarizing yourself with the problem. |
| Planning | Defining constraints and criteria, brainstorming. |
| Prototyping | Selecting best path, designing and generating prototype |
| Testing | Determining if the prototype meets criteria. |
| Completion | Closing loose ends, creating the product at scale. |
Breakdown of Steps & Descriptions
The process begins with the simple step of defining the problem. The MYT Works motto, “Born out of Frustration” proudly displays how we go about this. Our founder, Etienne Sauret, has decades of experience in the film industry, understands the needs of a film crew, and the limitations of equipment being used now. This is the secret that allows us to dream up our creative solutions.
The next step is research. How are similar problems solved in other industries? Or in nature? What mechanisms might provide the desired goals? How would a crew work around this problem today? These questions and the research we do provide a good starting point from which to iterate.
Next we move on to planning. Here we establish our design constraints, our criteria for success, and start to brainstorm solutions. How big or heavy can it be? How rigid does it need to be? How much range does it need to cover? What will it be used with? These questions and others determine what solutions may be viable.
Now we begin our prototyping phase. Based on our diligent planning, we select the course of action that seems most viable. From there, we design and generate a prototype. This is typically done with either 3D printing, or CNC machining. An engineer’s first choice will not always be the right one! This process is iterative and can go backwards if necessary.
Once we’ve prototyped our design, we begin testing. Does the design work at all? If so, how does it work with the biggest camera setup on the market? What about in rainy weather? How much will it wear down over time? MYT Works products commonly last for 10+ years in the field with proper care. That can only be achieved with proper testing. If our designs do not meet the requirements set during planning, then it is not ready!
Once the design has been tested sufficiently and meets all criteria, we can get ready for product completion. There is a lot that goes into the true completion of a product, even after the prototype has been tested and approved. The parts need to begin production, so that they can be made at scale. If a case is required, that has its own engineering design process. The aluminum parts must be anodized and lasered (if necessary). A manual must be created so that the product can be properly assembled. Eventually, a completed product is born!