New Product Development and Product Design for Harman

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 Harman 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 trusted multidisciplinary engineering and product development company established in 2001, COLETEK has proudly served businesses across Harman, Australian Capital Territory for over two decades. Our team of experienced engineers, designers, and innovators have developed remarkable products and solutions that transform industries. Operating from our base in Harman, Australian Capital Territory, we take pride in our reputation as a reliable partner for local businesses seeking to drive growth and innovation. COLETEK's innovative approach is built upon the foundation of our national presence and extensive experience in engineering and product development. We've had the privilege of working with clients across various sectors, from manufacturing and technology to healthcare and defense. Our portfolio includes a diverse range of products and solutions that showcase our capability to adapt and evolve. In Harman, Australian Capital Territory, we're committed to collaborating with local businesses to drive their success. We take time to understand their unique challenges, goals, and aspirations, and leverage our expertise to deliver tailored engineering and product development solutions. Whether you're a start-up or an established player, COLETEK is dedicated to supporting your growth and innovation. Our team of experts is passionate about developing high-performance products that meet the demands of Harman, Australian Capital Territory's business community. We're driven by our commitment to delivering exceptional results that exceed client expectations. Our reputation for reliability, trustworthiness, and unwavering dedication has earned us a spot as a sought-after partner for businesses across Australia. As you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of product development and engineering in Harman, Australian Capital Territory, remember that COLETEK is here to support your journey. We're a trusted companion that can help you drive growth, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition.