Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/963057
APRIL 2018 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 47 What are some of the variables to consider when designing and developing a new product? Building an e-textile/smart textile is dependent upon a few factors before even getting started making the textile part. Using the medical field for example, there could be three types of exter- nal products: post-operation, rehabilitation, and chronic treatment. Each of those has different end use expectations, price points, and warran- ty/durability needs. Most people don't ever see the price of a post-operative product that is cov- ered by insurance. That product may be needed for a couple hours, or days. They might see the price of a rehab product if it's not covered. These might last days or weeks. Most times, OTC or prescription items for chronic situations must be price-competitive and need to last a longer amount of time—weeks, months, a year. Sensors for medical products are more ex- pensive because they need to go through the FDA process (ISO 13485). This could take a year and a lot of money for clinical tri- als. There is also a lot of documentation and risk management in both auditing design and production processes to ensure quality, preci- sion, defects are captured, the product does no harm, etc. Recalls mean class action lawsuits. The same non-prescription product that is sold for sports applications is developed along the lines of other consumer products: three to six-month development to sales. May- be there are safety protocols in place, maybe not. The goal here is sell-through. The biggest risk is mark downs, charge backs and returns. Recalls are few and far between. The entire product development process and accountabil- ity is completely different for both industries, yet both might develop similar projects. Figure 2: Fabrics that are 2D and 3D knitted with conductive fibers.