hours estimate

Shouldn't take but a few hours but I'm assuming these type of kiosk?

..

Yep, that's the type, I've been quoting and doing quite a bit of this type of stuff lately, where the concept model turns into a fabrication (actual) model with fab drawings etc. I usually quote about 4 hours for a concept model / rendering stage but was curious what others thought.

thks

When I quote work like that, there are a few factors that I try to figure in:

- Level of detail. When I have to add all the rounds to a plastic part and put in the parting line and all draft, that can easily double the total project time. Usually I hold off on this until I'm sure things aren't going to change unless there is some problem where the manufacturing method is going to affect the design of the part.

- Level of complexity. If this is a square-cornered box that can be made from extrudes, quote X. If this is a curvy shape, quote 3-4X. Sometimes the people managing the process don't understand things. "All I want is to put a slight bulge a couple sides, and you're telling me you're going to have to redesign the whole thing?!?". That's when I hand him the mouse and tell him that if he already knows how to do it, there is no reason to pay me ;o)

- Are you quoting a first phase or final phase project. Initial phases usually take less time because there are fewer contradictory constraints. Toward the end of the project when you have learned where all the potholes are, the going is much slower because of the level of detail and all the things you have to work around.

- How complete/well defined is the project? The one thing that adds most to projects is when you have to go back and forth. If the design is well conceived, there is less of that.

- Is the project being managed by a committee? Committees are the worst thing that can happen to a design. There should be one point of vision. Something designed by committee will change more often and have more bad compromises. Input from individuals is necessary, but there should be one person with final say. Product design is not a democratic process.

- Is the project being managed by someone who understands design and manufacturing? Sometimes marketing and management people get involved in managing the design process, which is usually a mistake. The final say should come from someone who understands technical limits, money and schedules.

If you're looking for a "looks like" model and it's not too complex, I would quote 8 hours to give an outside shape type of model. If it's really simple, it would take 90 minutes, but you can't quote something like that.

Matt

As Matt pointed out, and as you know, there are many factors to consider. And, btw, there are different stages to concept work.. For me, I have a minimum for any project or concept, or 4hrs, and based on your description, 4hrs should be enough, imho. To be more inclusive, meetings and/or direction for a idea could take a few hours as well? So, 4-8hrs is fair based on the limited information mentioned. Regardless, the unknowns such as, budget and time frame can change everything.

..

You guys are in a different line of business to me, but I NEVER quote less than 10 hours for anything. Dont forget about all the phonecalls, visits and information mining you have to do before you even get the job, this has to be paid for.

Well, there are minimums for certain task and this one was isolated (based on what we can assume) to a concept shape (kiosk) and render, no internals are to be used. No specifics have been drawn out, so it's a baseline general question of, "how long to do this". It does not include meetings or other possible scopes (which usually follow). So, yes, 4hrs is not a normal minimum quote from me either. (but I've done them for people I know and if I know I will be doing other support task.) Being more specific, a "quick small project quote" is normally a minimum of 2 days, plus I also note a minimum of 4hrs charge for scope changes (if they are really simple change I may charge 2 hrs min. per.).

..

Hi Zander,

I'd agree with Phil, assuming they are not a regular client. If they are regular then I'd agree with Paul.

On another note (this maybe completely irrelevant), I occasionally contract to a company here in New Zealand that makes a variety of touch screens. Some of these screens end up in kiosks or digital signage. Others end up on shop front windows, no holes are drilled through the glass (it's all done with smoke and mirrors).

They are easily scalable and will make custom sizes. Note they specialise in large screens 30" and over.

You can find them on the WEB at

If you want more information regarding the various types contact me directly and I'll recommend a solution.

Regards

John Layne Solid Engineering Ltd

Hi,

In this case, they are a new customer, and the reason I asked the question is my existing customer base requires no quotes or estimates, when they need something done they call me, I do the work, track my time and then bill them. It's very straight forward.

With this new customer they have asked for estimates, and yes these initial renderings will turn into full blown design/fabrication drawings so I have to keep that all in mind. It's interesting seeing how people approach this question though. And it's nice to know I'm not totally out of the ballpark!

Zander