What is ‘first-time-right engineering’ at MechDes?

First-time-right means delivering designs that are technically correct and executable from the start. By defining scope, requirements and assumptions early and substantiating decisions per phase, we reduce late-stage iterations.

Why does MechDes use a five-phase process?

The five phases provide structure and keep quality manageable. Each phase has clear goals and deliverables, so decisions follow logically and the design progresses in a controlled way towards fabrication or realization.

What do you define during the Project Kick-off?

We clarify ambition, constraints, success criteria, scope, planning and technical principles. We also map interfaces and risks, creating a shared direction from day one.

What is the outcome of Concept Design at MechDes?

Concept Design provides multiple solution directions and a substantiated selection. We balance functionality, manufacturability and sustainability, ensuring the chosen concept is both innovative and feasible.

Which questions does Basic Design answer?

In Basic Design we define major systems, perform calculations and make risks visible. The goal is a solid baseline that keeps the next steps predictable and prevents surprises in detailed design.

What is the difference between Basic Design and Detailed Design?

Basic Design establishes the baseline with key choices, system definitions and substantiation. Detailed Design turns that into manufacturable detail with drawings, tolerances, specifications and manufacturing instructions that support execution.

How does Delivery & Service help secure the outcome?

We support handover to fabrication or realization and stay involved during implementation. With quality assurance and clear alignment, we ensure a smooth handover and reliable real-world performance.

Why is co-creation a key part of your approach?

Co-creation means collaborating transparently and sharing knowledge. This surfaces risks earlier, improves decision substantiation and keeps the project controllable in terms of planning, quality and cost.

How do you ensure manufacturability throughout the project?

We address manufacturability in every phase, from concept choices to detailing. By explicitly defining requirements, tolerances, interfaces and manufacturing instructions, we reduce rework and failure costs.

For which types of projects is this approach most suitable?

This approach is especially effective for complex mechanical engineering trajectories such as machine building, tooling, special equipment and product development, where requirements, interfaces and risks must be tightly managed to deliver first-time-right.

For 31 years we have pursued one goal: first-time-right engineering.

MechDes turns more than 30 years of experience into solutions for complex mechanical engineering challenges. From innovative product development to advanced machine building, on land and at sea. We work through a clear, structured approach where inventive thinking, technical depth, and committed collaboration come together. Every design is carefully substantiated and developed with manufacturability in mind, so customers can rely on results that work right away and continue to perform over the long term.

OUR PROCESS

A clear route to
first-time-right
delivery

Every project moves through five fixed phases. In each phase, we combine inventive thinking with technical depth and close collaboration inside our team. By working in a structured way and aligning continuously, we stay in control of quality, planning, and outcomes until the design is ready for production or execution.

PHASE 01

Project
Kick-off

We start by listening and asking the right questions. What is the ambition, what are the constraints, and what does success look like? By carefully defining scope, objectives, and technical starting points, we create clarity and a shared direction from day one.

PHASE 02

Concept
Design

This is where innovation gets room to move. We explore multiple solution directions and translate vision into feasible concepts. Creativity and engineering reality come together in a well-founded choice that balances functionality, manufacturability, and sustainability. To support this process we use Additive Manufacturing to speed up our Rapid Prototyping process.

PHASE 03

Basic
Design

We deepen the selected concept into a solid basic design. Main systems are defined, calculations are performed, and risks are made transparent. By working thoroughly, we build a foundation that provides stability for everything that follows.

PHASE 04

Detailed
Design

In the detailing phase, every component is developed and documented with precision. Drawings, specifications, VR-sessions and production instructions are prepared to high quality standards. Craftsmanship and ownership ensure the design holds up in practice.

PHASE 05

Delivery &
Service

We support the handover to production or execution and stay involved during implementation. Through quality assurance and clear communication, we deliver an outcome the client and team can be proud of together.

Intro

Kick-off

Concept Design

Basic Design

Detailed Design

Delivery & Service

OUR WAY OF WORKING

Co-creation as the foundation

"Our strength is collaboration. By working transparently and sharing knowledge, we combine technical depth with clear communication. Each phase builds logically on the previous one, so risks are addressed early and decisions are made on a well-founded basis.

First-time-right is not a coincidence. It is the result of inventive thinking, thorough execution, and taking responsibility together for the final outcome."

Arjan Schouten

Project Manager, MechDes Engineering