Rendyr
from production to market launch
Rendyr aims to democratize creativity by providing accessible fabrication technology, starting with the Optic - the Portable Laser Cutter, empowering individuals worldwide to unleash their innovative potential without limitations.
Optic - the Portable Laser Cutter
The first portable laser cutter with built-in filtration and infinite workspace capabilities. Optic gives you the ability to create anywhere, such as your studio apartment, garage woodshop, or even onsite for a special project. Simply unfold Optic within seconds to bring the power of laser cutting and engraving to your creative pursuits.
Video by: Robert Worley
Key Features
Portability
Easily switch between the compact 4.5 x 6.5 x 24.75 inch storage size and the generous 12 x 18 inch base work area
Built-In Filtration
Laser-generated smoke and fumes are pulled in through the filter where the HEPA and high-activity carbon media capture contaminants
Infinite Workspace
Detach the cutting mat to use Optic directly on surfaces of any size and thickness and cut or engrave your design in sections instructing the software to precisely align each part
Personal Role
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Developed and optimized manufacturing processes for in-house production of 300+ desktop laser cutters
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Led the creation and editing of comprehensive assembly documentation
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Gathered quantitative and qualitative user feedback and suggested design changes to engineering team
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Established and managed packaging department
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Collaborated to develop a engaging and intuitive website using UX/UI principles, ensuring seamless user experience
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Spearheaded the development and execution of content strategies for laser cutting projects, resulting in a significant increase in user engagement
Early Production Builds
As the Optic prototypes started to be consistently made, it became time to build more, define processes, and test for consistency as well as accuracy. My early contributions included learning assembly processes and optimizing them. In addition, space and system planning became imperative to manufacturing systems.
With a long, extensive manufacturing process, the Optic building experience became imperative to investigate and improve upon. I helped encourage design and process changes where pain points impacted the ease of assembly, resulting in both a shorter assembly time as well as less frustrating processes.
Comprehensive Assembly Documentation
As the business scaled, documentation became required to support the manufacturing process to preserve consistency and record process changes along with tool and material requirements. At this time, I led the creation and editing of hundred of pages of documentation from laser diode focusing to soldering cables and boards to part installation.
Gluing CNC Assembly
The Optic portable laser cutter includes a cutting mat that wraps around the body of the laser when folded up. The cutting mat ACM panels require hinges to bend around the laser when not in use. A CNC gluing machine (or "the Epoxybot") for mass production was needed to keep quality consistent and process time low. My contributions included building the base structure and designing a cutting mat release system for after the gluing process.
Packaging Development and Management
Soon Optics were ready to be shipped to Kickstarter backers! I developed systems and instructions for the final cleaning, boxing, and shipment of the Optics and some accessories. I created and maintained a Packaging Bill of Materials to organize costs and inventory, communicated shipping times to customers, and supported the development of new packaging designs.
User Experience
User Profiles
Using customer feedback, industry research, and my own user experience, I strategized communications with current users and potential customers through customer support, social media engagement, and advertising. User profiles aided in decision making.
User Optic Project Journey
Using my own experience along with others, I mapped the process of beginning a new Optic project. This helped me easily identify painpoints and strengths of using the Optic in comparison to other laser cutters. This aided in project planning, customer advice, as well as informed the engineering team of areas of improvement.
Customer Support
"I was having a problem with my Optic and was in the area, so I stopped by Rendyr... and then the technical staff member came by. They did a great job answering my questions!"
"One of my main concerns when
purchasing was support, but that has also been an incredible experience - I ran into an issue where I manually pushed material tolerances too far and not only did Rendyr respond quickly, they tested my project and gave me details on what went wrong and what the fix is within 12 hours."
"I reached out to the service team to troubleshoot and they were very understanding and allowed me to ship it back to them to fix my oops. These guys were great to chat with, they were very fast and they understood that sometimes hobbyists have their own personal challenge."
Website Planning + Development
As the fulfillment of Kickstarter orders neared completion, my focus transitioned to project development and web design. I initiated the homepage design by creating a foundational structure that integrated existing content and prioritized new additions. Based on user and competitor research, I supported the design of an intuitive, inspirational website. Additionally, I managed communications with our partnered marketing firm and actively participated in early marketing strategy meetings. My efforts then shifted to designing and implementing Optic projects that effectively highlight the machine's capabilities.
Visit the Rendyr Website
Marketing Content Goals
Diversity
With the e-commerce sales impending, not all materials and use cases had been investigated or displayed online, so I focused on a diverse variety of projects
Highlights Optic
As shown above, the Optic has several distinctive features, so I honed in on projects that either can only be done with the Optic or work particularly well with the machine
Inspirational
Although many projects can be done, I wanted my work to evoke curiosity and inspiration through unique designs that stand out online or are easily modifiable for users
Project Gallery
I designed targeted content that highlights the benefits and applications of laser cutting technology, appealing to current users and potential customers.
Special Thanks
Martin Angst
Grayson Morrow
Robert Worley
Kaelum Hasler
Hans Stahl
Chris Hanks
Paris Parsons
James Trixler
Ron Flanary
Ed Coe
Travis King
Joe Lawson
Mikila Young
Austin Alley
Jarid Scott
Sarah Trixler
Travis Wiehe
Mike Abbott
Vincent