How I Turned my Idea Into a Product – The Encore Keyboard

▬▬▬▬ Video Overview ▬▬▬▬
In this video, I share the year-long journey of designing a custom mechanical keyboard and bringing it to market. This detailed walkthrough covers the entire process from initial concept development to design, prototyping, manufacturing, and marketing.

Discover how I collaborated with Mode Designs to create a unique keyboard combining wood and metal. Gain insights into the challenges we faced and the unexpected solutions we discovered.

I created this documentary video for those interested in industrial product design, custom mechanical keyboards, or the process of bringing an idea to life.

▬▬▬▬ Links & Resources ▬▬▬▬
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▬▬▬▬ Video Chapters ▬▬▬▬
0:00 – How this project came to be
1:05 – The project goals
1:22 – How I use mood boards in my process
1:44 – Starting with rough sketches
2:13 – Presenting my ideas to my partners at Mode Designs
3:22 – Initial designs
4:12 – Coming up with a name for the product
4:41 – Learning CAD modeling, Fusion 360
5:38 – Designing dozens of iterations over months of work
7:57 – Getting feedback from our manufacturer
9:07 – Finalizing colors and materials for the product
9:38 – The manufacturing process of a custom mechanical keyboard
10:45 – Reviewing the product prototypes
11:30 – Discovering an unexpected problem
12:21 – Designing the product packaging
13:49 – Marketing the product: photos, website, press, content, events
15:06 – Shopify sponsored segment: The story of Mode Designs
16:18 – Building the Encore keyboard, and sharing my reflections about the process
20:09 – Encore typing sound test, Configuration 01
20:35 – Encore typing sound test, Configuration 02
20:58 – Encore typing sound test, Configuration 03
21:23 – Encore typing sound test, Configuration 04
21:47 – The Encore keyboard is live

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▬▬▬▬▬ Credits ▬▬▬▬▬
Created by Matthew Encina
© 2024 Mod Musings, Inc.

#ProductDesign #MechanicalKeyboard #industrialdesign #modmusings #matthewencina #desksetup #designprocess

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DISCLAIMERS:

[pianofortesam]

I'm so embarrassed that even I got the bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, spending total 4 years in my life, I can't even explain the whole product design process to other person as clear as you that are a newbie in product design. Love your video.

[BlissOn]

It’s crazy how someone who’s not primarily a product designer can create such a professional product. You really do it all Matthew! Truly inspiring.

[zlatan_]

This should honestly serve as an educational video for an entire design process. Most people unaware of what design is (me as well until recently) often think that design is an easy thing to do, drawing finished product from the get go and being done with it. But this video beautifully shows how many times initial idea changes due to financial and manufacturing constraints, changes of direction once the product is better visualised etc. Not to mention that it takes a lot of time to draw inspiration from multiple sources and mood board everything together in a coherent design in the first place.

[edwardleefilms]

Having been able to experience the Encore first hand, I can honestly say this is one of the most special products that I now own. Your attention to detail in the process and consumer experience is what makes this product more than just a keyboard. Can't wait to see how many people get to use the Encore in their setup. Love this film on your process too. You are the man Matthew!

[LofiMiso]

Seeing this channel grow from desk setup back in 2020/21 when I was looking for inspiration to build a WFH office, to seeing Matthew share how he remodeled his living room and kitchen. The journey of Mod Musings going from leaving his day job to further launch his business. Then, finding a blank canvas in the form of a warehouse space to build a new office and seeing how the quality of the content has improved. From coffee making setups to mechanical keyboards and product designs.

Keep building and sharing this type of content, made a big fan out of me with it. Hope to see more in the future. Cheers!

[arslanpirzadaa]

Been following you since 2017 from the futur.
You still don't cease to impress with whatever you do Matthew.. Huge respect for your discipline and desire.

[RadRemi]

Wow, as someone who has been working on a similar project for multiple years. The way you have elegantly put together this video, while in deep in the learning process yourself - ending with such an elegant presentation. I am very grateful this video can serve as a tool for others. It is very inspiring. Thanks!

[AvinashKunjamboo]

I feel like I'm always saying this, but absolute masterpiece of a video Matthew! So many takeaways from this that I would've never expected so you sharing your wisdom with us is always such a treat. Thank you so much mate! All the best to yourself and the Mode team to bringing this beauty to market.

[modekeyboards]

Absolutely thrilled to see this project come to life! We're hard at work getting ready to ship these boards out after the first in-stock drop this week! 💪

[smartdumb]

This video made me realize that anything is possible if you put in the time and effort, it motivated me to keep on going and not give up, even if its something small and doesn't have to be manufactured. I love your story telling and how you explained everything, made 22 mins. feel like 5.

[blekdesign]

You don't just make products for us. You provide insight into how the product works best.
Masterpieces from my favorite designers!

[darrenkelk]

The copper one in green sound test is the sound of rain. So beautiful...

[AndrewKabaliuk]

The amount of love and dedication Matthew putting into each video or product is just enormous. Not to mention the number of skills required for it to be at this very high level. Not compromising even a single small detail

As always pleasure

[bartondsmith]

Great demonstration of how iteration works!

[sethbalderson]

I wish I didn't get out of the hobby. This one, along with many other keyboards, I will miss out on. An amazing amount of effort, focus, and engineering has gone into the Encore. I can't wait to hear all the sound tests and see the builds that the community puts together.

Hope to see more designs from you in the future.

[Oliur]

I watch this video and type this comment with my Encore keyboard :)

[Jushhhhz]

The fact that this is sold out the moment I'm watching the video speaks for the quality of the product despite the limited production, as a former mechatronics student I kind of regret switching to med just to find out later that industrial design is what tickles my creativity. nonetheless, I find this video really fun and informative to watch definitely one of the videos I'd remember and probably go back and watch in the near future if I decide to turn my ideas into actual products too. Cheers!

[torreymerritt]

What an amazing process - filmed and narrated perfectly. To say you're meticulous would be an understatement. The keyboard design and execution are stellar!!

[silviasguotti]

The amount of effort and attention to detail you put into this project left me speechless! As always, an amazing project, Matthew! The white and oak one is definitely my favorite!

[jc-pgcq]

I really admire your story telling abilities. What can't you do?