TRD LABX: Redefining Innovation In Industrial Design With Visionary Solutions & Sustainable Impact

‘Good design is making something intelligible and memorable. Great design is making something memorable and meaningful’ - Dieter Rams. Based on this belief, Industrial design, today, marries imagination and craftsmanship, shaping dreams into tangible solutions for the modern world and Industrial Design startups are at the vanguard of reimagining traditional businesses, bringing together technological improvements and a heightened awareness of sustainability and social obligation. With improvements like 3-D printing and augmented reality, these startups are revolutionizing the way products are conceived, designed, and taken to the marketplace.

Amidst this dynamic landscape, TRD LABX emerges as a leading player in India. Based in Hyderabad, TRD LABX is more than just a solution provider; it serves as a makerspace, focusing not only on the end result but also on the approach and process, which are the core elements of true design. As a pioneer inside the TRD House of Brands, the company embodies the spirit of creativity, value creation, and social impact, bringing innovation to create excellence in commercial design.

One of the primary challenges the firm encounters revolves around acceptance, as the field demands a specific skill set, perspective, and understanding of business objectives beyond mere form and functionality. To address this, TRD LABX operates within an ecosystem of companies under TRD House of Brands, granting it access to diverse clientele across various industries. By proactively addressing clients' questions and needs before they arise, the firm establishes itself as a trusted partner in product design.

“Another hurdle we face is the scarcity of resources interested in product design due to the significant time investment it requires. To overcome this, we conduct workshops and classes at educational institutions, positioning ourselves as thought leaders and inspiring future talent to pursue careers in Industrial Design. Despite the initial challenges, our commitment to innovation and education allows us to navigate these obstacles and continue delivering impactful design solutions”, says Raam Gottimukkala, Founder. TRD LABX offers a two-week workshop aimed at honing the design process, delving into the subconscious, and creating a robust knowledge system, empowering designers beyond formal education. It also actively organizes various workshops and hackathons to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation within the community.

Differentiating Methodologies

TRD LABX’s method differs substantially from others inside the industry, as the journey begins with taking a design, platforming it, and engaging in discussions to determine the appropriate approach or methodology before delivering the final output. Research is a cornerstone at TRD LABX, serving as a vital toolkit to comprehend the intricacies of the design process, regardless of scale. TRD LABX fosters an environment that encourages creative freedom among designers, allowing them to explore ideas without constraints. “Collaboration is key at TRD LABX, with teams coming together to expand perspectives and interconnect dots to arrive at innovative solutions. Leveraging advanced technologies like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, 3-D Max, Rhino, and Grasshopper, we make pragmatic designs that seamlessly transition from form to feature", shares Raam Gottimukkala. The firm is equipped with a complete range of tools, emphasizing a tool-based environment, including 3 distinctive 3-D printers, to supplement the design talent.

The firm’s client acquisition strategy relies heavily on word-of-mouth referrals, reflecting its commitment to excellence and innovation. TRD LABX hasn't actively marketed its capabilities, as the firm’s focus is on maintaining LABX as a space for experimentation and exploration. The company’s primary clientele comprises B2B customers undergoing industrial transition in manufacturing, semiconductor production, and insulator design. The firm also provides packaging solutions for a diverse range of products, including sexual wellness products. Furthermore, the company collaborates with government entities to develop cutting-edge tech products.

Driving Sustainable Growth & Innovation

Looking ahead, the company plans to grow further as an inclusive space, where individuals from diverse backgrounds can contribute. Through discussions on tools, methods, and applications, the firm strives to equip everyone with the skills needed to address challenges effectively. With its alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), TRD LABX plans to be a key player in addressing pressing global challenges through design and innovation. “Our goal is to evolve into a self-supporting organization where our design processes and systems can operate independently without personnel intervention.

“Our vision for the next 15 years is to be the go-to place for individuals and businesses looking to turn their product ideas into reality. Currently, we're pioneering an atmospheric water generator powered by vertical axis windmills, aimed at providing sustainable water solutions to remote areas. Our endeavors in this space align with our mission to create meaningful impact and address pressing societal and environmental challenges”, concludes Raam Gottimukkala.