; middle atlantic products
Lean Process Product Development Modernizes the College Lectern
BOLTGROUP conducted research and used Lean process product development to engineer and design the new L7 lectern for Middle Atlantic Products.what we did
Industrial Design
Mechanical Engineering
Concept Development
Customer Validation Testing
Market / User Research
Product Prototyping
Appearance Models
3D CAD Modeling
Challenge
Middle Atlantic Products (MAP) wished to create an innovative lectern for higher education. The key was to employ MAP’s rack mount technology in a way conducive to teaching and accommodating people of all sizes and abilities. Additionally, MAP wanted a “Lean” product development process to improve speed to market while incorporating the voice of the customer.
Solution
BOLTGROUP conducted research with product distributors, university administrators, professors, and facility managers. Research with these subjects is often contradictory; it requires deep understanding of the end user and the sales / distribution process. A thorough design + validation process was needed to negotiate the multiple criteria of ADA compliance, aesthetics, minimal footprint yet large technology storage, and sound structural engineering. And our Lean development schedule meant it all had to happen fast!
Result
The MAP L7 Lectern, designed with teachers, facility managers, and installers in mind. combines a teaching desk and lectern in a contemporary, elegant design.
- Height adjustment of the lectern provides enhanced ergonomics for the widest range of users—exceeding ADA compliance
- Technology tray provides connectivity for laptops
- Under counter cabinet has rackmount storage and built-in thermal management
- Structural design smartly integrates power and data cables for easy installation and access
- Received requests and inquiries from some of the largest colleges and universities in the U.S. before official launch of product
- Created a repeatable product development template using “Lean” design methods and user research driven design
- Achieved lower development cost and faster timelines for new products
- Earned Best of Show Award from Sound & Video Contractor and Commercial Integrator’s 2018 BEST Award in the Cabinets, Furniture, Racks, Mounts & Cases category
Video Credit: © Middle Atlantic Products
Key Takeaways
- Customer-driven research uncovered teacher, facility-and installer pain-points and informed design decisions.
- A Lean product development process accelerated time-to-market while balancing multiple criteria (ADA compliance, tech integration, aesthetics).
- The final lectern paired elegant form with functional depth—adjustability for all users, built-in tech / tray, rack-mount storage, and integrated cable management.
- Design delivered differentiated value in a crowded AV furniture category, marrying industrial engineering with user experience.
From day one BOLTGROUP strove to become an extension of our team rather than just a valued partner. They worked to understand our DNA–the core of who we are and why we exist. They helped us to articulate all that has made us successful in a way that could be applied both visually and verbally in both product design and brand development. They helped us to codify our business strategy and culture in a way that facilitated internal alignment to support a go-to-market position that is both consistent and relevant to our target customer."
— Megan Knedler - Director, Product Management - Furniture, Middle Atlantic Products