Ch21. Unwrapping CMF Design on Pattern Design — The Fashion Piece of CMF

There is another common responsibility within CMF Design, and that is pattern design.

Pattern isn’t always created by CMF Designers, sometimes by Industrial Designers, and sometimes the neighboring Graphic Design team comes to rescue🔥

In many cases, precise patterns are required to be designed by professional technicians from the supplier, such as UV optical pattern on the back of a mobile phone, also referred as UVPP films. (中文版)

CMF is a specific discipline within industrial design that focuses on the development of a product’s color, material, and finish. Unwrap CMF shares bite-sized stories of CMF Design to inform and inspire those interested in this niche yet fascinating field, with digestible contents for anyone and everyone.

If pattern isn’t always designed by CMF Designers, why is it often included within the scope of CMF?

Firstly, regardless of the type of pattern, it will eventually be realized on the actual product, and that step of transforming into production is mandatory. For example, in-mold pattern, IMD (in-mold decoration), water-transfer, printing — these and many more are common manufacturing processes of pattern when converted into mass-production.

As shared in Chapter 4, the same marble pattern can be realized by multiple processes: real marble material, printed pattern, or via paint mixing. Each process represents a different production cost, technical feasibility, and perceived quality.

Secondly, between product generations, if a company wants to quickly introduce a new CMF SKU, such as a spec upgrade or for promotional events such as Mother’s Day, pattern becomes a quick and easy turn-a-round solution. It often does not require new tooling which is time-consuming and costly.

Though I’m not sure if consumers actually perceive pattern as a new product, but PM’s seem to be quite confident about it so let’s just say it is a product rebirth with a whole new pattern! 🤣

On large appliance such as refrigerators, especially on mid-to-low-tier materials, patterns help to make the surface seem less dull.

On large appliance such as refrigerators, especially on mid-to-low-tier materials, patterns help to make the surface seem less dull.

In-mold pattern can be formed at the time of plastic injection.

Smaller in-mold patterns can be directly applied to the mold through the well-developed laser engraving process.

Enjoy learning? Use the CMF terminologies mentioned above and continue on with your own research journey on the web. Comments and inspirations are welcome!
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