Country
State
Cities
A design & innovation consultancy
1989
< $25/hr
10 - 49
United States
SmartShape's story begins in 1989, when student and early career practitioner of industrial design Mike Maczuzak took a leap from working at a prominent design firm to starting his own. Led by Mike, and supported by a few trusted peers at the start, SmartShape Design became a place where passion for innovation and creating beautiful, intuitive and useful products led to consistently delivering client-loved solutions that generated additional bottom-line revenue and patentable intellectual property.
As SmartShape's reputation for innovative design has grown over the years, so has the breadth and scope of its expertise. In addition to highly creative industrial designers, the firm has grown to include business strategists, research specialists, UX specialists, program managers, engineers with advanced degrees, and experts in tooling and manufacturing.
This has allowed SmartShape to pivot, and offer much more than core design services, now offering the full suite of end-to-end expertise needed to deliver market-ready product solutions and assist clients of all sizes — private equity portfolio brands, startups, Fortune 100 Internationals, and every company size in-between — through the entire manufacturing process.
SmartShape's global presence operates out of four office locations: its Cleveland, Ohio creative studio headquarters, a medical innovation showroom also located in Cleveland, Ohio, a second creative studio location in Boston, Massachusetts, and its prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing support office in Shenzen, China.
A constantly changing world keeps bringing unique opportunities to make a difference to the team at SmartShape. Whether it is developing electric vehicle charging stations, wearable health technologies, AR, VR, IoT-enabled technology, or the next big thing, the most exciting of all new opportunities is what tomorrow could bring for SmartShape, its clients and consumers.
Explore SmartShape office locations and service areas.
1240 Rockwell Ave Suite 3A Cleveland Ohio United States 44114
216-241-4200
Browse, Compare, Shortlist, and Hire your ideal business partner with ease.
No Portfolios Found yet...
Read SmartShape reviews, client feedback, ratings, and experiences to learn more about the company's services and performance.
No reviews submitted yet...
What core services does SmartShape provide?
SmartShape specializes in product design and development. The firm focuses on industrial design, mechanical engineering, and user experience design to help clients bring new products to market from initial concept through to manufacturing.
Which industries does SmartShape serve?
The company works across a diverse range of sectors, including medical and healthcare, consumer products, industrial equipment, and commercial technology. This broad experience allows the team to apply specialized knowledge to complex product development challenges.
Where is the SmartShape office located?
The company is based in Montreal, Quebec. From this location, the team collaborates with clients globally to manage the full product development lifecycle.
How long has SmartShape been in business?
Established in 1989, the firm has over three decades of experience in the product design and engineering industry, providing a long track record of successful product launches.
What is the typical product development process?
The process follows a structured path starting with research and strategy, moving into industrial design and mechanical engineering, and concluding with prototyping and manufacturing support. This ensures a seamless transition from a rough idea to a market-ready product.
Does SmartShape handle the manufacturing phase?
While the firm focuses on design and engineering, it provides comprehensive manufacturing support. This includes sourcing, vendor selection, and production oversight to ensure the final product meets the original design specifications.
Can startups work with SmartShape?
Yes, the firm works with a wide variety of clients, ranging from startups and entrepreneurs to large established corporations. The team is equipped to handle projects of varying scales and complexity.
What technologies are used in the design process?
The team utilizes advanced tools for 3D modeling, mechanical simulation, and rapid prototyping. These technologies allow for precise testing and iteration before moving into expensive tooling or mass production.
Does the company provide user experience (UX) design?
Yes, user experience design is a core component of the service offering. The team focuses on creating intuitive interfaces and ergonomic physical products that prioritize the end-user's needs and interactions.
How does the firm approach medical device development?
Medical device projects are handled with a focus on regulatory compliance, safety, and human factors. The team integrates engineering rigor with design aesthetics to ensure devices are both functional and user-friendly in clinical environments.
Are there examples of past projects available?
The website features a portfolio section highlighting various case studies. These examples demonstrate the firm's work in areas like medical diagnostic tools, consumer electronics, and specialized industrial hardware.
How can a potential client contact the team?
Interested parties can reach out through the contact form provided on the official website. This is the primary method for initiating a conversation regarding new project inquiries or partnership opportunities.
Does SmartShape offer prototyping services?
Yes, prototyping is a key part of the development cycle. The firm uses various methods to create physical models, allowing clients to test form, fit, and function before committing to final production.
What makes SmartShape different from other design firms?
The firm distinguishes itself through a multidisciplinary approach that combines industrial design, mechanical engineering, and strategic research under one roof. This integrated model helps reduce development time and ensures design intent is maintained throughout engineering.
Does the firm assist with product research?
Yes, research is the foundational step in the development process. The team conducts market and user research to inform design decisions, ensuring that the final product addresses real-world problems and provides value to the target audience.
Do you own or represent this business? Enter your business email to claim your TopITFirms profile.
You have successfully submit request your claim
Ask About SmartShape
Usually replies instantly
zip, pdf, png, jpg
Thank you for submitting your inquiry, we will get in touch with you soon.