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Design 1st: Three Decades of Innovation and Success

As Design 1st embarks on its 30th year in existence, the Ottawa-based product development firm celebrates not only longevity but remarkable growth and achievement within a competitive landscape. Founded by Kevin Bailey in September 1996, Design 1st has transitioned from being a consultancy specializing in engineering design to a comprehensive product development powerhouse. Over the past three decades, the firm has been instrumental in bringing over 1,200 hardware products to market, catering to a diverse array of clients and industries.

In 2025 alone, Design 1st reported an unprecedented level of success, completing 103 distinct projects across 16 different sectors. The company welcomed 41 new clients and significantly expanded its workforce to accommodate the mounting global demand for their expertise. This demand is echoed in their clientele, which spans North America, Europe, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, and Australia, reflecting a broad international appeal.

The evolution of Design 1st's offerings is a testament to the firm’s agility in responding to market needs. Originally focused on basic design services, it has successfully integrated various technical capabilities, including mechanical, electrical, and firmware engineering, as well as prototyping and manufacturing setup. As projects have become increasingly complex, Design 1st has consistently added services in line with technological advancements and client requirements.

Among the significant projects in 2025, notable highlights include the SwabBot, a collaborative robot (cobot) designed for cleaning pharmaceutical tanks, which has now transitioned into production. The Groove Thing, a consumer music player that initially found success on Kickstarter, moved from concept to mass manufacturing. Additionally, the BlueKit IoT education platform successfully shipped following two years of rigorous development. The firm’s established client, Joylux, once again made waves by launching new award-winning medical products. Another innovative project is the wireless power charging device for medical implants which remains in active research and development.

Design 1st’s reputation as a go-to partner for companies looking to launch innovative and often unconventional products is well-deserved. Their portfolio boasts connected stethoscopes, drowning alert devices, electric brake walkers, hydrokinetic turbines, and automated litter systems, demonstrating the firm’s prowess across multiple industries. As Bailey aptly stated, "Many ideas are brilliant, but finding the right development partnership is crucial to transforming them into reality."

The firm has also navigated the changing landscape of product complexity. Bailey reflects on how advancements in technology such as cloud networks, IoT, sensors, and AI have expanded the challenges faced in product development. His passion for building physical electronic gadgets, which started three decades ago, motivates him to continuously push for advancements within his firm.

As Design 1st heads into 2026, it does so with a thriving project pipeline while remaining committed to its long-standing mission: to bring high-quality physical hardware to market. This dedication has earned the firm the trust of a wide array of clients, from ambitious startups to large enterprises.

With a team of over 30 seasoned professionals, 30 years of experience, and a portfolio comprising more than 1,200 developed products and 130 client patents, Design 1st is poised to navigate the future successfully. Their unique blend of expertise in industrial design, prototyping, sourcing, and manufacturing setup positions them as one of the leading full-service product design firms in North America. For more information on their services, clients can visit www.design1st.com.