>_ The Framework Design × Engine × Reality.
An innovation catalyst does two things. Sparks the idea that moves a brand forward. Then makes sure it survives the journey to the factory floor.
Most innovation dies in the second half. Between sketch and sample. Between sample and bulk. That’s where seasons are lost and budgets disappear.
Three phases. Five stages. One source of truth.
The result is Aesthetic Certainty: what you approve on screen is exactly what comes off the factory floor.
## 01.The Design
>_ Stage 1: Compass Lock
Innovation & Vision
This is where the catalyst starts. We push your concept further than a brief would: new constructions, new materials, new ways for a garment to work on the body. The same thinking behind Tokyo 2020 Olympic sprint suits, evoKNIT for the 2018 World Cup, and performance garments for humanoid robots.
Then we lock it. Narrative, visual language and physical viability are agreed before a single production asset exists.
an idea worth building, and one direction your leadership signs off on.
safe, recycled briefs. Unbuildable AI concepts. Mid-season redesigns.
## 02.The Engine
>_ Stage 2: Prototype Rigor
3D Product Design
We build the garment, not the picture. Where form meets function, style and emotion, we test it in 3D: fit, materials, lasts and construction, before a sample is ever cut or moulded.
typically 1–2 physical samples per style, not 4–6.
sample freight, wasted fabric, fit surprises after weeks of factory delay.
>_ Stage 3: Source of Truth
Production-Ready Masters
Seams, trims, tooling and construction are built into the 3D geometry itself. Your factory works from one master model, not a 40-page spreadsheet.
correct-first-time production and a faster route to market.
factory guesswork, tooling misreads, cutting errors.
## 03.The Reality
>_ Stage 4: Pre-Sales & Revenue
Visual Persuasion
Campaign-ready visuals before the prototype exists. Sell in early, pitch investors, win retailer approval, with less inventory risk.
the product is sold before it exists.
speculative inventory, months waiting for photoshoot samples, weak wholesale decks.
>_ Stage 5: Organisational Speed
Workflow Integration
A catalyst speeds up the reaction and leaves the system changed. We install a 3D workflow that keeps your team innovating faster, with fewer errors, long after we’re gone.
a design organisation that moves faster and drifts less, season after season.
designer burnout, file-version chaos, single points of failure.
## The Return ##
We typically compress a 16-week sampling phase into 3–4 weeks.
Every sample round you cut is freight, fabric, factory time and weeks of calendar you get back. The engagement is measured against that, not against hours.
## How we work together ##
No generic 3D assets. No hourly rate sheets. We work with a maximum of two brand partners at a time, so every engagement gets senior attention from first sketch to first bulk run.
You get a solid, buildable brief: working modules, target scope and 3–5 engineered concepts, each with a 3D proof of concept, a construction and material route, a feasibility check, and a leadership-ready presentation. Taking a concept into production? €5,000 of the sprint is credited against Design + 3D Validation.
>_ All prices excl. VAT.
## Operational Clarity ##
Where do we start?
With your intent. A mood board, an AI concept, a napkin sketch, or no brief at all. The Innovation Sprint or Stage 1 turns it into a buildable direction. We need your team only for the first alignment briefing.
How does this affect our seasonal calendar?
We don’t add a step. We replace a bottleneck. With the 3D model as the single source of truth, we typically compress a 16-week sampling phase into 3–4 weeks.
How do you work with our factory?
As your technical liaison. When pattern-makers, cutters or mould engineers have questions, we answer them against the 3D master model. You handle the commercial relationship. We handle the structural execution.
What happens after handover?
We stay on as technical liaison until the first bulk run is confirmed correct.
What does our factory receive?
> 2D CAD patterns: DXF/AAMA for automated cutting > 3D native geometry: CLO3D (ZPRJ), Plasticity or Blender files > Universal 3D assets: OBJ, FBX or GLTF for cross-platform review > The Blueprint: a digital tech pack (PDF) taken directly from the 3D model
What visuals do you produce?
> Studio renders for e-commerce and line sheets > Cinematic Blender renders for campaigns and high-stakes pitches > 3D reels: 360° turntables, drape in motion, and close-ups of hardware and construction
Can you just fix a sampling crisis?
Yes. That’s the Targeted Intervention. We always start with a short diagnostic, because we fix the crisis but we don’t build on broken foundations.
Who actually does the work?
Senior people only. Every engagement is led by Hugh Clarke, with 13 years of PUMA innovation and 20+ years in sportswear. That’s why we take two partners at a time.
What about confidentiality and IP?
We sign your NDA before the first briefing. Designs, patterns and 3D files created for your brand belong to your brand.