While a big part of our business is talent, knowledge and resource, the tools we use allow us to leverage what we have to achieve more than we ever thought possible.
Here is a quick breakdown:
Computers - we use a mix of Apple and Aftershock. Depending on what you are comfortable with and the softwares you need, you make your own choice.
Computer-Aided Design - Autodesk Fusion 360. It's a really powerful tool that is affordable and easy to learn (there is also a lot of available resources). Being fully cloud-based, it also allows us to manage work easily. Ready material libraries and simulation plug-ins also make it one of the best choices available.
When necessary for more organic forms, we'll reach out to use Rhino and zBrush.
Electronics - Arduino and the Arduino IDE. Raspberry Pi.
PCB Design - EagleCAD and Autodesk Fusion 360.
Trello - we use this to keep our brains organized. To-do lists, workflows and everything is put down here. It's open so your teammates can see what you are working on and help in some ways.
Gmail - Hands-down the best email solution available. Everything is easily organised and available on multiple platforms (Mac, Windows, iOS and Android).
Google Drive - Everything that can be uploaded is sent to Google Drive. Easy organization, easy sharing and most importantly reliable service. The in-built office tools like docs, sheets and slides also make Google Drive a good choice.
Google Calendar - Helps to keep the team organised and updated about everyone's whereabouts.
Google Meet - Super easy to start a meeting, reliable service and browser integration make Google Meet our for online meetings (Google Workspace subscription also helped this along)
Google Spaces - A recent addition (February 2022) to our arsenal. We have found spaces to be very helpful in ensuring timely updates that can be referenced easily. Especially helpful if we have team members working from home (or anywhere in the world) (the gmail app integration is very useful too)
Google Forms - We use these all the time everything from new job applications to gathering feedback from clients and documentation of the design and engineering process goes through Google Forms. You can easily create new forms and ask a multitude of questions. Answers are also very well-organised with multiple viewing options.
Ultimately, it's about talent. However, having the right tools allows us to leverage our talent and do so much more.
p.s. We're subscribed to the whole suite of Google Workspace Products. And we are big fans.