Nicolas MELAN

In the natural continuity of my activity in 2021-2022, I played an essential role in the creation of Nickel-Chrome, a revolutionary company born from the collaboration between C-Ling and Nickel Design with a clear vision: to transcend traditional operating patterns between partners and departments and create a holistic approach for external product development. I:
● Developed an all-in-one concept, validated by the CEO, seamlessly integrating development strategy, industrial design, cost optimization, engineering management, certification management, manufacturing management, and export logistics. I implemented an end-to-end design process, from initial client contact to production. Result: accelerated, simplified, and secured product development for our clients.
● Led a talented team of 32 professionals, including 11 designers, 14 engineers, 4 quality control experts, and 3 salespeople. Streamlined their processes for maximum efficiency. Achieved significant improvements in creativity and execution across all domains or projects.
● Maintained relationships with our international clients, clarifying their identified and unexpressed needs, often initiating more ambitious projects. Managed their projects and supervised all aspects of execution. Created development strategies and design elements that greatly contributed to our clients’ success. Shaped our communication strategies, design consulting services and corresponding business documents, including a website, to resonate our added value. Result: our clients significantly enhanced their perception of our company’s professionalism, both in terms of strategy & design and manufacturing.

Following the forced closure of my agency due to COVID, I worked as a freelance designer. I designed innovative products that strengthened brand image and boosted sales for my clients. Notably, I closely collaborated with EXTRALIGHT and C-Ling, renowned luminaire manufacturers based in Guangzhou, where I:

Advised the design team, ensuring compatibility of designs with the DNA of clients such as PHILIPS, PANASONIC, IKEA, XIAOMI, SIMON, and OPPO. This led to better acceptance of designs and praise from client design teams.
Coached the internal design team, working closely with the design director to foster creativity and excellence, both in processes and personal skill development for designers.

Constrained by an increasingly unstable work environment that no longer allowed for my progress, I left my position without a safety net. I had the opportunity to partner with a former colleague to create our industrial design agency from scratch, using our own funds and building a client base from the ground up. Our first client was LEGRAND, a global leader in electrical and digital infrastructure for buildings. Over the course of 13 years, I:

Created the agency:
● Established the agency’s values, positioning, and communication strategy, which attracted clients seeking our distinctive approach and fostered a climate of trust.
● Created our business documents and a website that showcased all our expertise.
● Advocated for global design during conferences, emphasizing its strategic value.

Implemented comprehensive and robust design services:
● Developed and established a structured and detailed design process, meticulously managing requirements, market & trend analysis, user needs, technical follow-up and deliverables. This saved time for our clients and improved the success rate of their projects.
● Advised and helped our clients on registering their design rights and patents, enabling better protection of their interests.
● Provided audits, consulting, and coaching, offering concrete strategies and solutions to address our clients’ short, medium, and long-term needs (whether identified or unexpressed). Identified design trends and consumer needs, providing valuable information for their strategic decision-making.

Co-led the agency and international teams (France / China):
● Collaborated closely with clients; defined and implemented effective product development strategies based on their goals and company profiles.
● Expanded our client base in Asia and Europe, driving growth for both clients and the agency.
● Headed the design office in China and facilitated seamless collaboration between our internal design teams in Europe and China, benefiting our clients in both regions.
● Supervised the execution of all designs, resulting in efficient product developments for our clients.
● Recruited talented designers and identified freelance partners, forming reliable design teams.

Managed our designs from start to finish with the factories:
● Streamlined communication and collaboration with engineers and factories, emphasizing technical problem-solving and manufacturing cost optimization. This helped maintain our clients’ brand consistency, improve production quality, and increase their profit margins.
● Developed partnerships with R&D, engineering and manufacturing companies, providing enhanced services to our clients.

Over 13 years, I acquired and systematized a structured approach to market analysis: product lifecycles, competitive mapping (direct and indirect), positioning, benchmarking, functional needs, related universes of reference, business models, distribution strategies, and design trends applicable to the products to be designed. I presented these analyses to our clients’ marketing and design teams, resulting in a more precise market vision and design direction prior to any design work. Several specifications were optimized thanks to this process. It was these exchanges and internal/external complementarity, which led to the relevance of our designs.

I seized the opportunity to relocate to China and join a dynamic team of 18 designers at Interforce. My role encompassed design & technical development follow-up of consumer electronics and household appliances:

● Trend analysis and market research: I conducted in-depth research to identify emerging trends, market trends and consumer needs.
● End-to-end product development: I created sketches, CAD files and 3D renderings to finalize designs for electronic products (stereos, karaoke systems, alarm clocks, boomboxes, MP3/MP4 players, digital photo frames, speakers) and household appliances (toasters, ventilation hoods, kettles). I closely collaborated with engineers and factories to ensure efficient and cost-effective production; the practice of design-to-cost was essential in my work.
● Price-sensitive clientele: I integrated style requirements, cost considerations, and manufacturing constraints imposed by renowned brands such as THOMSON, RCA, WALMART, GENERAL ELECTRIC, and JENSEN.
● First supervisory experience: I trained a team of 4 young European designers in 3D modelling and rendering techniques.

As an independent designer, I’ve worked with 4 clients:

● Riva (a leading luxury yacht market player): I designed a range of accessories that elegantly and functionally incorporated the client’s requirements.
● Toshiba: I envisioned and conceptualized laptop designs for the Odysseo range.
● Campingaz: I created a practical and aesthetically appealing portable gas stove, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and ease of use.
● Axa France: I developed a professional and impactful diploma for new AXA France agents, serving as a brand image and enhancing their professional credibility. This framed diploma was proudly received by the agents.