A Structured Approach
Bringing such an innovative product to market was never going to be simple. While Alex had a clear vision and an early prototype, he needed support to refine the product, address manufacturing challenges, and ensure the lamp was commercially viable. STRIDE provided a structured pathway forward, offering expertise in product development, market research, manufacturing, intellectual property protection, and branding.
STRIDE’s product development programme guides businesses through a five-stage process—from idea generation to product commercialisation. This structured approach reduces risk, enhances efficiency, and improves the chances of success. A key part of the programme involves assembling a Team X—a multidisciplinary team offering specialist skills and knowledge to support product development.
Tidelight was one of the first companies to go through the full STRIDE product development journey. The structured approach, combined with the right team, proved invaluable in helping the business successfully prepare for market launch.
From Concept to Market
When Alex first approached STRIDE, he had already built a working prototype and mapped out the core functionality of the lamp. However, he needed guidance on refining the design and developing a commercial strategy. His father, John—a seasoned businessman—joined the venture to shape the commercial side while Alex focused on the technical aspects.
There were still significant decisions to make. Who was the lamp for? Was it a niche product for coastal enthusiasts, or did it have wider appeal? Should it remain a standalone product or be the first in a broader range?
Through collaborative strategy sessions, STRIDE helped Alex and John explore potential product variations, from large-scale installations to portable, campervan-friendly models. It was eventually decided that launching with a single, high-quality lamp offered the best balance between market potential and production feasibility.
Identifying the Right Market
Understanding the target audience was a crucial step. STRIDE’s market research and customer-focused strategy sessions identified two primary audiences. The first group included people who regularly engage with the sea—surfers, dog walkers, and coastal adventurers. The second target market was tourists looking for meaningful, high-quality mementoes that connect them to their favourite coastal destinations.
Design and Manufacturing Support
With the concept in place, the next challenge was refining the lamp for large-scale production. STRIDE facilitated connections with the electronics team at the University of Plymouth, who suggested an alternative chip to improve performance and reduce manufacturing costs.
Further support involved addressing materials and manufacturing processes. STRIDE worked with Tidelight to explore whether the lamp’s dome should be glass or polycarbonate and advised on optimising the design for mass production.
Accessing funding was a key priority. STRIDE identified and secured a grant from the Growth Hub, which enabled Tidelight to partner with Sellectronics Ltd, a Falmouth-based electronics manufacturer. This collaboration led to further refinements of the lamp’s electronics and housing, preparing the product for market readiness.
Intellectual Property Protection
Protecting Tidelight’s unique design was a priority. STRIDE facilitated the patenting process through IP specialists at Bryers Law, ensuring the lamp’s innovative technology was safeguarded before its commercial launch.
Branding and Identity
As part of the Team X initiative, STRIDE provided branding support to help shape Tidelight’s visual identity. STRIDE developed prototype logos, one of which resonated with Alex and John and was refined into their current branding. The team also advised on colour schemes, recommending a moody, coastal-inspired palette that reflects the product’s connection to the sea while giving it a premium feel.
Early concepts from STRIDE (Left) and final logo design (right)
Structured Success
One of the biggest advantages for Tidelight was having a clear and structured product development process. Many start-ups face delays and increased costs due to unstructured development. By following STRIDE’s five-stage framework—covering ideation, design validation, prototyping, and manufacturing—Tidelight reduced risks and optimised their resources.
STRIDE’s small grant also supported the business in preparing for investor readiness, accelerating their ability to attract external investment.
With the final prototype complete and a product launch on the horizon, Tidelight is now ready to bring its innovative lamp to market. Thanks to the comprehensive support from STRIDE, an ambitious idea has transformed into a fully developed product. With their first investor on board, Alex and John are well-positioned to scale their success and continue innovating in the years ahead.