Project Overview
When entrepreneur Corey Horn faced a camping dilemma—finding a safe, level surface to chop wood—he envisioned a solution that didn't exist: a synthetic chopping block that could also serve as a cooler, storage, and seating.
Multiple firms turned down his idea and he was ready to give it up until he met Onetwosix Design. They saw the potential in his concept and helped transform a campsite frustration into "Stumpy," a patented multi-functional outdoor product approaching commercial launch.
Services Provided
The scope of work covered product realization from early development through prototype iteration, production planning, technical engineering input, visual identity development, and coordination with manufacturing partners.
Product development
Prototyping
Manufacturing process selection
Brand Development
Engineering
Manufacturing Liaison
Before the Partnership
Korey Haun came to onetwosix design after a frustrating journey through Edmonton's product development landscape. Despite dealing with a clear problem during a family camping trip, he faced a number of obstacles:
Previous firms dismissed the concept, with one telling him "the product idea will never fly"
Limited manufacturing options presented, with only expensive molding processes requiring a 7-figure investment
Zero technical expertise in product development, engineering, or manufacturing processes
Failed 3D printing research that proved unfeasible for the product requirements
Design-for-manufacturing disconnect between what he envisioned and what could actually be produced
As Korey recalls: "I was very relieved because quite honestly, I thought the product was probably going to die on the vine before Onetwosix Design."
What We Did
We approached Stumpy with the enthusiasm that Korey needed, and the manufacturing realism that the product needed. We focused on identifying viable production pathways that balanced Corey's vision with commercial feasibility.
Manufacturing process exploration beyond traditional molding, introducing rotational molding and other cost-effective alternatives
Early manufacturer integration bringing production partners into the design process from an early stage
Collaborative design refinement through multiple iterations to optimize weight, size, and functionality
Design-for-manufacturing optimization ensuring the product was durable, safe, and easy to transport
Technical translation making complex engineering decisions accessible to a non-technical founder
Brand development creating cohesive visual identity and marketing materials through our integrated design team
Collaborative Problem-Solving in Action
One of our key differentiators emerged through our collaborative studio environment. "I just love the collaboration that you see," Korey explains. "I'd be in the room, and multiple people would be coming in and saying, hey, I thought of this or what about this? A lot of those ideas have been incorporated into the product we're at today."
When the first prototype arrived too heavy and oversized for commercial viability, our multidisciplinary team quickly identified re-engineering solutions that maintained functionality while improving user experience and production economics.
Technical Translation & Support
For an entrepreneur without technical background, navigating engineering discussions could have been overwhelming. "There was a lot of conversations that are way over my head, but thank God I had somebody who could speak to that." Korey notes, "Brendan and Matt have always had a great ability to tell me, okay, look, this is what we agreed to. This is what this means."
Proven Results
The transformation from concept to near-market product exceeded Korey's initial expectations, delivering both tangible prototypes and invaluable manufacturing insights:
Successful prototype development that proved manufacturing viability after years of uncertainty
Patent protection secured in both Canada and the US for the unique multi-functional design
Cost-effective manufacturing pathway identified avoiding the multi-million dollar tooling requirements that nearly killed the project
Complete brand ecosystem developed including visual identity, website, and social media strategy
The emotional impact proved equally significant. When the first prototype arrived at our studio, Korey experienced the pivotal moment every entrepreneur dreams of: "It was like looking at this product that's what we envisioned back in Canmore four years ago... it was like, wow, this could happen."
Beyond product development, we provided manufacturing connections that eliminated the technical barriers Korey faced alone. The project evolved from a camping idea dismissed by others into a patented product with clear commercial potential and established production relationships.
