Hyve Case Study
Overview
Our client had a product idea to solve package theft. They were looking for a partner to build a sleek, smart home product that offered security, seamless integration, sustainable practices, and the ability to facilitate seamless returns from customers’ doorsteps. We provided rapid product visualization, sophisticated design, and engineering solutions to overcome complex assembly and functionality hurdles. This partnership enabled them to transform their concept into a compelling brand and working prototype, ensuring a successful unveiling at a major tradeshow and securing vital investor and partner support.
Consumer Products
Best of CES 2025
The Challenge
hyve Security was founded by Melissa Kieling and her son, Brennan Naylor to address personal package theft from her Brennan’s San Francisco doorstep. As a parent, Melissa couldn’t send him anything without wondering if it would still be there by the time he got home. This personal pain point quickly revealed a broken system, highlighting the need for a smarter, more secure, and more connected solution for home deliveries. This sparked the idea for Melissa and Brennan’s new business.
Like many customers, they had explored design and technology solutions through other firms and partnerships. While they recognized the inherent value in their core concept, they lacked confidence in the physical designs that had been created, particularly from a cost, design, and manufacturing standpoint. With a looming tradeshow and limited funds, they found themselves against the wall. We stepped in with only loose product requirements and began to visualize potential solutions.
The Product
Our team jumped right in by immediately beginning to visualize and refine design concepts. We quickly narrowed the designs, and in one week, had created a foam core mock up of the final design solution that would be presented in our first face to face meeting. The team created a very simple, but contemporary aesthetic design, and using foam core, worked through an assembly solution that could be flat packed – saving a lot of money in freight.
Reviewing the initial “works-like” prototype in a collaborative workshop with the Hyve team.
Our approach focused on a streamlined design process, quickly narrowing down design options to a contemporary and simple aesthetic. We developed an innovative assembly solution that enabled flat-packing, significantly reducing freight costs, which involved meticulously working through the mechanics of a robust yet user-friendly assembly. A unique tether solution was developed, allowing homeowners to easily mount the device to their door without the need for any tools. Furthermore, we crafted a lid that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional for convenient access by delivery services and homeowners.
Beyond the physical product, we provided significant brand and visualization support, through compelling videos, commercials, and visual assets to establish their company as a serious and professional player in the smart home market, which was crucial for investor and partner engagement.
1. Internal bee hive design
A beehive design on the inside of the lid subtly reinforces our Hyve brand, echoing its namesake.
2. Alarm & real-time updates
A high-decibel alarm and real-time security notifications instantly alert you and your neighbors to theft attempts, easily integrating with existing home security systems.
3. Delivery photo portal
Get added peace of mind with secure delivery photos captured directly through a portal window, replacing standard porch photos.
4. Security Tether
An alarm-enabled, stainless-steel tether securely connects the pod to your home or office with multiple mounting options.
We are forever grateful for the hard work, excellence, and dedication from your team while bringing hyve to life! We are absolutely thrilled with the final product! We had a blast and made some forever friends! We miss our weekly meeting.
Melissa Kieling
Co-Founder & CEO, Hyve Security
The results
Our partnership enabled hyve to transform their idea into a compelling brand and functional prototype within approximately three months. The project was delivered on time and within budget, allowing hyve to successfully unveil their product at the CES tradeshow, where it garnered significant media attention and industry praise. Publications such as CNET, TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, Engadget, PCMag, and Gizmodo highlighted hyve’s innovative approach to combating porch piracy, with several outlets featuring it among the “Best of CES 2025” and recognizing its focus on simplicity and sustainability.
Additional coverage appeared in Safewise, MySmartHomeDIY, All About AI, Techaeris, InvestorsHangout, All The Things, USA Today, and Inc. This widespread positive reception and critical acclaim were instrumental in securing excitement and support from strategic partners and investors, positioning them as a formidable market contender.
Recent Work