You’ve probably seen the triangle before: Good, Fast, Cheap… pick two. It’s one of those truths in engineering that feels like a meme but hits close to home. This is especially relevant when you’re developing scientific instruments, automation platforms, or embedded systems where time, cost, and quality aren’t just project constraints, they’re market survival metrics.
At ZEDion, we don’t pretend you can have all three, but we’ve built our process to help you choose the right two at the right phase, and that makes all the difference.
GOOD – When Precision Matters
A “good” outcome means the system is reliable, robust, and well-documented. It works under real-world conditions, not just in a demo. For ZEDion, this means:
Full documentation packages and pilot production support
Thoughtful component selection and risk mitigation
Regulatory awareness baked into the design
We aim for “good” by default because in scientific instrumentation, a flashy prototype that doesn’t reproduce is just a liability.
FAST – When Time Is Critical
Sometimes you need proof-of-concept yesterday. Fast means lean builds, quick iterations, and a willingness to leave polish for later. At ZEDion, we embrace “fast” through:
Direct communication with our engineers (no handoffs)
Modular system design and flexible controls
Rapid prototyping tools and in-house testing
This is how we help startups impress investors and how R&D teams’ de-risk big ideas by getting something real in hand fast.
CHEAP – When Budgets Are Tight
Cheap doesn’t mean sloppy. It means we maximize value by minimizing waste. That might look like:
Using proven off-the-shelf components
Limiting scope to critical-path functionality
Leveraging existing IP where possible
This approach is ideal for concept validation or early funding rounds. Once it works, we can scale and refine.
So How Does ZEDion Handle It?
We don’t just ask “which two?” We help you phase the trade-offs across your project timeline:
Phase 1 – Concept & Prototype → Fast + Cheap
Get something functional to test assumptions and excite stakeholders.Phase 2 – Pilot Design → Fast + Good
Integrate higher-quality subsystems and get closer to production reality.Phase 3 – Final Product → Good + Efficient
Deliver a robust, manufacturable system ready for compliance and scaling.
By intentionally shifting focus as your needs evolve, we optimize for the whole lifecycle, not just the sprint in front of us.
Why ZEDion?
We live in the world between sample and signal. Our specialty is integrating motion, fluidics, sensors, and embedded con
trols into custom systems that work in the real world, not just on paper.
Whether you’re building a next-gen analyzer, automating a workflow, or bringing a device to life from a sketch, we can help you engineer the trade-offs, not just accept them.
Follow ZEDIon on LinkedIN for more.
