XL-200 Harris radio

Defense Tech

Engineered for
High-Stakes Environments

KEK works with defense innovators to translate highly complex systems into robust, operator-ready products. From rugged field equipment to the interfaces operators rely on, we design for clarity, durability, and speed of use.

KEK helps defense innovators turn complex requirements into equipment that holds up in the field. Together with our clients, we design rugged, mission-ready systems that are as dependable as they are intuitive.

Our Process

Phase 0
Discovery
Discovery Workshops
Technology & User Research
Product Benchmarking & Heuristic Reviews
Defin Intended Use
Develop Technology Feasability Criteria
Supporting Mechanism / Enclosure System Design Exploration
Build Proof of Concept Prototypes - Evaluate / Test
Feasability Report
Phase 1
Product Definition
Develop High Level User Stories, User Needs, and Product Requirements
System Architecture Concept Ideation
Define User Experience & Usability Goals
Develop Product Configurations & Workflows for Intended Use
User Centered Design - Review Options with Users & Refine
Create a Design Strategy & Design Brief
Traceability Matrix V1
Phase 2
Design & Development
Finalize Product Requirements (PRD)
Develop the Product Design Intent - Industrial Design, UX/UI, packaging, and Instructions For Use
DFM, Mechanical, Electrical, and System Engineering Development
Engineering Analysis / FEA & DFMEA
Build Development & Alpha Prototypes
Conduct Engineering Testing
Conduct Formative User Evaluations
Design & Engineering Refinements & Specifications - CAD, BOM, Drawings
Traceability Matrix V2
Phase 3
Design Verification
Build Beta Prototypes - with Production Materials
Create V&V Plan & Test Protocols
Conduct Engineering Testing against Test Criteria
Support 3rd Party Test Labs
Finalize Engineering based on testing for Design Freeze
Create Final Design Specification Package - CAD, BOM, Drawings
Re-build Beta Prototypes
Traceability Matrix V3
Phase 4
Transfer to Manufacturing
Provide Production Support for Tooling & Manufacturing
Plan and Conduct Human Factors Validation
Transfer to Manufacturing Review
TRL 1, 2, 3, 4
TRL 5
TRL 6
TRL 7
TRL 8, 9
KEK design is familiar working with the Technology Readiness Level framework outlined by the Department of War and other government agencies.

Built to Perform When It Counts

In the field, small design decisions decide outcomes. We partner with teams at any stage to strengthen how a system is built, integrated, and used, so it performs reliably in the complex, time-sensitive conditions where there's no margin for error.

Areas of Expertise

Models and Prototypes

We build models that move beyond appearance—tools that validate function, assembly, and real-world use. From quick iterations to refined prototypes, each step is designed to uncover issues early and push ideas forward with confidence.

Usability Testing

We observe how people actually interact with products, identifying friction points that aren’t visible on paper. These insights directly inform design decisions, ensuring products feel intuitive, safe, and easy to use.

Electrical Engineering

We integrate electrical systems early in the design process, aligning performance and reliability requirements with real-world production constraints to ensure robuste and dependable operation.

Heat Analysis imagery
Mechanical Engineering

We design mechanical systems with manufacturability in mind from the start, ensuring form, structure, and constraints are resolved early. This allows us to create solutions that are both functional and ready for production.

Human Factors Engineering

We design with the human body in mind, shaping products that feel natural and reduce strain over time. Every interaction is considered to improve comfort, control, and long-term usability.

UI/UX

We create interfaces that guide users without confusion or hesitation. By focusing on clarity and flow, we ensure digital interactions support the product experience rather than complicate it.

Talk to our team

We're Always Looking for a challenge

From concept to manufacturable — hardware design that actually works in the real world.

Work with Us
Work with Us
Portfolio

Featured Work

L3Harris — XL Series & Falcon Tactical Radios

Human Factors
|
Industrial Design
|
Models & Prototypes

Designed the enclosure and ergonomic form factor for L3Harris first-responder and military tactical radio families — balancing one-handed operability with gloves, antenna placement, display legibility, and field durability across multiple product variants and form factors.

Pelican — Military In-Case Solutions

Custom Enclosure Design
|
Mechanical Engineering

Custom electronic payload integration within Pelican transit cases for military applications. Designed for field utility, equipment protection in transport, and verified military durability — supporting both product development and custom case configurations within Pelican's military division.

Vigilant Solutions Raptor-II

Industrial Design
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
Environmental Testing
|
Manufacturing Transfer

IP67-rated license plate reader camera enclosure designed for harsh outdoor deployment. Multi-compression rib seal system, extruded aluminum finned housing for passive thermal management, and a modular lens assembly optimized for field servicing without tools.

See All Work
See All Work