One of the bits I love so much about creating physical products is the manufacturing component.

Yes, it's fun to just design something and call it a day, but figuring out how to optimize and adjust based on the manufacturing process is just as fun.

As I've been prototyping a line of coasters for @LaserTweets, I'd landed on 4x4" for the size.

I realized as I started laying out the pieces to do in bulk that if I changed the dimensions to 3.6x3.6", I'd reduce material waste by ~20% and cut production time by about the same.

Almost no noticeable difference for the customer, but saving that much material waste and time adds up quickly when you start doing hundreds or thousands of something.