Product Development - The product is only part of the Process

[Niel Leon]

I am a Product Developer (I can not say Engineer because of rules in many states, since I do not have a Professional Engineering License). I use my training as degreed Mechanical Engineer to develop products for others (companies and individuals). I have learned over the years that the actual developing of the product is only part of the process to get products out to the market place. In many situations it is the easy part of the process.

Before my company (Unicorn Technical Services) or and other Product Design company can develop a product for you we need clear definition of what that product should do. The products we develop are only as good as the Client's vision and understanding of the need for that product.

Then once we have design the product and helped you get your prototypes it is up to client to review it and push it to the market.

Niel

[adam fiveson]

Hi Niel,

Great post... how do you ensure the work/product you create is actually original? I've always been curious about that. I'm a huge fan of Bauhaus, form follows function and all that too.

Tell us more.

~A

[Niel Leon]

Originality in Product Development is some what different than originality in other areas of Design (Graphic Arts, Logo Design, etc.). In many cases the first or Original Design to meet a need or want is not successful. Let's stay with the example of the P-38 Can opener for a moment.

The original tin can was developed in the 1810's, but the first can opener was not patented in the US until 1858. The P-38 the ultimate in simplified elegant design for the can open was not developed until just before WWII (1940's). Over 100 years of can opener development before the P-38 arrived on the scene and can be seen as the pinnacle design.

The key in product development is getting in done right, not necessarily getting it done first, that is why it is important to get input from potential buyers of the eventual product and ensure that the final product when delivered meets the needs, wants, and expectations of both the buyer and the end user.

BTW there are still people try to develop the ultimate can opener, but that is now being replaced by the ultimate can. A sealed container that provides all the enviromental protection for the food inside and does not need a tool to open it.

Niel Leon
Unicorn Technical Services
http://www.uni-tech-serv.com