Product Design & Development Tools
Product design is a strategic capability that allows firms to create, develop, and maintain competitive offering to customers and markets. It involves the creation of value from ideation though concept design, embodiment, specification, and assembly. Product managers need a thorough understanding of the development tools and techniques to bring successful and meaningful design to the consumer. Ideation requires the use of empathy analysis, the design of personas, and journey maps while concept design involves the application of the Kano method, morphological analysis, and Triz creative processes. Product concepts need to be refined through conjoint analysis, functional analysis, and Fast technical and commercial diagrams. As product managers visualize the complete product experience, functionality and assembly design are imperative. The integration of design with manufacturing and operations requires the application of design for Six Sigma and production tools. In today’s environmental conscious markets, the application of tools for sustainability are critical. A well-rounded product and design manager is required to master this portfolio of methods and tools.