Once you have built a prototype, it is a good idea to subject it to functional tests (phase 5.4). This is what we cover in this part of our series on new product development. Wikipedia defines a physical test as: ‘a qualitative or quantitative procedure that consists of the determination of one or more characteristics of a given product, process or service according to a specified procedure. Often this is part of an experiment’. Basically, once you have produced your working prototype … [Read more...]
The Importance of Prototype Build before Production – (Developing a New Product Series Part 8)
One key milestone in a new product development cycle is phase 5.3, making a prototype. (Remember, you can see the whole series on developing a new product here). What is a prototype? A prototype is a representation of a design produced before the final solution exists. It allows you and potentially your future customers to understand the product. Prototype models are often used for photo shoots, trade shows and exhibitions, customer feedback, and design verification purposes. What are … [Read more...]
Designing Physical Mechanical Parts for China Production – (Developing a New Product Series Part 7)
When it comes to developing hard goods, there are often mechanical parts. They need to be designed before prototypes start to be made, and this is what's covered here in phase 5.2. (Don't forget that you can see the whole series on developing a new product here). Mechanical parts can refer to internal mechanisms to drive trains and cases, and everything in between. In other words, all the components of a product that have a physical presence and are not part of the electronics … [Read more...]
Developing the PCB for a Product Made in China – (Developing a New Product Series Part 6)
In post number 6 we continue to focus on new product development. This sub-step, phase 5.1, is dedicated to products that contain electronics. (Don't forget that you can see the whole series on developing a new product here). If your product requires a printed circuit board (PCB), this falls under the ‘hardware design’ element of this phase. We will not go into too much detail of how to design a PCB, but will however go over the basic steps behind best practices (Source: National … [Read more...]
Developing the Product – (Developing a New Product Series Part 5)
This is the fifth in the series of articles helping you through the New Product Development process. Now we're moving on to phase 5: In this post, we'll briefly go over the objectives of this phase. During the product development phase, the product is designed, built, tested and finalized ready for mass production. The main tasks in order to achieve this are listed below (obviously this is an example that needs to be adapted to your product): PCB / hardware design … [Read more...]
Testing the Concept (New Product Development) – (Developing a New Product Series Part 4)
This is the 4th in the series of 19 articles helping you through the New Product Development process. We will be moving on to the third phase now: Phase Objectives Concept testing is carried out after the idea screening. The objective of this phase is to determine the following: Gain an understanding of what potential buyers and customers think of the product concept Determine if the market is ‘ready’ for the new product (i.e. can the product sell?) Understand what changes … [Read more...]
The Stage ‘Gate’ Review Meeting in the NPD Process – (Developing a New Product Series Part 3)
In the previous article, we mentioned that there should be a Stage Gate Review meeting between each of the development phases. Here in part 3 of the series, we will look at the guidelines for these Stage Gate Reviews. (Don't forget that you can see the whole series on developing a new product here). What is a Stage Gate Review Meeting This review meeting is commonly referred to as the Gate which acts as a stop/go virtual barrier between phases. These gates serve as quality control checkpoints … [Read more...]
Screening Ideas for New Product Launch – (Developing a New Product Series Part 2)
This is the second in the series of articles helping you through the New Product Development process. Phase 1 (idea generation) was described here. (Don't forget that you can see the whole series on developing a new product here). Here we will be focusing on the next process step, phase 2: The goal is to identify one or two solid potential ideas that can move into Phase 3 and eventually made in China and sold in your target market. Idea Screening Once all the viable ideas are … [Read more...]
Developing your own Product and Getting it to Market – (Developing a New Product Series Part 1)
One popular method to follow when developing your new product is to apply a phased step process as developed by Robert G Cooper. The different phases are shown in the diagram below. We are kicking off a series of articles that will take us through each phase and highlight the key aspects and what you should be doing to ensure your product successfully gets to market. We will be providing different examples throughout the series which we hope will help you in your product development and … [Read more...]
Sourcing From China 101: The 15-Part Guide for New Buyers
I have recently published the 15-part 'Sourcing From China 101' series for new buyers who are starting to work with Chinese suppliers (and for more experienced people who want to double-check whether they are working in a smart way). The 15 articles are listed below: Do You Need a Sourcing Agent? How to Identify Potential Suppliers? How to Verify a Manufacturer Second Choices vs. “Never Again” Negotiating With Chinese Suppliers: The Terms you Need to Discuss How To Keep … [Read more...]