Use Process Maps to Guide Product and Service Development

     There are several ways to approach new product or service development.  One major distinction that establishes the framework for development is the source of the idea.  The evolution of an existing offering involves analysis that is not possible for a completely new product or service.  Development of a product or service that is a radical departure from those currently available involves many more unknowns and, therefore, less reliable forecasts.
            The diagrams below illustrate five types of development processes:

• Incremental or Evolutionary Development
• Visionary or Revolutionary Development
• Adjacent or Peripheral Development
• Nostalgic Development
• Conversion or Adaptation

     The choice of development process to follow depends on the information available to the development team.  Sales history or projections, customer sentiments, and technical specifications are valuable data; if they are unavailable (i.e. do not exist), they will have to be created, or estimated, during development.

How to Use the Process Maps

1. Familiarize yourself with the descriptions of the five types of development project contained in the first block of each diagram.
2. Select the process map that best represents the development project to be undertaken.
3. Begin collecting customer information, using the list provided as a reference.
4. Review the examples provided for inspiration and better understanding of the types of project to which the map can best be applied.
5. Guide the development process through the activities delineated.
6. Tailor the process to the unique needs of each development project; the process maps are necessarily generalized for universal application.
   

     Following the established guidelines represented by the product and service development process maps can help development teams avoid oversights that limit the success of a launch.  Also, the availability of a reference guide can help leaders avoid indecision, and the resulting stagnation of the team, that can jeopardize projects.
 
     If your team is adrift and you’d like help navigating your way to product or service development success, send up a flare on our Contact page or contact me directly.
 
Jody W. Phelps, MSc, PMP®, MBA
Principal Consultant
JayWink Solutions, LLC
jody@jaywink.com