The global market of today is tough and the competition between companies demands new ways of developing products and services. The current challenge for the design research community is to provide designers with a wider range of methods and tools to support specific activities within the design process and to improve its overall coordination.
It is uncertain whether problem-solving alone can be the tool for developing even simple products or services, as we are less open to the variety of opportunities that arise in the process. When approaching a problem, the cognitive mindset demanded to solve the problem differs from that required when searching for opportunities in creating something completely new. This emphasizes the importance of design thinking, using tools and methods for conducting Human Centered Design (HCD), empathy, and intuition along with the use of visualization.
By focusing on the creative process and the use of sketches or models, this research will explore the possibility to develop tools and methods for conducting NPD projects in a more efficient, effective way.
This research provides a prescriptive model of using visualization in New Product Development (NPD). This model is a result of clarifying the problem, understanding the factors that affect the problem and the development of support and a solution for implementing the model in industry. The model works as a supportive tool for project teams and guidelines for management.
There is a need to develop and implement new innovative methods and models that will support and strengthen SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises) to generate new ideas and realize these into successful products and improved processes. The use of visualization (in the early stages) in the innovation process is the focus in this research. The current understanding of the situation within visualization for innovation is that it is important to use visualization but few have a developed approach in how. However there are some examples in how visualization is an active part within the innovation process. IDEO and Decathlon are examples of companies that use visualization in a strategic and structured way. This paper presents a reference model on how visualization can be used within an innovation process. The model will look in to the existing situation, and highlight the problem that is relevant in this research topic. The model will also point out the factors that are most suitable to take in to consideration when improving the situation.
The need for effectiveness and efficiency in product development is increasing and learning organizations need to deliver knowledge and people with the right mindset to society. IdPeo is a suggested model to support innovative product realization. The model focuses on a collaborative approach of needed expertise knowledge, key activities, and decisions.