These activities are not set in any formal framework, but flow in an unpredictable, unstructured and often chaotic manner. Generally, it is said to encompass tasks such as strategic planning, generating concepts and pre-technical evaluations. Neither is there a clear framework of how it works. There is no formal or universal definition of the Fuzzy Front End. This is often treated as the first step of the formal product development process. The process followed here can be formulated internally or externally through a specific customer request or a unique material availability from a supplierĭoes the concept of idea reached here make business sense and does it have business value? Positive answers to these questions lead to the decision to purse the creation of the prototype of the product and negative answers may end the process right here to be started again from the beginningīased on factors such as available market share, customer requirements, investment needed, competitor analysis etc., a business case can now be developed. Through an incremental and iterative process, the identified idea is taken birth to a mature tangible concept. Market research and studies as well as some basic trials may be conducted at this point to understand how the concept will translate into a solution for the customer Identified ideas are converted to implications for business context relevant to the company. Based on criteria / guidelines decided here, new projects / products will be assigned resources and a structured development strategy can begin to be established In a semi structured manner, both large and incremental business and technological chances are identified. In no particular order, Koen mentions five different elements of the front end. This is why the importance of this phase cannot be overlooked and it should be included in the overall projected product development cycle time. Because of this, it sets the direction for the whole project and the product. However, it may end up taking up to half the total development time and this is the point where serious commitments regarding time, investment and the nature of the envisioned end product are decided. Practically, the FFE may not be a formal or detailed part of the product development process. Here, a concept may be generated and then the decision made regarding the feasibility of this concept and whether it is worthy of further investment of resources.

This is stage after an opportunity has been realized and before a formal product development process is deemed ready. Fuzzy Front End (FFE)ĭefined by Koen, the fuzzy front end includes the chaotic, unpredictable, and unstructured activities that precede a more formal new product development process. The Stage Gate is a more formal step by step process where the concept is formalized and managed systematically. The FFE is a more chaotic early stage process, where the concept is defined. One such method is the Fuzzy Front End (FFE) followed by a more formal Stage Gate process.

There have been several approaches to managing an effective new product development process. TWO APPROACHES FOR MANAGING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT In this article, we look at 1) two approaches for managing product development, 2) points to remember, and 3) other product development techniques.ġ.

Increase customer satisfaction through better products meeting specific needs.

Grow through the creation of new business opportunities.

An effective product development process helps a company to: New product development is the first stage in the product life cycle management process, the strategic process that is used to manage products and market share. One of these focuses on extensive market research and analysis while the other deals with generating ideas, design of the product and detail engineering.

The new product development process involves two simultaneous activity paths.

These changes or new introductions may be targeting a newly defined customer requirement or a niche category in the market.Ī product can be defined as a collection of benefits that can be either tangible such as a physical item or intangible such as a service or experience. This includes both the creation of an entirely new product and modifications to an existing product. Product development is the creation of a new or different product that offers innovative new benefits to the end user.

Product overview