Product Design and Innovation

Book excerpt: As product designer or product marketing manager, decisions related to the conceptualization and design of new products and modifications of existing ones are critical and must be made following proven, successful methodologies. While many books on product management, development, and product marketing exist, they do not explore these techniques and the applications outside the traditional marketing management context. The result is a serious lack of understanding for professionals around the world about the design process itself and the tools for product development. Carlos M. Rodríguez, PhD, is the director of the Center for the Study of Innovation Management CSIM at Delaware State University, and has set out to address this discrepancy. The result is Product Design and Innovation: Analytics for Decision Making, a practical, hands-on resource guiding readers through the entire design process and methodologies applied in industry. Beginning with concepts and ideas, Rodríguez provides the analytical and quantitative skills needed to see a project through to launch-while minimizing future commercial risks. Techniques discussed include the Kano methodology and concept development, functional analysis and systems technique (FAST), quality function deployment (QFD), Taguchi robust design, emotional design, Kansei methodology, and prototyping. An accessible, step-by-step overview of product conceptualization and design, supported by illustrative applications and written in a clear and simple language, Product Design and Innovation is an invaluable tool for design students and marketing professionals.