Fundamentals of Product Development

Book excerpt: Great products come from great designers using great development processes. But how does a novice designer become a great designer? And how does an ordinary development process become a great development process? Fundamentals of Product Development explores the evolution of products from the beginning idea through mass-production. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all process, it explores the theory behind product development and challenges readers to develop their own customized development process that is uniquely suited for their individual situation. In addition to theory, the book provides development case studies and a product development reference that introduces a wide variety of design tools and methods. In this 5th edition, the authors have increased the detail in the activity maps presented for each stage of development. These maps help novice development teams navigate the challenges of each stage, and remind experienced teams of activities and outcomes that should not be overlooked.Also included in this edition are new development reference entries on cost estimation and targets, design reviews, multivoting, optimization, revision control, and storyboards.