Product Design Methods: Discover
During Discovery, concepts are generated through the collection, analysis, and synthesis of data. Product challenges are identified far in advance of project implementation as client, customer, and environmental needs are fully analyzed. Discovery also involves evaluation of the current market state by reviewing trends in related and non-related categories. User research is often used to uncover information related to product needs, type, use, and consumer expectations, not only from a fit and functional aspect, but aesthetically as well. Innovation is imperative to compete in today's market. That is why Discovery also includes extensive, cross-functional team brainstorming to provide a blue-sky approach to finding new potential in existing product lines, new market categories, opportunities, or gaps. |
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| Discovery can be as simple as the refinement of an existing idea to narrow the opportunities to a clear solution. Other times, it is the springboard that sets the direction for development of completely new products or systems. | |