Any new project is full of questions.
In a way, the main job of the product development cycle is to answer them.
A key to a successful program is
asking the right questions
at the right time.
Here are some examples, based on the maturity of our project:
Proof of Concept - Is this even possible?
Concept Validation - Does my idea solve the problem I want it to?
Design Validation - Can I make this into a real product?
Production Validation - Am I able to produce reliably in the quantity I need?
Sustaining Engineering - How can I make things a little better?
As you can probably tell, getting these questions out of order can cause problems.
If I wait until PV to ask my customers if my idea solves their problem, I run the risk of having to redo a lot of work that should have been completed in the CV phase.
If I’m in CV, and the main questions I’m seeking to answer are focused on reliability and production processes, I’m going to get mired in details and never find the spark I need to innovate.
Have you ever considered the questions you’re asking? And when you’re asking them?
-Brian Schoolcraft
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