How do I turn an idea into a commercially viable product?
Analysing whether you should you build a minimal viable product (MVP) or a minimal marketable product (and knowing the differences between the two) is a key step in developing your business – as is knowing if you are best evaluating the ideas with customers or instead engaging customers to generate ideas before designing. The following resources give you the tools to craft a product development plan and how to work with a product development agency to bring the idea to market.
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WHEN: You’re thinking long-term and are happy to iterate on the product design to build a better one down the line. Not so much for those who want to sell a profitable product up front.
WHY: Learn by asking your customers about what they liked most about the MVP, what they didn’t like and what they would like to see added to make it better.
WHAT: This article provides an overview to the “Lean Startup” methodology of MVPs. This is a scientific approach to creating and managing startup businesses, and getting products that customers desire into their hands quicker and more efficiently than ever before.
Railsware Product Academy
WHEN: You want ideas to test an MVP in the real world.
WHY: Not all MVPs need to be built. There are a number of ways to test a minimal viable product – some more suited to idea generation, some more suited to idea evaluation.
WHAT: A video that takes you through different MVP examples and explains how to take them to the user for testing.
WHEN: You are starting out with product design for your own business.
WHY: Whether you have experience in design for a larger business or have never done this before, this can help you think about how to operate efficiently with designers.
WHAT: Short article giving an overview of three useful ways of informing your product design: reference designs, experts and good process.
WHEN: You are considering packaging design.
WHY: A label or packaging that grabs attention, but also tells your brand story, is key if it’s to catch the eyes of consumers.
WHAT: A short article containing useful guidance on how to manage the packaging design process.
WHEN: You want to work with a product design agency.
WHY: Moulding an idea into a technically feasible and commercially viable product is actually very difficult. You need to select a qualified partner.
WHAT: An article providing valuable advice on how to assess design agency credentials and pick one that meets your needs.