The concept testing stage
Trace a real or hypothetical new product through the steps in the new product development process, including idea generation, concept verification and testing, actual development, and test marketing. Discuss the establishment of “go/kill” points, meaning the criteria used to determine whether to proceed with the new product idea or abandon it at various stages in the process.
The idea generation stage should include potential sources of ideas such as trend monitoring, serendipity, or customer focus groups. The concept testing stage should include possible modifications based on feedback from potential customers, such as asking customers how this new product idea compares with present ways of the need the new product is intended to satisfy.
Sample Answer
Here is a hypothetical example of a new product going through the steps in the new product development process:
Idea generation
The idea for a new product can come from a variety of sources, such as:
- Trend monitoring: Identifying trends in the marketplace and developing products that meet those trends.
- Serendipity: Accidental discoveries that can lead to new product ideas.
- Customer focus groups: Gathering feedback from customers to identify their needs and wants.
In this example, the idea for a new product came from trend monitoring. The company observed that there was a growing trend towards healthy eating, and they decided to develop a new line of healthy snacks.