PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The product development process is a systematic approach that organizations follow to bring a
new product or service from concept to market. While the specifics of this process can vary
depending on the industry and the nature of the product, the following is a generalized
framework that outlines the typical stages of product development:
a. Idea Generation: This is the initial phase where product ideas are generated. Ideas can
come from various sources, including customer feedback, market research,
brainstorming sessions, and internal innovation teams.
b. Idea Screening: In this stage, the generated ideas are evaluated to determine their
feasibility, alignment with company goals, and potential for success. Not all ideas will
move forward in the process.
c. Concept Development and Testing: Selected ideas are further developed into product
concepts. These concepts are tested with target customers to gauge their interest and
gather feedback.
d. Business Analysis: A thorough analysis is conducted to assess the financial viability of
the product. This includes cost estimation, revenue projections, and an evaluation of
potential risks and returns.
e. Product Development: If the concept passes the business analysis stage, product
development begins. This involves designing the product, creating prototypes, and
developing a working model.
f. Prototype Testing and Refinement: Prototypes are tested and refined based on user
feedback and to ensure they meet the intended specifications and quality standards.
g. Market Testing: A limited release of the product is made to a small target market or
geographic area to gauge real-world market response and identify potential issues.
h. Product Launch: If market testing is successful, the product is prepared for a full-scale
launch. This involves creating marketing and distribution strategies, setting pricing, and
planning promotional activities.
i. Commercialization: The product is officially launched into the market, and sales and
marketing activities are initiated. This phase involves managing production,
distribution, and customer support.
j. Post-launch Evaluation: After the product is in the market, ongoing monitoring and
evaluation are crucial. Gathering feedback from customers, tracking sales, and making
improvements as necessary are part of this stage.
k. Product Lifecycle Management: As the product matures, it may go through different
phases of its lifecycle, including growth, maturity, and decline. Companies must adapt
their strategies accordingly, which can include product updates, extensions, or
discontinuation.
It's important to note that product development is not always a linear process, and iterations
may occur at various stages as new information becomes available or as the product evolves.
Additionally, modern product development often involves cross-functional teams, agile
methodologies, and a focus on customer-centric design to ensure that the product meets the
needs and desires of the target audience.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT IN PLASTIC ENGINEERING
Product development in plastic engineering refers to the process of designing and
manufacturing new plastic products or components. This field involves working with various
types of plastics and polymers to create items for a wide range of applications, from consumer
goods and packaging to automotive and aerospace components. Here is an overview of the
product development process in plastic engineering:
a. Conceptualization and Research: Define the purpose and objectives of the product.
Identify the market needs and the specific problem the product will solve. Research the
materials and technologies available for the project.
b. Material Selection: Choose the appropriate type of plastic material based on factors such
as strength, durability, cost, and environmental considerations. Consider factors like
thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, and composites.
c. Design and Engineering: Create detailed 2D and 3D designs of the product, considering
factors like shape, dimensions, tolerance, and assembly requirements. Ensure that the
design is optimized for the chosen plastic material.
d. Prototyping: Develop prototypes or mock-ups of the product to validate the design and
functionality. Rapid prototyping techniques, such as 3D printing, are often used in this
phase.
e. Material Testing: Conduct material testing to evaluate the properties of the chosen plastic,
such as tensile strength, impact resistance, and thermal characteristics. Ensure that the
material meets the required specifications.
f. Tooling and Moulding: Design and manufacture the moulds and tooling required for the
injection or compression moulding process. The choice of moulding method depends on
the product's complexity and quantity.
g. Production: Begin the production process by feeding the plastic material into the moulding
machine and forming the product. Quality control is essential at this stage to ensure
consistency and eliminate defects.
h. Testing and Quality Control: Inspect and test the finished products for quality and
performance. Ensure that they meet industry standards and customer requirements.
i. Packaging and Distribution: Package the products appropriately for shipping and
distribution. Consider environmental factors, such as sustainability and recyclability, when
designing packaging.
j. Market Launch: Launch the product in the market through appropriate marketing and
distribution channels. Promote its features and benefits to potential customers.
k. Continuous Improvement: Gather feedback from customers and monitor the product's
performance in the market. Use this information to make improvements, address issues,
and develop future product iterations.
l. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the product complies with relevant industry and
safety standards. Address any regulatory requirements, such as certifications and labelling.
Throughout the product development process, it's essential to work closely with
multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, designers, material scientists, and manufacturing
experts. Collaboration and a strong understanding of material properties, design principles, and
manufacturing techniques are crucial for successful plastic engineering product development.
