Quantifying Characteristics of Iterations in the Fuzzy Front End of Product Development Processes
DS 85-1: Proceedings of NordDesign 2016, Volume 1, Trondheim, Norway, 10th - 12th August 2016
Year: 2016
Editor: Boks, Casper; Sigurjonsson, Johannes; Steinert, Martin; Vis, Carlijn; Wulvik, Andreas
Author: Heck, Johannes; Rittner, Florian; Steinert, Martin; Meboldt, Mirko
Series: NordDESIGN
Institution: 1: ETH Zurich, Switzerland; 2: NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Section: Methodology: Special Applications
Page(s): 430-439
ISBN: 978-1-904670-80-3
Abstract
While iterations are an inherent phenomenon in product development processes (PDPs), research in the fuzzy front end (FFE) of PDPs concerning their characteristics and effectiveness, as well as iteration patterns, is scarce. We address our research question ‘which characteristics of iterations occur in the FFE of PDPs?’ with an empirical and quantitative research approach by observing teams in facilitated ideation workshops. We develop a framework of quantified iteration characteristics and identify patterns of effective iteration sequences. As practical implication, the insights can support the facilitation of ideation workshops.
Keywords: SME, Ideation Workshop, Prototyping, Iteration, Exploration