An Approach to Product Design Involving Heterogeneous Stakeholders

This chapter discusses communication and data sharing among multiple stakeholders in a product design group and describes eight relevant techniques: inputs, brainstorming, ideation, matrix expansion, persona design, data journey mapping, prototyping, and review and reflection. Inputs provide additional domain knowledge obtained from sources that may include lectures, expert interviews, field investigations, and data analysis. This knowledge can be further elaborated through brainstorming. Ideation and matrix expansion contribute to idea development by linking different aspects of a few fundamental ideas. Design is the process of detailing what, when, how, where, and for whom we construct. As products become increasingly complex, the design process must accommodate interactions between heterogeneous stakeholders from different backgrounds. Data on consumer characteristics and behaviors can be linked to product satisfaction. Finally, after prototyping, review and reflection involves the exchange of outcomes with other participants. The involvement of heterogeneous participants serves to integrate diverse knowledge and skills.