| Products are “experiences
with legs”. They are the embodiment of the benefits that
a business brings to the market. Advanta leads clients through
a four stage development process that fosters the efficient
and reliable creation of products that capture the essense of
the customer benefits.
Listen – Strategize - Conceptualize –
Implement
1 – Listen
The foundation of all successful design is based on understanding
the opportunity at hand. Benefits sought in the product are
discussed. Environments of use and the users themselves are
studied. The competitive landscape is surveyed. Conversations
surround the type of experience the client desires to produce
for their customers. A very solid understanding of product
benefits and clarity surrounding client goals will emerge
from this phase
2 – Strategize
Opportunities for product potential are explored. Initial
form and function sketches and sketch models are produced.
Company and product brand are reviewed or created, as required.
Profit margin analysis tools are provided to the client to
produce guidelines for tooling, marketing and product costs.
A more rigorous financial analysis and brand competition analysis
are conducted. Precise definition of the project is captured
in a document (who, what, where, when, why). Out of this phase
will come brand and financial guidelines, precise definition
of the project constraints, design opportunity and a master
project schedule
3 – Conceptualize
Two development streams let creative energy loose into concept
development. Mechanical layouts of circuit boards and connectors
or engines and controls are examined and options for configuration
designs prepared. Layout options are documented by CAD. Visual
concepts and usage scenarios are examined in sketch form and
in quick physical models. These two development streams interact
with each other and are merged in a series of progressive
models and prototypes until design files are ready for final
tooling and production. Validation of designs with usage trials
and submission of pre-production prototypes for regulatory
testing are initiated. Files ready for production tooling
are delivered from this phase.
4 – Implement
Once final prototypes are validated, files are released for
tooling. Advanta has a broad, international network of suppliers
to select from so that designs are produced as efficiently
as possible. Regulatory compliance is finalized. Production
floor issues are dealt with. Clients are supported with assembly
and quality assurance documents. First production articles
are inspected and design files and tools adjusted accordingly.
Validation and adjustment iterations occur until production
is ramped up. A product ready to sell is the final deliverable.
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