New Product Development Process Stage 1

(Idea Generation)

Every new product and every new product development process starts with the idea generation. Idea generation is a process in which creative thinking is used to produce large amount of ideas for new products. It is very important that all ideas no matter how ludicrous or extreme may sound, to be gathered. The idea generation process should be on - going, have a specific purpose, involve the whole of the company including its clientele, use a variety of methods, have one person in charge and not evaluate the gathered ideas. During the idea generation - gathering process one should not criticize the ideas of others, should be freewheeling and generate as many ideas as possible. The management of ideas is also very important at this stage due to the large number of ideas to be selected and their diversity.

Following are the steps for effective idea generation or brainstorming:

Step 1: Setting the brainstorming team
Step 2. Setting the brainstorming process
Step3: Contacting initial individual brainstorming
Step 4. Concluding individual brainstorming results
Step 5. Conclude individual brainstorming
Step 6. Contacting group brainstorming
Step 7. Concluding brainstorming preliminary results
Step 8. Assessing brainstorming preliminary results
Step 9. Refining brainstorming preliminary results
Step 10. Send ideas to management for approving step forward to next stage of NPD


Reference: http://www.urenio.org/medicube/administration/documents/NPD%20Stage%201.html

My opinion:Idea Generation is often called the "fuzzy front end" of the New Product Development process. Ideas for new products can be obtained from basic research using a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats), Market and consumer trends, company's R&D department, competitors, focus groups, employees, salespeople etc.