As with any open ended question, defining a one size fits all answer is difficult. So before we jump into timescales we need to gain an understanding of New Product Development (NPD).
NPD is the process used to successfully bring new products to life. This process can encompass various activities, such as developing entirely new products, enhancing existing ones, or introducing current products to new markets.
By understanding the types of new product development businesses can strategically position themselves for growth and success. NPD can be categorised into three main generic categories, each with its unique characteristics and challenges:
These products represent groundbreaking innovations that shape new markets and are typical of the type of products which pave the way for start-ups to define their presence. The development journey for world-first products is often filled with excitement and uncertainty, requiring a detailed approach to ensure success.
These are usually products that already exist in the market but are new additions to your product portfolio. With a solid foundation of market knowledge and sales data, your businesses can leverage your expertise to introduce new offerings that cater to evolving consumer needs and preferences or expand into new markets.
Iterating on current products should target enhancing user experience, adapting to new markets, and boosting sales and profitability. By continuously improving existing products, businesses can stay competitive and focus on growth.
Design development plays a critical role in the NPD process, driving innovation and differentiation in the market. It is a journey of exploration and rationalisation, where ideas are refined and transformed into successful products that meet targeted objectives. The design development process can be simplified into a structured six-step approach, guiding businesses from concept to commercialisation.
You can see more about our process here. Be sure to check back with us to see our upcoming process blog post.
While every NPD project is unique, typical design times can provide a general framework for planning and execution.
world-first products, the development timeline usually ranges from 9 to 12 months, reflecting the complexity and novelty of these innovations.
New-to-your-company products may require around 6 months for design and development, leveraging existing market insights to streamline the process.
Design iterations, aimed at enhancing existing products, typically take about 3 months to implement improvements and refinements.
It’s worth mentioning that while typical design times serve as a useful guideline, design complexities such as electronics and programming can significantly extend the development process. Challenges such as sourcing raw materials may also cause delays. Time can also be lost during prototype testing, especially when customer feedback is not as favorable as expected. Here at Mouse, we pride ourselves on having successfully developed hundreds of products. Rest assured, we are well-equipped to navigate through these challenges and knowing when we can and cannot develop products side by side with other processes, we can help you achieve the most economically viable timeline. Check back soon to see our common development delays blog.
Of course once the design development is handed over the factory you have to factor in tooling, production set up, shipping and Intellectual property protection. Don’t worry if this all sounds daunting, get in touch and we can guide you through the whole process.
