A Complexity-based Framework for Social Product Development

Abstract

The development of new products using social technologies among defined crowds of individuals or groups, commonly known as Social Product Development (SPD), has become a growing trend in engineering design and manufacturing literature. This paper proposes an approach to studying the actors involved in SPD from a complexity science point of view. Specifically, we suggest that organizational efforts towards SPD must be concentrated on human and technological elements to achieve success in New Product Development (NPD). The paper explores the differences and similarities between the creation of new products and SPD and proposes a differentiated approach, based on complexity science for the different stages of NPD and SPD. Our findings show that SPD requires the integration of the complexity approach due to the combination of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those involved during the development of new products. In addition, it is recommended that engineering design managers consider the importance of leadership styles, work structure, and organizational culture to achieve the expected outcomes of SPD.