Frame conditions for implementing design methods in the product development industry

Abstract

Although the systematic use of design methods is critical for improving product development, its acceptance by industries has been lower than expected. The purpose of this study is to establish the frame conditions for implementing design methods for product development in the consumer goods industry. The research strategy consists of analysing the implementation of design methods in five large Brazilian product development companies in different segments. The implementation of the design methods was through workshops with departments related to product development activities, and the evaluation was based on the observations of the process, responses to questionnaires and interviews with the participating employees. The key findings of this study are 11 factors that influence an industry's adoption of product development design methods. These findings include not only methods-related suggestions, such as guidelines for the selection and the form of application of the design methods, but also suggestions for actions that should be taken at the cultural and structural levels of the companies. The main contribution of this study to design research is that it elicits discussion about the product development aspects that are often the main factors of failure and/or divergence in an implementation.