Final answer:
Incorporating customer experience from lead users into product design can result in more successful product improvements for iPads because it provides insights that Apple engineers might not have considered, aligning with their design and marketing strengths within the global production framework.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the customer experience of a lead user of an iPad can result in better product improvements because it provides direct insight into how users interact with the device in real-world scenarios. Lead users, who are often at the forefront of using technology due to their advanced needs, can offer valuable feedback on the usability, functionality, and potential enhancements for the product that might not be immediately apparent to Apple engineers. By integrating this user feedback into the design process, Apple can create a more user-friendly and successful product, staying at the forefront of the global platform for high-tech devices.
Referencing Apple's use of international trade and comparative advantages explains why certain elements of production are outsourced to countries like China and Korea. China, with its large skilled labor force, is good at assembling the iPhone, while Korea has scaled up and innovated in producing screens and computer chips.
These relationships allow Apple to focus on its design and marketing strength, ensuring that its products like the iPad resonate with consumers. Therefore, incorporating direct feedback from lead users into ongoing development can be as crucial for product success as leveraging global comparative advantages in production.