Final answer:
A product roadmap is a strategic planning technique used for product development. It acts as a guide, encompassing innovation and structured decision-making to fulfill a defined need. Feedback and brainstorming are essential during the design phase, culminating in a structured choice of the final product concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strategic Planning Technique in Product Development
The strategic planning technique often used when developing a new product is commonly referred to as a product roadmap. This roadmap serves as a guide for an organization to envision the future, design, develop, and eventually launch a product. The process begins with identifying a need or purpose that the new product will fulfill. Innovation is at the core of this development, which can involve modifying an existing product or creating something entirely new.
The first step is to design and illustrate a new product, considering the target users' needs. Once a preliminary design is conceived, it is essential to seek feedback. Input from various sources is invaluable for refining the product. With this feedback, the design can undergo iterations that progressively improve its form and function. Brainstorming alternative solutions and exploring a wide variety of ideas is crucial in this stage.
Once several design concepts are shaped, a structured decision process helps narrow down the choice to the best concept that meets the constraints and fulfills the requirements. The strategy includes identifying knowns and unknowns, evaluating the concepts using specific criteria, and finally selecting the most suitable design for product development. Understanding this strategic planning technique is key to navigating the complexities of product development and achieving success in the market.
Lacking a clear strategy, organizations might find themselves operating on "autopilot," which could be effective in a less constrained environment but could also lead to suboptimal outcomes when market forces alone dictate the development process.