Product development through inclusion of lead users

Important results from the project

The aim of the project was to meet individualized customer needs by using co-creative design methodology with lead users. Lead users brought new knowledge into the project in a diverse range of areas, consumer behavior, use of the store, interaction in customer networks, differences in customer groups between cultures, and knowledge in the networked customer shopping process before, during and after shopping at a store. The process resulted in three different concepts which in turn led to one tangible prototype which was tested with the target group.

Expected long term effects

The project has resulted in the development of new design methodology in co-creative design processes. Design methodology for asymetric project groups have been developed, and knowledge of lead user needs, behavior, interaction and differences in various cultures have been identified and included. The research resulted in three concepts, out of which one was made into a set of tangible prototypes and tested. Amongst the effects of the project are developed knowledge and work in how to interact with customers in social networks, from inside the store and elsewhere.

Approach and implementation

Initially work was done for inclusion and identification of lead users. Lead users where identified amongst Monkis customers and where those who utilized a flora of social media and IT-tools to inform, communicate and make desisions. A second lead user group was identified, experts in visualisation and service design. In a second phase design studies and workshops where carried out with the lead user groups using co-creative and participatory desingn methodology. In a third phase the designs where conseptualized and prototypes where designed for testing.

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Projektet beskrivs under rubriken ´projekt´.