How can you apply CPS to product development?

2 Generate ideas

Once you have a problem statement, you can start generating ideas for possible solutions. This is where you use divergent thinking, which means exploring as many options as possible, without judging or filtering them. You can use techniques such as brainstorming, brainwriting, SCAMPER, mind mapping, or analogies to stimulate your creativity and generate a large quantity of ideas. You can also involve other people from different backgrounds and perspectives to enrich your ideation.

4 Develop and test prototypes

Once you have selected one or more ideas, you need to develop and test prototypes, which are tangible representations of your solutions. This is where you use an iterative approach, which means creating and improving your prototypes based on testing and feedback. You can use methods such as sketches, mockups, wireframes, or models to create low-fidelity or high-fidelity prototypes, depending on the stage and scope of your project. You can also use techniques such as user testing, usability testing, or A/B testing to collect data and insights from your users and measure the effectiveness of your prototypes.

5 Implement and review solutions

Finally, after you have validated and refined your prototypes, you need to implement and review your solutions, which are the final products that you deliver to your customers. This is where you use a project management approach, which means planning and executing the tasks, resources, and timelines required to launch your products. You can also use methods such as feedback surveys, reviews, or analytics to monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of your products. You can also use the results and learnings from this stage to identify new problems and opportunities for improvement.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?