How do you use CPS for new product and service ideas?

1 Identify the problem

The first step of CPS is to identify and clarify the problem or opportunity that you want to address with your new product or service. This involves defining the scope, context, and criteria of the problem, as well as the needs and expectations of your target customers. You can use tools such as problem statements, customer interviews, surveys, or SWOT analysis to gather relevant information and insights.

2 Generate ideas

The second step of CPS is to generate as many ideas as possible for your new product or service, without judging or filtering them. This is where you use your divergent thinking skills to explore different possibilities, perspectives, and alternatives. You can use techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, SCAMPER, or analogies to stimulate your creativity and generate a large quantity and variety of ideas.

3 Evaluate and select ideas

The third step of CPS is to evaluate and select the most promising ideas for your new product or service, based on the criteria and constraints that you defined in the first step. This is where you use your convergent thinking skills to analyze, compare, and refine your ideas. You can use tools such as checklists, matrices, ranking, or voting to evaluate and select the best ideas.

4 Develop and test solutions

The fourth step of CPS is to develop and test your selected ideas into feasible and viable solutions for your new product or service. This involves transforming your ideas into prototypes, mock-ups, or models that you can test with your target customers, stakeholders, or experts. You can use methods such as rapid prototyping, user testing, feedback loops, or experiments to develop and test your solutions.

5 Implement and monitor solutions

The fifth step of CPS is to implement and monitor your solutions for your new product or service, and measure their impact and performance. This involves launching your product or service in the market, and collecting and analyzing data on its usage, satisfaction, and outcomes. You can use metrics such as sales, revenue, retention, or customer reviews to monitor and evaluate your solutions.

7 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?